A culinary renaissance is in full swing as the best restaurants in Brisbane prove they’re simply to dine for.

Australia’s dining landscape is vast and diverse, and, luckily for this Queensland resident, some of the country’s best restaurants are found in Brisbane. I’m almost overwhelmed by just how rapidly the city is flexing its culinary prowess, unearthing a thrilling melting pot of talent and creativity. From waterfront indulgence to subterranean power players, the best restaurants in Brisbane simply blow my socks off. Here’s my pick of the city’s most raved-about standouts.

The shortlist

Hottest new opening: Marlowe

Most budget-friendly: Maggie May Supperclub

Hidden gem: Bar Alto

Fine dining gem: Clarence

Best date spot: Central

Most Instagrammable: Biànca

1. Central

Feeling very Melbourne as I look for Central amid office blocks in the CBD, I walk down a set of stairs adorned with a glass cabinet of drying Peking duck and enter one of the most sophisticated underground fit-outs I’ve ever encountered. The scent of sizzling meats (and my extremely accommodating waiter who proceeds to deliver copious bowls of prawn crackers for my kids) takes me past the open-plan granite and stainless-steel kitchen to a table where I settle in for Cantonese-inspired indulgence I’ve stalked via Instagram for months. It’s not very adventurous of me, but I cannot recommend the Barbecue Pork Puffs with manuka honey and sesame seeds enough, while the scampi and prawn toast with smoked corn is so ridiculously elevated it’s (almost) too good to eat. If you’re there on Saturday night after 9:30pm, a disco ball drops over the kitchen to encourage the swilling of sensational cocktails well into the wee hours.

Cuisine: Cantonese, specifically Hong Kong-inspired

Average Price: $$$

Atmosphere: Sexy

Location: 340 Queen St, Brisbane

2. Marlowe

As one of a legion of fans who adore Rick Shores on the Gold Coast, I’m so excited to see Brisbane fall for the team’s newest venture. Marlowe provides yet another reason to spend an evening at Fish Lane, Brisbane’s hottest dining precinct, with doors opening in September 2025 to beyond-eager crowds. Elegantly jazzing a heritage-listed apartment space from the 1930s while retaining its old bones (the original Art Deco cornices subtly energise a muted colour palette), the space soothes as dishes sing. While the menu evolves with the seasons, expect genius reimaginings of bistro classics like a seafood Wellington served with caviar cream sauce, and the non-negotiable signature duck pie on radicchio jam and jus poured table-side.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average Price: $$$-$$$$

Atmosphere: Refined yet playful

Location: 105 Melbourne St, South Brisbane

3. Clarence

The toast of Woolloongabba’s dining scene, Clarence relocated to hot-as-hell Fish Lane in August 2025 and Brisbane foodies could not be happier. Renowned for bringing all the cosy homely feels (the staff are humble, passionate and slick) to produce-led dishes, this best restaurant in Brisbane is such a wonderful vibe. I personally love the food and drink illustrations that dot the a la carte menu. If you spot a lamb rack with caramelised onion tart and pickled shiitake on the menu, don’t think twice, plus there’s a very tempting Sunday Roast lunch every week that’s chased with home-baked pudding to round out your week in style.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average Price: $$$-$$$$

Atmosphere: Utterly charming

Location: 4/51 Fish Lane, South Brisbane

4. Golden Avenue

I was blown away by the size of Golden Avenue , which notches up 500 square metres in total, but was more impressed by how intimate my table felt despite the space. A photo-perfect Brisbane restaurant to find an authentic, flavour-crammed ode to Middle Eastern dishes, this spot ticks all the boxes, really. Comb the menu for hot and cold mezze favourites (I salivated over the fried chickpeas and split beans with za’atar) while the arguable best bit, dessert, flows with Lebanese doughnuts, Turkish coffee ice cream and a strawberries and cream torched meringue with sumac sherbet.

Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Average Price: $$$-$$$$

Atmosphere: Elevated and light-filled

Location: 67 Edward St, Brisbane

5. The Summit Restaurant

After much anticipation, The Summit Restaurant opened in May 2025 to keep us glued to those heavenly Mount Coot-tha vistas even longer. The heritage-listed digs, which provide an iconic view of Brisbane and its hinterland, Moreton Bay and further coastal surroundings, is best enjoyed via the huge verandah, I say. Pick a table and peruse the a la carte menu for locally sourced ingredients that whip together the likes of beautiful gnocchi with mushrooms and chestnuts, organic lamb with Dutch carrots, and a roast duck with honey roasted parsnip.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average Price: $$

Atmosphere: Buoyant

Location: 2/1012 Sir Samuel Griffith Dr, Mount Coot-tha

6. Supernormal

If you’re as obsessed with its long-serving Melbourne flagship as I am, you’ll be cheering on the arrival of Supernormal in the Sunshine State. Flowing its exceptional Asian fare, drenched with superb local seafood and a dedicated dumpling and bao menu, up north, the hot spot embraces its second location with gorgeous al fresco riverside seating. The New England lobster roll is as perfect as always, as are locally adapted delights including the Moreton Bay bug toast and Noosa Heads tomatoes with green chilli. This Brisbane restaurant was one of the first restaurants to open at Queen’s Wharf, the city’s buzzy entertainment precinct, so expect an established following (read: you’ll need to book your table nice and early).

Cuisine: Pan-Asian

Average Price: $$$

Atmosphere: Easy, breezy

Location: 443 Queen St, Brisbane

7. The Brasserie at Naldham House

One of the city’s most iconic heritage buildings, Naldham House, opened its doors in 2024 after a much-anticipated revival. But the real news was the arrival of its high-glamour restaurant. The Brasserie is inspired by the grandeur of hotel lobbies and while it feels like a time warp initially, a sophisticated European-inspired menu feels very contemporary cool. Expect the likes of hand-cut beef tartare, pork terrine with pistachio, and duck a l‘orange served with beautifully red wine jus.

Cuisine: Pan-European

Average Price: $$$

Atmosphere: Dignified

Location: Ground Floor, 33 Felix St, Brisbane

8. Black Hide Steak & Seafood

What a visual feast. Black Hide Steak & Seafood dazzles from the moment you step inside, blending a palette of coastal-cool creams, complete with seafoam leather seating, with views of the Brisbane River. This place offers elevated indulgence, extreme Brisbane-style. Fans of the steakhouse’s Caxton Street location won’t even recognise this spot given its dramatic departure from the beloved moody outpost. Food-wise, there’s an abundance of chargrilled seafood to explore while all the regulars including exclusive cuts, signature meatballs and mouth-watering spatchcock, have come along for the ride.

Cuisine: Steakhouse

Average Price: $$$$

Atmosphere: Glamorous

Review: 4/5

Location: The Star Brisbane, Level 4/33 William St, Brisbane

9. Milquetoast

Dishes done with extreme precision, Milquetoast in Brisbane’s CBD is a laneway winner. It’s a magnet for vino lovers, frequented often for its small bar feel, but the plates warrant its place on my restaurant list. A seasonal menu champions local ingredients, crafting works of art like the Kangaroo tartare crumpet with spiced butter, the Berkshire pork chop with braised borlotti beans and the sticky toffee pudding with red dates and Madeira custard. Meanwhile, laser-focused mixology chops elevate a stylish menu of cocktails.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average Price: $$

Atmosphere: Relaxed

Location: 199 Elizabeth St, Brisbane

10. Exhibition

Honouring its location below the old Metro Arts Theatre, Exhibition is a fully immersive, high-drama culinary experience. A roll-out of dishes is constantly reimagined by Chef Tim Scott but no matter what’s on show, expect a wave of creativity. The mood is thrilling and suspenseful, reminiscent of darkened stalls right before curtains are drawn open, but the food is its undisputed headliner. Inspired by the Japanese art of Omakase, the team’s groundbreaking Heston-esque play on seasonal local produce across a string of dishes will leave you starstruck.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average Price: $$$$$

Atmosphere: Fantastical

Location: 109 Edward St, Brisbane City

11. Fat Noodle

The brainchild of acclaimed chef Luke Nguyen, Fat Noodle is back in Brisbane and better than ever. After shuttering its original venue inside Treasury Brisbane more than a decade prior, the team found a permanent new home in The Star Brisbane amid the emergence of the city’s Queen’s Wharf entertainment precinct. Celebrating the mouth-watering flavours of South East Asia, and bringing Fat Noodle’s famed 20-hour beef broth along with it, the restaurant delivers Asian comfort food favourites alongside all-new seafood stars.

Cuisine: South-East Asian

Average Price: $$-$$$

Atmosphere: Unpretentious

Location: The Star Brisbane, Level 5, 33 William St, Brisbane City

12. Sokyo

While we’re exploring The Star Brisbane, Sokyo lights up the city after stamping its authority in Sydney as a world-class Japanese dining experience. Nailing beloved dishes with unique flair, Executive Chef Alex Yu, also known as the ‘sashimi florist’ due to his sashimi artistry, and the team deliver a flawless menu spanning Sokyo’s famous spicy tuna on crispy rice and miso-glazed fishes and other photo-perfect home runs.

Cuisine: Japanese

Average Price: $$$$$

Atmosphere: Lavish

Location: The Star Brisbane, Level 2, 33 William St, Brisbane City

13. Longwang

Located in the heart of the CBD, Longwang is a celebration of Asian cuisine and is utterly delicious however it’s tackled. One of the best restaurants in Brisbane, it’s an unassuming hole-in-the-wall that’s narrow but snakes with sophisticated dining tables against a palette of brick, greys and whites. The weekends bring on a yum cha menu, while the regular offering is full of flavour-crammed dishes crafted from peak seasonal ingredients.

Cuisine:  Asian

Average Price: $$

Atmosphere: Trendy

Location: 144 Edward St, Brisbane

14. Fatcow

Meat eaters, brace yourselves. Fatcow turns your favourite proteins into mouth-watering delights, seasoned to perfection and dripping in perfectly balanced flavours. Outside of the meaty superstars, there’s also a very tempting (and lavish) caviar menu to consider. Oysters, foie gras, and even more raw seafood send this steakhouse into another stratosphere.

Cuisine: Steak and seafood

Average Price: $$$

Atmosphere: Meat-devoted

Location: 10 James St, Fortitude Valley

15. Short Grain

For some of the most excellent Thai food in town, there’s no looking past Short Grain in Fortitude Valley. Firmly focused on perfecting the flavours of South East Asia’s most-loved cuisine, Chef Martin Boetz (former executive chef at Melbourne and Sydney’s famed Longrain) and the team execute a mind-blowing collection of classics and inventive new spins on familiar flavours. As a former Longrain fan, I felt extreme nostalgia when the Eggnet with crispy pork arrived. Dishes are abundant, contemporary and awe-inspiring.

Cuisine: Thai

Average Price: $$

Atmosphere: Chilled

Location: 15 Marshall St, Fortitude Valley

16. Gum Bistro

Playing to the season’s most delicious ingredients, Gum Bistro is a Brisbane restaurant that always delights. The vibe is easygoing while the food soars, delicately prepared with inspired technique. With rooms for just 40 seats, it’s an intimate dining experience shining a well-deserved light on the state’s most exceptional produce.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average Price: $$$

Atmosphere: Intimate

Location: 237 Boundary St, West End

17. Rothwell’s Bar & Grill

Once your eyes recover from the high-shine glare of its sensational glass chandeliers, brace yourself for seriously good grilling. Rothwell’s Bar & Grill is the place to go for some of the city’s best charred cuts as the team takes inspiration from global heavyweights like The Savoy Grill in London. The fit-out is New York-sexy, all green leather booths and Italian marble finishes, and there’s plenty more to devour than steak. Dive into crowd pleasers like the spanner crab pasta, duck cassoulet and shareable (and Instagramable) 600-gram Beef Wellington.

Cuisine: Steak and seafood

Average Price: $$$$

Atmosphere: Prestigious

Location: 235 Edward St, Brisbane

18. Greca

Greca is Brisbane’s most idyllic Greek restaurant, sitting pretty within the historical Howard Smith Wharves. It serves as a traditional taverna, boasting a menu centred on charcoal and wood fire grills. Encounter plenty of seafood and meats, alongside other traditional Greek dishes you’ll have lots of fun pronouncing – taramasalata (dip), spanakorizo (rice and spinach) and saganaki (cheese) are (delicious) mouthfuls. That saganaki is to die for, no matter how many times you’ve devoured it.

Cuisine: Greek

Average Price: $$

Atmosphere: Lively

Location: Howard Smith Wharves, 3/5 Boundary St, Brisbane

19. Donna Chang

Located in a heritage-listed former bank, Donna Chang nods to Sichuan flavours and authentic Cantonese cuisine, done with a contemporary twist. The spacious dining room is full of plush pink booths for big groups – or just loosening your belt and spreading out. Serving the famed Donna Chang lobster roll with chilli mayo, roast duck pancakes, and cumin-spiced lamb dim sum, you’ll savour Hong Kong’s finest flavours in this best restaurant in Brisbane.

Cuisine: Chinese

Average Price: $$

Atmosphere: Bright and buzzy

Location: 171 George St, Brisbane

20. Melrose

Melrose cooks up contemporary Asian cuisine and mixes it with a cocktail bar to offer a delightful dining experience. The menu is perfect for sharing and combs the continent, paying homage to Japanese, Chinese, Thai and other delicious cuisines. Expect the likes of soft-shell crab bao, wagyu beef tartare, crispy whole fishes and rich curries, and thank me later.

Cuisine: Pan-Asian

Average Price: $$

Atmosphere: Fun-fuelled

Location: Upstairs, Level 1, 37 Oxford St, Bulimba

21. Emme

Yet another hotspot along trendy James Street, Emme is a fine dining treat nailing authentic Middle Eastern plates. The fit-out ventures into museum territory, dotted with sculptures and beautifully textured surfaces, while the menu is elegant and refined, allowing big impact flavours to take centre stage. Expect to bond with the diners next to you as a stream of dishes, including the likes of chargrilled octopus with harissa and pickled fennel, plus charcoal chicken with garlic labneh, effortlessly wow – it’s a special Brisbane restaurant.

Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Average Price: $$$

Atmosphere: Sophisticated

Location: Shop 3, 22 James St, Fortitude Valley

22. The 203 Brisbane

If it feels clubby to you inside The 203 Brisbane , you’re bang on the money. A former nightclub, the Brisbane restaurant is now fitted with plush oversized leather booths, plush banquettes, carpeted floors and a whole lot of masterful cooking. This place throws bucketloads of fun into its premium beef cut finetuning as the team nails protein lashed with the flavours of Italy. And if meat is not your thing, homemade pasta and seafood will equally delight.

Cuisine: Steak and Italian

Average Price: $$$$

Atmosphere: Upscale

Location: 6 Marshall St, Fortitude Valley

23. Restaurant Dan Arnold

You won’t believe you can eat it – the creative genius exploding at Restaurant Dan Arnold is that good. Chef Dan Arnold brings Michelin star experience from France to this very special slice of culinary heaven in the Valley, plating up masterstroke after masterstroke. Your heart will break the moment your fork hits the French-inspired wizardry but do get in there because well-balanced flavours and fresh local produce will send your soul soaring. Think an Instagram-friendly Amano Prawns with edible blooms, tomatoes and Jalapeno, as well as kangaroo tartare, but the menu is always changing. Additionally, the fit-out is beautifully coastal cool so you’re spoilt for exceptional sights.

Cuisine: Modern Australian with French flair

Average Price: $$$$

Atmosphere: Special occasion

Location: 10/959 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley

24. hôntô

hôntô is tucked through a secret door behind The Wickham. A dark, moody fit out and dimly lit tables hide none of the splendour evoked by this contemporary Japanese kitchen. Find love at first bite over the likes of fresh, raw tuna inside savoury drumstick cones, lobster katsu sandos and grilled baby snapper with glorious trimmings.

Cuisine: Japanese

Average Price: $$

Atmosphere: Bustling

Location: Alden St, Fortitude Valley

25. sAme sAme

sAme sAme is another beautifully designed venue from the team behind hôntô (and several other Brisbane restaurant standouts on my list) and it’s anything but ordinary. They’ve managed to take the heat, flavour and pace of classic Southeast Asian cooking and shake it together with a liberal dose of personality and hospitality. The result is a bustling, enigmatic restaurant that comes alive every night of the week.

Cuisine: Thai

Average Price: $$-$$$

Atmosphere: Inviting

Location: Shop AM3 Ada Lane, 46 James St, Fortitude Valley

26. Happy Boy

I visit Happy Boy for a friend’s birthday and get swept up in this energetic spot’s cool, contemporary Thai takes, dished out in the late-night heart of Brisbane’s CBD. The industrial space offers minimalism in spades, alongside an affordable dinner menu that covers all the bases. The house fried rice is a popular choice, as well as the Beijing duck pancakes when they return to the menu.

Cuisine: Chinese

Average Price: $$

Atmosphere: Electric

Location: Under the fairy-lit trees, East St, Fortitude Valley

27. Hellenika

Housed inside the boutique paradise that is The Calile, Hellenika is the perfect alfresco space to grab a daytime bite. Enjoy signature, authentic Greek fare in an array of upscale environments. Whether it be a casual bite by the pool, or alfresco dining with friends – there are myriad options to suit in this rooftop oasis.

Cuisine: Greek

Average Price: $$$

Atmosphere: Swish

Location: Inside The Calile Hotel, 48 James St, Fortitude Valley

28. Gerard’s Bistro

From the talk around town, you might be forgiven for thinking Gerard was just a popular guy in Brisbane’s inner circle. Really, you’re not wrong. Any diner worth their salt has heard whispers of Gerard’s Bistro , and the Middle Eastern hotspot is leading foodies into their densest fever dreams. Changing regularly, the menu features an array of flavour-packed dishes made for sharing and epic house-made breads.

Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Average Price: $$

Atmosphere: Jolly

Location: 14/15 James St, Fortitude Valley

29. Essa

A sleek spot, Essa is perfect for an intimate date night thanks to its moody and atmospheric feel, created by dark wood panelling, exposed brick walls and windows offering a view of lush greenery. Everything that comes out of Essa’s kitchen showcases local farmers and providers, with their seasonal produce heroed in simple, yet utterly delectable main dishes.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average Price: $$$

Atmosphere: Upbeat

Location: 181 Robertson Street, Fortitude Valley

30. Joy Restaurant

Occupying a tiny corner tenancy in Bakery Lane, Joy Restaurant has just 10 seats, all of them overlooking the action being carried out in the kitchen and bar. So, how good can a restaurant that seats just 10 people be? Well, they’re booked out six months in advance, so we’d say pretty damn good. Choose either a short or long degustation, sit back to make friends with your neighbour, and leave seriously impressed.

Cuisine: Modern Australian with global influences

Average Price: $$$$$

Atmosphere: Intimate

Location: Shop 7/690 Ann St, Fortitude Valley

31. Agnes

In a beautiful old brick warehouse, tucked away in Fortitude Valley, you’ll find the wood-fired cooking delights of Agnes . The ethos: cooking stripped back to its primordial elements, food cooked over a flame and flavoured with a variety of different woods and prepared in exciting ways. This place is sure to set your heart ablaze.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average Price: $$$$

Atmosphere: Fiery

Location: 22 Agnes St, Fortitude Valley

32. Biànca

A terracotta-hued stunner drawing inspo from the Mediterranean region, Biànca is by the same crew behind Agnes, sAme sAme and Honto. It’s fully decked out in peachy tiles, while the ceiling is covered by metal gridwork. You can watch the kitchen team at work as they artfully assemble plates of mortadella, prosciutto, salami and more. All this plus fresh pasta, grill dishes, epic desserts and a wonderful cocktail menu, and you’ve got one heck of an evening out.

Cuisine: Italian

Average Price: $$$

Atmosphere: Slick

Location: Shop AM5, 46 James S, Fortitude Valley

33. Sunshine

Sunshine is an easy, breezy cafe that’s 100 per cent vegetarian with ample vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free options, too. What I love about this spot is its location in the thick of James St and its go-all-day people watching. Food-wise, it’s a grab-and-go style, so expect fresh vegetable bowls layered with flavour and homemade sweets.

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Average Price: $

Atmosphere: Casual

Location: 39 James St, Fortitude Valley

34. Gemelli

While we’re exploring James St, Gemelli uses authentic Italian products combined with the highest-quality Queensland seafood and meat to create a reliably great dining experience. Pairing traditional cooking techniques with an open, breeze-filled fit out, the renowned Italian chain restaurant (which is also big on the Gold Coast) evokes serious overseas vibes – I feel as though I’ve stepped foot into a Florence back street as this place shines especially during the day.

Cuisine: Italian

Average Price: $$

Atmosphere: Family-friendly

Location: 15 James St, Fortitude Valley

35. Bisou Bisou

Bisou Bisou is a French brasserie located in Hotel X, one of the most luxurious hotels in Brisbane. The space is quiet and relaxing, ideal for those looking for some tranquillity. The food menu offers a delightful range of French-inspired dishes such as bouillabaisse and steak frites. The cocktail menu complements the food menu with both classic cocktails and modern interpretations. I recommend working your way through the list of French wines to make you proper weak in the knees.

Cuisine: French

Average Price: $$

Atmosphere: Chirpy

Location: Hotel X, 458 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley

36. Vertigo

Does that famous black-and-white ‘Lunch atop a Skyscraper’ photograph of construction workers scoffing sambos up in the air look fun to you? Well, you need to get moving to Vertigo , the country’s first vertical restaurant. Enjoy an Italian-inspired menu 17 metres above ground level on the edge of Brisbane Powerhouse as the city throws up incredible views down below. Terrifying or tempting, it’s certainly one of a kind.

Cuisine: Italian

Average Price: $$$$

Atmosphere: Exhilarating

Location: Brisbane Powerhouse, 119 Lamington St, New Farm

37. Pilloni

Couldn’t quite make it to Italy this year? Consider Pilloni the next best thing, and then some. Dishing up ridiculously authentic flavours inside an achingly cool fit-out that blends contemporary finishes with warm textures and tones, the West End hotspot does wonderous things with the freshest of seasonal produce. Homemade pasta floats delicately in flavour-packed sauces while seafood shines at one of the best restaurants in Brisbane, hands down.

Cuisine: Italian

Average Price: $$$

Atmosphere: Intimate

Location: 166 Hardgrave Rd, West End

38. Bar Alto

Bar Alto is in the Brisbane Powerhouse, a contemporary multi-arts, dining and conference venue nestled on the beautiful banks of the Brisbane River beside New Farm Park. The former power station has become a distinct Brisbane landmark, both as a stunning industrial creation and as a hub for everything creative including theatre, music, comedy, film, visual arts, festivals and ideas. Bar Alto is a relaxed and welcoming spot to spend an afternoon with a delightful menu ranging from small antipasti plates to larger showstoppers like the slow-cooked lamb shoulder.

Cuisine: Italian

Average Price: $$

Atmosphere: Pure chic

Location: Brisbane Powerhouse, 119 Lamington St, New Farm

39. Beccofino

Inside Beccofino , the smell of woodfired pizza oven drifts through the restaurant to the outdoor terrace. The pizza menu is separated into pizze rosse (tomato-based) and pizze bianche (white cheese-based) and they’re all impeccable. The modern Italian restaurant has a substantial menu with pasta, antipasti, mains and Italian desserts. Simple, beautiful food is what these guys do best.

Cuisine: Italian

Average Price: $$

Atmosphere: Homely

Location: 10 Vernon Tce, Corner Florence St, Teneriffe

40. Maggie May Supperclub

Maggie May Supperclub is retro in the best possible way. The decor spins a strong 70s vibe and is instantly endearing. The menu is designed for sharing with a range of small and large plates to whet the appetite. From flank steak grilled over charcoal, fried chicken soaked in buttermilk, a salmon with sweet potato crisp and fried apple pie cigars for dessert, there is something for everyone here.

Cuisine: Global comfort food

Average Price: $-$$

Atmosphere: Relaxed

Location: 84 Longland St, Newstead

41. Montrachet

Feeling French? Montrachet offers traditional French bistro dining, amazing produce and cooking techniques, paired with warm and precise service to deliver the perfect European dining experience. With several accolades to its name, the Brisbane restaurant is using its experience to ensure they continue to delight the palate with a seasonal French menu, and extensive wine list.

Cuisine: French

Average Price: $$$-$$$$

Atmosphere: Tres chic

Location: 1/30 King St, Bowen Hills

42. 1889 Enoteca

Passionate about local produce and top-notch wine, Woolloongabba dining institution 1889 Enoteca is a sophisticated stop for any occasion. The team focuses on supporting local farmers as much as possible, which benefits both parties; ensuring the restaurant’s produce is much fresher and less damaged from limited travel.

Cuisine: Italian

Average Price: $$$

Atmosphere: Warm and endearing

Location: 10-12 Logan Rd, Woolloongabba

43. OTTO

The beauty of OTTO ’s menu is just how simple it is. It needn’t show off with outlandish bells and whistles, it simply lets the quality of the regional produce do all the talking. OTTO celebrates the extravagance of people, place and la dolce vita through modern Italian cuisine. Peruse an a la carte menu, tasting menu, vegan menu and curated wine list while overlooking the iconic Brisbane River. Colourful interiors and a vibrant cityscape will keep you company, alongside squid ink tagliatelle with cuttlefish, or yellowfin tuna crudo with broad beans. Bellissimo.

Cuisine: Italian

Average Price: $$$

Atmosphere: Smart and classy

Location: Sidon St, South Bank, South Brisbane

44. Southside

I’ve visited Southside , Brisbane’s iconic Fish Lane restaurant serving East-Asian cuisine, for both group dinners and date nights, and it always delivers. Pouring wines from the great regions of the world alongside favourite Australian producers, the team also know how to pair their dishes to perfection. Featuring a courtyard dotted with green plants as trains whip on by above, the setting is entirely unique, too.

Cuisine: East-Asian

Average Price: $$$

Atmosphere: Stylish

Location: 63 Melbourne St, South Brisbane

45. Herve’s Restaurant & Bar

The top level of a former dance studio provides open-plan good times at Herve’s Restaurant & Bar , where French fare always impresses. The vibe is casual and cool but don’t let that trick you into thinking there isn’t heavyweight expertise lacing every dish. You’ll practically feel the warmth of the Eiffel Tower’s twinkling lights when entrees including a classic beef tartare, crab souffle and French onion soup sweep your table, before classics like steak frites send you into a Parisian dream.

Cuisine: French

Average Price: $$-$$$

Atmosphere: Glamorous

Location: Craft’d Grounds, Level 1/31-37 Collingwood St, Albion