5 Places To Catch Up With Your Mates On The Northside

POV: Mate dates

By Jasmine Rolfe | 15th November 2023

As we go about our daily routine, it’s easy to get caught up in work, kids, and just life! Sometimes, all you need to wind down and decompress is a good ol’ catch-up with your mates. And where to go for a guaranteed good time? Banyo! Whether you’re catching up over a midday margarita or enjoying a leisurely brunch, Banyo offers some top spots for spending quality time with friends. Here are our favourite places to plan a ‘mate date’ in Banyo.

The Ole Dairy

Nostalgia meets top-notch service in this charming café. You’ll want to perch under The Ole Dairy‘s festoon lights for a mate date. This spot looks just like an old-school milk bar on the corner, and the modern menu is brought to life by passionate chef and owner Roshan. From next-level scones to the Bolognese Bomb Burger, every craving is catered to! They also stock sweet local produce like honey from a hive in the neighbouring suburb of Virginia.

Putia Pure Food

Two words: Brunch. Cocktails. Need we say more? With a spring-summer menu packed with mouthwatering dishes and a cabinet full of accolades (Good Food Guide’s Top 10 Brisbane Cafes, Queensland’s Top 50 Brunches, etc), Putia Pure Food is a no-brainer for you and your pals to enjoy a delish brunch with a side of mimosas. Think baked croissants, tartufo scramble on crusty sourdough, and their signature breakfast gnocchi. They also host cooking classes if your crew are the culinary type!

Clapham Junction

If you and your crew love lounging around in the evenings, Clapham Junction will tick all your boxes. As you step off the tree-lined sidewalk, you’ll be greeted by a vintage red door reminiscent of railway refreshment rooms back in the 1920s. Inside, you’ll find a speakeasy-style wine bar with a curated list of boutique international and regional wines, cocktails, and beverages. Chef Massimo keeps the locals on their toes by changing up the menu regularly, using only the best local and seasonal produce.

Monte Lupo

A visit to Monte Lupo should be at the top of your wishlist. This quaint spot provides meaningful employment to people living with a disability, and the friendly vibe is infectious. Pull up a chair on the shady footpath and enjoy delicious coffee with handmade cakes and all the brekky classics like old-school bacon and egg rolls and smashed avo. While you’re there, book a workshop to create your own carafe, dog bowl, planter, or mug – perfect for a fun and creative mate date.

Qalandari

Gather your gang, because Qalandari “The Taste of Karachi” in Banyo is where culinary adventures meet epic catch-ups! With a menu that’s a passport to the vibrant flavours of Karachi (think authentic Indian and Pakistani eats), your tummies and hearts will be full when you book a reservation here. For a memorable mate date, Qalandari is your go-to place to spice things up and enjoy some delectable dishes in an atmosphere that feels like a lively Karachi evening.