When it comes to Asian cuisine, Brisbane‘s restaurant scene is overrun with options. With new hotspots cropping up all year round, local specialities from China, Thailand, Vietnam or Malaysia delight diners across the city. If you’re craving flavourful dumplings, crispy fried chicken, and hearty pad Thai, the best Asian restaurants in Brisbane have you covered.
There are restaurants with a particular focus on Peruvian-Chinese Chifu cuisine and on Shanghai’s traditional flavours, alongside must-visit sake bars and top-notch Japanese barbecues. You’ll find them hidden down laneways in Brisbane’s bustling CBD and spilling out onto the street in South Bank.
Alongside platters of warm dim sum and fresh sashimi, Asian wines, beers, whiskies and sakes are a must-try. Banquet options make these restaurants a perfect choice for large gatherings too: from traditional experiences to innovative takes on the classics, these restaurants offer something for everyone.
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The best Asian restaurants in Brisbane can be found all over the city
For one of Brisbane’s best Chinese restaurants – head to Tai Tai in South Bank
Rooted in Chinese and South East Asian traditions, Tai Tai, is one of the best Asian restaurants in Brisbane to enjoy a meal with friends. Their menu is designed to be shared, with baskets of piping hot assorted dim sum and fluffy steamed bao buns. For larger meals, they offer a range of meat and seafood dishes, from Cantonese crispy skin chicken to garlic king prawns. On warm days, take a seat in their outdoor dining area (either semi-sheltered or exposed) that looks out onto busy Grey Street. Wait times can be long, so book your spot with OpenTable and skip the queue.
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One of the best Thai restaurants in Brisbane’s CBD – visit Jumbo Thai Restaurant & Bar
Awarded Best Thai Restaurant in South-East Queensland 2022 by the Restaurant and Caterers Association, Jumbo Thai Restaurant & Bar brings traditional Thai cuisine to the heart of Brisbane’s CBD, just above the iconic Embassy Hotel. The restaurant’s plush couches and chairs, fun paintings, and hearty, delicious food come together to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Their menu aims to both challenge and delight the senses, and you can start your feast with some tom yum before digging into a must-try pad Thai with a choice of chicken, prawns and tofu or Thai green curry with chicken, braised beef or tofu served with eggplants and zucchini. Many dishes are available with chicken, seafood, or vegetarian options.
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For one of the best Asian restaurants in Brisbane’s Teneriffe – book at the cosy izakaya Hikari
Hikari is a cosy Japanese restaurant in Teneriffe that fuses the experience of izakayas, Japan’s relaxed pubs, with Washoku, traditional Japanese cuisine. Try the house-made Japanese curry, served with chicken katsu or veggie tempura. Order your favourite flavours from their wide range of sushi before closing out your meal with a fluffy matcha cheesecake. The drinks selection at Hikari is a particular highlight, with a sizable selection of sake, alongside Japanese whisky and beer.
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For an unforgettable dining experience around Peruvian-Chinese flavours – try Casa Chow in Woolloongabba
Pink neon lights, pulsing beats, and intense flavours, Casa Chow is an exciting escape for the senses. This is one of Brisbane’s best Asian restaurants for anyone who wants to try Chifa, a unique culinary tradition that brings Cantonese and Peruvian flavours and techniques together. The tradition dates back to Peru in the 19th century, and today, Casa Chow brings those unique flavours to Woolloongabba. Try stir-fried beef tallarin, Chifa’s take on chow mein, and pair it with some crispy Sichuan pork and beef dumplings or shoestring fries with chipotle mayo.
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For a top-notch Japanese barbecue – head to Nonbei Sake Bar & BBQ in Fortitude Valley
There are a number of excellent Japanese restaurants in Brisbane’s relaxed Fortitude Valley, but Nonbei Sake Bar & BBQ is considered one of the best. They aim to offer an authentic Japanese experience with BBQ, ramen, and izakaya-style dishes. Their most popular offering is the BBQ yakiniku, where you use the grill at the table to cook the meat to your liking. Order a variety of tender meats (including a variety of Wagyu cuts), fresh seafood and seasonal vegetables to share and choose from more than 10 sake flavours. On their á la carte menu, you can find takoyaki (a traditional ball-shaped snack filled with octopus), spicy miso ramen, and homemade cabbage kimchee.
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For tasty Pan-Asian cuisine – head to Mr. Vain in Brisbane’s Inner Suburbs
Serving Pan-Asian cuisine in a bistro atmosphere that evokes the feel of Chinatown in 90s New York, this restaurant is easy to miss. Keep an eye out for the lit sign leading you down a laneway and into the exposed brick walls and sleek seating of Mr. Vain. They build a menu that’s both innovatively creative and approachably simple. A strong focus on seasonality means you can expect the exact dishes to change throughout the year. Whatever the season, you can expect to find premium cuts of beef and fresh seafood presented in a minimalist fashion that lets each bold flavour shine. On their wine list, you’ll find a range of sustainable, family-owned wines, including local producers and carefully selected international bottles.
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For Asian fusion street food – grab a spot at Mr Wabi in Brisbane’s CBD
One of the best Asian Fusion restaurants in Brisbane’s city, Mr Wabi combines the vibrant flavours of street food with fun cocktails and a buzzing atmosphere. Situated in the heart of Brisbane’s CBD, it’s a great first stop for an evening enjoying the city’s nightlife. Fill up on Peking duck spring rolls and savour the flavours of Korean fried chicken. The restaurant’s house-made chilli oil is served alongside its dumplings filled with Mongolian lamb, pork, or prawn. If you just can’t decide, their Plum and Sakura Banquets are the perfect way to enjoy the range of flavours on offer. While they aim to elevate street food dishes, they also celebrate the imperfections that make them beautiful.
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For a group dining in one of Brisbane’s top Chinese restaurants – book at Lilong in West End
The Taste of Shanghai Group is bringing authentic Shanghai street food flavours to Brisbane with Lilong West End. ‘Lilong’ refers to the old backstreet communities in Shanghai, and this spacious, dining-hall-style restaurant is perfect for recreating that cheerful, communal atmosphere. With a signature selection of noodles (including Shanghainese-style and Sichuan-style options) and dumplings (the pan-fried pork dumplings are a best-seller), Lilong’s menu is built on traditional techniques and authentic flavours. Pair your meal with a refreshing house-made mint-lychee juice or a steaming cup of oolong tea.
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For a one-of-a-kind Chinese restaurant – visit Uncle Wang in Brisbane’s CBD
After a busy day at the bustling Barracks Shopping Centre, enjoy a range of multi-regional Chinese meals at Uncle Wang. Many of the dishes, like its pork potsticker dumplings, are perfect for sharing, and with meat dishes like cha siu pork and Mongolian sweet and sour lamb ribs, or vegetarian options like mushroom mapo tofu, everyone can enjoy what’s on offer. It’s one of the best Chinese restaurants in Brisbane, putting creative twists on old classics. With their weekday lunch specials, it fills up fast, so book ahead of time to ensure you get a table.
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There’s no denying that Brisbane’s restaurant scene includes some incredible Asian options. Many of these restaurants are among the best Asian restaurants in Brisbane. Whether you are ready for some sushi, a signature selection of noodles, or looking to enjoy some Korean fried chicken, we have you covered.
