The city:
Best Asian dining 

18 JANUARY 2023

From wok-fried rice to Korean fried chicken, dumplings to dim sum, and premium-grade sashimi to grab-and-go sushi, The City is home to a melting pot of Asian cuisine throughout its streets, laneways and arcades. If you're craving Vietnamese, Korean, Thai, Japanese, Chinese, Malaysian or a contemporary fusion of flavours, there's a good chance you can find it in The City. Here are some of our favourite spots for authentic Asian eats. 

Brisbane Phoenix Chinese Restaurant, George St

Specialising in yum cha, make a booking at the 180-seater Brisbane Phoenix Chinese Restaurant and prepare your body for a feast. The general dining area focuses on the fast-paced yum cha experience at lunchtime, so strap yourself in for a midday feast of everything from crab xiao long bao to custard tarts.

Donna Chang, George St 

Modern Chinese restaurant Donna Chang can be found in a 1920s-era bank in The City, with a luxe fit-out like no other in Brisbane. The authentic Cantonese menu is extensive, focusing heavily on Sichuan flavours and fresh local seafood, including Southern rock lobster or mud crab caught and prepared to order from the live display tank. Donna Chang is a dining experience that’s sure to ignite all the senses 

Fat Noodle, Treasury Casino & Hotel 

Award-winning celebrity chef Luke Nguyen's Fat Noodle restaurant and bar is a favourite stop within the doors of the Treasury Casino & Hotel. The 100-seater restaurant serves pan-Asian hawker-style food, including Nguyen’s signature Vietnamese as well as Chinese, Thai and Malaysian dishes.

Izakaya Kotobuki, George St

Izakaya Kotobuki is a Japanese bar and sushi restaurant that plates up fusion sushi rolls such as Crunch Chicken: its signature combination of chicken, cabbage and mayo with a tempura crumb and sweet soy sauce. The spot also has beer and sake, yakitori, bento boxes, sashimi, sushi, rice and noodle bowls. Its affordable prices make it popular with the lunch crowd. 

Jackpot Dining, Elizabeth St 

Fast, fresh and delicious, Jackpot Dining is a unique quick-service restaurant that combines gourmet-style Chinese cuisine and locally sourced produce with uber fast wait times. Most of their dishes can be prepared and served within two to five minutes after the order is placed, meaning this spot is also exceptionally popular with the lunch crowd. 

Izakaya Publico

At Izakaya Publico, guests savour locally sourced seasonal produce, showcasing the region's diverse flavours. The restaurant's warm ambiance, blending traditional Japanese elements with oversized lanterns, accommodates up to 80 guests. Next door, Bar 1603 offers a unique speakeasy vibe, serving Japanese and local beverages with a sake twist, fostering a memorable neighbourhood connection.

Jumbo Thai Restaurant and Bar, Edward St

From the streets of Thailand to the streets of Brisbane, Jumbo Thai Restaurant and Bar brings authentic Thai flavours to The City. The menu is extensive so leave plenty of time to peruse and choose. With dishes including crispy fish wings, betel leaf parcels with smoked trout, roasted duck breast red curry, crispy whole local snapper fish and lemongrass coconut panna cotta, start planning your return visit. 

Kabuki Teppanyaki Restaurant, Stamford Plaza

Teppanyaki is a style of cooking where the chef prepares prime cuts of beef, chicken and seafood with fresh seasonable vegetables and cooks it in front of you on a large steel hotplate – often with a side of theatrical flair. Located in Stamford Plaza, Kabuki Teppanyaki Restaurant's master chefs will amaze you with their skills as they slice, dice, juggle and entertain while they cook. Bring a group of friends for a unique culinary and cultural experience – just keep an eye out for the flying food.

Lücha Kitchen and Bar, Elizabeth St 

Blending ancient tradition with bold innovation, Lücha Kitchen and Bar shines a spotlight on tea (lücha is Mandarin for green tea). Located in Elizabeth Street Arcade, Lücha specialise in grab-and-go takeaway bubble teas and tea-infused cocktails to modern Chinese dishes that use various teas as a key ingredient. The aesthetic is clean and modern but the eating and drinking experience it's nothing if not unique. 

Madame Wu, Eagle St

From the moment you sink your teeth into a Moreton Bay bug-stuffed dumpling, we guarantee dining at this Asian-fusion restaurant will be an experience you never forget. Madame Wu combines a tantalising menu with attentive service and a stellar view across the Brisbane River from its outdoor terrace.

New Shanghai, Queen St

New Shanghai offers a complete dining experience, from the rich assortment of modern classical Shanghai-style cuisine to the decadent Chinese-inspired interiors. The menu offers a vibrant array of tasty Shanghai soups, noodles, rice and vegetable dishes, as well as authentic dumplings cooked using an ancient family recipe passed down from generation to generation.

Oshin Japanese Restaurant, Adelaide St

Ask who does the best sushi in The City and there is a good chance someone will say Oshin Japanese Restaurant. Every roll is made fresh to order and the handmade gyozas are next-level amazing. The sukiyaki is what dreams are made of – beef slices and vegetables cooked in soy and sweet wine sauce at your table. 

PappaRich, Wintergarden

Located on level one of Wintergarden, PappaRich serves authentic Malaysian delights. While dining in the relaxed eatery, you can choose from a wide-ranging menu including favourite dishes such as roti canai, traditional Hainan bread with kaya and butter, satay, nasi lemak, char kway teow, curry, laksa, chicken rice and crispy egg noodles.

Phat Boy, George St 

From the owners of well-known restaurants Phat Elephant and Chai Thai comes Phat Boy. Giving authentic Thai food a Brisbane Twist, this hot spot is dishing up must-try snacks, curries and wok-tossed eats aplenty. If you find yourself spoilt for choice, the ever-popular crowd pleaser is the Kung Tung seafood spread. PSA – Phat Boy also aim to cater to all meal requirements, including vegan and gluten-free.

Steamed, Turbot St

Located on Turbot St, the dumplings at Steamed are patiently stuffed and pleated in the on-site kitchen. They come in three types: Harbin – pork and chive, Donggu – chicken with assorted spices and Zen – a balanced portion of shitake mushroom, seasoned tofu and Chinese cabbage. Steamed is also known for its Pork Clouds – light and fluffy pork buns.

Taro’s Ramen, Queen St 

The philosophy behind Taro’s Ramen is to deliver the most delicious bowl of ramen in Australia. It’s a big call but Taro’s delivers. The chefs select only natural ingredients to ensure each steaming bowl of ramen contains no MSG or preservatives. Try the red tonkotsu for yourself and taste the difference this care and consideration make.

Friends enjoying a drink at Riverbar.