Here Are Brisbane’s Best Restaurant And Bar Openings Of 2023
Fresh off the food chain
By Dinushka Gunasekara | 20th December 2023Munching your way through Brisbane’s restaurants and bars will work up quite an appetite, with a vast array of residents on the foodie scene to tantalise all taste buds. And just when you thought you’ve eaten it all, a lineup of new dishes and dining tables sweep in to have you drooling all over again.
This year has seen the introduction of charming neighbourhood bars, moody vinyl izakayas, world-class dining halls, and even Australia’s first vertical restaurant. Don’t waste time on a subpar meal – here are our favourite new arrivals of 2023 to get your palate well acquainted with.
By the way, we consider everyone in this list the best of the best! To make finding your next favourite that much easier, we’ve ordered the list alphabetically by suburb and also have filtering tabs for your convenience. Did we miss someone from the list? Let us know here! Hide the form
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Ovello
South Brisbane
With Australia’s most expensive spritz on the menu, it’s no surprise that this southside bar and kitchen knows how to serve up a good time. Ovello’s chic yet casual experience takes cues from the Italian coastline in its unpretentious menu, featuring handcrafted pizzas made with a 37-year-old mother dough.
Settimo
Brisbane City
From superstar chef Guy Grossi comes a one-way ticket to Positano at The Westin Brisbane. Showcasing a fresh perspective that heroes both the raw ingredients and masterful art of Italian cuisine, Settimo draws on the abundance of local produce alongside some international hero ingredients to create authentic dishes – like pasta al limone and a signature tiramisu you simply can’t go without.
Da Biuso
Hamilton
Who would’ve thought Brisbane’s next best degustation comes on wheels? Da Biuso is an exclusive fine dining experience aboard a charming bus, serving up contemporary European dishes meticulously crafted to take you on a journey of culinary elegance. Paired with a curated vino selection that awarded them Wine List Of The Year, Da Biuso is one trip you certainly won’t forget.
Ardo’s Wine
Newstead
Quench your thirst from an altar tap at Newstead’s new neighbourhood wine bar and bottleshop. Embodying the Basque tradition of pinxtos aka small ‘bites’ to accompany your wine, the communal space from the City Winery crew showcases Australian up-and-comers in the minimal intervention wine movement as well as a small hand-selection of European guest stars.
Victory Lane
Ascot
Sitting pretty on Racecourse Road, Victory Lane is the place to be for comfortable fine dining and drinks, with a focus on local produce and gourmet food. From freshly shucked oysters served with champagne emulsion and caviar to seven-day dry-aged duck, Victory Lane combines elevated fare and sophisticated sips with a sense of approachability that makes them perfect to be a regular in your rotation.
Ruby, My Dear
Newstead
An innovative izakaya-style menu and tantalising cocktails are served to the tune of vinyls spinning on deck at this moody eatery in Newstead. In a nod to the jazz cafes of Tokyo, Ruby, My Dear is as refreshing as it is delicious, with a welcoming atmosphere that seamlessly brings together music, food, and drinks in the inner-city area.
The Lex
Brisbane City
W Brisbane’s signature restaurant channels the spirit of New York City into a sophisticated setting, while remaining quintessentially Brisbane with its airy terrace-style dining and unbeatable river views. Incorporating natural cooking techniques and traditions in classic dishes with a playful twist, post up with an ice-cold oyster brine martini in one hand and a forkful of dry aged local cut beef in the other and let The Lex blow you away.
Carmen Tequileria
Fortitude Valley
James Street’s latest locale is a Mexican bar and restaurant boasting a lounge atmosphere, elevated menu, and enviable location away from the hustle and bustle while still having the convenience of Brisbane’s luxury strip. Carmen certainly fits the brief of a tequileria, with small batch artisanal mezcals alongside a large selection of tequila and agave-based spirits that pair perfectly with its sophisticated dishes – carefully considered to incorporate sustainably sourced seafood and produce with minimal waste.
Patio
Paddington
Sun-soaked and nostalgic, Patio is Paddington’s new watering hole from the craft beer legends at Range Brewing. Paying tribute to old-school Aussie pubs, Patio combines the best of Australiana-style with Italian alfresco culture to create a much-loved local that’s as perfect for knock-off drinks as it is memorable occasions.
The Wolf
Brisbane City
A treat for the eyes and the palate, this multi-layered gourmet offering combines a restaurant, deli, and bar that takes cues from a variety of Euro persuasions. The Wolf’s seasonal menu is served on a backdrop of terrazzo and spice-coloured hues, featuring gastronomically refined dishes alongside an extensive wine list.
Vertigo
New Farm
Putting a new spin on ‘elevated dining’, Vertigo is Australia’s first vertical restaurant that invites patrons to dig into a locally sourced menu perched 17m above the ground on the iconic facade of Brisbane Powerhouse. A truly one-of-a-kind experience, it’ll satisfy adrenaline junkies and those with a daring appetite alike.
TAMA
Fortitude Valley
Leaning on the opulent history of dining, TAMA brings world-class service to the revitalised GPO. Here, produce is king, from the chargrilled steak to the whole coral trout in caviar butter sauce, and TAMA’s signature seven-meat bolognese. Complementing the elegant menu is an exceptional beverage offering, with both cult Australian labels and exclusive international varieties that are very hard to find elsewhere.
Sunsets
Kangaroo Point
Exuding a Mediterranean sensibility that’s equally tranquil as it is alluring, this rooftop oasis is sure to quench your thirst. Housing an exotic menu that captures an array of culinary traditions found in tropical regions around the world, expect char grilled skewers, housemade dips, and churros for dessert, as well as a refreshing cocktail menu of classic and creative sips.
Antico
Brisbane City
Tucked down Burnett Lane, the latest venture from the crew behind Death & Taxes and Dr Gimlette has quickly made a name for itself with its pared back approach and focus on classic cocktails. Mirroring the hole-in-the-wall joints you’d find scattered throughout Rome, Antico’s tight menu is rotated seasonally, giving you plenty of reason to return to the intimate space.
La De Lah
South Brisbane
Malaysian cuisine is put in the hot seat at this innovative restaurant, utilising well-loved flavours in surprising ways. Working from the open kitchen, the chefs ensure La De Lah’s staples are inventive without being intimidating, readily explaining what they bring to the table – whether it be tangy crab tartlets, slow cooked massaman beef short rib, or La De Lah’s signature fried rice with chinese sausage, mushroom, and edamame.
The Aviary
Brisbane City
2023 saw Brisbane’s nightlife gain new key players, like this new alfresco bar made for sun-drenched soirees and after-dark larks. Pairing soaring views of the Brisbane River with cheeky sips and bar bites, The Aviary is the sassy little sister of BŌS restaurant and brings a whole lot of good times to the shared space.
Midtown
South Brisbane
This intimate 40-seater from the duo behind iconic seafood restaurant One Fish Two Fish turns the spotlight on two-sip martinis and classic cocktails, as well as elevated bar fare with Spanish, Italian, and Balkan influences. Get your hands on lobster croissants and one of Midtown’s innovative martini iterations, and let the low lights whisk you away.
Bar Gusto
Bowen Hills
Bar Gusto is a laid back eatery sitting on the corner of King Street and Gregory Terrace, wrapped around an iconic century-old fig tree. Fresh from a Valoriani Vesuvio Igloo pizza oven, patrons can expect traditional Italian slices, as well as delectable pasta dishes from time-honoured family recipes, and tasty antipasti platters. Its extensive wine list features both locally-grown and imported Italian blends, alongside bold-flavoured cocktails inspired by the Italian summer featuring a distinctive Australian twist.
Establishment 203
Fortitude Valley
What makes the perfect steakhouse starts well beyond the kitchen, and Establishment 203 has been in the works for generations. Honed by a leading cattle farming family with Italian heritage, Queensland’s highest quality beef reaches show-stopping standards via exceptional ingredients and kitchen technology that captures the best of old and modern cooking. The curated menu also features traditional pastas served family style, surpassing expectations and surprising the senses.
Como Restaurant
South Brisbane
The newest on the list yet quick to make a name for itself, this modern Italian fine-dining restaurant and bar from hospo royalty embodies the tasteful yet laid back essence of its namesake with caviar and champagne on hand. Paying homage to its heritage in an exceptional menu that features quality ingredients from both local farmers and artisanal producers abroad, Como Restaurant will have you unwinding with time-honoured recipes and a refreshing aperitivo.
Fosh
Hamilton
Taking prime location right on the edge of the Brisbane River, this Hamptons-inspired restaurant with sustainable and fresh seafood at the fore brings delights from the ocean to your plate in style. Dishing up everything from caviar bumps to fish finger sandwiches, make your way through the stunning archways and let the next best thing in riverfront dining show you how it’s done.
Rich & Rare
West End
Premium without being pretentious, Rich & Rare walks the line of casual sophistication in the heart of the bustling West Village precinct. Dry-aged steak and freshly caught seafood leads the way across a carefully considered menu with Japanese influence and a whole lot of wagyu, complemented by whiskeys, wines, and cocktails.
The Nixon Room
Fortitude Valley
Look wrong and you’ll miss it, but The Nixon Room is certainly worth the hunt. Tucked in a fig-lined alley behind an unadorned brass door, this intimate bar lives up to the reputation of its sibling, Essa, with sips, snacks, and sensational sounds. Bonus points for The Nixon Room’s daily Golden Hour, pouring up drink specials and $5 snacks.
