What are the best restaurants in Brisbane?
Whether you’re a local seeking your next culinary adventure, hosting visitors eager to taste Brisbane’s best, or planning that milestone celebration, these establishments represent the pinnacle of our city’s dining scene. They’re the restaurants that spark conversation, inspire return visits, and remind us why Brisbane has emerged as one of Australia’s most exciting food destinations.
Join us as we explore the essential restaurants shaping Brisbane’s culinary identity right now—each one carefully selected to offer an experience that lingers long after the last bite.
Agnes
Address: 22 Agnes Street, Fortitude Valley
Agnes is a renowned restaurant led by chef Ben Williamson, offering a unique dining experience where all dishes are cooked over fire. The industrial, moody dining room complements the innovative menu featuring items like scarlet prawn doughnuts and smoked lamb neck.
Exhibition
Address: 109 Edward Street, Brisbane CBD
Hidden in the basement of Metro Arts Theatre, Exhibition offers an intimate degustation experience for just 24 guests. Chef Tim Scott crafts seasonal menus inspired by Japanese omakase, ensuring a unique dining experience with each visit.
Central
Address: 340 Queen Street, Brisbane CBD
Central is a subterranean dumpling bar offering classic Cantonese cuisine with a Western twist. Enjoy dim sum delights like crab and prawn spring rolls in a vibrant setting with exposed-rock walls and an impressive overhead light feature.
Restaurant Dan Arnold
Address: 10/959 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley
Experience fine dining at its best at Restaurant Dan Arnold, where the chef brings Michelin-starred expertise to Brisbane. Choose from three, five, or seven-course menus featuring innovative dishes crafted from seasonal local produce.
Same Same
Address: 3/46 James Street, Fortitude Valley
Same Same offers a modern take on Thai cuisine in a sleek setting next to The Calile Hotel. Enjoy favorites like panang curry of lamb shank and Moreton Bay bug turmeric curry in a stylish atmosphere.
Supernormal
Address: 443 Queen Street, Brisbane CBD
Supernormal brings a taste of Melbourne to Brisbane with its sleek riverside location. Enjoy dishes like lobster rolls and Szechuan poached Moreton Bay bugs in a setting that blends edgy and tropical vibes.
Essa
Address: 181 Robertson Street, Fortitude Valley
Essa is a moody, atmospheric restaurant showcasing seasonal local produce. With a menu that changes regularly, expect innovative dishes in a setting perfect for intimate dining.
Rogue Bistro
Address: 14 Austin Street, Newstead
Rogue Bistro offers a creative six-course degustation that changes monthly. The intimate setting with all-black interiors provides a unique dining experience tucked away in Newstead.
Joy Restaurant
Address: 7/690 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley
Joy Restaurant is an intimate dining spot with only 10 seats overlooking the kitchen. Offering a degustation menu crafted by chef Sarah Scott, it’s a unique experience that’s booked out months in advance.
Gerard’s Bistro
Address: 14/15 James Street, Fortitude Valley
Gerard’s Bistro offers Middle Eastern-inspired cuisine in a stylish setting. With a menu that features shared dishes like smoked harissa margaritas and house-made breads, it’s a must-visit dining destination.
Rothwell’s
Address: 235 Edward Street, Brisbane CBD
Rothwell’s combines timeless elegance with a menu inspired by classic dining destinations. Enjoy dishes like their signature beef Wellington in a setting reminiscent of London’s Savoy Grill.
Detour
Address: 11 Logan Road, Woolloongabba
Detour offers an adventurous menu with unique ingredients and flavors. With a commitment to gluten-free and vegan options, it welcomes all diners to enjoy dishes like Kentucky fried duck and emu tartare.
Bianca
Address: 46 James Street, Fortitude Valley
Bianca is a peach-hued Italian restaurant offering fresh pasta, grill dishes, and epic desserts. The Mediterranean-inspired setting makes it perfect for group gatherings and indulging in their signature tiramisu.
Shortgrain
Address: 15 Marshall Street, Fortitude Valley
Shortgrain by Martin Boetz brings spicy Thai flavors to Brisbane. Located in a heritage building, it offers dishes like turmeric wafers with caramelized coconut and prawns, and caramelized pork hock.
SK Steak And Oyster
Address: 12/28 James Street, Fortitude Valley
SK Steak And Oyster is a New York-style steakhouse offering stunning steaks, raw seafood, and classic charm. It’s the place for long lunches and expertly crafted martinis.
Donna Chang
Address: 3/171 George Street, Brisbane CBD
Donna Chang offers elevated Chinese cuisine in a sprawling pink dining room adorned with chandeliers. Enjoy dishes like dim sum, crispy roasted duck, and passionfruit custard buns in a heritage-listed building.
Southside
Address: 63 Melbourne Street, South Brisbane
Southside is a pan-Asian restaurant with a jungle temple vibe. Enjoy dishes like whole quail with red vinegar caramel and steamed coral trout in a lush, greenery-filled setting.
Hervé’s
Address: 31-37 Collingwood Street, Albion
Hervé’s delivers authentic French dining with a moody atmosphere. Indulge in classic dishes like steak frites, chicken pâté éclairs, and flaming crêpes Suzette in a sophisticated setting.
Hôntô
Address: Alden Street, Fortitude Valley
Hôntô is a contemporary Japanese restaurant tucked behind a secret door. The dark, moody ambiance complements dishes like salmon tacos, katsu sandos, and grilled baby snapper.
Stanley
Address: 5 Boundary Street, Howard Smith Wharves
Stanley offers Cantonese cuisine with stunning river views. Enjoy yum cha lunches and dinner dishes like Peking duck pancakes and crispy pork belly in a stylish two-level venue.
Greca
Address: 5 Boundary Street, Howard Smith Wharves
Greca brings contemporary Greek cuisine to a riverfront setting. Feast on dishes like eggplant moussaka, grilled lamb cutlets, and honey saganaki while enjoying laid-back Mediterranean vibes.
The Wolf
Address: 260 Queen Street, Brisbane CBD
The Wolf offers a Euro-inspired dining experience with vibrant interiors. Enjoy dishes like lobster fricassee and wagyu beef cheek in a setting adorned with warm timbers and marble accents.
Baja
Address: 211 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley
Baja redefines Mexican cuisine with a sleek and understated atmosphere. Enjoy innovative dishes like honey and jalapeno-topped stracciatella and Nashville fried chicken tacos.
Hellenika
Address: Level 1/48 James Street, Fortitude Valley
Hellenika offers Greek cuisine by the rooftop pool of The Calile Hotel. Enjoy dishes like spanakopita, slow-cooked lamb, and moussaka in a chic, stylish setting.
C’est Bon
Address: 609/611 Stanley Street, Woolloongabba
C’est Bon is a French restaurant offering a seven-course tasting menu. Chef Andy Ashby crafts creative dishes in an intimate setting that includes a café, bar, and rooftop.
Yoko Dining
Address: 5 Boundary Street, Howard Smith Wharves
Yoko Dining is an izakaya-style bar serving Japanese dishes like pork gyoza and chicken karaage. Enjoy river views and vibrant atmosphere, perfect for both dinner and drinks.
Tillerman
Address: 71 Eagle Street, Brisbane CBD
Tillerman offers a glamorous riverside dining experience with views of the Story Bridge. The menu features seafood-focused dishes influenced by global flavors in a relaxed yet opulent setting.
Takashiya
Address: 267 Grey Street, South Bank
Takashiya provides an authentic omakase experience with around 16 courses of seasonal fare. The intimate setting allows diners to watch chefs Takashi and Kazu at work.
OTTO
Address: Shop 1, River Quay, Sidon Street, South Bank
OTTO offers Italian cuisine with dishes like blue swimmer crab ravioli and pan-fried gnocchi. Enjoy fine dining with stunning river views in a sophisticated setting.
The Lex
Address: Level Three in W Brisbane, Brisbane CBD
The Lex brings New York-style grill dining to Brisbane with stunning views. The menu features local produce in dishes like crispy tater tots with caviar and wagyu steaks.
Clarence
Address: 617 Stanley Street, Woolloongabba
Clarence redefines Modern Australian cuisine with a three-course set menu. Enjoy dishes like wild venison tartare and duck with beetroot in an intimate setting.
Montrachet
Address: 1/30 King Street, Bowen Hills
Montrachet is a Brisbane institution offering classic French cuisine. Enjoy dishes like their iconic crab soufflé in an elegant and sophisticated setting.
E’cco Bistro
Address: 8/63 Skyring Terrace, Newstead
E’cco Bistro offers Euro-inspired cuisine from chef Philip Johnson. With options like a five-course tasting menu, it’s a Brisbane favorite for fine dining.
1889 Enoteca
Address: 10-12 Logan Road, Woolloongabba
1889 Enoteca is an Italian restaurant known for perfect pastas and impressive bistecca. The romantic setting includes a stunning private dining area in the basement.
The Golden Pig
Address: 38 Ross Street, Newstead
The Golden Pig offers pan-Asian cuisine in a stylish setting. Enjoy dishes like sticky lamb ribs and miso caramel banana pudding, or join one of their famed cooking classes.