Cute cafes

Coffee culture runs deep in Paddington and Rosalie, with many picturesque cafes are ready to fill your cup! Start at Chapter IV Espresso, a long-standing local favourite known for its wraparound verandas and gorgeous views – ask for a table towards the back and enjoy a hearty, Thai-inspired feast with a stunning outlook. Just a few steps away, NAIM brings a Middle Eastern twist to the cafe scene, pairing flavourful dishes with one of Paddington’s most picturesque rear courtyards and epic views to the west.

Everyday coffee rituals are taken seriously at Blackout Paddington, a hole-in-the-wall favourite loved for its expertly roasted beans and consistently great brews – piccolo, latte or cappuccino, you name it, they’ll brew it just the way you like it. The Java Lounge Paddington, has been part of the Paddington community for decades serving coffee and housemade cakes, plus an all-day breakfast menu. Wander down further to discover the quirky Sassafras of Paddington, a classic choice with a leafy backyard, ready to fuel your morning with its hearty and wholesome menu.

Nestled among the boutiques and cafes of Latrobe Terrace, enjoy specialty drinks and freshly baked pastries at the newest stop, Mesa Haus. With its beautifully designed interiors and photogenic menu, it's hard to resist snapping a photo before taking the first bite. For coffee lovers Brick Coffee is a cosy corner spot where sunlight streams in – don't leave without trying the cappuccino, topped with real chocolate shavings! On Given Terrace, the Paddington staple, Anouk, serves brilliant all-day breakfast with favourites filling the menu.

In Rosalie, Smoked Paprika serves colourful all-day breakfast dishes inspired by its Hungarian heritage, while Eightysix Cafe is the go-to for a quick but delicious brew, with a range of decadent pastries to also choose from. If a midday coffee is calling, they also serve fresh banh mi and gourmet lunch options that are well worth the try.

Restaurants to savour

Whether you're sharing mezze with friends or twirling your way through a giant bowl of pasta, these Paddington restaurants know how to satisfy. For a dining experience worth savouring, book a table at The Hasma Room, an intimate extension of NAIM, refining the restaurant’s iconic Middle Eastern flavours.

Nearby, Il Posto serves wood-fired pizzas, pasta favourites, and Aperol spritz right in the heart of Paddington. For a modern take on Asian dining, King Tea serves inventive Chinese fusion dishes designed to share, paired with creative cocktails in one of Paddington's most uniquely styled dining spaces. Continue the Italian trail to Marinara for giant bowls of carbonara and a little Tuscany.

For a fresh take on Indian flavours, It’s Mirchi Healthy Indian specialises in vibrant curries and home-style favourites. The Italian fine-dining continues at Attimi where delicate dishes are packed with delicious flavours that take you right to its roots in Italy. Meanwhile MasterChef Alum, Emily Yeoh showcases her authentic Malaysian and Cantonese inspired dishes on her menu.

At Elementi local ingredients meets traditional culinary technique across a refined menu of beautifully plated dishes. Grappino Trattoria takes a more nostalgic approach, with delicious fare and Italian wine in a charming retro dining room. Changing the flavour, take your pick at Ngon Brisbane from fresh rice paper rolls, twice-cooked pork belly and generous noodle dishes, or explore the chef’s specials for a more unexpected taste of Vietnam.

By day, Paddington Social is a favourite for quality coffee, house-baked pastries and an all-day cafe menu. Come evening, the venue transforms as its popular Thai pop-up kitchen takes over, serving dishes that have made it a favourite for any occasion.

Over in Rosalie, Old Monk puts a playful spin on modern Indian dishes with a flair of fun. Sing’s Asian Kitchen is the spot to head for fast, fresh Chinese, Thai and Vietnamese favourites, and Johnny Gios brings New York inspired pizza slices and Italian American flavours to the village.

Cheap eats

At noon, Remy’s swaps breakfast for big burgers and cold beers, best enjoyed from its sunny courtyard. Down a few shops, Hai Hai Ramen dishes up steaming bowls of ramen, fluffy bao buns and boutique wines for an easy midweek dinner. For a different type of casual eatery, Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers serves bowls of – you guessed it – gnocchi, with a wide selection of choices or meal deals to choose from.

Over in Rosalie Village, Five Boroughs is a classic New York eatery, with stacked burgers, loaded sandwiches and American inspired menus. Next door to Meat at Billy's, Eat at Billy's keeps things simple with specialty sandwiches showcasing premium meats, house-made sauces and thick-cut bread. For something sweet, finish with a stop at Gelateria Cremona, where authentic Italian gelato comes in a rotating selection of classic and seasonal flavours.

Bars and pubs

Paddington and Rosalie’s bars and pubs are just as full of character as their dining scene.

For a cosy glass of wine, start at Franks Social Club, where share boards, small plates and gourmet toasties are paired with a concise wine list celebrating both Australian and international drops. Down the Paddington streets, Noir Paddington is an intimate atmosphere – popular for date night - heroing Australian and international varieties alongside charcuterie boards and specialty toasties.

Chasing a perfectly poured Guiness? 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 a classic Brisbane pub experience, The Paddo Tavern is a long-standing institution, with multiple bars, a gaming room, a casual-dining restaurant and the popular Sit Down Comedy Club. Not far from here you’ll find, QBC Stadium Bar is any beer-lover's haven, pouring Queensland Beer Co. brews and being close to Suncorp Stadium, it is a popular spot for post-game drinks.

Tucked into the Wine Experience bottle shop, Wine Experience Bar is a tiny Euro-style wine bar, with room for just 13 guests it’s a neighbourhood bar where vino and conversation flows. Nibble on share plates, cheese and charcuterie with paired wines at this petite local gem. Patio by Range is a laid-back neighbourhood bar, where leafy alfresco seating and a breezy atmosphere set the scene for easy-going eats and drinks. With a menu filled with delectable seasonal plates and craft brews it’s the perfect spot to spend a relaxed afternoon or ease into the evening.