Brisbane is hot right now. The Queensland capital has seen a mass migration of top hotel brands and celebrated chefs in recent years, resulting in an influx of exceptional dining spots that show off the city in its most dazzling light.
From Gourmet Traveller’s Restaurant of the Year Agnes to Martin Boetz’s hot new Thai joint, Brisbane’s restaurant scene is bold, dynamic and world-class. Here are our pick of the most impressive Brisbane restaurants for visitors and locals alike.
For more bold and impressive things to do in Brisbane, from the hot new hotels to book to rooftop bars with river views, head over here.
Agnes
GT Restaurant of the Year winner Agnes is the hottest restaurant in town. Chef-owner Ben Williamson masters wood-fire cooking, but his triumph is in his restraint. Add a cracking wine list and a slick revamped warehouse setting with a rooftop terrace, and it’s easy to see why it deserves high acclaim.
Best for: Innovative, flame-fuelled dishes backed by award-winning chops.
Short Grain
This hot and spicy newcomer from celebrated chef Martin Boetz is a vibrant eatery dedicated to the diverse flavours of Thailand. Chilli lovers won’t be disappointed with the fiery dry red prawn curry or green mango salad, but it’s the caramelised, masterstock-braised pork hock that’s a must-order.
Best for: Elevated Thai that packs a punch from a celebrated chef.
Stanley
Brisbane’s top Cantonese fine-diner impresses beyond its sparkling river views. Chef Louis Tikaram’s five-spice roast duck is a benchmark; ditto his char siu. And of course, dim sum is of high order.
Best for: Abundant Cantonese feasts backdropped by river views.
Essa
Details matter in the split-level dining room of Essa, with its swish marble bar and fiery grill. Factor in attentive service and a wine list that balances new-wave locals and old-world prestige, and it adds up to a satisfyingly grown-up experience.
Best for: Intimate long lunches punctured with experimental gastromony.
Establishment 203
Establishment 203 is executive chef Ben O’Donoghue’s flash new steakhouse in Fortitude Valley. It caters to the carnivore-inclined with tomahawks, bone-in eye fillets and wagyu sirloins to boot, but it’d be remiss to skip the seafood here.
Best for: Sleek steak dinners with crowd-pleasing fare for groups.
Bosco
Newstead has welcomed a top new venue to its culinary ranks with the arrival of Bosco. The industrial wine bar and grill boasts 80 seats in a converted warehouse space; a tome-like wine list; and a menu that shines a spotlight on coastal Euro cuisine.
Best for: Casual date nights with Euro wine bar flair.
Pilloni
This West End Sardinian restaurant offers a vivid snapshot of sun-kissed island life. Despite only coming onto the scene a year ago, it’s cemented itself as a must-visit for lovers of Italian fare. A favourite among Brisbane locals and visitors alike.
Best for: Warm Italian hospitality and exceptional charcoal-cooked seafood.
Gerard’s
Sporting a fresh look and an inspired new menu, this reimagined Middle Eastern favourite is entering a new era with aplomb. Recently reopening after a months-long renovation, the James Street mainstay is dialling the Levantine food up a notch. It’s bold, unique and fun while being respectful of its Middle Eastern origins.
Best for: Playful Middle Eastern dishes for convivial feasts.
Exhibition
Mind-blowingly complex snacks launch the high-kicking, overachieving culinary performance that takes place in this moody 24-seat basement diner. Exhibition never misses a beat. It’s a testament to Brisbane’s world-class dining scene.
Best for: Sensational snacks bolstered by expert wine pairings.
Restaurant Dan Arnold
Even those averse to fussy fine dining can relax at RDA. There’s a lot going on, but it’s delivered with such compelling flair that it makes this Fortitude Valley restaurant a revered gem of Brisbane’s thriving restaurant scene.
Best for: Fine dining celebrations without extravagant fuss.
