Riverside dining

For one of Brisbane’s most idyllic vistas, head to the Brisbane Powerhouse and find Mary Mae's at the water’s edge. Indulge in a range of snack foods, soulful bites, sharing platters and uninterrupted river views, plus live music on weekends. Prefer some Italian? Make your way upstairs to Bar Alto for superb food, an epic wine list and a great view.  

Journey a little further along Teneriffe Riverwalk and you’ll discover Barko & Co, serving up delicious breakfast and lunch favourites with a healthy twist and relaxed outdoor dining. Newstead’s Malt Pier is one of Brisbane’s best kept secrets, delivering all-day breakfast and lunch in an intimate, fuss-free waterfront setting.

Breakfast spots  

Finding breakfast spots in this part of town is like finding patisseries in Paris – there’s plenty of them and it’s hard to go wrong. Start your brunch journey in Teneriffe where a variety of cafes are within walking distance of one another. Nestled amongst the heritage listed woolstores is Sippy Tom, which is famous for its coffee, satisfying seasonal brunch menu and industrial chic vibes. A short stroll down the tree-lined Vernon Terrace will lead you to Wilde Kitchen where you’ll find a guiltfree menu designed to fuel your body and fitness goals. Kin & Co is another favourite amongst Teneriffe locals with an all-day menu of reinvented breakfast classics and mimosas from 10am.  

Just a stone’s throw away in New Farm is MYLK + KO, serving up wholesome, flavour-packed gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan options; the popular Joedy’s adjacent to New Farm Park; and Spicers Retreats’ The Balfour Kitchen & Bar, which offers a decadent Vietnamese-influenced menu and breezy veranda setting.

Fancy food 

Newstead is now home to acclaimed Brisbane institution e'cco bistro, which has been creating award-winning modern Australian cuisine for more than 25 years. You’ll also find atmospheric degustation restaurant Rogue Bistro, which unveils a new set menu every month across two sittings Wednesday – Saturday. For a truly indulgent, intimate gastronomical experience, Elska’s Nordic-influenced degustation is a bucket list destination for foodies. 

Cocktail hour  

Enjoy a few cocktails with dinner at Brisbane mainstay Gerties Bar & Restaurant, which has been a favourite watering hole for New Farm locals for 30 years. For bustling neighbourhood bar vibes, you can’t go past Mrs Brown's Bar & Kitchen. Made by locals, for locals, Mrs Brown’s is open seven days, serving up one of Brisbane’s best bar snacks menus to complement a comprehensive drinks list. Mrs Brown’s nearby sibling venue Stratton Bar & Kitchen, next door to popular live music haunt The Triffid, is another popular social house for relaxed eats and drinks.  

Combining creative cocktails, japanese izakaya-style eats and smooth tunes, Newstead's Ruby, My Dear is a fresh favourite.  

International eats  

You don’t have to venture far for the best in international cuisine. A Teneriffe icon and Brisbane mainstay is pizza and pasta joint Beccofino, parent venue to Fish Lane’s popular Julius Pizzeria. Italian newcomer Siffredi’s Spaghetti Bar – “born out of redundancies and ‘rona” – has fast become one of Brisbane’s most authentic Italian experiences, with a small but mighty menu of modern Italian eats.  

The adjacent Zero Fox craft bar combines the best brews from independent Australian brewers with a mouth-watering menu of Japanese and Korean bites designed for sharing. For fresh and fast poke, the OG Cheeky Poke in Newstead serves up build-your-own bowls, wonton tacos and signature soups seven days.  

Taj Mahal is another Brisbane staple of 20 years. Serving traditional cuisine and warm Indian hospitality, don’t be surprised if you find yourself seated next to a famous cricket player or Bollywood star.  

Finish off in the deep south with tastes of America at The Smoke BBQ, home of Brisbane’s best barbecue. And for lip-smacking burgers and classic fries, burger shack Betty’s Burgers & Concrete Co. serves some of the best in town.

Time for a tipple 

Brisbanites love a trusted spot for a tipple and New Farm, Newstead and Teneriffe have plenty to choose from. Craft breweries Green Beacon and Range Brewing are perfectly positioned for a posh pub crawl, or follow the river upstream to find Dalgety 2.0 Public House – the perfect choice for live-and-loud sports on the big screen.

Sweet treats 

If you’re craving something sweet, La Macelleria has the inside scoop on authentic Italian gelato, sorbet, shakes and cakes, or drop by New Farm Confectionery’s flagship store for gourmet confectionery handmade in the heart of Newstead. For a guilt-free indulgence, say ‘yes’ to Nodo for beautiful baked goods that combine artisan methods and gluten free ingredients.