In Brisbane for BIGSOUND?
Discover where to eat and drink during your stay
BIGSOUND brings Australia’s best new music to Fortitude Valley every September, but nobody discovers their new favourite band on an empty stomach. Luckily, BIGSOUND takes place in a city where the food scene caters to both early risers and night owls. Between showcases, panels and several coffee catchups, here's where to find some of the best food and drink spots across Brisbane.
Coffee and breakfast
So What Stereo, Fortitude Valley
Brisbane's first vinyl café is one of Fortitude Valley’s best kept secrets; an intimate hole in the wall filled with cosy, eclectic furniture, a carefully curated list of records, and an incredible Thai inspired breakfast menu.
The Green, Fortitude Valley
Brisbane's beloved Middle Eastern inspired café and restaurant, offering authentic and hearty dishes in a cacti-filled, urban oasis found on James Street.
Bistro Tino, Fortitude Valley
Inspired by Italian corner bars, this warm and inviting eatery on Arthur Street is one part breakfast café and one part wine bar, serving up cosy meals from early morning until mid afternoon.
Reverends, Fortitude Valley
Located in the very heart of Fortitude Valley, Reverends is a go-to coffee spot for many locals, serving up cups of early morning pick-me-ups in a cosy, dimly lit hole in the wall style café.
The New Black, Fortitude Valley
Positioned on the corner of Bakery Lane and housed in a building more than 140 years old, The New Black serves up one of the best all-day brunch menus in the area.
Idle, New Farm
A café, bakery and boutique pantry all in one, Idle is where you’ll be able to find an incredible drop of coffee, served alongside everything from a selection of mouth-watering pastries to an all-day breakfast menu. Whether you want to sit and relax or grab a bite on the go, there is a reason this spot is so popular.
Yolk, Newstead & The City
Yolk is where locals go if the early morning agenda calls for a delicious breakfast burger, golden hashbrown, freshly squeezed OJ or expertly brewed cup of coffee. It's easy, quick and so delicious.
Industry Beans, Newstead & The City
A chicly designed space in Newstead filled with natural light and delicious breakfast options or the minimalistic fit out in The City, both are boasting a respectable menu of ethically sourced beans and a wide array of expertly crafted coffee options.
Felix For Goodness, The City
Good enough for Billie Eilish on her most recent trip to Brisbane, Felix For Goodness is a charming, architect-designed café hidden in The City’s Burnett Lane. Featuring an eclectic menu of both healthy options and decadent comfort meals, there’s a reason this has become a staple for both locals and visitors.
Mulga Bills, The City
Positioned on the front of the Brisbane River, overlooking both the Kangaroo Point Bridge and the Story Bridge, Mulga Bills is the ideal breakfast (or lunch) spot for those looking to get their early morning fix alongside one of The City’s best views.
Lunch
Felons Brewing Co., Howard Smith Wharves
Felons Brewing Co. is a modern-day brewery nestled down under Story Bridge on the banks of the Brisbane River. In addition to having one of the best views in the city, there’s also an extensive menu of incredible pub fare to sink your teeth into.
Valley Hops Brewing, Fortitude Valley
Here, underneath the plethora of hanging plants and greenery, you’ll find a vast list of incredible craft beer options, alongside a menu of woodfire pizzas, share plates and burgers.
Ben’s Burgers, Fortitude Valley
Widely considered one of the best burgers in Brisbane, the short pilgrimage to Winn Lane to grab a classic Ben’s Burger has become almost a rite of passage for those attending BIGSOUND.
BrewDog, Fortitude Valley
Spaced over three massive levels in the heritage-listed Tranberg House, BrewDog is where you go if you’re chasing a hearty lunchtime feed, a great list of rotating craft beers and a round of shuffleboard between events.
Happy Boy, Fortitude Valley
Whether you’re looking for somewhere convenient that caters for a large group, or somewhere for a quick solo meal, Happy Boy has got you covered. This bustling contemporary pan-Asian casual eatery in Fortitude Valley not only hosts a list of delicious items, it’s also where you’ll find some of the best wine options in the area.
Soapbox, Fortitude Valley
Soapbox is a 100-seat brewpub with eight beers on tap (including three rotating taps) and a menu of both share plates and mains. Close enough to keep you in the chaos of BIGSOUND, but far enough away for when you need a bit of respite.
CRU, Fortitude Valley
Located on Brisbane’s iconic James Street and bathed in natural light, CRU Bar is the ideal location for when you’ve got time to burn on a long lunch.
Gas Hound Bar & Kitchen, Newstead
Gas Hound Bar & Kitchen is a social Australian Bistro that strikes the perfect balance between an elevated gastropub experience and a high-energy bar.
The Triffid, Newstead
Sitting just outside the doors of one of Brisbane's most beloved live music venues is The Triffid Beer Garden. This indoor-outdoor space, filled with hanging plants and large scale murals, offers a large list of beer options alongside a classic pub menu.
Opa Bar + Mezze, The City
Overlooking the Brisbane River, Opa Bar + Mezze is the perfect place to enjoy a meal or treat yourself to a cocktail; a taste of Santorini on Brisbane's riverfront. With an incredible menu of Greek-inspired options, Opa is the perfect excuse to take the stroll alongside the river from Fortitude Valley.
Dinner
Stanley, Howard Smith Wharves
Positioned on the riverfront, Stanley is a Cantonese restaurant bursting with flavour inspired by the moody waterfront of Hong Kong's picturesque Stanley Bay.
Yoko, Howard Smith Wharves
A split-level bistro found along Howard Smith Wharves, Yoko is a vibrant Japanese restaurant, inspired by Tokyo's bustling street food scene.
Greca, Howard Smith Wharves
Inspired by the Mediterranean way of life and bold, Greek flavours, Greca is a stunning restaurant overlooking the Brisbane River and Story Bridge.
Bianca, Fortitude Valley
Located on Ada Lane, just off of James Street, Bianca is focused on perfecting simple, classic Italian dishes in one of the cities most chic spaces.
Penelope, Fortitude Valley
Featuring plush velvet seating, dark timber-panelled walls and warm, moody lighting, Penelope has taken the concept of small-dish dining to an elevated level. With a highly refined cocktail and wine menu, this convenient location is the ideal place to relax before a big night of live music.
Winnifred’s, Fortitude Valley
Winnifred's is a refined French bistro that brings classic European charm to Brisbane's vibrant dining scene. In addition to housing one of the largest and most diverse champagne list's, this slice of France in the heart of Fortitude Valley also boasts a truly chic menu.
Aunty, Fortitude Valley
A stunning and moody lit modern Asian restaurant and bar tucked away into an ex-warehouse space is serving cleaver twists on an array of Asian flavours, not to mention the delicious cocktails.
Agnes, Fortitude Valley
Named as one of Brisbane's most acclaimed restaurants, Agnes is ready to serve a unique and wonderful dinner. Using no electricity or gas and instead focusing on the ancient skill of cooking over a flame, this woodfire-first venue is where warm, hearty meals meet an incredible drinks menu.
MAYA Mexican, Fortitude Valley
Floating high above the heart of Fortitude Valley, MAYA Mexican is a stunning rooftop restaurant & bar serving up a fusion of Oaxaca and Cancun with an Australian-first produce menu. Come for the food, but stay for one of the best views of Brisbane, margarita in hand.
Golden Avenue, The City
If you like your food elevated, with a hint of light-filled brutalist architecture as the backdrop, Golden Avenue may just have been designed for you. With a menu built around charcoal grills and wood ovens, this highly regarded Brisbane City restaurant is a lush, open-armed take on Middle Eastern flavour.
Naldham House, The City
Naldham House Brasserie and Terrace, a stunning old world restaurant inspired by some of the most grand hotel lobbies around the world, sits on the lower level of the heritage-listed Naldham House.
Walters, The City
For fans of steak, look no further than Walters in The City. Highly regarded as one of the best venues to score yourself a prime cut, Walters is an intimate space for gatherings with marble bar tops, stunning sash windows and custom leather booths.
Drinks
Fiume, Howard Smith Wharves
With a drink at the ready and tapas on their way, enjoy stellar views of the Story Bridge, Brisbane River and The City skyline at rooftop bar, Fiume. To maximise your experience, make sure to grab a seat in time for the sunset!
Mr Percival's, Howard Smith Wharves
Mr. Percival's overwater bar is situated directly beneath the majestic Story Bridge, with a DJ playing above, but in the centre of the bar and a disco ball providing the party atmosphere, this is a perfect spot to keep the party going.
Never Enough, Fortitude Valley
From Crowbar’s very own Tyla Dombroski and Trad Nathan comes Never Enough, an ambient two-level restaurant and bar where vinyl, dry-aged menus and a late-night wine list come together in one unique space.
QUIVR, Fortitude Valley
Hidden at the back of Winn Lane is QUIVR. Combining an online radio, DJ school and intimate bar, this uber cool watering hole is where you’ll find delicious drinks alongside some of the city's best selectors.
Snack Man, Fortitude Valley
With a menu of snacks that change daily, and one of Brisbane's best wine lists (which changes almost as quickly), Snack Man is a dark and atmospheric spot positioned under a canopy of fairy lights that set the mood perfectly.
LOS (Land of Smiles), Fortitude Valley
Overlooking The Calile, LOS (or, Land of Smiles) is a dimly lit green-rendered bar that focuses on mixing the best cocktails inspired by South East Asian flavours. The DJ sets and pumping atmosphere is ready to greet you for a quick drink between events or to settle in for the night.
Fountainhead Winehouse, Newstead
Feeling less like a wine bar, and more like stepping into the lounge room of someone with impeccable taste for both interiors and wine, Fountainhead Winehouse is a hidden haven in a former Newstead storeroom, filled with a long list of amazing wine options.
Niky, Newstead
What Niky seemingly doesn't have in size, she makes up for in personality. This sleek, shell pink vino-centric sipping spot and small plates bar is ideal for when you’re just hungry enough to nibble, but thirsty enough for a great drop of wine.
Brooklyn Standard, The City
Hidden underground, in a back alley of The City, Brooklyn Standard is a little slice of Americana where live music and bar snacks converge to create a pumping dance floor for a fun night with your crew.
The Gresham, The City
With more than 200 bottles in its arsenal, The Gresham is a sanctuary for whiskey lovers and cocktail fans alike. Settle into a booth and relax in this smooth vibe as you try from the unique list of cocktails.
Shaman, The City
Inspired by Latin rock and classic island bars, Shaman is a moody, subterranean rum and tequila bar located in a hidden underground basement.
Alice, The City
Draped in neon red lighting, and filled with classic at-the-counter seating options, this cosy dive bar is where locals go when a cocktail with a side of snooker is on the cards.
