With hundreds of cafés popping up across the city, you’ll never be short of options. Whether you want a quick bite or a relaxing spot to read a book, this guide will take you through some of the best cafes in Brisbane. They range from casual cafés to fine dining establishments, and each offers something unique – from a long and relaxed brunch, to a quick coffee or a decadent dinner, we have you covered for whatever meal your heart desires.
For upscale modern Australian fare in a gorgeous riverside setting, take a stroll through Newstead to Malt Pier. The menu has a slight Mediterranean feel with items like Squid Ink Spaghetti and Grilled Polenta, and it showcases the best Australian seasonal produce, plated to perfection. Or, if you’re just popping in for a quick lunch you can sit up at the bar and chat with the friendly staff.
Address: 1 Newstead Terrace Newstead, QLD 4006
Reviews rating: 4.7/5 (Check out what OpenTable diners are saying about Malt Pier)
Belle Epoque – Emporium Hotel South Bank
Feel like escaping to Paris for a few hours? Dining at Belle Epoque is like a French escape – leave your worries behind and surround yourself with perfect coffee, fresh pastries and delicate dishes. The a-la-carte menu for breakfast and lunch is filled with quintessential French classics, but the High Tea is really the show-stopping event.
Address: 267 Grey St South Brisbane, QLD 4101
Reviews rating: 4/5 (Check out what OpenTable diners are saying about Belle Epoque – Emporium Hotel South Bank)
Have the kids and pooch in tow, but looking for a killer burger? Todd and Pup run a seasonal menu, with a killer nighttime specialty burger menu, as well as daily sweet and savoury house-made bakery goods. If you’re into some spice, the Chilli Chicken Burger is the way to go, with XO Coated Fried Chicken, Creamy Cabbage and Pickled Daikon. Sour, spicy, crunchy and oh-so-satisfying.
Address: 398 Tarragindi Rd Moorooka, QLD 4105
Reviews rating: 4.6/5 (Check out what OpenTable diners are saying about Todd and Pup)
Perched atop Mount Gravatt, Lovewell is a social enterprise cafe attached to the Lovewell Foundation, a not-for-profit that works with women who are rebuilding their lives. The views are spectacular but the food really wins you over. On a cold morning, you absolutely have to try Jen’s Savoury Mince, with a rich bechamel sauce, poached egg and jalapeno chips – yum.
Address: 185 Mount Gravatt Outlook Dr Mount Gravatt, QLD 4122
Reviews rating: 4.1/5 (Check out what OpenTable diners are saying about Lovewell)
As the name might suggest, coffee is at the heart of Industry Beans. Located in a purpose-built warehouse, Industry Beans is a beautiful marriage of coffee roasting and a lofty cafe with both indoor and outdoor dining. Every three months the chefs create a new seasonal menu to showcase local produce and innovative techniques, and you cannot miss the coffee-infused dessert menu.
Address: 18 Proe St Newstead, QLD 4006
Reviews rating: 4.5/5 (Check out what OpenTable diners are saying about Industry Beans Newstead)
On a beautiful corner block, stepping into Willow feels like taking a big breath and relaxing. The space is open, warm and inviting, and the menu is filled with soul-warming dishes like the BBQ Baby Back Ribs Eggs Bene, or the American Waffle Breakfast, complete with a buttermilk waffle, eggs your way, hash waffle, sausage patty and maple bacon. Want to kick off your weekend with a bang? Go all-in for the boozy brunch with bottomless mimosas for an hour.
Address: 216 Riding Rd Shop 1 Balmoral, QLD 4171
Reviews rating: 4.6/5 (Check out what OpenTable diners are saying about Willow Espresso)
For stunning views of the Brisbane River, you have to head down to Northshore Harbour. Nestled in between beautifully landscaped parkland, and leading onto a soft sandy beach, this cafe is one of Brisbane’s best-kept secrets. With an extensive all-day menu including a kids menu and sharing plates, you’re bound to find something for everyone here.
Address: 297 Macarthur Ave Hamilton, QLD 4007
Reviews rating: 3.9/5 (Check out what OpenTable diners are saying about Northshore Harbour)
Boardwalk Cafe @ North Lakes Hotel
With a beautiful view over Lake Eden, Boardwalk Cafe is the place to go for fresh, well-priced casual dining. With homemade baked goods and classic Australian bistro fare, you can dine indoors or outdoors, with counter service, weekend bars and takeaway options. Sitting right on the edge of the lake, Boardwalk Cafe really is a one-of-a-kind destination and the perfect choice for the whole family.
Address: 22 Lakefield Dr North Lakes, QLD 4509
Reviews rating: 4.1/5 (Check out what OpenTable diners are saying about Boardwalk Cafe @ North Lakes Hotel)
Tucked away on the basement level of Adelaide street, right in the heart of Brisbane, take some respite from the hustle and bustle amongst a stunning collection of First Nations art and artefacts, and indulge in a menu inspired by bush tucker and indigenous cuisine. Every Thursday and Friday the menu extends to dinner, and you can wash it down with a selection of boutique wines, beers and ciders, including specialised non-alcoholic beers.
Address: 300 Adelaide St Basement Level Brisbane City, QLD 4000
Reviews rating: 4.7/5 (Check out what OpenTable diners are saying about Birrunga Cafe)
A Camp Hill local favourite, Ralph & Co is serving up an all-day menu with locally sourced ingredients. With refined dishes like Blue Swimmer Crab Spaghetti or Braised Duck Leg, as well as family favourites like the Brunch Fries with bacon, onion jam, cheddar, avocado crema and a fried egg, you’ll find something for the whole family here. After you’ve finished eating you can pop to the in-store grocer for some delicatessen goods!
Address: Camp Hill Marketplace Shop 11 17 Samuel St Camp Hill, QLD 4152
Reviews rating: 4.3/5 (Check out what OpenTable diners are saying about Ralph & Co)
The Camp Hill locals may not be pleased about us exposing their neighbourhood favourite, but Florence is too good to keep secret. The menu is seasonal and progressive, with striking dishes like the ‘Rockmelon + Tomato’, with rockmelon, baby heirloom tomatoes, buffalo curd, pickled mustard seed and elderflower vinegar. Or if you’re only feeling a bit peckish, the counter is always full of baked goods and cakes, made in-house by Floss.
Address: 54 Martha St Camp Hill, QLD 4152
Reviews rating: 4.5/5 (Check out what OpenTable diners are saying about Florence)
With locally roasted coffee and a brunch menu with both staples and delicious seasonal items, it’s easy to see why Stones Throw Espresso is a local favourite. Nestle into the soft corner couches with a coffee or tuck into a hearty Ragu Mushroom on Sourdough, no matter what your order you’ll find yourself charmed by the excellent staff and friendly customers that are a key feature of Stones Throw Espresso.
Address: Shop 1 371 Logan Rd Stones Corner, QLD 4120
Reviews rating: 4.6/5 (Check out what OpenTable diners are saying about Stones Throw Espresso)
Milano is an absolute mainstay of the Brisbane CBD, and for good reason! Smack bang in the middle of the bustle of Queen Street, Milao feels like it could have been plucked right out of the streets of Europe. Serving up modern Italian cuisine and an extensive wine and beverage list, take in the sights and sounds of the city while digging into fresh, seasonal Italian fare. The Marinara pasta is a showstopper, with market fish, prawns, calamari, mussels, tomato, chilli and garlic.
Address: 91 Queen St Brisbane City, QLD 4000
Reviews rating: 4.6/5 (Check out what OpenTable diners are saying about Milano)
Lucky Duck serves up farm-to-table style organic breakfast and lunch, plus cocktails and bar snacks in the evening. The cafe opens right up onto the street and is an excellent spot to have a relaxed meal or drink, and watch the world pass by. With awesome seasonal specials and a killer cocktail list, this is the ultimate Friday evening wind-down spot.
Address: 15 Gladstone Rd Highgate Hill, QLD 4101
Reviews rating: 5/5 (Check out what OpenTable diners are saying about Lucky Duck Cafe Bar)
If you’re after big flavours and bold combinations, with a gluten-free twist, Nodo is the place for you. The menu here is exciting, fresh and filling, with killer brunch items like the Bang Bang Benedict with Szechuan braised ham hock, cumquat hollandaise, chewy tapioca waffle, poached eggs, kale and citrus salt. It sounds like a lot and yet somehow it all works together perfectly. For a cooling finish, sip on one of Nodo’s fantastic frozen drinks like the Acai frappe.
Address: 265 Hawthorne Rd Hawthorne, QLD 4171
Reviews rating: 4.4/5 (Check out what OpenTable diners are saying about Nodo – Hawthorne)
There are thousands of places to dine out in Brisbane, and they come in all shapes and sizes, so sometimes it may be difficult to find the best place to suit exactly your taste. We hope you’ll be able to find somewhere on this list to suit your fancy, or you can download the OpenTable app to search for the best restaurants in Brisbane and check out our diners’ reviews to find the best places for your occasions.
