The city:
Alfresco restaurants and bars
Brisbane is blessed with a postcard-perfect climate. Our warm winters and sunny summers are ideal for alfresco dining, riverfront restaurants and rooftop bars and, luckily for us, Brisbane has these in abundance. Here are some of our favourite spots to soak up vitamin D in The City.
Alfresco restaurants
Alchemy, Eagle St
Experience the gastronomic magic at award-winning riverfront restaurant Alchemy. Head chef Brad Jolly offers both a la carte and degustation menus to enjoy as you take in sweeping, uninterrupted views of the Story Bridge.
Firefly, George St
This George St café and bar takes sidewalk talking to an elegant new level. Firefly's open-air space in the heart of The City features an expansive courtyard where you can grab a hearty breakfast, enjoy a long lunch or settle in for the evening with a few after-work drinks.
Jimmy’s On The Mall, Queen Street Mall
Located in the heart of Queen Street Mall, Jimmy’s On The Mall is the longest-established outdoor restaurant in Brisbane City. The iconic institution has served millions of Brisbane locals, shoppers and visitors since 1982 with an extensive menu accompanied by a great selection of boutique beers on tap and a comprehensive wine list. Its open-air, two-storey venue also provides one of The City’s best vantage points for people-watching.
Patina, Queen St
Dine beneath the incredible historic Customs House at Patina. Here you can enjoy fresh seasonal produce and local seafood that is sourced daily, along with mushrooms that are grown in an on-site cellar. The terrace here offers some of the best views of the Story Bridge in Brisbane.
The Gardens Club, City Botanic Gardens
A secluded hideaway, The Gardens Club resides in a Heritage-listed cottage nestled within the City Botanic Gardens. Outdoor seating means you can admire the Gardens’ lush scenery and its delicious seasonal menu serves breakfast, lunch, treats and snacks. Best of all, The Gardens Club café is a social enterprise with profits used to support employment and training opportunities for young people.
Madame Wu, Eagle St
You’ll be planning your return visit from the moment you sink your teeth into Madame Wu’s Moreton Bay Bug-stuffed dumplings. The Asian fusion restaurant is both exciting and elegant and the river breeze and stellar views on the outdoor terrace only add to its atmosphere.
Tillerman, Eagle St
The open-air terrace at Tillerman with its shady umbrellas, long lunch tables and up-close views of the Story Bridge will catch your eye and capture your heart before you even pick up the menu. A premium seafood restaurant, the menu is filled with fresh quality produce and ingredients. Rally your friends and make the most of Brisbane’s enviable climate with a five-course lunch banquet on the terrace.
Rooftop bars
Hibiscus Room, Queen Street Mall
Tipples, nibbles and a grand old time? You’ll find them in the Hibiscus Room. Located atop Hyatt Regency Brisbane, the Hibiscus Room has been rejuvenated with a nostalgic, vibrant offering of food and drinks across the restaurant, bar and events space. Order from the cocktail list of signature drinks and classics, sit by the terrace edge and indulge in a spot of people-watching over Queen Street Mall below.
Sixteen Antlers, Ann St
Settle in for the sunset and city skyline views with your nearest and ‘deerest’ at Sixteen Antlers, a popular spot for after-work drinks. Be sure to snag a cushioned booth for you and your mates and order cheeseboards and tapas to share. Behind the bar, craft beer and fine wine are easy choices or take your pick from the specialty cocktail menu. Find it on the top level of the Pullman Brisbane King George Square Hotel.
Sun-kissed bars
Bar Pacino, Eagle St
Perched above the stunning Brisbane River on Eagle St, Bar Pacino offers a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere. Its outdoor terrace with spectacular views of Customs House and the Story Bridge makes it perfect for a Friday after-work wind-down or catching up with friends on weekends.
Blackbird Bar and Grill, Eagle St
Blackbird draws inspiration from The Great Gatsby-styled opulence of the “Roaring Twenties” and the speakeasy bars of prohibition. Order a cocktail, a glass of wine from its extensive list or select one of almost 100 scotches and whiskeys on offer then head to the expansive terrace and watch the skyline turn to dusk over the Story Bridge.
Friday’s Riverside, Eagle St
Friday's is one of Brisbane City’s favourite haunts, the riverside, rooftop bar taking in 180-degree views of the Brisbane River and the iconic Story Bridge. For decades, people have flocked to Friday’s to kick back with a brew in the afternoon or have a boogie on the dance floor until the wee hours.
OPA Bar + Mezze, Eagle St
Take a gastronomic journey to the Greek Islands with OPA Bar + Mezze. Specialising in authentic Greek share plates and traditional meals, peruse the refreshing drinks list and take in views across Brisbane River to Kangaroo Point. Opa is a breezy Brisbane City location for your next lunch or dinner date.
Riverbar & Kitchen, Eagle St
Retreat from the hustle of Eagle St and walk down the stairs to find Riverbar & Kitchen. This freshly renovated riverfront oasis will whisk you from the centre of the business district to a distant holiday place. Find a spot under the yellow and white striped umbrellas and order a cocktail jug to share. When hunger strikes, Riverbar also has a delicious menu of bar snacks, pizza and burgers.
Riverland, Eagle St
Pick up a pinot or Peroni from Riverland’s 80ft bar then pull up a seat at one of its large alfresco tables and soak up the river frontage. No need to relocate when you start feeling peckish – pop to its street food kitchen which plays host to a rotating menu of eats and treats.
WET Deck, George St
The five-star W Brisbane hotel is here to praise our cosmopolitan city and relaxed sun-soaked culture. The WET Deck is an oasis in the sky for cold drinks, fun times and resort vibes with a zebra-like striped roof, heated pool and DJs playing long into the night. Enjoy the seasonal menu paired with delicious cocktails while soaking up epic views over the Brisbane River to QAGOMA and South Bank.
Babylon Garden, Eagle St
Soak up river views and savour delectable Middle Eastern share plates at Babylon's outdoor area, featuring two stunning alfresco terraces overlooking the Story Bridge. Whether you're enjoying a leisurely lunch or an evening meal, the ambiance is perfect for dining under the stars with a backdrop of Brisbane's iconic riverfront. The menu offers a delightful array of share plates, allowing you to sample a variety of authentic flavours, from succulent grilled meats to vibrant vegetarian dishes.
