Best breakfasts 

Breakfast needn’t be just bacon and eggs on toast, and Racecourse Road Hamilton delivers plenty of alternatives. Petrichor & Co is inspired by the owner’s Colombian heritage, so expect Latin-influenced dishes that go above and beyond the typical café fare including abundant gluten-free and vegan options. Adjacent, you’ll find Verandah on Racecourse, a tranquil setting where classic Australian dishes receive a Vietnamese twist. Or if you need just a quick stop in for your caffeine fix, Tribe Coffee Company can also be found on Racecourse Road.

Enjoy your favourite breakfast by the breezy Brisbane River at Riva Kitchen. Serving up breakfast classics and some unique dishes to pair with your morning coffee in Hamilton before taking a walk along the river to start your morning the right way. Nearby at Portside Wharf, you’ll find Rise Bakery, offering both sweet and savoury breakfast pastries to indulge in.

Also on Racecourse Road are local favourites, Cafe Wisteria and Kos Cafe, as well as plant-based cafes Pancha Café and Dicki’s Ascot.

At Racecourse Village off Nudgee Road you’ll find Vito’s - one of the area’s best-kept-secrets. Don’t be deceived by its shopping centre location, both the breakfast menu and coffee rival the best in Brisbane.

Multicultural dining 

Portside Wharf is the Hamilton’s premier dining destination, offering superb international cuisine. Japanese restaurant Sono offers traditional sashimi, sushi and an array of entrees and mains that would impress even the toughest critic - opt for the tasting menu if it’s a special occasion.

Mediterranean-inspired Byblos serves up exquisite tapas-style share plates with an impeccable river view, while neighbouring Gusto Da Gianni brings Italian flare with a range of pizzas, pasta, and  mains.

Also at Portside you’ll find French cuisine at Mademoiselle, fresh seafood at Fosh, classic burgers from Dumbo, and flavoursome curries at Aamaya Indian Restaurant.

On Racecourse Road and its surrounding streets, you can enjoy excellent contemporary Asian at  Northern Thai, and old-fashioned Italian that would make nonna swoon at The Italian Plate and Gino’s.

Casual eats 

For Manhattan-style burgers and wings, you can’t go past 5 Boroughs and its ginger pepper caramel wings. Alternatively, head to Little Linh at the intersection of Racecourse Road and Kent Street for the best crispy pork banh mi lunch. For ready-made gourmet sandwiches and salads, check out Verde and Sweet artisan kitchen and pantry.

Satisfy your sandwich cravings at Sarni, where the sangers are packed with all your favourite fillings and the menu rotates monthly.

For fresh or fried seafood try Seagrill or super fresh seafood and old-school fish and chips from Samies near Portside. Our advice? Grab some takeaway and head over to Hercules Street Park, where there’s plenty of shade and an epic playground for kids. Foshtails Fish and Chippery on Hamilton’s Portside also offers delicious fish and chips with gorgeous views of the Brisbane River.

Looking for modern Asian fusion? Book a table at Taro’s Ramen (arguably the best ramen in Australia), Sunny Doll or Hosokawa – but be prepared to compete with the locals for a seat!

From dinner to drinks 

Looking to start with drinks and maybe stay for dinner? There are plenty of great restaurant-bars in this area. The Hamilton Hotel offers affordable afternoon drinks with the promise of quality pub food.

Close by on Hamilton’s Portside Wharf is Portside Social, the newest pub in the area, offering crowd favourite classics and plenty of cold brews. Flaming & Co is an exquisite dining destination with its signature wood-fired cooking, including sizzling steaks, succulent seafood and delectable vegetarian options.

Sweet Treats 

There's always room for dessert, right? Pick up some late-night gelato from Milani House of Gelato or mouth-watering French pastries from Le Bon Choix. If you’re in need of a sweet treat at any time of the day, PiCK a CaKE is serving cakes, cookies and pastries that will leave you wanting more.