Discover the culinary delights of South Bank, Fish Lane, South Brisbane and West End
Brisbane’s South Bank, Fish Lane, South Brisbane and West End offer a vibrant and diverse dining scene, perfect for those seeking exceptional flavours, stunning settings and a lively atmosphere. From riverside restaurants to hidden laneway gems, this precinct is home to some of Brisbane’s most exciting culinary experiences.
South Bank: A feast for the senses
Set against the picturesque Brisbane River, South Bank is where Brisbane’s dining and cultural heart come together. The precinct combines casual eateries, elegant fine dining, and family-friendly restaurants with some of the city’s most celebrated cultural attractions. Begin your morning with freshly brewed coffee and gourmet pastries from Denim Co. Café, Mi Casa Cafe or Nodo South Bank.
When it’s time for a meal, choose from an incredible range of flavours. Savour Italian at Popolo, Vici Italian, or the iconic Otto Ristorante, graze on Spanish tapas at Ole, or dive into the bold flavours of Ahmets, Baba Ganouj or Naga Thai after catching a show at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC). If you’re craving something more relaxed, grab comfort food favourites at Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers, Brooklyn Depot, or Smokehouse, or enjoy fresh seafood at River Quay Fish, The Jetty, or Sage Yellowfin before an evening performance.
South Bank’s riverside setting makes dining an experience in itself. Enjoy fine food with stunning skyline views at River Quay, or soak up the energy of Little Stanley Street and the Parklands with trendy bistros, lively beer gardens, and family-friendly favourites like Calida Argentinian, Southbeach Social, and Poppies South Bank. As the sun sets, sip cocktails at The Terrace Rooftop Bar or Lina Rooftop, unwind with a drink at The Plough Inn or some of South Bank’s best bars after taking in the 360-degree views from the Wheel of Brisbane.
Blending food, art, history, and entertainment, South Bank offers a truly Brisbane experience where every meal, performance, and cultural discovery connects seamlessly.
Fish Lane: A laneway of flavour and creativity
Stretching from South Brisbane to West End, Fish Lane is a thriving hub of creativity and flavour, renowned for its world-class dining, vibrant nightlife and striking public art installations. This lively laneway is packed with some of Brisbane’s most innovative restaurants, intimate wine bars and cocktail lounges, and dessert spots.
When it’s time to dine, you’ll be spoiled for choice with award-winning restaurants and eateries. From the refined flavours of Southside, Clarence, Marlowe and Como Restaurant to the bold bites of Hello Please or Chu the Phat, or grab crowd-pleasing Italian at Julius Pizzeria. For something lighter, Fishbowl offers fresh, fast options that don’t compromise on flavour.
As the sun goes down, Fish Lane transforms into a vibrant playground of wine bars and cocktail lounges. Sip your way through the stylish La Lune Wine Co, Midtown Bar or Bar Rosa, before discovering hidden gems like Bar Brutus, Hoo Ha Bar, Maker, and the speakeasy-style Next Episode. With fairy lights strung overhead, live music drifting through the laneway, and a buzzing crowd, every visit promises a dining experience that’s as immersive as it is delicious.
Award-winning chefs, stylish venues, and a buzzing atmosphere make the Fish Lane precinct a must-visit for food enthusiasts.
South Brisbane: Dining at the heart of culture
Just moments from Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA), Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC), and the Queensland Museum, South Brisbane blends exceptional dining with Brisbane’s arts and entertainment scene. It’s the perfect place to eat, drink and unwind before or after a cultural experience.
Start your day with a coffee and bite at one of South Brisbane's cosy cafés like Cordelia Sourdough Bakehouse, Five Sisters Art House Café, or the bustling Espresso Garage, all local favourites for breakfast and brunch. When it’s time to dine, indulge in authentic Japanese at Taro’s Ramen, or Uncle Don, or enjoy bold modern flavours at El Planta or Tai Tai. For a taste of the Mediterranean, Nostimo serves up Greek-inspired feasts, while the elegant Bacchus delivers fine dining in the heart of the precinct.
Beer lovers can sample locally brewed pints at The Charming Squire or Saccharomyces while wine bars like Maeve Wine Bar create plenty of cosy corners for a relaxed night out. With its mix of cafés, fine dining, rooftop bars, and buzzing breweries, South Brisbane’s dining scene is as dynamic as it is delicious.
West End: A culinary journey of hidden gems
One of Brisbane’s most eclectic and culturally rich dining neighbourhoods, West End is known for its laid-back vibe and global influences, packed with eateries, buzzing cafés, and much-loved local restaurants.
Enjoy refined dining at Rich & Rare Restaurant or modern Middle Eastern dining at Layla, indulge in Mediterranean flavours at Yamas Greek Restaurant, Italian fare at Pilloni Restaurant or La Lupa, or explore Japanese favourites like Bird’s Nest Yakitori and Izakaya Goku. West End’s food scene celebrates creativity, community, and flavour, making it a must-visit for relaxed dining with personality.
Explore a little more
Discover Brisbane’s vibrant cultural precinct with a guided walking or foodie tour. Join local operators such as Urban Tours Brisbane, Local Sauce Tours, Kiff & Culture or Delectable Tours to taste your way through the city’s best bars and restaurants while uncovering stories, history and flavours that make Brisbane unique.
Where to stay
Stay in one of South Brisbane or South Banks’ exceptional hotels, ranging from five-star luxury to family-friendly apartments. Enjoy stunning views of the Brisbane River, top-tier facilities, and a wide variety of entertainment options at Emporium Hotel South Bank, Mantra South Bank, Rydges South Bank or Novotel South Bank.
Want to keep exploring? Get to know the best things to do in Brisbane’s southern suburbs.
