Quick answers — eating in Brisbane
- Best restaurant overall
- Bacchus Restaurant
- Best value
- Naga Thai (AUD $70-130 / USD $45-90)
- Strongest cuisines
- Modern European, Italian, Greek, Seafood, Thai
- Dishes to try
- Lamington, Barramundi, Prawns (Australian King Prawns), Meat Pie
- Booking window
- For Brisbane's top-tier restaurants, book at least 2-4 weeks in advance, especially for Friday or Saturday evenings. Popular spots fill quickly.
Bookings for top venues are essential, often weeks in advance for prime weekend slots. Dress codes typically lean towards smart casual, with some establishments preferring more elevated attire. Tipping is not customary or expected in Australia, though excellent service may warrant a small gratuity. Dinner services generally run from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
Modern European
Best modern European restaurants in Brisbane
Modern European is the catch-all for kitchens that borrow technique from France, produce from their own region and ideas from everywhere — usually tasting-menu only.
Bacchus Restaurant
Acclaimed local fine diningModern Australian · South Bank · AUD $150-250 / USD $100-170
Massimo Speroni
Bacchus offers a refined dining experience within the opulent surrounds of The Charming Squire hotel. Chef Massimo Speroni delivers contemporary Australian dishes with a strong European influence, showcasing premium local ingredients through artful presentation and precise execution. The atmosphere is plush, suitable for special occasions.
Order: Wagyu Beef with black garlic, Moreton Bay Bug with bisque
Agnes Restaurant
Acclaimed local fine diningModern Australian · Fortitude Valley · AUD $120-200 / USD $80-135
Ben Williamson
Agnes distinguishes itself with an entirely wood-fired kitchen, delivering smoky, primal flavors to contemporary Australian dishes. Set in a beautifully restored industrial space, the restaurant offers a dynamic and engaging dining experience. The menu is ingredient-driven, emphasizing seasonal produce cooked with precision over flames.
Order: Smoked Duck with plum, Wood-fired seafood platters
Lumiere Culinary Studio
Acclaimed local fine diningModern Australian · Newstead · AUD $180-250 / USD $120-170
Matthew Blackburn
Lumiere Culinary Studio provides an intimate and immersive chef's table experience. With a small number of seats, Chef Matthew Blackburn personally guides diners through a meticulously crafted degustation menu, showcasing innovative techniques and premium local produce. It’s an interactive, educational, and highly personalized culinary journey.
Order: Seasonal tasting menu, regularly changing dishes
Italian
Best Italian restaurants in Brisbane
Italian kitchens abroad split into two camps: the classic trattoria doing pasta, fish and a short wine list, and the modern dining rooms treating Italian produce with tasting-menu precision.
1889 Enoteca
Acclaimed local fine diningItalian · Woolloongabba · AUD $90-160 / USD $60-110
Manuel Michelini
Nestled in a historic building, 1889 Enoteca offers an authentic Roman-inspired dining experience. The focus is on traditional Italian dishes, particularly house-made pasta, paired with an extensive, award-winning Italian wine list. The intimate, rustic-chic cellar setting provides a charming backdrop for classic, hearty fare.
Order: Cacio e Pepe, Pappardelle al Ragu
OTTO Brisbane
Acclaimed local fine diningModern Italian · South Bank · AUD $120-220 / USD $80-150
Will Cowper
With breathtaking views of the Brisbane River and city skyline, OTTO offers vibrant, modern Italian cuisine. The menu focuses on fresh, seasonal produce, expertly prepared with a light touch. The elegant, contemporary dining room complements the sophisticated dishes and extensive wine list, providing a memorable special occasion setting.
Order: Crab Tagliolini, Roasted Duck with balsamic
Greek
Best Greek restaurants in Brisbane
Greek kitchens keep it ingredient-first: olive oil, fish off the day boat, vegetables, and a long lunch rather than a rushed dinner.
Greca
Acclaimed local fine diningModern Greek · Howard Smith Wharves · AUD $80-150 / USD $55-100
Jonathan Barthelmess
Greca brings the vibrant, convivial spirit of a Greek taverna to Brisbane's riverside. Chef Jonathan Barthelmess focuses on simple, high-quality ingredients cooked with traditional methods over charcoal. The open-plan dining room, with its views of the Story Bridge, creates an energetic and accessible fine-dining atmosphere perfect for sharing.
Order: Saganaki with honey and oregano, Grilled Octopus
Seafood
Best seafood restaurants in Brisbane
Seafood restaurants live or die on the day's catch — the shortest menus are usually the best sign, because the kitchen is cooking what actually came in.
SK Steak & Oyster
Acclaimed local fine diningSteakhouse, Seafood · Fortitude Valley · AUD $150-300 / USD $100-200
Simon Gloftis
SK Steak & Oyster redefines the classic steakhouse with an emphasis on prime cuts, impeccably fresh seafood, and an air of sophisticated glamour. The menu features premium Australian beef and an extensive raw bar. The opulent, dark-toned interior and attentive service create an exclusive, high-end dining destination.
Order: Dry-aged Ribeye, Oysters with mignonette
Thai
Best Thai restaurants in Brisbane
Thai cooking balances sour, salt, sweet and heat in every dish. Ask for the kitchen's own level of spice rather than the tourist setting if you want it as intended.
Naga Thai
Acclaimed local fine diningThai · Eagle Street Pier · AUD $70-130 / USD $45-90
Philip Johnson
Naga Thai offers a vibrant and contemporary take on traditional Thai cuisine, set against stunning riverside views. Chef Philip Johnson's menu balances authentic Thai flavors with modern culinary techniques and premium local ingredients. The restaurant's colourful, art-filled interior creates an energetic and stylish dining experience.
Order: Crispy Pork Belly with chilli jam, Whole Fried Fish with ginger
Budget
Where to eat cheaply in Brisbane
Eat Street Northshore
A vibrant shipping container market offering global street food from Korean BBQ to dumplings, pizzas, and desserts. Expect dishes from AUD $10-25.
Fritzenberger
Known for its gourmet burgers and craft beers made on-site. Their classic cheeseburger and loaded fries are popular choices, typically costing AUD $15-25 per person.
Fish Lane Town Square
A hub of casual eateries like Gauge and Maeve Wine Bar's casual offerings, but also street food vendors. Grab delicious, diverse options, often under AUD $20 for a substantial meal.
Happy Boy
Serves authentic, robust Chinese food in a bustling, relaxed setting. Famous for their Sichuan-style dishes and handmade noodles, with mains around AUD $20-30.
Gerard's Bistro (Bar Menu)
While the main restaurant is fine dining, Gerard's Bistro offers a more casual bar menu with delicious Middle Eastern-inspired small plates and snacks, averaging AUD $15-30 per dish.
Local dishes
What to eat in Brisbane
Lamington
A quintessential Australian dessert, the Lamington is a square of sponge cake coated in a layer of chocolate sauce and then rolled in desiccated coconut. Its origin is often attributed to Queensland. Find this sweet treat at local bakeries or cafes across Brisbane, a perfect accompaniment to a morning coffee.
Barramundi
This prized Australian fish is known for its firm, flaky white flesh and mild flavour. Often served grilled, pan-fried, or baked, it's a staple on seafood menus. You can enjoy fresh Barramundi at riverside restaurants or dedicated seafood eateries in areas like South Bank and the CBD, providing a taste of Queensland's aquatic bounty.
Prawns (Australian King Prawns)
Australian prawns, especially the King Prawns, are renowned for their sweet, succulent flavour. They are often enjoyed fresh, peeled and dipped in seafood sauce, or barbecued. Visit the fresh seafood markets, particularly the Brisbane Fish Market, or coastal restaurants to savour these local delicacies at their best.
Meat Pie
A classic Australian comfort food, the meat pie consists of minced meat (usually beef) and gravy encased in a flaky pastry shell. It's a popular snack or light meal, often eaten with tomato sauce. You'll find them in bakeries, convenience stores, and many cafes throughout Brisbane, offering a quick and satisfying bite.
Smashed Avo on Toast
A beloved Australian brunch staple, 'smashed avo' features ripe avocado mashed and served generously on toasted sourdough or multigrain bread, often topped with feta, chilli flakes, or a poached egg. Virtually every cafe in Brisbane offers this dish, providing a fresh and healthy start to your day.
Tim Tams
While not a dish, Tim Tams are Australia's most iconic chocolate biscuit. These chocolate-malted biscuits are sandwiched with a light chocolate cream filling and covered in a thin layer of textured chocolate. Try the 'Tim Tam Slam' by biting off opposite corners, using it as a straw for a hot drink, then eating it quickly before it melts.
Mud Crab
Queensland is famous for its delicious Mud Crabs, particularly those from the Moreton Bay area. These crabs have sweet, rich meat and are often served simply steamed, grilled, or in a chilli sauce. For a true taste of local seafood, visit upscale seafood restaurants or dedicated crab eateries in Brisbane.
Mango Sticky Rice
While not originally Australian, Brisbane's diverse culinary scene embraces Southeast Asian flavours, with Mango Sticky Rice being a popular dessert. This delightful dish features sweet glutinous rice infused with coconut milk, served with fresh, ripe mango slices. Many Thai and Vietnamese restaurants in areas like Fortitude Valley and West End offer this refreshing treat.
How to book a table in Brisbane
- · For Brisbane's top-tier restaurants, book at least 2-4 weeks in advance, especially for Friday or Saturday evenings. Popular spots fill quickly.
- · Many fine-dining establishments require a credit card guarantee or a non-refundable deposit for tasting menus, particularly for larger groups. Check policies when booking.
- · Consider booking lunch services at acclaimed restaurants; they often offer similar quality experiences at a more accessible price point and are easier to secure.
- · Be aware of cancellation policies; some venues charge a fee for no-shows or late cancellations, typically within 24-48 hours of your reservation time.
FAQ
Brisbane restaurant questions travellers ask
What is the best restaurant in Brisbane?
Bacchus Restaurant in South Bank is the benchmark table — Modern Australian, led by Massimo Speroni, acclaimed local fine dining, around AUD $150-250 / USD $100-170 per person. Order the Wagyu Beef with black garlic, Moreton Bay Bug with bisque
Where is the best modern European restaurant in Brisbane?
Bacchus Restaurant in South Bank is the modern European table to book in Brisbane (AUD $150-250 / USD $100-170 per person). Other strong options: Agnes Restaurant, Lumiere Culinary Studio.
Where is the best Italian restaurant in Brisbane?
1889 Enoteca in Woolloongabba is the Italian table to book in Brisbane (AUD $90-160 / USD $60-110 per person). Other strong options: OTTO Brisbane.
Where is the best Greek restaurant in Brisbane?
Greca in Howard Smith Wharves is the Greek table to book in Brisbane (AUD $80-150 / USD $55-100 per person).
Where is the best seafood restaurant in Brisbane?
SK Steak & Oyster in Fortitude Valley is the seafood table to book in Brisbane (AUD $150-300 / USD $100-200 per person).
Where is the best Thai restaurant in Brisbane?
Naga Thai in Eagle Street Pier is the Thai table to book in Brisbane (AUD $70-130 / USD $45-90 per person).
Where can I eat well in Brisbane without spending a fortune?
Naga Thai is the best-value table on this list at roughly AUD $70-130 / USD $45-90 per person. Beyond fine dining, locals point to Eat Street Northshore, Fritzenberger, Fish Lane Town Square.
How far in advance should I book restaurants in Brisbane?
For Brisbane's top-tier restaurants, book at least 2-4 weeks in advance, especially for Friday or Saturday evenings. Popular spots fill quickly. Many fine-dining establishments require a credit card guarantee or a non-refundable deposit for tasting menus, particularly for larger groups. Check policies when booking.
What food is Brisbane famous for?
Lamington, Barramundi, Prawns (Australian King Prawns), Meat Pie, Smashed Avo on Toast — the dishes most worth eating where they come from. A quintessential Australian dessert, the Lamington is a square of sponge cake coated in a layer of chocolate sauce and then rolled in desiccated coconut. Its origin is often attributed to Queensland. Find this sweet treat at local bakeries or cafes across Brisbane, a perfect accompaniment to a morning coffee.
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