Dining with a view in Brisbane

Calling all foodies. Brisbane is serving up delectable food and divine drinks with a side of jaw-dropping views. Find yourself at one of these unforgettable restaurants and cafes and say cheers to the good life as the sun sets over the river, behind a mountain range or as you gaze out across the bay.

IN THIS ARTICLE
IN THIS ARTICLE

Riverside views

Howard Smith Wharves

Enjoy one of the best seats in the house can be found right under the Story Bridge, on the edge of the Brisbane River at Howard Smith Wharves. No matter your flavour, The Wharves have something to satisfy your taste buds at any time of day. Fellini’s covers breakfast bites and easy Italian street food, while Greca leans into authentic Greek flavours (don’t skip the saganaki) and Yoko brings a hit of funky Japanese. If you’re feeling fancy, dine on Cantonese at Stanley Restaurant or traditional yet trendy Italian at Ciao Papi.

Patina at Customs House, Brisbane City

For an incredible dining experience take a seat on the terrace at the historic Patina at Customs House on the Brisbane River. Enjoy fresh produce with a specially crafted seasonal menu in a setting that’s hard to beat.

Alchemy, Brisbane City

As the name suggests, expect a degree of magic when dining at the award-winning Alchemy. Culinary perfectionist and head chef Brad Jolly offers both a la carte and degustation menus to enjoy with uninterrupted views of the Story Bridge.

Stilts, Brisbane City

Set right on the Brisbane River atop the Kangaroo Point Green Bridge, Stilts is all about the setting. Suspended above the water, it pairs a striking location with a menu that draws on premium Australian produce, bringing together land and sea in a refined dining experience with uninterrupted river and City views.

River Quay precinct, South Bank

In one corner of South Bank, right down by the river, River Quay precinct is an award-winning, architecturally designed patch of grass surrounded by some of South Bank’s best dining spots. Take your taste buds to the Mediterranean with beautiful and fresh flavours from Popolo, Otto, and Azure.

Il Molo, Bulimba

Perched at the end of Oxford Street, Il Molo is a go-to for all day dining by the river. Drop in for a relaxed vibe at sunset for Aperitivo or dine into the evening with traditional flavours in every dish.

Medley Café, Kangaroo Point

One of Kangaroo Point’s best-kept secrets, Medley Café & Restaurant fronts the river on the quieter side of the buzzing suburb. Pull up a chair on the expansive deck and eat your way around the world with an exotic breakfast and lunch menu.

Joey’s, Kangaroo Point

Sitting pretty on the cliffs, Joey’s is Kangaroo Point’s local favourite. Not only does it offer one of the best views in the city, it also features open alfresco dining from morning to night with a fresh menu and drinks list to keep you coming back for more.

Byblos, Hamilton

Catch the CityCat to Brett’s Wharf stop at Hamilton and wander over to the Portside precinct to experience the flavours of ancient Byblos. In prime position overlooking the Brisbane River, it serves modern Mediterranean cuisine with lavish Lebanese hospitality, Byblos is the ideal place for an afternoon cocktail or bite from the extensive tapas menu.

Gusto da Gianni, Hamilton

Next door to Byblos, Gusto da Gianni is a family favourite Italian bistro. Drop in for an aperitivo and stay for a long, relaxed dinner.

Sono Japanese Restaurant, Hamilton

Sono offers spectacular views of the Brisbane River, with a menu that spans modern Japanese dining alongside more traditional experiences. Drawing on the best of Japanese culture and cuisine, it’s a refined take brought to Brisbane diners.

Regatta Hotel, Toowong

Rich in history, the verandas of the iconic Regatta Hotel hold a whole history of stories. Through more than a century of change, the love for cold beer, a great steak and good times is something that has stayed exactly the same.

Bar Alto, New Farm

Set on the upper-level veranda of the Brisbane Powerhouse, Bar Alto is an excellent choice for good Italian by the river. A favourite spot pre- or post-show at the Powerhouse Brisbane, for a delicious bowl of pasta and red wine, Bar Alto is the perfect addition to a night out.

Mary Mae's, New Farm

Also attached to the Brisbane Powerhouse, Mary Mae's takes up the lower, riverfront level in the building. The combined kitchen and bar serve a range of soulful bites, sharing plates and comfort food pairing well with summery cocktails and crisp wines.

MAYA Mexican afternoon sunset
MAYA Mexican, Fortitude Valley

City views

Vertigo, New Farm

Don’t just take in the city views from a regular seat, but why not be suspended four stories above ground. Vertigo takes dining with a view to a whole new level as you let your feet dangle atop the Brisbane Powerhouse whilst enjoying your chef crafted meal.

MAYA Mexican, Fortitude Valley

Ride the elevator to the 11th floor and you’ll land at MAYA Mexican. This pocket of coastal Mexico in the sky is where local produce channels Mexican influences in a mouth-watering menu of flavours. Enjoy lashings of tequila, mezcal and sotol as you peruse the seriously stacked cocktail list.

Valley Hops Brewery, Fortitude Valley

Perched on top of Cloudland, Valley Hops Brewery crafts beer with character. A big fan of Fortitude Valley, this rooftop brewery celebrates the area in all its true colours. Grab a spot that captures a view over the city and work your way through their independent range while soaking up the atmosphere.

Iris Rooftop, Fortitude Valley

Situated atop The Avani Hotel Brisbane, see the Story Bridge at what feels like eye-level at Iris Rooftop. Perfect for a delicious lunch or dinner, date night, after-work drinks or celebration of any kind, you can prepare to be amazed by its incredible menu, curated by some of the best in Brisbane.

Brisbane Jazz Club, Kangaroo Point

Another of Brisbane’s best-kept secrets – have you seen the view from the deck at the Brisbane Jazz Club? Sitting opposite The City, you can watch as the sun sets over the river and the sky turn shades of pink and orange and the skyscrapers light up. Settle in with a drink and tap along to the live music.

The Terrace Rooftop Bar, South Bank

The iconic Terrace Rooftop Bar takes dining to new heights at The Emporium Hotel South Bank. With a bespoke retractable ceiling and operable glass roof, this is the perfect place to bask in the sunshine while taking in unrivalled views across South Bank, The City and beyond.

Lina Rooftop Bar, South Brisbane

Searching for an inner-city escape? Lina Rooftop is your destination. With 1500sqm of elevated landscape, enjoy the picture-perfect infinity pool that takes the bar and restaurant scene to new heights. It’s time to lounge on the Mediterranean day beds and call it a day.

Summit Café, Mt Coot-Tha

You can’t get much higher than the summit, so you won’t get a better view of Brisbane’s city than on top of Mt Coot-Tha at The Summit Café. The team on top are passionate about using the freshest local ingredients, bringing cutting-edge flavours and style to their well-loved and frequently visited café.

Ocean View Estate Restaurant Dining
Ocean View Estates, Moreton Bay region

Mountain views

La Belle Vie, Bardon

French food oozes romance and no one does it quite like La Belle Vie. Dine on delicious and traditional plates and be sure to keep room for dessert all whilst admiring the floor-to-ceiling views of west Brisbane.

Ocean View Estates, Moreton Bay region

Both a vineyard and brewery, Ocean View Estates has a cellar door and restaurant for your indulgence, with a modern Australian menu with an Asian fusion twist. Order a la carte or opt for a degustation, all while taking in the vineyard views.

Homage, Scenic Rim

For destination dining at its finest, head out to Homage at Spicers Hidden Vale in Grandchester to feast on fine local food. Overlooking a 12,000-acre working farm, Homage brings together unique dishes using locally sourced produce as well what’s grown on-site.

Kooroomba Vineyard and Lavender Farm, Scenic Rim

The Kooroomba Vineyard and Lavender Farm is an experience you won’t forget in a hurry. With mountain views stretching across the Scenic Rim and rows of lavender in bloom, the kitchen leans into paddock-to-plate dining done at its finest.

Binna Burra Tea House, Scenic Rim

The Binna Burra Tea House offers spectacular views from its mountaintop perch, sources Scenic Rim ingredients for its tantalising menu and ensures its providore store is fully stocked with fresh local produce, so you can keep tasting the goodness from home.

Pethers Rainforest Restaurant, Scenic Rim

Enjoy two or three courses overlooking lush rainforest in the heart of the Scenic Rim at Pethers. The kitchen uses locally sourced goods from the region and gathers ingredients from its own garden to ensure you get to enjoy the freshest ingredients cook with care.

Bay views

Sandstone Point Hotel, Moreton Bay region

The epic views over Bribie Island and Pumicestone Passage aren't the only prized item at Sandstone Point Hotel. Drop in for lunch, stretch out on the rolling green lawns and indulge in a bucket of prawns from the Oyster Shed or plan ahead and catch one of the many events.

Tempest’s Seafood, Moreton Bay region

Each morning, the head chef drops by the trawler boats out the front of Scarborough Harbour to pick from the daily catch. That way, Tempest Seafood serves the freshest local fish in its wide variety of dishes, all enjoyed alongside marina views.

The Komo, Moreton Bay region

Set within the Mon Komo Hotel, The Komo is a go-to for sunset drinks, where golden-hour light spills across the water and the bistro menu keeps things easy with classic, crowd-favourite eats.

Preece’s At The Jetty, Moreton Bay region

By the bayside in Redcliffe, Preece’s At The Jetty is a local favourite for breakfast, lunch and dinner, drawing in those in the know with its easy costal charm and waterfront views.

Manly Boathouse, Manly

Take a seat at Manly Boathouse and soak up the unrivalled wraparound views of Moreton Bay. With unmatched locally sourced produce and an expertly curated wine list, choose from four dining experiences: The Restaurant, The Bar, The Patio and The Little Boathouses to perfectly tailor your experience.

Pelican Café, Redland Bay

The bayside’s hidden gem, Pelican Café serves not only a delicious all-day breakfast and lunch menu but also serves up incredible views of Redland Bay and the Southern Moreton Bay islands. With a view and access like this, it’s no surprise the food is all made fresh on-site with locally sourced produce.

Ocean views

The Straddie Hotel, North Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah

Fresh from a recent glow-up, The Straddie Hotel is back better than ever, dishing up all your favourite pub classics like burgers, pizzas and fish and chips, all enjoyed with a backdrop of uninterrupted ocean views.

Tangalooma Island Resort, Moreton Island/Mulgumpin

Tangalooma Island Resort is bustling with incredible places to dine with a view. For laidback bistro fare like pizzas, burgers and salads, visit Beach Café. After a big day of island adventures, Beach BBQ is the spot to kick back with a drink and bite while taking in sunsets overlooking Moreton Bay. Or, see the day out in style with a few cocktails from the Beach Deck offering spectacular views of the sunset form the deck.

Layla restaurant west end