Brisbane’s reputation as a foodie paradise has grown significantly in recent years. From Asian, Italian, Middle Eastern and French to Chinese, Mexican, Thai and Latin American, there are plenty of fine dining restaurants & chic bistros in the city now. Here is our take of some of the best restaurants that the city of Brisbane has to offer:
Hellenika
Recently voted ‘Queensland’s Restaurant of the Year’, Hellenika offers simple, yet delicious and authentic, home-style Greek dishes that will take you straight to Lefkada, Syros or Amorgos.
Located within the luxury, 5 Star Calile Hotel in the heart of Fortitude Valley, this stunning poolside al fresco restaurant serves up an exceptional range of Mediterranean classics.
Their dolmades are to die for, whilst their slow-cooked lamb, spanakopita and zucchini chips will have your mouth salivating like a waterfall.
Priding themselves on serving meals made from the freshest of produce, the restaurant also offers a hand-curated selection of some of the finest wines you can buy in Brisbane.
Address: Level 1/48 James St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006
The Inchcolm By Ovolo
Located within the heart of the Brisbane CBD, in a gorgeous 1920s Neo-Georgian building, luxury hotel restaurants don’t come much better than The Inchcolm by Ovolo.
Close to the Queen Street Mall and South Bank, this fabulous restaurant is a throwback to the golden age of bistro dining.
Whether you fancy light hor d’oeuvres of caviar served with specialty house condiments and blinis, or a dozen oysters Kilpatrick. Or a more complete meal like Moreton Bay Bug Spaghetti or Potato Gnocchi in a creamy mushroom ragu with truffle oil and pecorino, The Inchcolm offers a sensational dining experience.
Their range of cocktails and fine wines are pretty amazing too!
Address: 73 Wickham Terrace, Spring Hill QLD 4000
Joy Restaurant
Joy is what you will experience when you eat at the Joy Restaurant in the Fortitude Valley.
This tiny restaurant in Bakery Lane, has just 10 seats. But as they are booked out 3 months in advance this should go a long way towards telling you how good the food is.
There is no menu as such, rather you are presented with either a Japanese-inspired short or long form degustation meal, that will treat every one of your senses.
Run by husband and wife team Tim and Sarah Scott, Joy offers a unique dining experience where all dishes are prepared in full view of the diners. Therefore tantalizing them with the sights and smells of the preparatory process, while merging both the front and back of the house into one intimate gastronomic environment.
Address: Shop 7/690 Ann St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006
The Terrace at Emporium Hotel
One of the best rooftop bars in Brisbane, The Terrace is also an excellent place to dine.
Located in the middle of Southbank, at the top of the Emporium Hotel, this fabulous restaurant features a retractable ceiling which allows you to dine al fresco or under cover depending on the weather – while showcasing magnificent views of the Brisbane River and the city.
From Brioche Waffles with brown sugar mascarpone, poached rhubarb and passionfruit for breakfast, to Coconut Poached Chicken Salad at lunch and Prawn Pad See Ew over dinner, the restaurant serves an exquisite range of dishes from 7am until 9pm. Which is just about the right time to indulge in one of their incredible cocktails.
Address: Emporium Hotel South Bank, Level 21/267 Grey St, South Brisbane QLD 4101
Happy Boy
You will be a happy boy or girl if you eat at Happy Boy in the Fortitude Valley.
Situated at the northern end of the Valley, this quiet, unassuming restaurant serves up authentic regional Chinese food – made on an imported wok burner from Hong Kong that burns so hot, its flame is clear.
Always busy, this is a place to come to in large groups with family or friends.
Their excellent share menu features a fantastic range of meat, seafood and vegetable dishes. All of which are paired with some exquisite Australian wines.
Be sure to try the fried rice when you are here!
Address: East St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006
