Be it a special occasion or an excuse to treat yourself, The City has an enviably high concentration of award-winning fine-dining restaurants. From the best Italian to exquisite Asian to contemporary Australian cuisine, you’ll find no shortage of sophisticated venues throughout The City.
Glamorous modern Chinese restaurant Donna Chang has taken over a 1920s-era former bank and revived it with a luxe fit-out like no other. An extensive menu heavy on Sichuan flavours and fresh local seafood includes the likes of Moreton Bay bugs with fermented chilli, through to big plates of mapo style hot fried pork, dim sum and southern rock lobster or whole Coral Coast baby barramundi from the fish tank.
When the family-run Gambaro Group opens a smart casual Italian bar and bistro, you know it will be delizioso. Add those river views and big balconies and you have a hit on your hands. An embodiment of la dolce vita, Persone is a place to indulge, with entrees of arancini and Byron Bay Burrata to share plates like the 500g Bistecca.
Brisbane's iconic heritage-listed Customs House is home to the glorious Patina restaurant. Expect to enjoy fresh seasonal produce and local seafood that is sourced daily, along with mushrooms grown in an onsite cellar. Menu highlights include the 12-hour lamb shoulder with labneh and za'atar, as well as wines sourced from small producers and family-owned wineries. This restaurant is sure to have you coming back for more.
Picture this: stunning, uninterrupted views of the Story Bridge and the Brisbane River before your eyes, a European-inspired degustation on your table. Alchemy is heralded as one of Brisbane’s best French restaurants and it’s easy to see why after sampling the multi-course menu. If you’d prefer to go a la carte, the chef creates daily specials including fresh seafood dishes and decadent desserts.
Moo Moo can be found in the heart of The City as part of the Stamford Plaza Brisbane Hotel complex. Exuding heritage charm, Moo Moo prides itself on sourcing the best beef from all regions of Australia and offers a wide range of specialty steaks. Catering to all tastes and needs, Moo Moo also serves vegetarian, gluten-free and halal options.
Blackbird is committed to sustainability, using locally sourced, seasonal produce in its sweet and savoury dishes. Meat is the hero here, cooked on a specially imported Infierno 96 wood grill. Pair each dish with the long wine list and sink back into the opulent, Prohibition-inspired space.
Madame Wu is an exciting and elegant riverfront restaurant where spice and flavour are kings. How decadent do Moreton Bay bug-filled dumplings sound? This dish is a must-order at the Asian fusion restaurant. Choose from the a la carte menu or pick one of the banquet options.
Take a step back in time at Walter's Steakhouse, overlooking the iconic City Botanic Gardens in Old Mineral House. It provides the ultimate experience for steak lovers, serving a 270-day grain-fed, in-house dry-aged porterhouse, prepared and cooked with secret methods. Arrive early and order a drink at Walter's enticing bar and enjoy the old-fashioned service.
Malt Dining offers fine and casual dining from its charming rustic venue located in Brisbane’s iconic Wenley House. Over three storeys, you’ll find a restaurant, a whiskey-centric bar and a speakeasy-style underground cellar for private dining events. The menu changes with the seasons but you’ll be sure to find something with options for all dietary requirements.
Escape to Exhibition, an intimate underground restaurant offering those lucky enough to snag a reservation a rare multi-sensory dining experience. Head chef and owner Tim Scott, along with his team, aims to bring you a menu that takes inspiration from a Japanese-style Omakase for a truly unique dining experience.
The vibrant, warm, and inviting design of Tillerman will catch your eye before you even pick up the menu. A premium seafood restaurant, the menu is filled with fresh quality produce and ingredients, our favourite being the seared kingfish crêpes garnished with saffron pickled radish.
Eat well and drink well at Rothwell’s. A timeless bar and grill located in a heritage-listed building, this glamorous eatery is made for long lunches, evening cocktails and intimate dining moments. Be transported back in time, not only through the ambience but also the vintage-feel menu. The succulent beef wellington with red wine sauce would be our top pick.
Settimo is a restaurant situated in The Westin Brisbane, helmed by acclaimed chef and media personality, Guy Grossi. Drawing inspiration from the sun-kissed Amalfi Coast, the menu showcases a fusion of Italian and Australian cuisine that highlights locally-sourced ingredients. With a seating capacity of 150, Settimo offers a delightful dining experience in The City.
Pneuma is a culinary venture led by acclaimed chefs Dan Arnold and Matt Blackwell. Formerly occupying the George Street space of Greenglass, it has transitioned from a pop-up to a permanent fixture. With bespoke floral arrangements by Lyndall Bass and handmade ceramics by Tracy Murray, Pneuma offers a sophisticated a la carte menu featuring innovative dishes, or you can opt for the chef's menu for a curated culinary journey.
Hidden behind a stylish mid-century facade, The Wolf offers an upscale dining experience in Brisbane City, combining a restaurant, bar, and delicatessen with a classic European-inspired culinary approach. Head chef Wesley Marshall and general manager Eric Dessilas curate a sophisticated menu, featuring dishes like tiger prawns with cardamom bisque and steak au poivre, while the deli provides gourmet grab-and-go options and a diverse selection of fine wines and artisanal foods.
Three levels of European bliss, from the high-end eclectic decor to the finessed dining menus, you can expect only good things from Naldham House. Executive Chef Doug Keyte has curated a Brasserie menu and Terrace menu reflecting on the area you are seated in, both featuring high quality ingredients and culinary techniques that perfectly pairs with the extensive wine and cocktail list.