12 restaurants-slash-bars in Fortitude Valley
These are casual dining establishments where the drinks flow and it’s not uncommon to have cocktails pre, during and post-dinner.
These are the fun restaurants where hip young patrons flock to kick-start their weekends early.
Unsurprisingly, these all fall in Brisbane's dedicated entertainment precinct, Fortitude Valley. How convenient...
Slip down the laneway and into LongTime. This popular Thai fusion joint often has a waitlist – all the better excuse to have a drink at the bar. Be sure to order the Lobster, coconut and tumeric curry.
A Cantonese-inspired restaurant from the Rick Shores gang has fired up the pans in Fortitude Valley with chef Jake Pregnell on the burners. Stop in for a relaxed lunch or dinner then venture upstairs into the open air píjiῠ (beer garden). PS. They make a bloody good dumpling served alongside some bloody good cocktails.
Off the beaten track in Fortitude Valley, this 90-seat Japanese diner from the same crew behind Longtime is serving mouth-watering eats and luscious libations. It's moody, has a menu consisting of lobster katsu sandwiches and lamb shoulder and is consistently booked out.
Playing up the space it’s housed in, Les Bubbles makes a fun throwback to its history as an illegal casino and brothel. The restaurant serves just one dish – steak and bottomless frites – but has plenty of options on the drinks and dessert menu.
Venture down Bakery Lane to find two-stories of heritage charm at TSO Lounge & Dining. The upstairs bar is full stocked with a selection of whiskeys, gins, tequilas, rums and moonshine to accompany a game of pool in the lounge area or a quiet seat on one of two balconies.
Think an elegant dining experience throughout the day, turned into a Hollywood-style party scene at night at this LA inspired lounge bar. Accompanying a colourful cocktail list, Southeast Asian share plate favourites line the menu including chicken kaarage bao bun, crispy fried cauliflower, smoked beef massaman curry and pork and prawn gyoza.
Up in the skies, Eleven is a glamorous space with A+ panoramic views. The menu is all nibbles and share plates to split with friends
Burgers and beers are the main game here. This hip establishment likes to experiment with everything from how many patties can you fit in the cheese burger, through to using toasted cheese sandwiches or sweet doughnuts as the bun.
Munch on Pork Belly bao, huge bowls of ramen and yakitori skewers while sipping on cocktails, wine or international whiskey – all in the heart of Chinatown.
The masterminds behind Brisbane's favourite fried chicken burger, Lucky Egg, have brought you a whole new Mexican-inspired eatery to obsess over. Trash Taco are sticking with the basics and will be serving authentic chilaquiles, tacos, tostadas, quesadillas and snacks accompanied by margaritas, mescals and signature cocktails.
Imagine discovering Asia's vibrant food and lively drinking culture in the middle of Fortitude Valley. Swing by Umami Restaurant & Bar for a round of casual cocktails and bites or settle in for the long haul and order the ten-plate tasting menu.
Irasshaimase! You’ve reached Bird’s Nest, an authentic yakitori restaurant and little slice of Japan in West End. The first traditional binchoutan (white charcoal) restaurant in Australia, here you can select a skewer set or order as you need – chicken and vegetables sticks will arrive at your table as they are cooked. Pair with sake or Japanese beer and you’ve got the perfect Asian tapas.
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Best breakfasts in Brisbane
Fortitude Valley might be better known for its nightlife, but in the not-so-wee hours of the morning a new culture of coffee and breakfast is creeping in.
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Brisbane's best wine bars
Whether or not you know your shiraz from your merlot, or chardonnay from sauvignon blanc, let the city’s sommeliers teach you something new about vino at one of Brisbane’s wine bars.
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Brisbane's best tapas: ready to share with friends
Gather your friends and head to one of Brisbane's best tapas joints – with small share plates covering every cuisine from the typical Spanish to Japanese, Lebanese and even American.
-
Best breakfasts in Brisbane
Fortitude Valley might be better known for its nightlife, but in the not-so-wee hours of the morning a new culture of coffee and breakfast is creeping in.
-
Brisbane's best wine bars
Whether or not you know your shiraz from your merlot, or chardonnay from sauvignon blanc, let the city’s sommeliers teach you something new about vino at one of Brisbane’s wine bars.
-
Brisbane's best tapas: ready to share with friends
Gather your friends and head to one of Brisbane's best tapas joints – with small share plates covering every cuisine from the typical Spanish to Japanese, Lebanese and even American.
