BRISBANE’S BEST NEW RESTAURANTS, CAFES & BARS

There’s no doubt Brisbane’s dining scene has gone through a period of change and adaptation. Thankfully may of our old favourites as well as some new hip restaurants, bars and cafes are throwing open their doors again and offering Brisbane a warm welcome. From fine dining Greek and riverside Italian to rock 'n' roll Mexican and ridiculously good fried chicken, our stomachs are rumbling with the thought of eventually trying them all – we hope our bank accounts don't mind.

We can’t wait to book our table, grab our family and friends and get out into the city and try everything that’s on offer. Here’s our highlights and a list of places which are back open and good to go.

*Please book in advance to avoid disappointment.

What's New

Eterna, Fortitude Valley

This late-night venue celebrates the food of Rome, featuring authentic handmade pasta, street-food snacks and family-style share plates. You can look forward to simple, clean flavours that promote seasonal ingredients that will have you longing for nonna's house.

Ping Pong, Newstead

Authentic Thai with a twist - don't mind if we do! Not only is the food a tantalising feast for the senses, the ambience is too. The 'pink' decor is enhanced by light installations and there is an exciting jungle oasis you can hire for private functions. This one will have you sitting pretty...in pink.

La Patrona, Teneriffe

This venue serves traditional style Mexican food from the Bajio region which is known for it's slow-cooked flavoursome dishes, soups and spice-filled marinades. We recommend the Gorditas (corn pockets filled with smokey Chile ancho shredded brisket), Alitas de Pollo (chicken wings in a strawberry chipotle glaze sauce and the Tostaditas de Pulpo a la Sinaloa (grilled octopus with citrus pico de gallo).

Agnes, Fortitude Valley

In a beautiful old brick warehouse, tucked away in the Fortitude Valley, you'll find the now launched wood-fired cooking delights of Agnes. Formerly a pop-up bakery adored by Brisbane locals, this beauty is back in its final incarnation. The ethos, cooking stripped back to its primordial elements, food cooked over a flame and flavoured with a variety of different woods and prepared in exciting ways. From the brilliant minds of sAme sAme and Honto, Agnes is sure to set your heart ablaze.

Maya, Fortitude Valley

Bring on the margaritas! Brisbane’s popular rooftop bar Eleven has transformed itself into a six-month pop-up Mexican restaurant called MAYA. With its breathtaking views over the CBD to Newstead and beyond this is the perfect place to unwind and wrap your chops around some Mexican street food. Picture fresh Australian produced cooked in the authentic style of the Maya region of Mexico with a touch of Coastal Pacific, Yucatan and Sonoran influences. Plates are designed to be shared and enjoyed family style with an option of three tasty delicious deserts to finish on. We recommend the Churros, with cinnamon sugar and dulce de leche - let’s face it, this one you’ll probably want to keep all for yourself.

MICA Brasserie, Newstead

We’ve died and gone to pastry heaven. From the amazing Shannin and Clare Kellam, behind Montrachet and King Street Bakery comes Mica Brasserie. Offering French cooking at its finest, you can now sample a special selection of artisan breads, gourmet pies, croissants, sweets, savoury treats, and coffee for you to take away. Were just going to leave this here for you to think about –the Ora King Salmon: Pastis and citrus cured Ora King salmon, whipped fromage blanc, poached free range egg, dill and olive oil, served with hot and crusty roasted fennel, potato and sumac sour dough. Brisbane, breakfast is served.

Hey Joe Coffee + Co, East Brisbane

Shall we brunch? This new warehouse style venue brings you a seasonal menu with an Indian twist. Try the eggs kerjiwal bhurji or the slow-cooked smashed pumpkin with chilli to start your morning off right. With a breakfast menu till 3pm, a full vegan menu and dinner menu in place, you are bound to find something to get your tastebuds tingling. This venue is also doggo friendly! So don't forget to bring your fur friend for an outing.

What's Open

Restaraunts

Stanley, Howard Smith Wharves

This Howard Smith Wharves eatery has all of us turning heads at the stunning two-storey interior and delectable menu. Turning the old water police headquarters into a Cantonese paradise, Stanley has also put a Los Angeles star chef behind the pans, serving up the likes of Cantonese roast duck with plum sauce, Lobster lo mein with garlic butter and Mongolian lamb ribs with cumin.

City Winery, Fortitude Valley

A winery in the city? We're sold! City Winery is bringing wine making to the heart of Fortitude Valley and has opened a space that house's not only Gerler's wine barrels and bar but also a restaurant and private dining area. One of three inner-city wineries in Australia, drinkers will be able to enjoy tastes from the barrel and paddock-to-plate food within this industrial space on Wandoo St.

sAme sAme, Fortitude Valley

Longtime’s restaurant has officially closed its doors up the Chinatown end of Fortitude Valley and moved its digs to James Street, just outside The Calile. Expect the same vibe and same great food just under a new name, appropriately called sAme sAme. We can't wait to tuck into their coconut & turmeric Moreton Bay bug curry again.

Big Roddy's Rippin' Rib Shack, Fortitude Valley

Big Roddy's on the move. Fish Lane's saucy ribs, burgers and wings have crossed the river to open up a second venue in Fortitude Valley. Expect a bigger space but the same great pulled "ribwiches", secret sauce ribs, wings and more.

Bender's Bar, West End

Formerly Billykart Bar, Bender's Bar promises the same great tasting burgers, plus an extended menu of cheap and cheerful bites. Turning the space across from Billykart into a casual neighbourhood pub, diners can also expect trivia nights, live music, live sport, weekly specials and DJs.

Rico Bar & Dining, Brisbane City

Think Latin flavours and citrus cocktails all served in a divine setting by the river. Sounds perfect hey? Well then get down to Rico Bar & Dining to enjoy just that. With a tantalizing menu featuring Australian produce (the braised beef cheek empanadas are definitely our go to), it's the perfect location for an after-work drink and nibbles or a romantic dining experience with your special someone.

Elska, Wilston

As one door closes another one opens, and this time it's the door to an intimate twelve-seat degustation restaurant. Elska has opened in the space formerly occupied by sunny neighbourhood brunch spot Freja's. It's menu changes daily, but the focus stays on serving fresh produce whipped together using Nordic culinary techniques. If you're mourning the loss of your favourite brunch spot, Elska also serves brunch on weekends.

Shishou, Fortitude Valley

Think you love sushi? Well the experience you'll receive at Shishou will change everything you think you know about the traditional Japanese dish. This is a sushi degustation, which means you'll be enjoying multiple courses of grilled meats and omakese nigiri.

Hellenika, The Calile, Fortitude Valley

James Street’s new hotel is getting a distinctly Greek flavour. The favourite Gold Coast restaurant is opening a huge second location in Brisbane that will sprawl with poolside cabanas and a patio to catch the breeze.

Phoenix, Brisbane City

Southern tastes have expanded north with the group behind the four popular Phoenix restaurants in Sydney, recently opening another venue in Brisbane Quarter. With a moody setting accented with black, gold and red, these yum cha specialists will be serving contemporary and classic Chinese cuisine including fresh crab-meat xio long bao, scallop and caviar shumai, steamed pork ribs and more.

Charboys, Bulimba

If you've been craving a tasty two-hander, then never fear, as this former CBD burger joint has officially crossed the river and opened up shop on Oxford Street. Charboys may be serving the same great burgs featuring succulents meats and fluffy buns to a new southside crowd, but we're just glad we can wrap our mouths around a Goodfella with filthy fries again (if you know you know.)

Milky Lane, Newstead

Dieters beware, the following content is not suitable for the health-conscious. Brisbane's burger scene continues to expand with Milky Lane recently opening at Gasworks Plaza – and we couldn't be more excited. This Sydney favourite has been turning heads with their over-the-top burger combinations, tasty sides (bacon mac & cheese croquettes included), and milkshake-inspired cocktails.

Olive + Angelo, Brisbane City

Meet Olive + Angelo, the new restaurant bringing authentic Italian food to the people of Brisbane through recipes with a wealth of history. In true Italian style, the pizza is wood fired and the pasta menu serves a range of classics to curb those carb-fueled cravings. We suggest starting with the burrata, and then follow it up with the likes of braised beef rib ragu on homemade rigatoni, a romana pizza with spicy sausage, garlic oil and rosemary and tiramisu to finish – obviously.

Trash Taco, Fortitude Valley

The masterminds behind Brisbane's favourite fried chicken burger, Lucky Egg, are bringing 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.

SK Steak & Oyster, Fortitude Valley

Any guesses as to what SK Steak & Oyster will be dishing up? Unfortunately there'll be no prizes for guessing correctly as fresh seafood and prime cuts are the obvious hero of this menu. The crew behind famed modern Greek restaurant Hellenika have opened this passion project outside The Calile in Ada Lane.

Jumbo Thai Restaurant & Bar, Brisbane City

Put your hands together and prepare those stomachs for the recent opening of a delicious Thai eatery in Brisbane City. Located above The Embassy Hotel, Jumbo is heating up the pans to treat customers to a variety of upscale and authentic Thai dishes including, but definitely not limited to, whole crispy local Goldband Snapper, slow-cooked five spice pork belly, tender lamb shanks and pad Thai.

Signature, South Bank

Pastel perfection, modern Australian cuisine and top-notch vinos make up Emporium's new showpiece restaurant Signature. With a focus on using locally sourced produce, you can expect an ever-changing a-la-carte and dedicated vegan menu paired with a carefully curated wine list. Start with the blueberry cured ocean trout, then the Flinders Island lamb and finish with the black fig & guava – because dessert is a course you should not pass up here.

Miss Demeanour, Brisbane City

Slip down the stairwell off Rowes Lane to find this elusive all-hours venue serving everything from their own blend of specialty coffee through to traditional New Orleans beignets with Bourbon butterscotch. It's the type of place where you could enjoy a night of cocktails and come back for breakfast the next morning.

Ling Ling's, Fortitude Valley

Have you always dreamed of sipping a cocktail as big as your head? Well now you can at Ling Ling's Bar in The Valley. Accompany your soup bowl cocktails with pan-Asian eats like the Bang Bang lamb ribs, pineapple fried rice and duck san choy bow wow. Plus, Ling Ling's will be serving their delicacies late into the night, so you can get your street food-fix at anytime.

Proof BBQ & Booze, Windsor

Hey ya'll, an American-style barbecue joint has swung open its doors in Windsor and all we can smell is the delicious scents of smoked brisket, mac n cheese, buffalo wings, juicy burgers and jalapeno poppers. Wash all this down with whiskey or pint of beer and you've got yourself one hell of a food rodeo.

Baja, Fortitude Valley

This isn't your regular run-of-the-mill Mexican you grab for a quick, takeaway lunch, because Baja has style, and a long, relaxing lunch or dinner is the best way to enjoy this modern Cali-Mex cuisine. You'll feel right at home in the warm and aesthetic interior, but it's the menu you'll be riding home about. King fish ceviche, burrata de buffalo and any of the tacos (obviously) are all must-haves – paired with a specialty cocktail of course.

Massimo Restaurant & Bar, Brisbane City

Sip, snack and take in the sunset views at this new riverside Italian restaurant. You won't walk past without a second-glance at the dreamy, modern interior but it's the food that will have you walking in and taking a seat. Their focus is on simple and authentic style cooking and much to our delight, seafood is consistently a star of most dishes. Think chargrilled octopus, baby stuffed squid on squid ink pasta, and Roman-style lamb shoulder – but we promise the whole menu will have you shouting delizioso!

Lord of the Fries, Fortitude Valley

Even plant-based eaters get cravings for saucy burgers, crispy fries and creamy shakes, so Lord of the Fries is serving just that, plant-style. Forget the meat because everything at this joint is vegan-friendly. But meat-free doesn't mean it's any less delicious – try for yourself!

The Matriarch, Newstead

Have you ever found yourself dreaming of 19th century Parisian countryside? Well put those dreams at ease, because The Matriarch's new opening in Newstead features a swanky garden patio lined with olive trees and crystal chandeliers, perfect for an inner-city cocktail escape.

Mosconi Restaurant & Wine Bar, Fortitude Valley

Now you spend every waking minute enjoying delicious eats along Arthur Street as Mosconi Restaurant & Wine Bar has opened next to local favourite King Arthur. Serving crisp wines and specialty cocktails alongside a menu of European-inspired delights means you can pop by for a nibble and a drink or stay for the full feast – we think the latter is most likely.

joy. restaurant, Fortitude Valley

Brisbane's laneways continue to improve with Japanese and Nordic-inspired fare now serving out of Bakery Lane. This tiny space (we're talking only 10 seats in its entirety) has an ever changing menu depending on inspiration at the time so you'll never know what to expect – except that it will always be delicious of course.

Greca, Howard Smith Wharves, Brisbane City

The most recent addition to the Howard Smiths Wharves precinct is modern Greek taverna Greca. Built for long and lazy lunches by the river, Greca wants you to savour every bite and advocates a type of slow eating. Start with taramasalata, saganaki cheese and spanakopita before moving onto grilled calamari, Moreton Bay bugs, cumin-spiced lamb ribs and baked lamb shoulder.

Neesh Bar & Restaurant, Woolloongabba

Taking over the space formerly occupied by Foxy Bean, Neesh Bar & Restaurant have transformed the area into a light-filled eatery and beer garden serving breakfast, lunch and evening bites – why would you ever leave. Tuck into creme brulee French toast in the morning and return to find wood-fired pizzas and craft beer in the evenings because this neighbourhood joint promises to be your new favourite local.

Cafes

Industry Beans, Newstead

Famed Melbourne coffee specialists have ventured north to open one of their award-winning cafes in the heart of Newstead. Industry Beans is not just your run-of-the-mill cafes. Expect the likes of fruit sashimi or an epic breakfast roll with porcini dusted eggs for breakfast, coffee rubbed wagyu burgers for lunch and ginger beer pork belly and black rice prawns for dinner. Yes this eatery is open all hours of the day.

Yolk, Newstead

The humble bacon and egg roll is the hero at Gaswork's new breaky joint, Yolk. Whether it's a hangover cure you're after, or an easy breakfast on the go, this Aussie staple is sure to satisfy those hunger pangs. Choose from the classic bacon and egg, steak and egg or mushroom and egg and don't forget to add on a hash brown – it'd be criminal not too.

Cinnabon, Toombul & Garden City

Hear that? It's a stampede of loyal glaze-craving followers rushing to Toombul Shoppping Centre, desperate to get their hands on the world famous and ultra delicious Cinnabons. They've officially opened their first Australian outlet here in Brisbane and locals are going crazy over the United State's delectable baked treat – so don't walk, run to get a taste of the action.

Paradise Cafe, Fortitude Valley

It looks like Alfred Street is getting a revival with a new minimalist but super trendy brunch spot opening in the building formerly occupied by Alfredo's Pizzeria. The kitchen is headed by a former Masterchef contestant, serving hearty food with an edge like the truffle mushroom pesto and sweet Matzo Brei along with Padre Coffee and Jocelyn's Provisions treats.

Sister, Hawthorne

Eastsiders need not travel for their picturesque breakfasts as the team behind Miss Jones in New Farm has opened a sibling cafe in Hawthorne, aptly named Sister. Linger a little longer at this street-side pastel paradise and enjoy a fresh and quirky breakfast – the breakfast gnocchi with a poached egg is to die for.

Pablo, New Farm

There were tears among New Farm residents when popular local cafe Pablo closed its doors back in 2016. But now regulars can rejoice, as the owners are bringing their delicious cafe fare back to the neighbourhood. Expect to find some original favourites back on the menu as well as a range of new specials to delight new and returning patrons.

Bars

Mr Percival's, Howard Smith Wharves, Brisbane City

We're channeling those endless summer vibes at Mr Percival's, Brisbane's newest overwater bar. Drop in for a lazy lunch on the deck, aperitif's at sunset and live music to ease you into the night as you look back onto Brisbane City. Did we mention it's directly under the Story Bridge?

The Sound Garden, Fortitude Valley

If you're one to enjoy free live music with a drink in hand, then Brunswick Mall's newest two-level live music venue, The Sound Garden, is the place you want to be. The expansive space houses a modern-Australian bistro, lengthy bar and plenty of room to listen and dance along to a lineup of up-and-coming artists. Plus, it's convenient location next to Fortitude Music Hall makes it the perfect place for a pre-show bite and beverage.

Next Episode, South Brisbane

This hidey-hole is hidden in the backstreets of South Brisbane, only noticeable by a neon sign and lit up barbers pole. Once found, enjoy signature cocktails, artisan spirits, craft beers and wine within the confined walls of this 35-seat speakeasy bar. What could possibly make this place better you ask? Next Episode doesn't want you going hungry, so you can order food from nearby Big Roddy's Rippin' Rib Shack to snack and drink the night away.

Le Bon Bar, Woolloongabba

Beloved by locals since 2008, Cést Bon has recently undergone an upgrade and added a bar with new menus, garden terrace and rooftop lounge to their repertoire. Still expect the same great French cuisine but heightened to include fresh breakfasts, share-plate style bar bites and of course an abundance of French wine and drinks to match.

Lefty's Music Hall, Caxton Street

It's back! This Brisbane institution couldn't keep its doors closed for long before Hallmark Group Australia decided to reopen the much-loved venue, keeping intact all the quirky vintage vibes that's kept this a long-term favourite among locals and Caxton Street goers.

The Terrace, South Bank

The Terrace, Emporium Hotel’s eagerly anticipated rooftop bar is finally open to the public. With views for days, fluffy bar stools that blend in with the clouds, and an all-day food menu to keep you hydrated and hunger-free, The Terrace will easily become the place to spend a lazy day this summer.

Tetto Rooftop Bar, Everton Park

Not another rooftop bar – said no one ever. Tetto has joined with Corbett & Claude and opened a two-level venue at Everton Park's Park Lane precinct. Oozing coastal Italian vibes, this rooftop establishment is your next go to for Italian fare, refreshing cocktails and sun-soaked afternoons.

Death & Taxes, Brisbane City

Who knew the mastermind behind Cobbler, Savile Row and Finney Isles still had the energy to do anything else, but he's surprised (and delighted) us all by opening another joint down Burnett Lane. Wander through double wooden doors to find a moody lounge bar encompassing low light, leather couches in the back room and shelves lined with delectable drops ready for any liquor connoisseur to sip and enjoy.

Suzie Wong's Good Time Bar, Fortitude Valley

Stepping into the former Bowery Bar digs is Suzie Wong's Good Time Bar, the newest venture from the owners of Brisbane City's Brooklyn Standard and Fat Angel Sports Bar. This Hawaiian-inspired dive bar has a focus on live music and uncomplicated drinks. So grab a beer and get yourself to the dance floor.

Felons Brewing Co, Howard Smith Wharves, Brisbane City

Sit along the riverbank and toss back a cold one at Felons Brewing Co. Sitting under the Story Bridge at Howard Smith Wharves, the beer is freshly brewed on site within the confounds of the old heritage sheds.

Hello Gorgeous, Fortitude Valley

Move over Chester Street Bakery, there's a new bar in town and it's setting up shop in the old digs of the once highly popular and Instagram-able bakery. With an irresistible menu and handpicked wine list, this multi-level bar is sure to be the perfect place for after-work drinks and lazy Sunday sessions.