Monthly Digest: What’s New On The Brisbane Foodie Scene
What the fork
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While winter is in full swing, the kitchens of Brisbane are only heating up to cater for delicious new openings, celebrated epicurean visitors, and the 2024 editions of much-loved events. From Supernormal’s sibling terrace bar to a bite-sized French bistro, and a highly anticipated heritage transformation, the latest residents of our River City’s dining scene need to be on the top of your must-try list. Plus, with the return of Providore Park and James St Food + Wine Trail , this month is certainly one for the books!
Knives and fork at the ready for the Monthly Digest:
NEW OPENINGS
Bar Miette
A European-inspired terrace, cafe, and wine bar has officially opened in the bustling riverfront corridor between Howard Smith Wharves and Eagle Street, with an uncomplicated casual atmosphere to boot. A place for the people, Bar Miette can serve as a meeting spot for city workers, a watering hole for locals, or a tantalising destination for foodies – all on a backdrop of earthy tones and an elevated scenic vista. As expected from the hospo legends Andrew McConnell and Jo McGann (who are also bringing their highly acclaimed Supernormal to Brisbane this year), the menu heralds local produce across breakfast, lunch, dinner, and bar snacks.
Calida Argentinian
From the pros at Alemré Hospitality Group comes an approachable yet up-market Argentinian steakhouse that celebrates the rich and diverse flavours of the dynamic cuisine. From tender steaks sizzling on the Parilla grill to house-made chimichurri sauce curated to complement, Argentinian culinary traditions are brought to life in a modern Australian setting. Calida is perfectly at home in the foodie capital of South Bank, making it a must-visit for those wanting to experience inventive tastes and sophisticated Latin bites.
Petite
Across 20 plates and 20 glasses, this French-inspired bistro and wine bar is a pint-sized treat. Joining the East Street locale that already calls Happy Boy and Snack Man as cult-favourites, Petite is elegantly simple in both its aesthetic and offering – serving up small to large plates by statement chandeliers and the marble bar. The concise menu features a handpicked drop to pair with each dish like steak frites and a glass of Domaine Andezon Syrah, leaving it up to you whether you follow the recommendations of the experts, or choose your own mix-and-match culinary adventure.
Two Yolks & Finn Poke
Two-hands-needed burgers and fresh poke bowls will always have Queenslanders flocking in the masses, which is why both Two Yolks and Finn Poke have finally brought their feel-good flavours to Brisbane with new locations in South Bank. For Two Yolks, this is their second spot following the success of their OG Gold Coast space, slinging brekky, burgers, and booze in a groovy diner-esqe space. Meanwhile, Finn Poke is adding another gem to its sparkling lineup to deliver their signature sustainably sourced bowls and tacos.
Supernova
Truly a match made in heaven, the team behind croque-concept James & Antler have opened up another niche eatery – this time specialising in soba and sandos. The Japanese-inspired cafe in Fortitude Valley offers a tight breakfast and lunch menu with contemporary flavours as well as street-style eats. Naturally, katsu plays a starring role at Supernova, with every sando made on Japanese milk bread. As for the soba, their minimalist approach spotlights the fresh flavours and curated ingredients, with the likes of tuna sashimi, yuzu dashi, and wagyu sirloin. Pair your bite with Supernova’s delicious range of matcha and you simply can’t go wrong!
Press’d Wine Co
Wine, cheese, and jam-packed toasties? Don’t mind if we do! Milton has scored a new vinyl bar pouring up playful wines and global gins, alongside premium charcuterie, artisanal cheeses, and an elevated take on the humble toastie. With live music every Friday, unwind on their sunny deck as you sip and nibble the arvo away, featuring both new and beloved flavours. Specialty snacks and delightful delicacies sit at the deli counter making for a truly gourmet treat, while the drinks list offers snapshots from regions around the world.
Naldham House
A historic 140-year-old building in the CBD is set to transform into a world-class megavenue this month, by the top-tier crew who brought us The Gresham Bar and Walter’s Steakhouse. The heritage-listed Naldham House will house a European-inspired restaurant on the ground floor and a late-night cocktail bar on level one. With executive chef Douglas Keyte (previously Melbourne’s Grill Americano) overseeing the menus of both Naldham House Brasserie & Terrace and Club Felix, the reopening reflects the high calibre of Brisbane’s bustling dining scene. For more info, head here.
Vela
Say hello to tantalising Thai at Vela in Factory 2, West Village. With a funky and modern interior, Vela blends traditional Thai flavours with an inventive, Vela twist. Housing both a la carte and banquet menus, Vela Brisbane offers everything from traditional street food to flavour-packed curry – there is something for everyone! Now open, Vela is taking bookings fast so secure your spot here.
EVENTS
Providore Park 2024
Roma St Parkland’s lush gourmet wonderland is returning for another delicious year on July 13 and 14, complete with artisan bites, delicious masterclasses, and family-friendly fun. With free entry, take advantage of the ticketed events making up the gastronomic program, like harnessing the spices of Sri Lanka with renowned chef Peter Kurivita, perfecting Thai cuisine with sAme sAme’s Arté Assavakavinvong, or simply kicking back with a drink in hand at the VIP Lounge. For more info, head here.
Japan’s Most Famous Omurice Chef Is Coming To BNE
A trip to Japan is on every foodie’s bucket list, but for two days only, one of the country’s best is visiting our humble River City for a ‘Meet & Eat’ you won’t want to miss. Chef Motikichi Yukimura of Kichi Kichi is famous for his viral omurice – garnering a devoted following that’s transformed his Kyoto eatery into a tourist destination. On July 21 and 22 however, you’ll find the iconic chef at Harajuku Gyoza South Brisbane, dishing up a fabulous spread across four sittings on each day. Book your seat here.
James St Food + Wine Trail
The providores of James St are once again set to serve up their finest for a weekend of culinary festivities and drool-worthy fare. On July 27 and 28, the James St Food + Wine Trail is back and better than ever for its twelfth year. As per usual, Saturday will see exclusive tastings, limited edition eats, and ticketed events to tickle your tastebuds, before the ever-popular Market Day transforms the street into an open-air foodie festival on Sunday. For more info, head here.
NEW OFFERINGS
Savile Row New Menu
This vibey venue is one of Brisbane’s finest hidden gems and is perfect for those seeking a sip – just look for the orange door on Ann Street. Inspired by the iconic London Mayfair strip, Savile Row is a cocktail and spirit bar that sure knows how to charm! With an exciting new menu featuring 16 unique cocktails, each sip will encapsulate the experience of walking down the original Savile Row with its renowned artisans and aristocratic happenings. Let the talented bartenders help you find your perfect glass in a combination of dazzling showmanship and expert taste, making for the best kind of history lesson under a shimmering chandelier.
Longwang Launches New Sunday Sesh
Edward Street’s new modern-Asian dining destination is turning up the heat on Sundays with DJ sets, duck banquets, and delicious cocktails. Longwang’s Lucky Duck Sundays will turn the two-storey bar and restaurant into an electric entertainment hub from 1pm to 4pm every Sunday, to the tune of a live DJ spinning soulful melodies, catchy rhythms, and irresistible beats. Peck on the Lucky Duck banquet, featuring nine dishes for $108 per person, including peking duck spring rolls, tea-smoked duck pancakes, deep-fried ice cream with duck fat butterscotch, and more. Then, wash it down with the specialty Peaking Duck cocktail – a flavourful sip of wildflower pink gin, elderflower liqueur, orgeat, lemon juice, and grapefruit juice.
Goldfinch’s New Winter Menu
The Hamptons-inspired Goldfinch Restaurant is taking you on a trip through the Mediterranean this winter with their new seasonal menu for lunch and dinner. Tailored to suit the colder months, dig into small plates, mains, stone-baked pizza, soup of the day, cuts from the grill, and sweet treats to please the palate. From beef bresaola with stracciatella and fig jam to potato gnocchi with creamy gorgonzola sauce and pangrattato, then warm sticky date pudding with whipped butterscotch for dessert, this spread is sure to have you feeling warm and fuzzy.
Sixteen Antlers’ Winter Cocktail Special
What’s better than a hot chocolate on a cold winter day? A hot chocolate cocktail on a cold winter day! For the rest of the season, Brisbane CBD’s sophisticated rooftop bar, Sixteen Antlers, is serving up an indulgent Hot Choctail with melted spiced milk chocolate, Captain Morgan spiced rum, Liquor 43, and Dissaronno topped off with whipped cream. Paired with the unmatched city views and cosy vibes, Sixteen Antlers is the perfect place to rug up this winter.
Hungry for more? Discover the best of Brisbane food here.
