From bayside eateries to riverside restaurants, Brisbane boasts plenty of incredible spots to drink and dine. Many of the best Brisbane restaurants source their ingredients from local farmers and artisans, so you can enjoy fresh, top-quality flavours. Add on drinks lists of Australian wines, signature cocktails and curated collections of spirits and your next meal out in Brisbane is guaranteed to be memorable. From worldwide cuisine to outdoor dining , romantic destinations for date night and family-friendly spots, the best restaurants in Brisbane are sure to impress.
Head to the CBD for a luxurious steakhouse or traditional Italian flavours that the whole family will love. Kenmore is home to a restaurant that serves produce from its own kitchen garden and Woolloongabba boasts an Italian hotspot with 70s vibes. Head to Manly to dine out on the jetty or cosy up indoors at a restaurant that specialises in flame-cooked dishes. Lebanese flavours and environmentally-conscious cooking take centre stage in Fortitude Valley. Head to South Bank for stunning skyline views or enjoy pre-theatre dining near QPAC in South Brisbane. Finally, have a relaxing breakfast, lunch or dinner at a spacious, leafy restaurant in New Farm.
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Read on for the 11 best Brisbane restaurants
For one of the best Italian restaurants in Brisbane – book at Olive and Angelo in Brisbane’s CBD
Olive and Angelo serves up traditional Italian dishes with a homemade touch. The handmade pasta and pizza bases include traditional, gluten-free, and vegan options so everyone can enjoy a taste of Italy. Beat the heat indoors or grab an outdoor table and soak up the fresh air and greenery in the semi-sheltered garden area. Start with some antipasti like tangy olives marinated in chilli and herbs and crispy calamari served with pizzaiola sauce. Share slices of Napoli-style wood-fired margherita with San Marzano tomatoes or aromatic Funghi with gorgonzola and truffle oil. Alternatively, dig into the rich house-made ragu lasagna or ask the waitstaff about the catch of the day. Groups of four or more can order the set menu and if you’re hosting a big event, consider booking one of the function menus for groups of 12 or more.
For local produce – head to Wild Canary in Kenmore
Tucked away in Brookfield Gardens, Wild Canary lets nature set the rhythm in the kitchen. Using locally sourced produce – including items from the restaurant’s own kitchen garden – executive chef Glen Barret creates a hearty menu, perfect for breakfast, lunch and brunch. Tall glass windows let in plenty of light, along with a view of the leafy trees outside. Whether it’s on your plate or around your table, Wild Canary is the perfect spot to immerse yourself in Brisbane’s natural beauty. Enjoy a classic breakfast of aromatic smoked bacon, poached eggs and Moroccan-spiced tomato relish or add on some cheese kransky sausage and creamy halloumi for a Wild Canary special. Spiced fried chicken served on fluffy potato and smoked cheddar waffles brings a unique twist to a brunch classic and the house-made pie of the day is always a great option.
For one of the best Brisbane restaurants with marina views – book at Tide on the Jetty in Manly
Soak up the sunshine and marina views at Tide on the Jetty a modern restaurant on the William Gunn Jetty in Manly. Dine out over the water with stunning views whether you cosy up indoors or dine under one of the large umbrellas out on the balcony. The kitchen takes a seasonal approach, using local ingredients to create delicious dishes for breakfast (until 11 am), lunch and dinner (after 11 am). For breakfast try fluffy Belgian waffles topped with maple syrup and your choice of ice cream or opt for the salty, corned beef flavour of the toasted Reuben sandwich. Pair it with your favourite coffee, sweet milkshakes or refreshing juices and smoothies. For lunch and dinner, share plates of crispy cheese and truffle arancini or refreshing Pacific oysters. The juicy classic Tide burger with grilled Angus beef is always popular while the melt-in-your-mouth slow-cooked lamb gnocchi is sure to be memorable. Enjoy $7 tap beers and house wines from 3 pm to 5 pm on weekdays and bottomless rosé for $39 per person from 10 am to 5 pm on Sundays.
For one of Brisbane’s best Lebanese restaurants – check out The Green in Fortitude Valley
Savour charcoal-infused Lebanese flavours at The Green in Fortitude Valley. This neighbourhood restaurant evokes the tastes and atmosphere of family dinners. You’ll feel right at home in the airy dining space, packed with a variety of potted plants that line the walls, tables and ceiling. Head here for a hearty breakfast of flavour-packed shakshuka or harissa-spiced Persian fried eggs. Lunch is all about sharing plates of housemade Lebanese bread and creamy hummus. Order the green feast set menu and dig into tender 12-hour cooked lamb shoulder and smoky charcoal chicken. Open for dinner from 5 pm to 1 pm on Fridays and Saturdays, the à la carte menu includes juicy Wagyu flank skewers and foraging plates of fresh vegetables and creamy carrot labneh yoghurt.
For Italian cooking and 70s-inspired vibes – visit Sasso Italiano in Woolloongabba
Easily recognisable by its bright red lit-up sign, take the stairs up to Sasso Italiano and step into a cosy neighbourhood restaurant serving up classic Italian favourites. Comfortable seating, dim lighting and a well-stocked bar welcome you into this 70s-inspired dining space, perfect for group gatherings. Start with some creamy burrata with tangy capers or some crispy flash-fried calamari. Move on to some pasta like soft gnocchi with parmesan cream or rich sausage ragu with fusilloni. For mains, try the juicy lamb cutlets or the tender sirloin with wild mushrooms. The pizza menu includes amanti della carne with spicy salami and smoked ham and the mushroom and truffle-topped funghi tartufati. The feed me and feast me tasting menus include a range of Sasso Italiano’s most popular dishes plus your choice of pizza.
For one of the best Brisbane restaurants for stunning views – head up to The Terrace – Emporium Hotel South Bank Brisbane in South Bank
Get a bird’s eye view of the city from The Terrace – Emporium Hotel South Bank Brisbane. A retractable ceiling and glass roof means you can enjoy the view, rain or shine. Cushioned chairs gather around round tables at this buzzing hotspot on top of the Emporium Hotel in Southbank. Share grazing platters of Tasmanian Pacific oysters with tangy mignonette or juicy Korean fried chicken with sweet and spicy sauce. Savour the umami flavours of honey miso salmon or bite into tender Black Onyx beef flank. Finish off with a creamy matcha cheesecake. Sip on signature cocktails like love deluxe, a delicate, floral blend of raspberry, plum and hibiscus flavours. If you’ve got a favourite classic, just ask, the bar will whip one up for you. Alternatively, choose from a range of Australian and international beers on tap or enjoy a glass of South Australian wine.
For one of Brisbane’s best restaurants for pre-theatre dining and high tea – book at Lyrebird in South Brisbane
With exemplary hospitality and a creative modern Australian menu, Lyrebird is one of the best spots in Brisbane for an elegant evening out. The friendly staff will welcome you to your table in the relaxed dining space filled with colourful artwork. Housed in Cascade Court, many diners head here before they take in a show at QPAC and Lyrebird frequently offers themed pre-theatre specials for major shows. It’s also one of the best spots in the city to enjoy a high tea experience with fluffy, house-baked scones, savoury pastries and a selection of sweet petit fours. For dinner, start with a plate of warm olives with hand-rolled grissini or some soft focaccia with tomato and pesto dip. Pasta dishes include spicy seafood spaghetti with calamari bolognese and fragrant truffle-infused gnocchi with oyster mushrooms. From the grill try tender barramundi with decadent fish roe caviar or melt-in-your-mouth roast duck leg. For dessert, indulge in a creamy tiramisu or a fresh poached pear with passionfruit sorbet. Finally linger over digestifs paired with affogato and house-made biscotti or a selection of Australian and European cheeses.
For a romantic date night with luxurious flame-cooked dishes – visit The Arsonist in Manly
A luxe bar in Manly where fire cooking takes centre stage, The Arsonist creates a sensory dining experience. Slip into the seek interior lit by dim lights and the flames of the fire pit and grill. The menu is designed for sharing, so get a group together and settle in for some flame-grilled delights. Split small plates of creamy coal-roasted pumpkin or juicy woodfire figs. Larger platters include 63-day dry-aged stockyard beef and cherrywood-smoked Aylesbury Peking duck breast with smooth foie gras mousse. The drinks list includes an extensive collection of whisky from Australia, Japan, Scotland and more. You can even buy your own bottle and have the staff keep it safe in a personal locker so it’s always there for your future visits.
For one of the best steakhouses in Brisbane – visit Black Hide By Gambaro on Caxton Street in Brisbane’s CBD
Steak is the focus at Black Hide By Gambaro on Caxton Street. The chic, monochromatic black-and-white dining space is the perfect spot for everything from a business lunch to an intimate date night. Serving up top-quality Stanbroke Beef, you’ll have plenty of cuts and marble scores to choose from. Try the Angus eye fillet with a marble score of 3+ or treat yourself to Wagyu sirloin with a marble score of 9+. The menu is rounded out with tasty seafood entrees and mains. Start things off with some South Australian kingfish crudo or a fried oyster slider served on a fluffy brioche bun. If you don’t feel like steak, go for the market fish of the day, juicy Moreton Bay bugs or a tender lamb rump.
For one of Brisbane’s best restaurants for eco-conscious cooking – visit Essa Restaurant in Fortitude Valley
Simplicity shines at Essa Restaurant in Fortitude Valley. The kitchen sources produce fresh from local growers, hunters and producers to build an environmentally conscious menu. A hyper-local approach means the menu is always changing depending on what’s available, letting the kitchen get creative by serving up familiar flavours in unexpected ways. Try the Bangalow free-range pork collar, soaked in shio koji – a rice-based marinade – or the smooth goat’s curd sorbet with chartreuse. Hand-rolled pasta with juicy grilled prawns is a great seafood option and the dry-aged rib steak is cooked over the fire for a sultry, smoky flavour. Essa’s straightforward, environmental approach extends to its dining space. Dark shades of black and green are dimly lit to create a focused, calm atmosphere. Book a cosy table and gather with friends or grab a seat up at the bar for a fun solo date.
For one of the best special occasion restaurants in Brisbane – swing by Harveys Bar and Bistro in New Farm
Step into a spacious, airy dining space surrounded by leafy plants climbing up to the ceiling at Harveys Bar and Bistro. With approachable, seasonal menus Harveys serves up breakfast, lunch and dinner in the bustling James Street precinct in New Farm. Start your day with a bowl of toasted muesli or some fluffy ricotta-buttermilk pancakes. For lunch, savour the Queensland flavour of seared Hervey Bay scallops or flaky beer-battered market fish. After lunch service and before dinner, Harveys offers a late lunch charcuterie and snacking menu that’s perfect for pairing with a chilled glass of rosé or a tangy Aperol spritz. At dinner, start with some tender grilled quail with a parsnip puree before moving on to the crispy haloumi-crumbed chicken schnitzel with pomegranate and za’atar.
Whatever cuisine you’re craving and whatever vibe you’re after, the best Brisbane restaurants have something for you. Enjoy juicy cuts of steak, fresh Australian seafood, unique vegan options and much more. With plenty of outdoor seating, it’s always easy to soak up the sunshine. Whether you’re planning a solo outing or need to organise a big celebration, you can find the perfect spot at one of these Brisbane hotspots.
Make the most of the best Brisbane restaurants – book your table on OpenTable today
There are plenty more amazing restaurants in Brisbane. For more options check out these guides:
- The best date night restaurants Brisbane loves right now
- The 12 best outdoor restaurants in Brisbane
- Brisbane’s 9 best Asian restaurants to book right now
- Unveiling the best Japanese restaurants Brisbane has to offer
- The best brunch in Brisbane awaits at these top restaurants
- The 10 best family restaurants in Brisbane serving kids menus and more
- The 10 best bars in Brisbane to grab a drink right now
- The 5 best French restaurants in Brisbane to try today
- 10 of the best pubs in Brisbane for stellar brews and bites
- The 10 best seafood restaurants in Brisbane to try right now
