Brisbane has a fresh, new take on dining experiences that attracts foodies from all over. From vibrant markets to world-class restaurants, there’s something to entice and captivate everyone.
Riverfront dining, casual food trucks, and inner-city delights – here are 10 of our favourite places for dining in Brisbane.
If you’re trying to decide where to eat – why choose one type of cuisine? Eat Street Northshore has become an iconic Brisbane dining destination. The mood is set with fairy lights, live entertainment, and a vibrant crowd, but the real drawcard is the food. Shipping containers have been converted to food truck-sized restaurants, and there is an unbelievable range to choose from.
Located in Fortitude Valley, this 2-level restaurant offers a fresh and exciting take on modern Thai cuisine. Upstairs is the bar, with an impressive wine list and Thai-style bar food. Downstairs, the cuisine ramps up with raw starters, salads, noodles, curries, and more. Then go home and dream of good food, or party the night away in the vibrant district.
After sampling one of the best collections of Asian and Pan-Pacific art at the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art, make your way to the GOMA restaurant for some art on a plate. This 5 star dining experience overlooks the Brisbane river, and offers a spectacular range of modern Australian cuisine made from the best of Queensland produce.
The Middle Eastern-style menu of Gerard’s Bistro combines traditional techniques with a fresh modern vision. Once you’ve finished your meal, pop next door to Gerard’s Bar to keep the night going with drinks and top up with Middle Eastern snacks – if you have room.
Living up to its name, you won’t find any dishes that conform to the straight and narrow at Detour. You’ll be challenged and delighted by the adventurous menu, featuring dishes like emu tartare, salmon garnished with black ants, and seawater potatoes. Vegetarians are well catered for so no one has to miss out. It’s an outrageous but genuinely delicious menu that has something to inspire everyone.
Blending industrial architecture with Pan-Asian influenced décor, Chu the Phat is hip, cool, and the food is oh so delicious. The dishes are inspired by travels through a range of Asian countries, with standout examples such as pork and kimchi spring rolls, steamed duck buns, and the incredible Nanna Annas Chilli Chicken. There is an impressive wine list and a range of must-try cocktails, including their signature “Madame Chu”.
Otto Ristorante combines Italian inspiration with fresh Australian produce to create a truly stand-out menu. The location alone is worth the trip, with the restaurant housed in a riverfront, boathouse style building. The whole menu is fantastic from starters to sweets, but the seafood options are particularly good.
If you’re heading to the Howard Smith Wharves for dinner and drinks, you won’t be lacking for choice – but spare a thought for the old water police headquarters, now a stunning two-story restaurant called Stanley. With a Cantonese menu designed by a star chef, diners can choose from a banquet option or off the a la carte menu. Wander the wharves afterwards and sample drinks and other delights from the many bars and brewerys on offer.
Offering delicious Greek fare on the poolside deck of The Calile, Hellenika maintains a tradition of good food that celebrates the best of Australian produce. Diners can eat at the al fresco dining section, choose a table inside, or order from the list of poolside snacks. Complement your meal with a selection of superb wines, or choose from their truly impressive list of cocktails.
A casual feel with a delicious, authentic menu, Julius Pizzeria is a well-loved destination for foodies Brisbane-wide. Most diners are walk-ins, which means in peak times there could be a short waiting period where you can dream about the food to come. The menu heavily features pizza and pasta, with a number of other sides and mains.
Getting Around in Brisbane City
Airtrain will get you quickly and comfortably from the airport to Brisbane City in 20 minutes. You can disembark at your chosen city station – Airtrain runs express from the airport, but stops at Fortitude Valley, Central, Roma Street, and South Brisbane stations.
Brisbane is a beautiful city for walking, and many fantastic destinations are within an easy stroll along attractive walkways. To get to your destination faster or to see more of the sights, Brisbane is connected by an extensive bus network and the river is crisscrossed by the CityCat ferries.
All Brisbane public transport uses a smart card for travel, or you can purchase a paper ticket. Short term visitors should check out the go seeQ card, which allows you unlimited travel for 3 or 5 consecutive days on buses, trains, ferries, and trams. It also includes 2 Airtrain journeys to/from the Brisbane Airport. For longer stays, travel like the locals with a go card – just touch on at your station of departure and touch off when you arrive at your destination.
Dining in Brisbane
You’ll be delighted by the range and excitement of dining options in Brisbane. The city has a fresh, young feel and many of the foodie destinations reflect that vibe.
If you’re heading to Brisbane, choose the best way to get there on time and in comfort. Start your journey well – travel with Airtrain.
