Book A Table At Brisbane’s Best Restaurants

Longwang is the newest dining hotspot on Edward Street, offering a truly unique experience in Brisbane’s CBD. Led by second-generation restaurateur Michael Tassis, this stylish split-level venue measures 30 meters long by 3.5 meters wide, nestled between two high-rise buildings. Cleverly designed to maximise space, the restaurant features intimate banquette seating, a private dining room, an upper-level bar with a balcony, and a six-seater Chef’s Table, ensuring a distinct foodie experience with every visit. The menu strikes a perfect balance between traditional Asian flavours and modern twists, with highlights including fresh seafood plucked live from the tank, whole tea-smoked duck, and wok-tossed dishes like kung pao bug tail. To top it off, the bar boasts an impressive selection of creative cocktails, wine, beer, and spirits that perfectly complement the menu, making it an ideal spot for anything from after-work drinks to celebratory dinners.

An ode to the art of the long lunching, SK Steak & Oyster sits pretty on the ground floor of The Calile Hotel with intimate booths and structural design. Priding itself on exemplary service and warm hospitality, the interior is central to its appeal – with concrete pillars, lofty ceilings, ambient lighting and a baby grand piano helping to set the glamorous yet welcoming scene. As for the food, it’s all in the name, where fresh seafood and red meat reign supreme, alongside an array of tasty pastas, soups, and a potato menu. Renowned for their seafood platters with prawns, bugs, scallops, baked fish, and crumbed anchovies, they’re also arguably the home of the best martini in Brisbane. One spoonful of their Moreton bay bug mash potato and you’ll see why SK Steak & Oyster makes our list of the best restaurants in Brisbane.

As pleasing for the eyes as it is for the palate, Hellenika is the dream destination for gathering, sharing, and enjoying. Located at The Pool Deck of The Calile Hotel, we think this Greek stalwart is one of the best restaurants in Brisbane for lunch, championing fresh produce in a mix of classic and innovative dishes in sublime, breeze-filled surroundings. Snap-happy diners will have plenty of fodder to capture, from their signature zucchini chips, taramasalata, Moreton Bay Bug spaghetti, and the absolute-must kolokithia. Wash down with an Ouzo cocktail or two and some honey puffs, and you’d be forgiven for thinking you’re living it up in Old Town Mykonos. 

Hôntô, from hospo giant Anyday, is Fortitude Valley’s moodiest and most discreet dining hideaway. It flips Japanese dining on its head – forget Cali rolls and plain miso. Expect sharp, contemporary spins on classics, crafted with local, seasonal ingredients. Pull up to the Raw Bar to watch chefs wield their knives like artists, or slip into the sleek ôô room for a low-key, intimate vibe. Sharing is the name of the game here, with bold flavours and fresh grill hits. Wash it all down with rare Japanese whiskey, sake, or killer cocktails that match the menu’s cool edge.

Grab your foodie crew and head to Gerard’s Bistro – James Street’s go-to for bold flavours and good vibes. This award-winning spot gives Middle Eastern and Maghreb classics a modern twist, with a menu made for sharing (and raving about). From inventive snacks to desserts that mess with sweet and savoury in the best way, it’s all about pushing boundaries. The moody interiors set the scene, while the drinks list brings the fun with worldly wines and seasonal cocktails made from local goodies. Tradition meets innovation here – and trust us, your taste buds are in for a wild, delicious ride.

For a meal with unexpected flavours around every corner, the raw interiors of Essa are where you need to be. In collaboration with local farmers, hunters, and providores,  Essa makes our list of the best restaurants in Brisbane for its environmentally conscious menu, featuring harvest-driven dishes that push the creative and culinary boundaries. With a particular focus on raw, pickled, smoked, and wood-fired fare, classic technique meets a contemporary spin with an added layer of indulgence to finish.

Don’t let the size fool you – this tiny restaurant has cemented itself as a huge player at the top of the Brisbane dining scene! Joy is an intimate, 10-seat omakase-inspired restaurant, where two people will cook for you, pour your drinks, and do the washing up after. The ever-changing menu holds flavours you’ll soon be talking about to anyone who’ll listen, reflecting the freshly available produce and current inspiration. Throw in the artful decor and charismatic characters, and you have the formula for an experience you’ll treasure for a long time to come.

Lennons Restaurant and Bar is all heart and history, wrapped in one effortlessly stylish spot right in the heart of Brisbane City. Perched above Queen Street Mall and housed inside the Hyatt Regency Brisbane, it’s the kind of place that pulls you in, seats you comfortably, and serves up something seriously delicious. Whether you’re starting the day with a wholesome buffet or à la carte brekkie, popping in for lunch after a hard day of shopping, or lingering over dinner with elevated takes on the classics, Lennons keeps things fresh, local, and full of flavour. Open seven days with a tasty all-day bistro menu, it’s your go-to for good food, city views, and seriously laid-back vibes.

Relax in utter sophistication with good food, good wine, and the best company at The 203. Tucked away from the flurry of The Valley on Marshall Street, this refined steakhouse showcases the finest Australian beef with a traditionally Italian flair in a farm-to-table concept that emphasises high quality in every detail. Indulge in a decadent meal of exceptional drops, handmade pasta, and perfectly cooked steaks, served family-style inside the tasteful space. 

This Tokyo-inspired izakaya on the waterfront is a cult-favourite, and for good reason. Boasting an electric energy across the split-level bistro, Yoko’s seafood-leaning menu dishes up abundant bar snacks and bites from the hibachi charcoal grill to the tune of funky vinyls on deck. Just do yourself a favour and don’t forget to order the miso-glazed eggplant and a mandarin slushie to wash it down!

Inspired by the moody waterfront of Hong Kong’s picturesque Stanley Bay, traditional Cantonese flavours are brought to life using the freshest local produce at Stanley. Led by Head Chef Louis Tikaram’s out-of-the-box perspective, the menu celebrates fishermen and farmers in share plates and their signature yum cha. Honouring flavours that have been cherished for generations, Stanley’s menu combines with their riverfront location make every meal there a special one.

Howard Smith Wharves’ contemporary Greek taverna takes cues from the Mediterranean way of life in a menu that celebrates simplicity through the best produce from land and sea. When you pull up a seat, you’re officially part of the family, which lets you dig into generational recipes designed to be passed around the table beneath the Story Bridge. From sizzling saganaki to spiced chargrilled lamb cutlets, this is one feast where sharing comes in handy so you can take a bite from as many plates as possible, while relishing the generous hospitality. 

Donna Chang isn’t just a restaurant – it’s an experience. Set inside a jaw-dropping heritage-listed neo-classical building on George Street, it blends old-world elegance with bold, modern Sichuan flair. With its soaring ceilings, soft pink palette and moody lighting, the space is pure sophistication, while the menu is all about refined Chinese with a twist. Classic Cantonese techniques meet premium Aussie produce, resulting in next-level dishes like Xinjiang lamb ribs, lobster rolls and dim sum you’ll want to order twice. Whether you’re marking a special occasion or just in the mood to be wowed, Donna Chang serves up sensory drama in the best way. It’s where tradition meets innovation – and it tastes as good as it looks.

Craving a dinner that makes an impact? Lúc Lắc at Queen’s Wharf has got you covered – and then some. From the crew behind Brisbane favourites Donna Chang, Byblos, and Iris Rooftop, Lúc Lắc (pronounced “Look Luck”) takes its name from the iconic Vietnamese dish Bo Lúc Lắc (Shaking Beef) – bold, wok-tossed, flavour fireworks on a plate. And that’s exactly what you get: vibrant, flavour-packed dishes that bring modern Vietnamese cuisine to life with effortless cool. Nestled in Brisbane’s Queen’s Wharf Precinct, Lúc Lắc fuses the soul of a bustling Asian market with the chic vibes of a cocktail lounge. It’s an immersive journey into a delicious world inspired by Pan-Asian sights, sounds, stories, and smells – where high energy and rich cultures meet a playful twist and stylish presentation to create a true feast for the senses. Inside, colourful, eclectic interiors mix unexpected patterns and textures. But it totally works, crafting a buzzing vibe you’ll want to tuck into. Whether you’re a Vietnamese food veteran or just keen to explore, Lúc Lắc is a must-visit hotspot on Brisbane’s foodie map.

Not your average dining experience, TAMA Supper Club is a vibey restaurant located in The Valley bringing all the New York vibes to Brisbane. With a menu made for sharing, drinks made for cheers-ing, and a live DJ and saxophonist duo setting the tone, good times aren’t just likely – they’re inevitable. The menu celebrates simplicity and elegance, showcasing the finest local produce sourced from Queensland’s most esteemed suppliers. Oh, and did we mention that once the tables are cleared, dancing on tables isn’t just allowed, it’s encouraged? If it’s good enough for Drake, it’s good enough for us TBH.

Plating up contemporary paddock-to-plate fare inside the iconic and heritage-listed Customs House, Patina is stunning in both flavour and style. Balancing a regal yet relaxed atmosphere, the unique shared dining experience here celebrates fresh seasonal produce and local seafood sourced daily, resulting in a selection of entrees and mains designed to be enjoyed between guests. The a la carte menu is brimming with elevated dishes, such as freshly shucked oysters with an Asian pear mignonette, wagyu beef tartare in smoked bone marrow, and a Levantine-style 12-hour lamb shoulder served with labneh, za’atar, and mint chimichurri. Paired with a curated wine list showcasing an array of exquisite drops handpicked for their standout flavours and aromas, and an indulgent cocktails menu featuring timeless classics and avant-garde options, it’s a truly elevated dining experience.

Central is Brisbane CBD’s moody underground hideaway that channels the energy of 1990s Hong Kong with a modern twist. From the team behind Rick Shores and Southside, this 80-seat dumpling bar and restaurant underneath Queen Street’s Piccadilly Arcade is all about bold flavours, inventive cocktails, and a seriously cool vibe. Probably 2024’s most anticipated opening, Central has not disappointed with rave reviews about everything from the dishes to the atmosphere. Expect plump har gao, scallop-stuffed dumplings, and standout taro puffs with baby abalone. The drinks list is just as fun – think Sichuan-spiced martinis and nitrogen-chilled piña coladas. With split-level seating around an open kitchen and a design that’s won national awards, Central is the kind of place you’ll want to stumble into – and never leave.