Queen Street mall:
Eat & drink            

Queen Street Mall isn’t just a destination for shopping. Between flagship stores, hidden arcades and City buzz, you’ll find plenty of places to stop and dine when it’s time for a break from browsing. From quick bites to long lunches, here’s where to eat and drink while you’re in Brisbane City.

IN THIS ARTICLE
IN THIS ARTICLE

Restaurant dining

Before you begin your big day of shopping, you might like to plan ahead and book at one of The City’s restaurants near Queen Street Mall.

With shopping bags in hand, head up the escalator at Hyatt Regency Brisbane to find Lennon’s Restaurant and Bar, where classic bistro meets modern dining.  A Brisbane City institution since 1884, it’s been serving shoppers, City workers and visitors for generations.

Towards the bottom of the mall, located on level one of QueensPlaza, is the popular Longtime Dining. With a menu defined by an ‘East meets West’ philosophy, the Cantonese restaurant takes a unique spin on traditional yum cha. Don’t be surprised if shopping plans are paused for one more round of dumplings! .  If your appetite still isn't satisfied, grab a table at Kinn Imm Thai Hawker Food, where Thai street food flavours bring a little Bangkok energy to the heart of The City.

Smack-bang in the middle of the mall, Jimmy's On The Mall is always a good choice. The two-level venue serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and everything in between. Down on the Lower Deck, Asian-inspired share plates arrive alongside a front-row seat to Queen Street Mall's constant buzz, while the Upper Deck serves burgers, pizzas and drinks overlooking the crowds below – people watching and purchase spotting!

 

Burnett Lane has a habit of attracting hungry shoppers, whether that’s for Korean comfort food and colourful cocktails from Funny Funny or  traditional Japanese fare from Hideki.  A short stroll away, Longwang on Edward Street serves up bold Asian flavours from award-winning chef Jason Margaritis while Miss Demeanour keeps diners well fed with burgers and share plates below Rowes Lane.  For something a little more indulgent, head to Rothwell’s Bar and Grill, where heritage charm meets martinis, seafood and steakhouse favourites.

When the shopping bags start to feel heavy, Donna Chang offers a suitably glamorous detour. Located on Elizabeth Street, the upmarket Chinese restaurant pairs pink velvet booths and soaring heritage surrounds, making it an easy choice if you are in the mood to swap retail therapy for a bite to eat.

When the shopping bags have officially become too much to carry, consider it your sign to head for The Star Brisbane. Swap the change rooms for a table at Luke Nguyen's Fat Noodle, or head skyward to Babblers or Aloria, where woodfired pizza and Brisbane views make it easy to call an end to the shopping day and hello to the rest of your evening.

Cafe delights

Coffee first, shopping second, or perhaps the other way around! Either way, from heritage arcades to hidden laneways, Queen Street Mall is surrounded by cafes ready to fuel your next shopping stop. Some of the mall’s best cafes are tucked just out of sight but most definitely not out of mind. Open from early until late, Stanton Brasserie Bar and Pizzeria is a classic cafe and restaurant on the top floor of QueensPlaza, while classic tea house Room With Roses serves elegant high tea and lunches overlooking the heritage surrounds of the historic Brisbane Arcade. Downstairs you’ll find, L’s Espresso Cafe is loved for its home-baked cakes, fresh scones and wholesome cafe dining. Nearby in Tattersall’s Arcade, Italian-inspired Marchetti combines espresso and cannoli with dishes that would earn the nod of approval from Nonna.

Burnett Lane has always been a favourite among Brisbane City coffee connoisseurs. Parallel to Queen Street Mall, you’ll find Felix for Goodness for nourishing eats made with locally sourced ingredients and Brew Café and Bar for a quick meal and a brew – either coffee or beer, whatever your heart desires.

Follow the aroma of freshly roasted coffee down in Charlotte Street to John Mills Himself. Housed within a heritage-listed building, the long-running Brisbane City favourite is the spot for a quality brew. Continue your coffee trail with a stop at nearby Strauss Café where you will find fresh sandwiches and soulful salads paired with coffee of your choice. Speaking of coffee, if you need a quick caffeine top-up, look to Edward Espresso Kitchen on Edward Street or hunt out Foster & Black Speciality Coffee in Uptown.

Quick serve

When the next store is calling, but lunch can’t wait, Queen Street Mall has plenty of fast and flavour-packed options ready to go. For a quick bite that doesn’t skip flavour, head to Elizabeth Arcade! Grab a fluffy bagel from O Bagel, a bubble tea from Lucha Kitchen & Bar or some skewers from Madam Skewers, then get back to ticking stores off your list.

A few steps from Queen Street Mall stands Albert Lane, a little street that’s home to the two-storey Italian hideaway, Vapiano, and dumpling diner, Harajuku Gyoza, while on Uptown Corner Beach House Bar & Grill offers a breezy spot to pause between purchases, with a menu inspired by the coast.

If you're already making your way through QueensPlaza, Hakataya Ramen is ready with steaming bowls of ramen and nearby in Tattersall's Arcade, Ichiban Sushi is perfect for when you are on the roll.

Food court fare

Sometimes the hardest part of lunch is deciding what you're in the mood for. Luckily, Brisbane City's food courts bring a world of flavours together under one roof, making them a convenient stop between shops. UptownWintergarden, QueensPlaza and MacArthur Central all have epic food courts tucked beneath the shopping action, with noodles and sushi to burgers and sweet treats, there's no shortage of choice. For something a little more elevated, try The Food Quarter located on level five of Queens Wharf that has sweeping views of the Brisbane River. Choose from a wide variety of cuisines and styles that cater to all appetites and tastes as you grab and go on your way to explore more of Queen Street Mall.

Just across from the General Post Office, Post Office Square is a favourite amongst City workers and shoppers alike. Head underground for a quick bite from the food court, grab a table at Isles Lane Bar and Kitchen or take your lunch outside and claim a patch of grass for an impromptu picnic before continuing your shopping trip.

 

Sweet treats

Shopping bags are not the only thing worth taking home from Queen Street Mall! Dello Mano in Wintergarden is known for its cakes, cookies and world-famous, luxury foil-wrapped brownies. Over in Uptown, Batch Cookie Bar has a cookie for every tastebud, from the classic chocolate chip to an ube velvet. Burnett Lane’s Lune Croissanterie puts all pastry-lovers in heaven – stocked with flaky croissants and unique recipes on rotation.

On Adelaide Street, the Noosa Chocolate Factory’s pick ‘n’ mix selection of artisan chocolate-covered fruit and nuts is perfect for an on-the-go snack while continue your shopping trail.

Still searching for something sweet? Explore more of Brisbane City's chocolate shops and dessert destinations in our guide to sweet treats in Brisbane City.

Bar tabs

Cheers to a successful Queen Street Mall shopping day. With late-night shopping every Friday and plenty of places to raise a glass throughout the week, there are no shortage of bars nearby when it's time to swap shopping bags for something on the drink's menu. Ride the elevator up to Hibiscus Bar & Terrace at Hyatt Regency Brisbane, where drinks are garnished with views of Queen Street Mall below. For a different perspective Sixteen Antlers Rooftop Bar sits high above King George Square, with a unique drink's menu to pair. At The Star Brisbane, take your pick of cocktails at Cherry, or the lively atmosphere at Livewire. Not far away, Trove Cocktail Bar serves inventive cocktails and share plates best enjoyed while comparing shopping finds and highlights from the day.

Venture down to Burnett Lane, where you can partake in a self-paced bar crawl from Death & Taxes Bar to Antico Bar. Nearby, The Croft House Town Kitchen and Bar is the perfect stop to raise a glass and your feet after walking shop to shop. A short walk away on Queen Street is The Gresham Bar, an award-winning whisky and cocktail bar that’s worth the visit.

 

Queen Street Mall evening