Melrose Restaurant, Bulimba

For Bali nostalgia look no further than Melrose Restaurant. With an authentic Thai and Indonesian fusion menu and unique cocktail list, you’ll be transported to travels gone by well before the first sip of your Mangga Martini. Located in Bulimba, just a short drive or ferry trip across the river, this rooftop restaurant is the ultimate in alfresco dining with an open roof – dine under blue skies by day and stars by night.

Bianca, Fortitude Valley

Who doesn’t love Italian? Especially when the pasta, bread and cheese are made fresh. Bianca is a classic Italian trattoria in Fortitude Valley’s James Street. The restaurant honours the Italian culture by perfecting traditional dishes and pairing them with the finest wines. Book online for a table or a private dining experience.

Opa, Brisbane City

Celebrate your next occasion at Opa Bar + Mezze, one of Brisbane’s best Greek restaurants. Their menu is packed to the brim with traditional Greek foods and a variety of seafood and dessert dishes. To truly experience the flavours of Greece, try their all-day Mezze menu, perfect for waterfront dining along the Brisbane River.

Exhibition Restaurant, Brisbane City 

Deep within the Metro Arts Theatre of Brisbane is an intimate 24-seat restaurant known as Exhibition. Exhibition aims to provide guests with a multi-sensory dining experience, genuinely keeping the legacy of live theatre and visual arts alive. Head chef and owner, Tim Scott, draws inspiration as the seasons evolve, using only the freshest produce available.

Perspective Dining, Fortitude Valley

If you are looking for one of the most unique foodie experiences in Brisbane, then search no further than Perspective Dining. An intimate venue where you sit by the kitchen as talented chef, Andrew McCrea (who has only 6% vision), cooks and talks you through his delicious, ever-changing menu that boasts local, seasonal produce.

Southside, South Brisbane

Situated under the train line in Fish Lane, Southside serves up quality East Asian dishes from its minimalist, industrial restaurant. Dim sum, share plates, noodles and banquets are all on offer here.

Rothwell’s Bar & Grill, Brisbane City

Nestled within an 1897-built heritage building on Edward Street is the home of Rothwell’s Bar & Grill. This quintessential bistro was inspired by iconic restaurants from around the world. Laced with forest-green leather and luminous hanging chandeliers, the experience provides a sense of contemporary glamour. Notorious for its top-notch food and stellar service, it makes the perfect place for both the indulgent long lunches and intimate dining moments. You can expect anything from the classic fresh oyster to their mouth-watering beef wellington paired with the perfect red from their 2000-bottle cellar!

Agnes, Fortitude Valley

In a beautiful old brick warehouse, tucked away in the Fortitude Valley, you'll find the wood-fired cooking delights of Agnes. 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. 

Sasso Italiano, Woolloongabba

Another indulgent Italian restaurant to add to Brisbane’s carb-loaded list? Count us in! Brisbane’s newest neighbourhood Italian bar and trattoria is serving up old-school, unforgettable Italian eats alongside a natural wine and rich Negroni menu in the fast-growing South City Square Precinct. A simple ethos: good food, dim lights, ambience, good times. We’re there.

sAme sAme, Fortitude Valley

Walk past the arched James Street entrance to the Calile Hotel, down Ada Lane and into popular restaurant-slash-bar sAme sAme. It's the sort of place that calls for a cocktail with dinner and their curries are a must.

Hellenika, The Calile, Fortitude Valley

Popular with those who live for all things aesthetically pleasing, The Calile’s Hellenika has a distinctly Greek flavour. The restaurant sprawls the length of the sparkling hotel pool, with poolside cabanas and patio dining options to catch the breeze and soak up Brisbane’s sun.

Stanley, Howard Smith Wharves

This Howard Smith Wharves eatery has all of us turning heads at the stunning two-storey interior and delectable menu. This Cantonese restaurant has a menu that ventures outside the box, creating a special and unforgettable foodie experience.

Babylon, Brisbane City

Picture this: a balmy Brisbane afternoon, Mediterranean food and refreshing cocktails by the waterside. Perched on the Brisbane River and spanning three levels, Babylon has an intimate indoor dining area, private events space and an expansive outdoor set-up clad with subtropical greenery and deep timber accents.

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 

Olive + Angelo, Brisbane City

Meet Olive + Angelo, the 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-fuelled cravings.

Essa, Fortitude Valley

A unique dining experience in the heart of James Street. Book in for dark, moody yet charismatic vibes that give you an escape from the expected. Essa provides a wildly contrasting experience to its nearby neighbours. Boasting a carefully curated seasonal menu, the kitchen prides itself on not only creating meals that will have you asking for more but showcasing the work of local farmers and producers. Their harvest driven dishes pair unexpected ingredients to create familiar flavours that will have your taste buds soaring. Featuring raw, pickled, smoked and wood-fired dishes, Essa is truly an experience that evolves with every visit.

Detour, Woolloongabba

A unique and inclusive menu that provides options for dietary needs, but plates all dishes as a work of art, Detour is a must visit on your bucket list. Taking out the dietary stresses, this restaurant provides an opportunity to simply sit back and enjoy the experience.

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 gushing over.

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.

joy. Restaurant, Fortitude Valley

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.

Mosconi Restaurant & Wine Bar, Fortitude Valley

Serving crisp wines and specialty cocktails alongside a menu of European-inspired delights, Mosconi is a little hidden gem worth to be sought out. You can pop by for a nibble and a drink or stay for a full feast – we think the latter is most likely.

Cafés

Supernova, Fortitude Valley

Sando’s, soba and matcha is available every morning for the lovers of Japanese-inspired breakfast eats. All sando’s made with Japanese milk bread and homemade sweet barbeque sauce, Soba made with love and matcha made to refresh.

Snug, Cooparoo

Tucked away in Coorparoo, Snug is serving delicious Asian inspired brunch and St. Ali coffee. As the name suggests, this is an intimate café that provides a cosy atmosphere that pairs perfectly with the snug eats and drinks.

Naim, Paddington

A modern Middle Eastern café that offers both a regular and plant-based all-day menu to cater for everyone. The beautifully platted and bold flavoured dishes will warm you from the inside out.

Felix for Goodness, Brisbane City

Found in Burnett Lane, just off Queen Street Mall, is a hidden café serving delicious, healthy, and seasonal dishes every day. You can also find some Felix merchandise such as coffee cups, or edible joys like a range of jams and sauces.

The Green, Fortitude Valley

Located in the James Street precinct is a lush escape serving Lebanese food with inventive twists incorporated into each dish.  After generations of family members perfecting these plates, the owners now share the love through each flavoursome powerhouse dish.

Industry Beans, Newstead

Industry Beans is not just your run-of-the-mill cafes. Pay a visit for a unique brunch and coffee experience, including the working coffee roastery, coffee greenhouse and coffee bar. The menu is seasonal and changes every three months, so while it’s not great for your attachment issues it is great for your belly.

A Café Called Kevin, New Farm

Nestled in the bustling suburb of New Farm Park, Kevin is bringing out some incredible dishes where the menu changes based on seasonal availability. This café is an eclectic space that is perfect for a group of friends for breakfast, a brunch date, or a ‘work from home’ day.

Sister, Hawthorne

Sister is pouring quality coffee with Single O and serving up some classic breakfast items with a twist like ‘avocado’, and some unique items like the ‘breakfast gnocchi’. The smells flowing from the café will draw you in from anywhere on Hawthorne Road.

James & Antler, Fortitude Valley

Frappe and a croque? Meet James Street’s newest viral venue, James & Antler. Serving delicious croques topped with a generous layer of Manchego cheese, along with thick and creamy shaken frappes - what more could you want!?

Rise, Hamilton

A chic French bakery where the pastries are made fresh daily in house. Both the sweet and the savoury will transport you to that little French patisserie that you have been dreaming about.

Pawpaw, Woollongabba & Balmoral

Both a café and a restaurant, Paw Paw is delivering some delicious South-East Asian inspired dishes. With a fresh ambience, it is the perfect spot to bring your friends and enjoy some delicious food.

Sister, Hawthorne

Sister is pouring quality coffee with Single O and serving up some classic breakfast items with a twist like ‘avocado’, and some unique items like the ‘breakfast gnocchi’. The smells flowing from the café will draw you in from anywhere on Hawthorne Road.

The Maillard Project, Brisbane City

Specialty café and coffee roaster The Maillard Project is bringing breakfast up a notch in Brisbane’s CBD. And it’s no wonder, being a project by the locally loved Margaret Street café Coffee Anthology. Stop by for unique blends and beautiful breakfasts and pick up a pastry while you’re at it.

Hey Joe Coffee + Co, East Brisbane

Shall we brunch? This warehouse style venue brings you a seasonal menu with an Indian twist. With a breakfast menu till 3pm, a full vegan menu and dinner menu in place, you are bound to find something to get your taste buds tingling. This venue is also doggo friendly, so don't forget to bring your fur baby for an outing.

James & Antler, James Street

Frappe and a croque? Meet James Street’s newest viral venue, James & Antler. Serving delicious croques topped with a generous layer of Manchego cheese, along with thick and creamy shaken frappes - what more could you want!?

Bars

Next Episode, South Brisbane

This hidey-hole is hidden in the backstreets of South Brisbane, only noticeable by a neon sign and lit-up barber’s pole. Once found, enjoy signature cocktails, artisan spirits, craft beers and wine within the confined walls of this 35-seat speakeasy bar.

Stan’s Lounge, Howard Smith Wharves

Fit out with a vintage JBL sound system and DJ’s creating the perfect atmosphere to enjoy the old-world Hong Kong inspired bar with a modern twist. Found on the second level of Stanley’s restaurant at Howard Smith Wharves, Stan’s provides handcrafted martinis and Cantonese-inspired snacks.

Bar Miette, Brisbane City

Beside the Brisbane River, with perfect views of the Story Bridge is Bar Miette, a European inspired bar. Whilst your sipping on one of the bespoke cocktails, enjoy the unique snacks or sandwiches.

Milquetoast, Brisbane City

Down a laneway on Elizabeth Street and in a garage, you wouldn’t expect to find thoughtful wine bar. Open from Tuesday to Saturday evenings to bring warmth, passion and quality to each sip and everyone that joins.

Club Felix, Brisbane City

Sophisticated, seductive and indulgent are the three words to describe your experience at Club Felix. Enjoy delectable sips and small plates to pair as you allow yourself to lose track of time.

Maya, Fortitude Valley

Bring on the margaritas. With its breathtaking views over the Brisbane and beyond this is the perfect place to unwind with a cocktail and wrap your chops around some Mexican street food. Picture fresh Australian produce 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.

Le Bon Bar, Woolloongabba

Bringing a mini French Quarter into the historic heart of Woolloongabba. This spot offers charming and cosy spaces for locals and visitors alike to dine and linger from their first breakfast espresso right up until the post-dinner digestif.

Lefty's Music Hall, Caxton Street

Lefty’s Music Hall brings American vibes combined with a modern-day flare. This much-loved venue’s quirky old-timey décor has kept this a long-term favourite among locals and Caxton Street goers.

The Terrace, South Bank

The Terrace within South Bank’s Emporium Hotel provides views for days, delicious cocktails, fluffy bar stools that blend in with the clouds, and an all-day food menu to keep you hydrated and hunger-free.

Tetto Rooftop Bar, Everton Park

Not another rooftop bar – said no one ever. Tetto, together with Corbett & Claude, has 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.

Felons Brewing Co, Howard Smith Wharves

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 confines of the old heritage sheds.

Death & Taxes, Brisbane City

Who knew the mastermind behind Cobbler, Dr Gimlette and Finney Isles still had the energy to do anything else, but he's surprised (and delighted) us all by with 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.

Mr Percival’s, Howard Smith Wharves

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

Iris Rooftop, Fortitude Valley

Iris has you covered for the ultimate afternoon drinks.  With lively tunes, Mediterranean-inspired eats like slow-cooked lamb shawarma and flatbread with handmade burrata and Baba Ghanouj, fruity cocktails, and stunning views of the city skyline – this venue can’t be beat. No excuses, get your head in the clouds and experience a touch of luxury.

Valley Hops Brewing, Fortitude Valley

What’s the ultimate Sunday session location? A rooftop brewery. Jump in an elevator up to the carefully designed and full-of-life brewery, complete with rooftop views, woodfired pizza and a charcoal grill. What more could you want?

Hibiscus Bar and Terrace, Brisbane City

Celebrating Brisbane’s sunshine state of mind, this poolside restaurant and bar is keeping summer alive, all year long. Praised for its past of hosting world-renowned guests including inventor Alexander Graham Bell, President Lyndon B. Johnson and The Beatles, the revamp pays homage to the ’70s and ‘80s - the era it was first established. Although the atmosphere is laid-back, their menu is exploding with flavour. From Southern Queensland lamb loin chops to the chef’s signature casserole du jour which is seasonally shifted, Hibiscus Room needs to be on top of your dining agenda.

Ach wine bar and bistro, Hamilton

A middle eastern inspired bar has a wine list that is travelling from Turkey, Israel, and Lebanon, and serving up dishes prepared over an open fire. Ach aims to bring a taste of the Middle East to Brisbane, showcasing the unique flavours and mastery of the craft.

Midtown, South Brisbane

If you are looking for a New York City escape, then Midtown is the perfect bar to sip a martini at. Divided into three sections, uptown, midtown and downtown, you can choose which vibe will best suit you.

Fiume Rooftop Bar, Howard Smith Wharves

Positioned on the rooftop of the Crystalbrook Vincent overlooking Howard Smith Wharves to the Brisbane River and the Story Bridge. You can then choose from the al carte menu, or the ‘feed me’ menu when you just can’t decide!

Sunsets, Kangaroo Point

The view from a rooftop bar will just never get old, and Sunsets at Kangaroo Point is no exception. This Mediterranean-inspired venue is intertwined perfectly through both the aesthetic, food and drinks menu, and the sunsets that fall behind the city. Did we mention that there is also great view of the Gabba where you can catch a glimpse of the footy? Toast to drinks with a view.