Cute cafes

Paddington is one of Brisbane’s best cafe culture destinations. For a Middle Eastern twist and epic views to the west, request a table in the back of Naim. The unique menu that offers plant based replicas on the back of the menu, makes this café inclusive of all dietaries without losing flavour.. 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, Thai-inspired feast with a stunning outlook.

Find this hole-in-the-wall style coffee roaster, Blackout Coffee Paddington simply serving quality coffee every day. Wonder down Latrobe Terrace to find the quirky Sassafras of Paddington, a classic spot with a leafy backyard is ready to fuel you with its hearty and wholesome menu. If you find yourself on Given Terrace, discover the Paddington staple, Anouk, serving brilliant restaurant-quality all-day breakfast.

For a specialty coffee spot that also serves drinks and hosts live music, hit up Brick Coffee. Or visit The Java Lounge Paddington for a coffee and cake catch-up or a long brunch sitting.

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

Restaurants to savour

Starting with the finer side of dining, authentic Italian spot Elementi sources local ingredients whilst celebrating traditional culinary techniques. The Italian fine-dining doesn’t stop there, you can also find Attimi on Given Terrace, an intimate restaurant serving delicate and skillful dishes packed with delicious flavours. For a more home-style Italian atmosphere, Grappino Trattoria serving delicious fare with Italian wine in a charming retro dining room. For a rustic Italian dining experience, Il Posto is a welcoming spot for wood-fired pizzas and pasta dishes perfectly paired with an Aperol spritz. For a giant-bowls-of-carbonara, try Marinara with its classic red-and-white check tablecloths and murals of Tuscany. 

Found in a beautiful Queenslander, Paddington Social is a popular café and Thai restaurant, serving up delicious meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Darling & Co is a chic mega-venue great for a bite before or after a game at Suncorp Stadium.

Find Popular Paddington middle eastern restaurant, Naim on Collingwood street, serving up delicious authentic mezze platters. While Masterchef Alumni, Emily Yeoh showcases her authentic Malaysian and Cantonese inspired menu on Given Terrace.

In Rosalie, Old Monk is serving modern Indian dishes with a flair of fun. 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 you want to sit in and watch a movie with delicious food, and fortunately Paddington and Rosalie are filled with easily accessible takeaway spots. Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers in Paddington serves bowls of – you guessed it – gnocchi with a wide selection of choices or meal deals to choose from. 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 big burgers and beers 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 atmosphere, 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. Looking for somewhere romantic? Noir Paddington and Franks Social Club are beloved neighbourhood wine bars, serving Australian and international wines perfectly paired with charcuterie boards and specialty toasties.