Riverside views

Howard Smith Wharves 

Enjoy the best seat in the house right under the Story Bridge, on the edge of the sparkling Brisbane River at Howard Smith Wharves. No matter your flavour, the Wharves has something to satisfy your taste buds at any time of day. Try authentic Greek at Greca (Saganaki is a crowd favourite) or funky Japanese at Yoko Dining. 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 Customs House on the Brisbane River. Enjoy fresh produce and a specially crafted seasonal menu designed for sharing. 

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. 

Will and Flow, Brisbane City

You may have spotted Will & Flow on your morning stroll, the gorgeous overwater bar located between the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) Gardens Point ferry terminal and the QUT end of the Goodwill Bridge. It offers a seriously unmatched view for diners perched atop the river enjoying morning juices, coffees, light breakfasts and long lunches by day, to craft beers, vibrant cocktails and delicious bites by night.  

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 excellent all-class restaurants. Dine on Italian cuisine at Popolo or Otto, French at Aquitaine, seafood at River Quay Fish and modern Australian at The Jetty.  

Bar Alto, New Farm 

Filling 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 for a delicious bowl of pasta and red wine, Bar Alto is the perfect addition to a night out. 

il Molo, Bulimba 

Sibling venue to South Bank restaurant The Jetty, il Molo at Bulimba is a favourite spot for late breakfasts and long lunches at the end of Oxford St. Drop in for a relaxed vibe, modern Australian menu and Aperitivo Afternoons from 3pm. 

Mary Mae's, New Farm 

Also in 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. 

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 area. Pull up a chair on the expansive deck and eat your way around the world with an exotic lunch menu. Medley is also open for breakfast and dinner. 

Joey’s, Kangaroo Point 

Sitting pretty on the cliffs, Joey’s is Kangaroo Point’s favourite local. Not only does it offer one of the best views in the city, it also features open alfresco dining with a fresh menu and cocktail 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 and serving 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 di Gianni is a favourite family Italian bistro. Drop in for an aperitivo and stay for a long, relaxed dinner. 

Sono Japanese Restaurant, Hamilton

Sono has spectacular views of the Brisbane River, offering modern Japanese dining as well as more traditional experiences. Sono has incorporated the best of Japanese culture and food and presented it to Brisbane diners.  

Regatta Hotel, Toowong 

Rich in history, the verandas of the iconic Regatta Hotel have seen a lot of changes over the past 145 years. Withstanding floods, fires and more than a century of change, the love for cold beer, a great steak and good times is something that has never changed.  

City views 

MAYA Mexican, Fortitude Valley 

Ride the elevator to the 11th floor and arrive at MAYA Mexican. Brought to you by Eleven Rooftop Bar, this little patch of 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 impressive 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. Be sure to head up the lift, soak up the views of Brisbane and enjoy the independent beer range.  

Iris Rooftop, Fortitude Valley 

Situated atop Hotel X, see the Story Bridge at what feels like eye-level at Iris Rooftop. Book Iris for a delicious dinner or lunch, date night, after-work drinks or celebration of any kind and 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 watch the sky turn shades of pink and orange and the skyscrapers light up as the sun sets over the river. Best of all, the food is inexpensive, drinks are affordable and the entertainment is elite. 

The Terrace Rooftop Bar, South Bank 

The iconic Terrace Rooftop Bar takes dining to new heights at Emporium Hotel. 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 Australia’s first non-residential tower infinity pool, taking the bar and restaurant scene to new heights. Lounge on the Mediterranean Day Beds and call it a day.  

The Grove, Brisbane City 

Enjoy a five-star rated venue with full-service indoor and outdoor event space and world-class in-house catering at The Grove. Pull up a chair on the beautiful viewing deck lined with fairy-lit trees and soak up the incredible views of Brisbane and the Story Bridge. This is the perfect spot to host your next unique event.

Mountain views

Ocean View Estates, Moreton Bay Region 

Vineyard and brewery Ocean View Estates has both a cellar door and restaurant for your indulgence. The kitchen explores a modern Australian menu with an Asian fusion twist. Order a la carte or opt for a degustation while enjoying vineyard views. 

Summit Café, Mt Coot-Tha  

You can’t get much higher than the summit, so you won’t get a better view 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.  

Homage, Scenic Rim 

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

Kooroomba Vineyard and Lavender Farm, Scenic Rim 

The Kooroomba Vineyard and Lavender Farm is an experience you won’t quickly forget. With stunning mountain views and a seasonal menu, the chefs know what they are doing when it comes to paddock-to-plate dining. 

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.  

La Belle Vie, Bardon 

French food oozes romance and no restaurant does it quite like La Belle Vie. Dine on delicious food and don't say no to dessert while admiring floor-to-ceiling views of west Brisbane. 

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 or gathers ingredients from its own garden.

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, enjoy an afternoon sitting on the rolling green lawns with a bucket of prawns from the Oyster Shed or plan in advance and attend a festival. 

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.

The Komo,  Moreton Bay Region 

Located within the Mon Komo Hotel, The Komo is a great spot for sunset drinks with water views and bistro eats.  

Manly Boathouse, Manly 

Take a seat in Manly Boathouse and soak up the unrivalled wraparound views of Moreton Bay. With unmatched locally sourced produce and an exquisite wine list, choose from four dining experiences: The Restaurant, The Bar, The Patio and The Little Boathouses. 

Preece’s At The Jetty, Moreton Bay Region 

By the bayside in Redcliffe, Preece’s At The Jetty is a popular choice for breakfast, lunch and dinner among locals and visitors in the know. 

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 of Macleay, Russel, Lamb and Karragarra. 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

Beach Hotel Bistro, North Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah  

For the best view on the island, you must check out Stradbroke Island Beach Hotel Bistro. Featuring all your favourite pub classics such as burgers, pizzas, fish and chips, this bistro is serving them up with a 10/10 view.  

Tangalooma Island Resort, Tangalooma

Tanglooma Island Resort is bustling with incredible places to dine with a view. For bistro style dining with pizzas, burgers and salads, visit Beach Café. If you’ve had a long day of island adventures, Beach BBQ offers the casual atmosphere to kick back with a drink and bite while overlooking the east sunsets of Moreton Bay. Or, see the day out in style with sunset cocktails from the Beach Deck (upstairs at The Wheelhouse) from 5:00pm to 7:00pm.