10 Best Restaurants In Brisbane

Written by Joeri Van Overloop

Whether you're on the hunt for authentic Asian gastronomy or craving a contemporary Australian feast, our list of best restaurants in Brisbane promises to satiate any palate. From gourmet eateries with sweeping city views to quirky local bistros nestled in charming neighborhoods, prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that will make your tastebuds dance with joy. So grab your fork and knife; it's time to eat your way around Brisbane.

1. Agnes

I had the pleasure of dining at Agnes, the award-winning restaurant in Brisbane, and I must say that it was an experience that I will never forget. The restaurant is located in Fortitude Valley and is known for its unique fire-cooking techniques that bring out the best flavors in the dishes.

Agnes is a fine-dining restaurant that focuses on using the best Australian produce to create its dishes. The restaurant has a grill that is used to cook the food, which gives it a unique smoky flavor that is hard to find anywhere else. The chefs at Agnes are skilled at what they do and have created a menu that is both innovative and delicious.

The restaurant has won several awards, including the Gourmet Traveller's Restaurant of the Year Award in 2023. This is a testament to the quality of the food and the service that is provided at Agnes. The restaurant has a dark and shadowy ambiance that adds to the overall experience of dining there.

If you are looking for a restaurant that offers something different, then Agnes is the perfect choice. The restaurant is not just about the food, but also about the experience. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly, and they will guide you through the menu and help you choose the perfect dish.

In my opinion, Agnes is one of the best restaurants in Brisbane that offers a unique dining experience. The restaurant is known for its fire-cooking techniques, Australian produce, and the best dining in Brisbane city centre.

Contact:

Address: 22 Agnes St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006, Australia

Phone: +61 7 3067 9087

2. Donna Chang

Donna Chang, a fine dining Chinese restaurant, is situated inside one of Brisbane's most magnificent heritage buildings, the old Queensland Government Savings Bank circa 1914.

Donna Chang combines authentic Cantonese and Sichuan cooking style with a modern twist. The restaurant's interior is stunningly beautiful, with elegant decor and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The waiters were friendly, providing excellent service throughout the meal.

The menu at Donna Chang is extensive, offering a wide range of dishes that cater to all tastes. The restaurant specializes in Sichuan flavors and authentic Cantonese dishes, and the dishes are expertly prepared using the freshest ingredients. Some of the standout dishes we tried included the stir-fried bamboo shoots, snowpeas, and smoked tofu, which was bursting with flavor and texture.

Contact:

Address: 3/171 George St, Brisbane City QLD 4000, Australia

Phone: +61 7 3243 4888

3. 1889 Enotecaa

If you're looking for an authentic Italian culinary adventure in Brisbane, 1889 Enoteca is the perfect place to visit. Located in Woolloongabba, this award-winning restaurant and bar offers classic Roman dishes and a carefully curated wine list.

As soon as I stepped into this Italian restaurant, I was impressed by the elegant and sophisticated ambiance. The decor is inspired by the 19th century, which adds to the overall charm of the place. The restaurant has a beautiful underground cellar that can be reserved for private dining and functions.

The la carte menu at 1889 Enoteca is extensive, and it features a range of authentic Italian cuisine that are made using fresh and high-quality ingredients. The restaurant specializes in Roman food, and some of the must-try dishes include the Cacio e Pepe, Gnocchi alla Sorrentina, and the Tonnarelli alla Norcina.

One of the standout features of 1889 Enoteca is its impressive wine list. The restaurant has a vast selection of Italian wines, and also features a range of European wines, which adds to the overall variety.

Contact:

Address: 10-12 Logan Rd, Woolloongabba QLD 4102, Australia

Phone: +61 7 3392 4315

4. Restaurant Dan Arnold

This contemporary fine dining establishment is situated on Ann Street in Fortitude Valley and offers a unique and sophisticated food experience.

The restaurant is named after its head chef, Dan Arnold, who has a passion for creating elegant and thoughtful modern Australian fare. The menu is constantly changing to reflect the freshest seasonal ingredients available, and the attention to detail in each dish is impressive.

One of the highlights of Restaurant Dan Arnold is their degustation menu, which features a carefully curated selection of dishes that showcase the best of what the restaurant has to offer. Each dish is beautifully presented and expertly prepared, making for a truly memorable gourmet journey.

The restaurant itself has a relaxed and informal atmosphere, with a minimalist decor that allows the food to take center stage. Whether you're a local looking for a special night out or a visitor to the city, this restaurant is definitely worth a visit.

Contact:

Address: 10/959 Ann St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006, Australia

Phone: +61 7 3189 2735

5. Stanley

Restaurant Stanley is a top-rated Cantonese restaurant located at Howard Smith Wharves. I was impressed by the restaurant's elegant atmosphere, which is inspired by the moody waterfront of Hong Kong's picturesque Stanley Bay.

The restaurant's menu combines the best local farmers produce with traditional Cantonese flavors, resulting in a unique and amazing food encounter. The menu offers a range of dishes, including vegetarian options, and the staff are happy to make recommendations based on your preferences.

One of the standout dishes at Stanley is the Peking roasted duck, which is cooked to perfection and served with pancakes, cucumber, and hoisin sauce. The crispy skin and succulent meat make for a delightful combination of flavors and textures.

The restaurant's location on the riverfront provides stunning views of Brisbane's skyline, making it a great spot for a special occasion or a romantic dinner.

Contact:

Address: 5 Boundary St, Brisbane City QLD 4000, Australia

Phone: +61 7 3558 9418

6. Hellenika at The Calile

I highly recommend Hellenika at The Calile in Brisbane for anyone looking for a Mediterranean-inspired eating experience. As a Greek restaurant, Hellenika offers a variety of delicious and authentic Greek dishes that are sure to satisfy your cravings for Greek delights.

Located at 48 James Street in Fortitude Valley, Hellenika is situated on the first floor of The Calile Hotel and offers a beautiful and elegant dining atmosphere. The restaurant is open seven days a week, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, making it a great option for any time of day.

One of the standout features of Hellenika is their seafood selection. The diner offers a variety of fresh seafood dishes, including grilled octopus, crab, prawns, and fish. The seafood is always cooked to perfection and is a must-try for any sea food lover.

In addition to their fish platters, Hellenika also offers a variety of other Mediterranean-inspired dishes, including lamb, chicken, and vegetarian options. The restaurant also has an extensive wine list, featuring a variety of local and international wines that pair perfectly with their dishes.

Contact:

Address: Level 1/48 James St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006, Australia

Phone: +61 7 3252 2060

7. Gerard's Bistro

Gerard's Bistro is a contemporary Middle Eastern restaurant located in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane. I have had the pleasure of dining at this restaurant and can confidently say that the food is exceptional.

The restaurant offers a range of dishes that blend traditional Middle Eastern cuisine with a modern twist. The menu is well-curated and caters to a variety of dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. The restaurant has a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for a casual dinner with friends or a romantic night out.

Gerard's Bistro is known for its innovative dishes that are bursting with flavor. Some of my personal favorites include the lamb shoulder, the cauliflower salad, and the house-made hummus.

This Brisbane restaurant is located in James Street, which is a vibrant and bustling area of Brisbane. The location is easily accessible and parking is available nearby. The restaurant also offers a private dining room, which can accommodate up to 16 guests.

Contact:

Address: 14/15 James St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006, Australia

Phone: +61 7 3852 3822

8. La Vue Waterfront Restaurant

This French restaurant is situated in the heart of the CBD and offers spectacular views across the Brisbane River to the majestic glory of the iconic Story Bridge.

The restaurant's European-inspired tasting menu is a cut above the rest and features a refined selection of French cuisine and modern Australian dishes. The white linen tablecloths and old-school hospitality add to the sophisticated atmosphere of the restaurant, making it an ideal spot for a romantic dinner or a special occasion.

The service at La Vue Waterfront Restaurant is impeccable and adds to the overall experience. The staff is knowledgeable about the menu and wine list and was able to recommend the perfect wine pairing for my meal.

Contact:

Address: 1/501 Queen St, Brisbane City QLD 4000, Australia

Phone: +61 7 3831 1400

9. Yoko Dining

Last year I had the pleasure of dining at one of Brisbane's best restaurants called Yoko, a contemporary Japanese kitchen located in Brisbane's Howard Smith Wharves. The restaurant is situated on the river and offers amazing views of the river city skyline.

The menu at Yoko is a fusion of traditional Japanese food with a modern twist. One of the standout dishes for me was the Lobster Katsu Sandos, which were crispy and flavorful. The chicken dashi butter was also a highlight, adding a rich umami flavor to the dish.

The atmosphere at Yoko is lively and energetic, with a vinyl-charged experience reminiscent of Tokyo's music bars. The split-level izakaya is perfect for a night out with friends or a date night.

Contact:

Address: 2/5 Boundary St, Brisbane City QLD 4000, Australia

Phone: +61 7 3236 6582

10. Greca

Greca, a contemporary Greek restaurant located in the Howard Smith Wharves precinct in Brisbane boasts a beautiful waterfront location and a modern, chic decor that sets the mood for a memorable meal experience.

As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by friendly staff who were eager to make my experience as enjoyable as possible. The menu at Greca is full of flavour-packed dishes that showcase the best of Greek cuisine. I started with the saganaki, a classic Greek dish of fried cheese served with honey and sesame seeds. The flavours were perfectly balanced, and the dish was cooked to perfection.

For my main course, I opted for the lamb shoulder, slow-cooked and served with a side of lemon potatoes. The lamb was incredibly tender and flavourful, and the lemon potatoes were a perfect accompaniment. The portion sizes were generous which left room for dessert, and I left feeling satisfied but not overly full.

Overall, I would highly recommend Greca to anyone looking for an amazing and memorable dinner experience in Brisbane. The menu is full of delicious and flavour-packed dishes that showcase the best food of Greece, and the saganaki and lamb shoulder are not to be missed.

Contact:

Address: Howard Smith Wharf Precinct, 3/5 Boundary St, Brisbane City QLD 4000, Australia

Phone: +61 7 3839 1203