Cute cafes  

Paddington is one of Brisbane’s best café culture destinations. For a Middle Eastern twist and epic views to the west, request a table in the back of Naim. The avocado toast with Persian feta, dukkah, pomegranate gel and poached eggs steps up this staple brekky from the rest. Close by, Chapter IV Espresso is also housed in a cute Queenslander home with wraparound verandas and gorgeous views – ask for a table out back and enjoy for a hearty, modern feast with a stunning outlook. 

Coffee and cycling are always a winning combo and at Tandem Co. Coffee & Cycle House, you can indulge in both pastimes. Fuel up post-ride with hot and cold coffees and breakfast treats. Nearby quirky Sassafras of Paddington is a classic spot on the street with a leafy backyard and wholesome menu. Venture further down the road to Given Terrace where you’ll find, Paddington classic Anouk serving a brilliant restaurant-quality all-day breakfast. 

For a specialty coffee spot that also serves drinks and hosts live music, hit up No 3. Bar + Coffee for a flat white to-go, cocktail or light tapas. Or visit The Java Lounge Paddington for a coffee catch-up with a light snack or delish long lunch. 

In Rosalie, Smoked Paprika is an all-day breakfast café with hearty fare boasting Hungarian flavours, while Eightysix cafe on Baroona Road serves Vietnamese eats, pastries and coffee from a cute hole-in-the-wall spot.

Restaurants to savour

Starting with the finer dining end, authentic Italian spot Grappino Trattoria serves delicious, home-style fare with Italian wine in a charming retro dining room. For a rustic Italian dining experience, Il Posto is a friendly spot for wood-fired pizzas and pasta dishes with an Aperol spritz. For a giant-bowls-of-carbonara, try Marinara with its classic red-and-white check tablecloths and murals of Tuscany.  

Paddington Social is the place to be if you're looking for great coffee, a delicious lunch menu and a Thai pop-up kitchen with creative dishes. For a delicate modern European share plate menu in stylish surrounds, pop into Nota on Given Terrace. Darling & Co is a chic mega-venue great for lunch, dinner and or drinks after a game at Suncorp Stadium. 

Popular Paddington cafe Naim is open for dinner as is Emily Yeoh Restaurant from the Masterchef alumnus herself. 

In Rosalie, Old Monk Modern Indian serves Indian cuisine made for Brisbane with subtle contemporary twists on traditional dishes. Sing’s Asian Kitchen is the spot to head for fast, fresh eats with a menu that offers Chinese, Thai and Vietnamese favourites. 

Cheap eats 

Sometimes all you need is a quick, cheap eat to takeaway or eat in. Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers in Paddington serves bowls of – you guessed it – gnocchi with around five different sauces, plus a simple salad or tiramisu. Hai Hai Ramen dishes up ramen noodles and bao buns to the hungry masses. Pair your meal with a boutique vino or craft beer for a great evening. 

At noon, Remy’s on Latrobe Terrace switches from a breakfast menu to sling burgers and beers plus a couple of salads that are best enjoyed in the courtyard on a sunny Brisbane day. 

Bars and pubs 

Paddington and Rosalie’s bars and pubs also have a distinctly neighbourhood vibe. Meet your mates or get to know the locals over a beer, cocktail, chicken parmy or round of trivia and feel like one of the crew. 
 
Hope & Anchor is Paddington’s local gastropub set in a historic late-1800s cottage with an elevated selection of breakfast, lunch and dinner dishes for all appetites. For another cosy vibe, try King Tea – it’s housed in a 100-year-old building that once provided tea, tobacco and sandwiches to tram workers. Now you’ll find a top menu of modern Chinese fusion food.
 
For a classic Aussie pub experience, head to The Paddo Tavern. The Paddo features multiple bars, a gaming room, a casual-dining restaurant and the popular Sit Down Comedy Club. Both the Paddo and Darling & Co are close to Suncorp Stadium, making these spacious venues popular for post-game drinks. 
 
Tucked into the Wine Experience bottle shop in Rosalie Village, the tiny Wine Experience Bar is a Euro-style 13-person neighbourhood bar where wines and conversation flows. Nibble on share plates, cheese and charcuterie with paired wines at this petite local spot. 

Cinematic food 

Blue Room Cinebar is a Brisbane hidden gem and local favourite. The boutique twin cinema in the heart of Rosalie Village screens arthouse, independent and big blockbuster films and you can enjoy a glass of wine or premium beer, appetisers and light meals while seeing a flick on the big screen.