Best breakfasts 

Breakfast needn’t be just bacon and eggs on toast, and Racecourse Rd 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.  

Racecourse Rd is also the birthplace of the iconic Café 63, which now resides at the base of the SILK lifestyle precinct a stone’s throw from the OG restaurant. The extensive choose-your-own-adventure all-day menu remains, as do the generous serving sizes and value prices.  

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

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

Multicultural dining 

Portside Wharf is the area’s premier dining destination for superb international cuisine. Japanese restaurant Sono offers traditional sashimi and 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 a to-die-for river view, while neighbouring Gusto Da Gianni brings Italian flare through a range of pizzas, pasta and Italian mains.  

Also at Portside, Bamboo Basket’s signature dish Xiao Long Bao is prepared fresh daily and keeps locals coming back for more, and the flavoursome curries at Aamaya Indian Restaurant certainly won’t disappoint.  

On Racecourse Road and surrounding, you can enjoy excellent contemporary Asian at Northern Thai, and good old-fashioned Italian that would make nonna blush at Trattoria Italiana, 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 or head to Little Linh on the Racecourse Road and Kent Street intersection for the best Crispy Pork Banh Mi lunch. For ready-made gourmet sandwiches and salads, check out Verde and Sweet Artisan Kitchen and Pantry. 

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 the nearby Hercules Street Park where there’s plenty of shade and an epic playground for kids.  

Aussies' love for modern Asian fusion is certainly evident in these northern suburbs, with a number of restaurants available. Taro’s Ramen (arguably the best ramen in Australia), Sunny Doll and Hosokawa are amongst the locals’ favourites.

From dinner to drinks 

Wanting to start drinks early with the potential of dinner but not wanting to move from the bar to a restaurant? There are a handful of restaurant-bars in this area. The Hamilton Hotel offers cheap afternoon drinks with the promise of quality pub food in the very next room. Check out their events calendar too, where you’re likely to catch some Aussie icons without big venue prices.  

On Racecourse Road, 5 Boroughs provides New York-style burgers and BBQ with an extensive cocktail list, perfect for a hangout with mates. For something a little more fancy, try Victory Lanes. Offering a full menu and chef selections accompanied by creative cocktails and premium spirits, you can opt for a selection of bar eats or sit down for a main meal while the drinks continue to flow. Flaming & Co is an exquisite dining destination with its signature wood fire 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.