Brisbane City:
Alfresco restaurants and bars
Brisbane is blessed with a postcard-perfect climate and plenty of blue-sky days that call for long lunches, rooftop drinks and afternoons spent outdoors. With outdoor dining woven into City life, you’ll find no shortage of alfresco restaurants and rooftop bars that make it all too easy to stay for one more round. Here are some of our favourites!
Alfresco restaurants
Alchemy
Few tables in Brisbane City come with a view quite like dining at Alchemy. Head chef Brad Jolly serves up award-winning a la carte and degustation menus to enjoy as you take in stunning, uninterrupted Story Bridge vistas.
Jimmy’s On The Mall
Since 1982, Jimmy’s On The Mall has had a front row seat to the buzz of Queen Street Mall. Over two levels, discover Asian-inspired dishes downstairs and classic pub favourites on the upper deck, alongside boutique beers on tap and an extensive wine list. The cherry on top? A view of The City’s most popular pedestrian strip, putting some of Brisbane best people-watching right at your table.
Patina
Dine within City history at Patina, beneath Brisbane’s historic Customs House. From golden hour glow to the twinkle of the Story Bridge lights, the terrace shines from day through tonight. The seasonal menu heroes' quality produce, local seafood that is sourced daily and even mushrooms that are grown in an on-site cellar.
The Gardens Club
Easy to spot thanks to its charming heritage cottage, The Gardens Club feels worlds from the neighbouring hustle and bustle of The City. Nestled in the City Botanic Gardens, admire the beautiful surround flora as you enjoy breakfast, lunch, sweet treats and savoury snacks. Best of all, as a social enterprise, each visit supports employment and training opportunities for young people.
Madame Wu
A pinch of river breeze, a dash of stellar views and a menu packed with sensational Asian flavours – that's the recipe for Madame Wu. From the alfresco terrace, watch The City nightlife as you enjoy a menu that excites senses designed by Executive Chef Brendon Barker. Pair your meal with something from the delicate wine menu and cheers to Madame Wu!
Tillerman
The 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. The premium seafood menu celebrates fresh quality produce and ingredients, ready for you to enjoy. Find a spot on the terrace and let the Tillerman’s banquet dining do the talking.
Rooftop bars
Hibiscus Bar & Terrace
A rooftop pool and a cocktail in hand is the Hibiscus Bar & Terrace experience. Located atop Hyatt Regency Brisbane, the lively rooftop bar is the perfect place to settle in with share plates and signature drinks while looking over Queen Street Mall. Come sunset, The City lights take over and live music every Friday and Saturday begin.
Sixteen Antlers
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. Follow the DJ tunes and find the antlers on the top level of the Pullman Brisbane King George Square Hotel.
Sun-kissed bars
Bar Pacino
Cin cin! Bringing a taste of Italy to Eagle Street as Bar Pacino pairs authentic Italian dishes and drinks with panoramic scenes of the Brisbane River and Story Bridge. Sip a chilled ‘house’ cocktail – Ciao Bella or Paradiso, whichever tickles your fancy - on the terrace and watch the afternoon drift by.
Blackbird Bar and Grill
Step into the glamour of the Roaring Twenties at Blackbird. Inspired by the opulence of The Great Gatsby and the speakeasy bars of prohibition, this riverside favourite serves up cocktails, an extensive wine list and almost 100 scotches and whiskeys. Take your drink of choice to the expansive terrace and watch the skyline turn to dusk over Story Bridge.
OPA Bar & Mezze
Step into OPA Bar & Mezze and you will feel transported to the Greek Islands. Peruse the refreshing drinks list, order authentic Greek share plates and traditional meals, as you settle in beside the Brisbane River and the sunshine dances across the water towards Kangaroo Point.
Riverbar & Kitchen
Retreat from the bustle of Brisbane’s business district, Eagle Street and stroll down to Riverbar & Kitchen where yellow and white striped umbrellas and cocktail jugs are calling your name. When hunger strikes, Riverbar also has a delicious menu of bar snacks, pizza and burgers.
Riverland
Pick a pinot or Peroni from Riverland’s 80ft bar, then pull up a seat on the open-air three-tiered deck and watch the river roll by. With river views at every turn, there’s no need to relocate when you start feeling peckish – explore a menu that celebrates some of the best local produce.
WET Deck
The five-star W Brisbane knows how the throw a party! 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 South Bank.
