The City:
Where to eat and drink

18 JANUARY 2023

No matter the occasion, Brisbane is always ready to rise to it. The bustling city is home to a world-class dining scene with award-winning chefs, cutting-edge connoisseurs and cocktail mixologists who will blow your socks off. With vibrant restaurants opening regularly and glamorous new precincts rocketing onto the dining scene, there are always new tastes to discover. Bring your appetite because there is a wide variety of dining experiences on offer across The City. 

 

 

Fine-dining establishments 

Enjoy an elevated culinary experience at one of The City’s fine diners. Brisbane has a host of nationally recognised restaurants with some of Australia’s best chefs and sommeliers where you can pair a degustation dinner or a la carte lunch with sparkling river views. Book ahead for popular city spots and dine in stylish surrounds at the likes of Donna Chang, Rothwell’s Bar & Grill, Walter’s Steakhouse and Exhibition

But first, coffee 

New to The City and not sure where to find a quality cup of coffee? In Brisbane, you’re surrounded by superior baristas, freshly (and locally!) roasted beans and warm, welcoming service. Walk around The City and you’re sure to stumble on some of the popular coffee shops such as Ricochet Espresso, Coffee Anthology and Edward Specialty Coffee. If breakfast or brunch are on your mind, there is a buffet of comfortable cafés to explore and savour. It can be tempting to return to your favourite haunts but with such a long list of amazing cafés to visit, we recommend trying them all. 

Brisbane’s newest venues 

The City is a hive of activity and development so there’s always a cool new bar or hot new restaurant opening its doors. Sip sky-high cocktails or dine in cosy subterranean cellars with Brisbane’s newest additions offering unique locations as well as inventive menus. Stay ahead of the crowd and check out some of Brisbane’s stellar new bars, riverside restaurants and quirky cafes. Visit the W Brisbane’s WET Deck, Opa Bar + Mezze and more. 

Dine with a view at a riverside restaurant 

Riverside dining has never looked so good! Brisbane loves a waterfront dining destination, and with good reason. There’s nothing more relaxing than a sunshine-filled lunch by the water or sundowners with your friends while you drink in the view. Whether it’s a classic destination such as Alchemy or Blackbird or a new experience at the likes of Tillerman, you can’t go wrong when you book at one of The City’s best riverside restaurants.

Laneway dining destinations 

One of the best ways to experience Brisbane’s thriving foodie scene is to explore laneways snaking through The City. Burnett Lane is one such dream after-work destination. If you’re ready for a meal, pop by Alba for quality bites, incredible cocktails and a formidable wine list. For expertly crafted cocktails, you mustn’t miss Death & Taxes. Its cocktail menu is a work of art and a sipping delight. There are plenty of venues from cosy cafés to bustling bistros awaiting intrepid laneway explorers. 

Soak up the ambience at Brisbane’s alfresco venues 

Make the most out of your next night out at a stunning rooftop bar or outdoor dining venue. Not only do you get to drink and dine in style but you’ll also get to indulge in views of our beautiful city. We have an abundance of stunning sunshine year-round, so book a long, leisurely lunch with your friends or schedule a romantic date night so you and your loved one can watch the sunset over The City together. Popular alfresco hotspots include Riverbar & Kitchen, Patina at Customs House and Will & Flow

Asian restaurants to tantalise your taste buds 

Need a holiday but don’t have the time? Take your taste buds on a tour instead! Brisbane’s inclusive and multicultural landscape means there are bountiful Asian and Asian Fusion restaurants doing a roaring trade throughout The City. Think Madame Wu, PappaRich or Fat Noodle, for starters. Asian cuisine comes to life in the form of sashimi, dumplings, hotpots and so much more, authentically prepared at venues ranging from casual BYO restaurants to super-chic fine dining options for special occasions.

If you’re craving Korean food, you’re in luck! The City is full of Korean restaurants, cafes and barbecue buffets, such as Korilla BBQ and Funny Funny, serving a multitude of favourite dishes from fragrant, spicy hotpots to colourful bibimbap bowls.

Take a Euro trip with these iconic Italian eats  

If you’re craving a taste of the Mediterranean, you needn’t look far. Thanks to Brisbane’s thriving multicultural dining scene, there are plentiful Italian dining options throughout The City, including Vapiano and Persone. Carb-load with pizza, pasta, bread and more but make sure you leave room for dessert. Pass the chianti, please!

Easy-to-find vegetarian eats 

The vegetable-inclined (or veg-curious) are spoilt for choice with a huge offering of fresh, healthy and tasty vegetarian restaurants and cafes around The City like Felix for Goodness and Cheeky Poke. The vegetarian and vegan community is ever-growing and brings a new wave of innovative and delicious dining options to tempt herbivores and carnivores alike. 

Everyday dining for locals and visitors alike 

Looking for somewhere that can feed the whole family? It can be tricky finding a venue with the right kind of seating, enough variety in the menu to suit every appetite and that appeals to the full spectrum of ages and palates. Thankfully, The City is home to many family-friendly restaurants, including iconic venues such as Pancake Manor and Shingle Inn in City Hall, that will keep a smile on everyone’s dial.

Budget-friendly bites  

Dining out in Brisbane needn’t be an extravagant expense. You can dine out on a dime at one of The City’s many budget-friendly restaurants, bistros and cafés. From breakfast to dessert, it’s a breeze to find a venue where you can fill your bellies without emptying your wallet.

Late-night eats in The City 

Not ready for your night to end? Check out Brisbane’s late-night eats to fuel up after a long night at work or rest your dancing shoes after a night spent sampling some of Brisbane’s exciting bars.

Start compiling your wish list of Brisbane City bars and restaurants and get ready to savour new flavours. Where will we see you first? 

Friends enjoying a drink at Riverbar.