
Book A Table At Brisbane’s Best Restaurants
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Wining and dining was the pastime practically made for the Sunshine State, so it only makes sense that the Brisbane dining scene offers a plethora of ways to make it happen. While our favourite cafes are perfect for an eggs Benny on Sunday morning, and Brisbane’s best bars our go-to for an impromptu afternoon beverage, if it’s something a little more special you’re after – this one’s for you.
From caviar-topped indulgences to casual spice-filled fare, and everything in between, we know you’re hungry so we won’t waffle; here are Brisbane’s best restaurants you need to secure a booking at, pronto!
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!
Longwang
Brisbane City
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.
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SK Steak & Oyster
Fortitude Valley
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.
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Southside
South Brisbane
Tucked away in the lush Fish Lane Town Square is a truly lush urban oasis that goes by the name of Southside. Sprawling across three levels, this temple-ruins-meets-concrete-jungle setting is home to tantalising flavours of East-Asian cuisine inspired by a love of Chinese tradition. We suggest you start off by sampling their drunk scallops with fermented chilli jam, and the potato and truffle spring rolls before moving onto XO fried rice, steamed market fish with shiitake broth, or hot and sour pork hock with a Chinese pancake. But, you really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu!
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Hellenika
Fortitude Valley
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.
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Beccofino
Teneriffe
It’s out of the fire and into the flavour at the best restaurant in Brisbane for pizza – according to northsiders and the many who frequent Teneriffe. With its famous duck ragu plated up as many a Brisbanite’s favourite dish of all time, Beccofino boasts traditional Italian transformed by contemporary presentation behind its floor-to-ceiling windows. The inherently ambient space pairs perfectly with the hearty dishes, whether you’re dining in the leafy outdoor terrace, or within the relaxed yet sophisticated interiors. From the team behind Julius Pizzeria, Bar Rosa, and Bar Brutus, this crew knows Italian like no one else.
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Julius Pizzeria
South Brisbane
Fish Lane’s resident pizzeria is not only made for romance, but is also a bit of a player with a line of eagerly waiting diners often waiting outside its door. Offering authentic wood-fired pizzas, pastas, and Italian cocktails, the converted warehouse-style space is the essence of chic, from its exposed brick archways to the fairy lights adoring the lane. With only 20 spots available for booking and the majority of the restaurant reserved for walks-in only, keep an eye on their Instagram for their ever-changing array of specials that are sure to have you heading to Julius as soon as they hit your feed.
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Rogue Bistro
Newstead
If you’re a creature of comfort who orders the same dish every time you go out, Rogue Bistro will certainly rock your world. Rogue’s unique take on Modern European dining means you’re in for a combo of flavours you’ve never experienced before. Their six-course degustation menu rotates monthly, taking local, seasonal produce to incredible heights through precision and technique. Catering to as many dietary requirements as possible, it’s a culinary adventure every foodie needs to embark on.
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OTTO Ristorante
South Bank
As the gastronomic embodiment of la dolce vita, OTTO brings you show-stopping Italian with a gorgeous side of riverfront views. The dishes here are surprisingly simple in nature, letting the finest local and seasonal produce speak for itself as they do in modern Italian cuisine. Our pick? The champagne lobster spaghettini with garlic, chilli, white wine, lemon butter, and bottarga. Pull up for impromptu snacks and a vino on an afternoon, or book in for a sophisticated lunch or dinner on the deck.
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1889 Enoteca
Woolloongabba
Abundantly elegant and charming, 1889 Enoteca is the inner-city’s go-to for classic Roman fare and expertly curated Italian wine. Tucked away in the heritage-listed Moreton Rubber building, Enoteca isn’t only heralded as a Brisbane treasure, but has garnered worldwide attention for its hand-made pasta and vintage ambience, making it a strong contender for the best Italian restaurant in Brisbane. It’s a distinctive character that makes it a standout among the local dining scene, whether you’re in the mood for sips at a wine bar, moody dining in the basement cellar, or a dreamy date night.
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Happy Boy
Fortitude Valley
Imagine all the comfort of good Chinese takeaway paired with the decadence of traditional BBQ and wok cooking, and you have yourself Happy Boy. Nestled under fairy-lit trees, the expansive dining hall keeps food and wine at its core, across fresh vegetables, delicious seafood, slow-cooked meats, and the best small producer Australian wine. As the best kind of casual eatery, opt for the banquet menu and sit back to experience the best of the best.
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Hôntô
Fortitude Valley
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.
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Gerard’s Bistro
Fortitude Valley
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.
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Essa Restaurant
Fortitude Valley
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.
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Joy Restaurant
Fortitude Valley
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.
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Lennons Restaurant & Bar
Brisbane City
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.
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The 203
Fortitude Valley
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.
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Bosco
Newstead
Powered by fire inside a moody warehouse space, Bosco is the 80-seater grill from seasoned hospitality pros basing its fare on olive oil regions of France, Italy, and Spain. Here, bread lies at the essence of the menu and is matched with Basque classics and seafood specialties cooked in the open kitchen, serving as the focal point of the restaurant. The wine offering has also been curated to revolve around the flavours, leaning on regional varieties and food-friendly drops.
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Yoko
Brisbane City
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!
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Stanley
Brisbane City
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.
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Greca
Brisbane City
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.
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Donna Chang
Brisbane City
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.
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Lúc Lắc
Brisbane City
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.
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Byblós
Hamilton
If you haven’t had the pleasure of a Lebanese feast, you’re seriously missing out. Welcome to Byblos, Portside Wharves’ iconic riverfront restaurant. From vibrant mezat to rich, flavour-packed mains – all designed to be shared, savoured, and celebrated. It’s the kind of place where the table’s always full, the portions are generous, and the vibe feels like an endless dinner party with your nearest and dearest. Byblos has long been a go-to, but its late 2024 relaunch has taken things to the next level. The interiors have been completely reimagined, blending modern elegance with Phoenician charm, and the new menu? Chef’s kiss. Whether you’re planning a long lunch, birthday bash, or just want to feel like you’re somewhere fabulous, Byblos delivers big flavours, good times, and serious style.
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TAMA Supper Club
Fortitude Valley
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.
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Patina Restaurant at Customs House
Brisbane City
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.
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Central
Brisbane City
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.
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