The 32 best restaurants in Brisbane

What is it? A humble, family-owned general store turned Mediterranean restaurant in the heart of Fortitude Valley.

Why go? Tucked away down Bakery Lane, this 30-seat eatery is one of Brisbane’s best-kept foodie secrets. Back in the day, Nug was a beloved neighbourhood deli and pantry store, selling bougie pantry staples and homewares. Now, it’s evolved into a wholesome Italian-inspired restaurant, open for family-style dinner every Wednesday to Saturday night. Nug changes its menu seasonally, featuring handmade pasta twirled with nduja ragu, spanner crab and slow-braised black Angus beef. Settle in with a glass of wine and let the good times flow.

Time Out tip: Book far in advance; walk-ins are super limited.

Address: 694 Ann St, Shop/8 Bakery La, Fortitude Valley

Price: Mid-range

What is it? A beautiful garden terrace-inspired Middle Eastern restaurant from Anyday (Agnes, Biànca, Honto), set inside a skylit CBD space filled with greenery, pink granite and an open charcoal kitchen. 

Why go? Golden by name, golden by nature, this breezy CBD dining spot was crowned by Condé Nast as one of the best new restaurants in the world for 2026. The menu sweeps across the Middle East – from the Levant to the Maghreb – telling stories through ingredients, many of which may be unfamiliar but instantly intriguing. Start with the hummus (perfected from a recipe they tweaked for a month), and the still-warm pita or potato bread, blistered just right in their custom oven. From there, build the table with hot and cold mezze plates, like house-mixed pickles, fluffy falafel and fried fish borek. Golden Avenue's mains are generous – grilled swordfish shish, spiced Magra lamb cutlets and Spring Bay mussels cooked in a claypot with fennel and roasted rice cream. Save room for the date and walnut mille feuille, which tastes like a bougie baklava with cinnamon cream and butterscotch sauce. There’s also a 150-bottle wine list and cocktails scented with sumac and pomegranate to round out your night.

Time Out tip: If it's a vibe you're chasing, the adjacent walk-in-only bar (GA) is ideal when your meal is over but you're not quite finished for the night.

Address: 67 Edward St, Brisbane City

Price: Mid-range to high-end

What is it? An elegant modern Asian dining experience brought to us by Brisbane’s beloved Tassis hospitality group (Fatcow, Rich + Rare, Stilts, Longwang and more).

Why go? It’s pretty easy to convince any food and drink lover to visit James Street, and the newly opened Aunty on Wandoo gives you another very good reason. Set in a converted warehouse just outside the James Street precinct, this moody dining spot is sophisticated yet warm – just like a real aunty. Zoned spaces nod to traditional Cantonese tea houses, with marble surfaces, deep green banquettes and indoor greenery setting the tone. The menu is mainly designed for sharing, much like a big family gathering, with dishes ranging from small bites like char siu pork puffs and doughnut-like prawn toast to their signature chilli crab Shanghai noodles, wok-tossed with crab butter and bisque foam. Don’t start any arguments before the grill heats up, because it’s full of Aunty’s showstoppers. Think half duck cooked two ways, char siu roasted beef or even whole chilli mud crab, cooked to order straight from the tank. Talk about a serious feast!

Time Out tip: Overwhelmed with choices? We’ve been there. Luckily, Aunty has designed four banquet menus featuring all her favourite dishes – ranging from $54 to $128 per person.

Address: 11 Wandoo St, Fortitude Valley

Price: Mid-range to high-end

What is it? Grab a mouthful of Middle Eastern-inspired cuisine from the sultan of James Street dining.

Why go? Every city should be so lucky as to have a bistro like Gerard's. The new-look restaurant offers a beguiling mash-up of Middle Eastern and modern Australian cuisines, with dishes designed to share. The game plan is simple: breads and dips, raw and fermented plates, seafood and meat mains, then desserts. You could also easily opt for one of Gerard's set menus, featuring signatures like the fresh barbari bread with a side of goat's curd, Longreach lamb rib with parsley tahini, and a Bangalow pork rack with Turkish figs. It's not just whacked on the plate either – Gerard’s kitchen staff carefully curate each dish with love, and heaps of verdant and vermillion coloured ingredients, too. Think cute little tarts, stacked desserts, silky sauces, and beds of yoghurt. Wines are in focus at Gerard’s Bistro, hailing from every corner of the globe, like the white Domaine Disznoko Dry Furmint from Hungary and the red Alain Graillot 'Syrocco' Syrah from Morocco. Seasonal cocktails are a huge hit, too. As for Gerard’s ambience, the rustic-contemporary dining room is licked with earthy tones and the overhead lighting radiates softly through a mega perspex – they’ve even won awards for the design. There's also an open kitchen for all your perusal needs. 

Time Out tip: Gerard’s Bistro gives big date night energy – it’s sleek, it’s sexy and the food is equally as divine.

Address: 14/15 James St, Fortitude Valley

Price: High-end

What is it? A riverfront pan-Asian dining room from the team behind Melbourne’s famed institution – but looser, sunnier and distinctly Brissie.

Why go? In 2025, Condé Nast named Supernormal one of the best new restaurants in the entire world. This Asian-influenced riverside eatery by hospo legend Andrew McConnell (the mastermind behind Gimlet, Apollo Inn, Marion and Builders Arms Hotel) has been given a tropical makeover to match its breezy riverside setting. You’ll find Queensland produce and seafood at its best, like the cult-favourite New England lobster roll, alongside small plates, dumplings and rich mains. The atmosphere is special without being stiff, with floor-to-ceiling river views, tropical touches like potted palms and interiors washed in blond timber and pale terrazzo. 

Time Out tip: Start with the lobster roll, a round of dumplings and an ice-cold SN martini, then build out with something from the raw bar before committing to a seafood main. If you can, book a window table at sunset for the best views of the Story Bridge.

Address: 443 Queen Street, Brisbane City

Price: Mid-range to high-end

What is it? Brisbane’s first authentic Mexican street taqueria and bar, home to Queensland’s best tacos.

Why go? Step into Cartel del Taco and you’ll feel like you’ve landed right on the vibrant streets of Mexico. Executive chef and co-owner Erick Martinez has turned his passion project into a cult-favourite eatery, with an OG port in Hawthorne and a new home in New Farm. At Martinez’s new digs, the lively 80s-inspired fit out features tons of Mexican flair, including 6,000 colourful tiles, traditional artwork, handmade tables, bright plates and even salt shakers shipped straight from CDMX. Martinez and his team take no shortcuts in the kitchen, fusing authentic Mexican recipes with local ingredients. Crowd favourites from the original taqueria include al pastor tacos, octopus tostadas and beef birria, while the New Farm store kicks it up a notch with a seafood bar and parrilla grill serving a grand seafood tower, braised pork knuckle and beef cheek tacos. Wash it all down with any of ten house-made Margys or a lineup of tequila, mezcal and Mexican beers.

Time Out tip: You get two tacos per order – so bring a mate and feast your way through the menu. 

Address: 290 Hawthorne Rd, Hawthorne & Shop 2/79 Merthyr Rd, New Farm 

Price: Affordable

What is it? A bold Middle Eastern-leaning restaurant in the West End, marking Melbourne chef Shane Delia’s (Maha, Jayda) Brisbane debut. 

Why go? You've got to hand it to Shane Delia: the man rests on no laurels. He’s got plenty going on – from his Biggie Smalls kebab joint and TV gigs to cookbooks, catering, charity work and ambassadorships – and he's showing no signs of slowing down. Almost 16 years after opening his flavoursome Middle Eastern fine diner in Melbourne, Delia has opened his first interstate venue. Housed in the heritage-listed Thomas Dixon Centre, Layla pairs moody early 1900s exposed brick walls with plush blue velvet upholstery, rich walnut timber, sleek blue terrazzo floors and chic brass details. You can tuck into one of the elegant indoor tables or dine al fresco in the sunlit adjoining courtyard with beige umbrellas and lush greenery. Layla’s spice-forward menu is a melting pot of international flavours, showcasing local Queensland produce with predominantly Asian, Sri Lankan and Middle Eastern influences. Highlights to share include whipped smoked hummus, poached Mooloolaba prawn curry, Turkish beef dumplings and habibi butter chicken in a rich gravy. 

Time Out tip: The Thomas Dixon Centre is also home to Queensland Ballet, making Layla the perfect spot for a pre-theatre feast. 

Address: Cnr Montague Rd & Raven St, West End

Price: High-end

What is it? A modern Cantonese dining room located above the meticulously restored Naldham House, a 1864 heritage grand dame brought back to life. 

Why go? The Fifty Six has slipped into the city’s consciousness at remarkable speed. In the kitchen, Gerald Ong (ex-Chairman and Yip) steers the menu with a calm, assured hand: Cantonese classics given just enough lift to feel new without disturbing their lineage. Queensland’s coastline features heavily on the menu – Queensland Bay lobster and Mooloolaba prawns – a reminder that this corner of Australia produces seafood found nowhere else. The dim sum program, led by Ka Wai Kwok, is superb and built around dumplings that taste just as good as they look.

Time Out tip: Go heavy on the dim sum.

Address: Upstairs at Naldham House, Level 2/33 Felix St, Brisbane Cit

Price: High-end

What is it? Clarence is a modern brasserie-style restaurant on Fish Lane in South Brisbane – the reincarnation of one of Brisbane’s most beloved neighbourhood bistros, freshly reimagined with open-kitchen counter seating and banquette-lined brasserie vibes.

Why go? Under the eye of chefs Ben McShane, Matt Kuhnemann (and now working alongside Mitchell Tucker), Clarence delivers everything from raw and cold-seafood bites to intriguing mains. Expect a menu that shifts with the seasons, plus a drinks list devoted to boutique Australian wines.

Time Out tip: The Hervey Bay scallops are a standout –delicate, precise and a good read on how confident the kitchen is – while the Singapore mud crab is the thing to order if it’s on.

Address: 51 Fish Ln, South Brisbane 

Price: High-end

What is it? A modern Australian bistro set within a restored 1930s Art Deco apartment block on Fish Lane. The restaurant spreads across nine distinct rooms – sunrooms, former apartments, little private nooks – so it feels more like stumbling into someone’s rambling, character-filled home than a conventional dining space.

Why go? Australiana feels refreshed and grown-up at Marlowe, with a 1950s–70s lens on classic comfort cooking. Think prawn cocktail tartlets in crisp pastry, curried-crab brioche, smoked-cheese soufflé, and a duck pie with radicchio jam and jus poured tableside. Mains range from a coral-trout wellington dripping in caviar-butter sauce to woodfire-grilled meats and a mixed-grill platter laden with wagyu, sausage, lamb cutlets and more. The produce is hyper-local: heritage chickens from Joyce’s Gold, jumbo yabbies from just outside Gympie, Pureblood Wagyu from Southern Downs – Marlowe is serious about local provenance. And because the décor, crockery and layout lean into nostalgia, there’s a sense you’re sitting down for a grand, lovingly prepared Sunday lunch at a friend’s house, complete with wood-fired hearth warmth, soft lighting and cute, curious little corners. 

Time Out tip: Save room for something old-school for dessert – the rhubarb jelly and macadamia sponge trifle hits just right. If you’re coming with friends or making a night of it, rotate a few cocktails from their native-ingredient list before diving into the 200-strong Australian wine list. 

Address: 105 Melbourne St, South Brisbane

Price: High-end

What is it? Queensland’s very first restaurant on a bridge, boasting an alfresco balcony with sparkling views of the Brisbane River and city skyline.

Why go? If you’re a fan of Fatcow on James St, Longwang or Rich and Rare, you’re bound to love Stilts Dining. Having opened in February 2025, it’s the latest launch for the powerhouse hospitality team at Tassis Group. Stilts’ name honours the classic ‘Queenslander’ homes, with its elevated position on Kangaroo Point Bridge allowing diners to soak in breathtaking views of the city and river through floor-to-ceiling windows or from the alfresco balcony. The menu brings together the best of the land and sea, with luxury additions like Brisbane’s first live Moreton Bay bug tank, Italian caviar, pure Aussie Wagyu and premium dry-aged cuts from the butcher’s cabinet. Turn your sunny lunch or starlit dinner into a special occasion with a drop from their impressive drinks bible, boasting more than 180 wines.

Time Out tip: Fancy taking an extra-long lunch break? Stilts serves up two incredible $42 lunch specials, including a Moreton Bay bug risotto and a rump cap with chips.

Address: 147E Alice St, Brisbane City

Price: Blowout

What is it? The brainchild of chef and co-owner Ben Williamson, who shuns electricity in favour of an open wood-fired kitchen with all its tantalising sights and smells.

Why go? In the heart of The Valley, you’ll find an industrial-chic restaurant pushing the boundaries of what can be accomplished in a kitchen using the power of woodfire and smoke exclusively. Agnes brings precision to this unwieldy and demanding medium. The chefs use different types of wood – ironbark, apple wood, cherry wood and olive wood – to uniquely interact with each of the dishes, whether it be Wagyu sirloin, pork tomahawk, Murray cod or potato flatbread. The ever-changing menu flows with the seasons, and Agnes brings regional suppliers and farmers to the forefront of your dining experience with the freshest possible meat, seafood and vegetables – it makes all the difference. You’ll want something to carry it over, and fortunately, the team at Agnes has curated an impressive cellar of more than 1,400 bottles from across Europe and Australia. Perch up somewhere across the three levels – aside the open kitchen in the main dining room, at the wine bar, or perhaps the terrace for some sweet sunshine.

Time Out tip: Agnes Restaurant states that 'it’s not fine dining, but not entirely casual' – do what you will with that information, but we reckon it’s great for a date or a hang with your mates, either way.

Address: 22 Agnes St, Fortitude Valley

Price: High-end

What is it? Taro's Ramen outlets are now a quartet, where you'll find a quick, bone-warming noodle soup fix seven days a week.

Why go? Fans are fiercely loyal to the umami-rich pork broth and silky housemade noodles on offer in owner-chef Taro Akimoto’s ever-expanding ramen empire, which he’s perfected over the past decade. And whether you reside to the north or south of the Brisbane River, there’s a Taro’s Ramen awaiting your rumbling stomach. The noodle haunts each have their own flair, with outdoor seating a highlight of the Ascot locale and a great deal of sunlight beaming through the plentiful window panes at the South Brisbane eatery. In a bid for efficiency, which in turn is slightly novel too, you’ll be ordering your meal via the tableside touchscreen – just thumb what you want and before your very eyes, your Japanese treats will appear. Eight-year-old us would have passed out from excitement. Taro’s mainstay is the creamy tonkatsu, or the ochre-hued fire tonkatsu if spice is your thing. The busy, no-nonsense outlets are all for customising your bowl, so add on those bamboo shoots and stock up on kimchi. 

Time Out tip: Tell your vegan friends about Taro’s Ramen – there are plenty of options for plant-based diners, including three different bowls of the good stuff.

Address: Multiple venues, incl. Ascot, Brisbane, South Brisbane

Price: Affordable

What is it? A bustling contemporary pan-Asian indoor-outdoor casual diner in Fortitude Valley.

Why go? Within the maze that is Fortitude Valley, hidden gems lurk around every corner. And you’d be all out of luck if you missed East Street’s Happy Boy. Set amongst an urban rainforest and beneath giant poinciana trees adorned with fairy lights, Happy Boy comes to life at night. The awe-inspiring surrounds act as a barrier to the bustling city life, and you’d be mistaken thinking you’re in an equatorial country – that’s with a helping hand from the punchy flavours being dished out left, right and centre. Spice up your life with either the fish slice or prawn and pork wontons drowned in Sichuan chilli broth, or chow down on comfort-food favourites like Taiwanese fried chicken on miniature milk buns. Vegetables are a major part of Happy Boy’s menu too, and classics like the mapo tofu and fungus fried rice are sure to delight. Perk up with an Espresso Martini or keep it cool with a Margarita.

Time Out tip: Fear not if it’s pouring down with rain in typical Brissy style, Happy Boy has plenty of indoor seating for those thunderstorm-y days. 

Address: East St, Fortitude Valley

Price: Affordable

What is it? Pizza fit for a Roman ruler is what you’ll find at Julius, the hip younger sibling of Brisbane’s Beccofino restaurant and pizzeria.

Why go? Set across the road from Queensland’s Cultural Centre in South Brisbane, Julius Pizzeria is as tempting as can be after a long day of browsing historical works of art and age-old dinosaur bones. The restaurant's beating heart is a custom-made Stefano Ferrara wood-fired oven from Naples, which pumps out a creative yet classic range of both rosse (Napoli sauce base) and bianche (white base) pies. We suggest ordering one of each, leaving lots of stomach space for the Patate e Pancetta with potatoes, pancetta, mozzarella, scamorza and rosemary. And while Julius Pizzeria have undoubtedly nailed their dough game, their other menu offerings shine just as bright. The hotspot is casual, but clean-cut – exposed red bricks keep it old-school while illuminated bottles of Campari zhuzh things up a bit.

Time Out tip: Pairing your Italian feast with a limoncello works a treat, FYI.

Address: 77 Grey St, South Brisbane

Price: Affordable

What is it? A multi-million-dollar revitalisation of the heritage-listed venue atop Coot-tha, boasting sublime views of the Brisbane skyline out to Moreton Bay. 

Why go? You can’t beat the views from The Summit Restaurant, one of Brisbane’s latest openings that took over the heritage-listed venue atop Mt Coot-tha in June 2025. Perched on the edge of Brisbane’s highest peak, the fine diner features a refined dining room, a vibrant brewpub-style public bar and an expansive verandah. Sustainability and seasonality are at the heart of the menu, which is split between the sea, air, land, earth and garden. Bread is baked in-house daily and paired with cultured butter, smoked salt and honey harvested from The Summit’s own beehives. Other standout starters, including Elliott Heads’ spanner crab salad and Atlantic salmon gravlax, are served with fresh herbs picked from the restaurant’s edible garden. Mains are best enjoyed family-style, with highlights including Moreton Bay prawns topped with native herb chimichurri, roast duck smoked over paperbark, glazed pork loin and a Black Angus T-bone. 

Time Out tip: For something more casual, head to the Skyline Deck for signature cocktails and a special bar menu, or drop by The Summit Café for breakfast classics until 11am and lunch until the early afternoon.

Address: 1/1012 Sir Samuel Griffith Dr, Mount Coot-Tha

Price: High-end

What is it? A Neapolitan restaurant serving up classics with flair in a decked-out dining room.

Why go? You're welcomed like part of the family at Tony Percuoco's Fortitude Valley restaurant and pizzeria. Percuoco cut his teeth in the world of hospitality, born into a family of restaurateurs in Naples, and he brings every bit of that Italian passion to the kitchen and dining room of his beloved Ristorante Tartufo. Classic Italian dishes are given a modern twist and there are no shortcuts taken with all bread, pizza dough, pasta and gelato, made lovingly in-house. A bellissimo trio not to miss is Percuoco's entrée of vitello tonnato (thinly sliced braised veal), fettuccine with mushrooms and truffle mascarpone and pepper-crusted spatchcock. For dessert, it's got to be panna cotta delivered to the table in just-set and wobbling glory. The pizzas and pastas are a menu mainstay too – it’s hard to resist the tartufo, which has truffle paste encased in the crust. The golden embellishments and pressed metal ceiling add a touch of class to the fast-paced Tartufo.

Time Out tip: Dress up or dress down – everyone is welcome at Ristorante Tartufo, no matter the occasion.

Address: 1,000 Ann St, Fortitude Valley

Price: Mid-range

What is it? The twin restaurant to Sydney’s waterfront venue, Otto Brisbane continues to celebrate the legacy of evocatively simple yet polished Italian cuisine.

Why go? Having enmeshed itself into the scenic shore of Brisbane’s lush South Bank, the glasshouse venue welcomes both a casual spritz and afternoon sprawls (thank the lord for our city’s extended summer). Otto’s gives us their interpretations of Italian classics as guests share stories between bites of citrus oil-enrobed crudo and curvaceous Skull Island prawns. The locally-sourced ingredients speak for themselves, but the handmade pasta does most of the talking. Twirls some spaghettini onto your fork with Champagne lobster, garlic, chilli, white wine, lemon butter and bottarga (salted fish roe). It will set you back quite a few dollarydoos, but heck, sometimes splashing out is a necessity (happy birthday in advance, we guess). Wash it all down with an Italian vino, of course.

Time Out tip: Dive right into Otto’s wine selection – the list is award-winning, we’ll have you know.

Address: 1 Sidon St, South Bank, South Brisbane

Price: High-end

What is it? A three-level Champagne-dedicated destination on Arthur Street in Fortitude Valley, featuring a 16-seat garden bar, an intimate cellar bar, a 60-seat bistro, a boutique bottle shop and a schmick private event space. 

Why go? Because nowhere else in Brisbane (or the southern hemisphere, for that matter) takes Champagne this seriously. Winnifred’s houses an extraordinary 14,000–15,000 bottles across more than 360 cuvées, sourced from 63 growers and Grande Marque houses. It’s Champagne with both scale and nuance: rare releases, small producers and big-name bottles living side by side. In the kitchen, chef Antoine Potier keeps to the French canon, crafting dishes built to flatter what’s in your flute. The croque monsieur is the star and easily one of the best things I’ve eaten in recent memory.

Time Out tip: Ask the sommelier for a grower-producer pour by the glass – their rotating selection is where you’ll taste the most interesting, character-forward Champagnes. And do not skip the croque monsieur. For real.

Address: 41 Arthur St, Fortitude Valley

Price: High-end

What is it? With crystal chandeliers, a spacious main banquet hall and plush velvet seating, Donna Chang’s ode to Chinese cuisine harmonises authentic Sichuan and Cantonese flavours with modern elegance. The CBD fine diner is an intersection of East and West; patrons will find themselves housed in a heritage-listed former bank while eating their way through modern share plates.

Why go? Numbing, cooling, strange, mouth-watering is met with an equal amount of woodfire and rich emulsions of fermented chilli mayonnaise and beef fat vinaigrette in Donna Chang’s epic menu. Enjoy the embrace of sitting in the main dining hall or make a reservation in the private mezzanine for an evening of flavourful morsels and a dalliance with the best of locally-sourced seafood. On Sundays, Donna Chang hosts an exquisite yum cha between 10am and 12pm where you can delve into an array of flavours and textures from delicate pastries and pan-fried savoury buns to steamed ribs and slippery dumplings that transport you to faraway lands with just one bite.

Time Out tip: The Mezzanine level has three gorgeous private rooms – got a big birthday coming up? 

Address: 3/171 George St, Brisbane

Price: Mid-range to high-end

What is it? An Indian institution in Wellington Point, serving traditional north Indian food with a western twist. 

Why go? This gem of a restaurant, one of Brisbane’s oldest, has been loved by locals since husband-and-wife team Dharminder (David, as he’s known to regulars) and Sheena opened it in 1998. Step inside and you'll be whisked away to the city of Jaipur, with vibrant artworks, bright orange tablecloths and charming trinkets setting the scene. This warmth and energy extend to the alfresco footpath seating, where you can enjoy a romantic night under the twinkling fairy lights. Deciding what to order at Jaipur Palace is no easy feat. Start your royal feast with spiced potato samosas and tandoori drumsticks, then fill the table with signature curries, like the chicken tikka masala, chilli prawn Goa or butter paneer (a firm, non-aged cheese that keeps its shape when heated – give it a try). Mop it up with one of 13 specialty naans on offer, including cheese and chilli, Peshwari stuffed with sultanas and almonds, or gluten-free garlic.

Time Out tip: Jaipur Palace is a fair drive south of Brisbane’s city centre, so we recommend making a day of it and checking out the nearby reserves and beaches – maybe even Raby Bay’s canals.

Address: 3/379 Main Rd, Wellington Point

Price: Affordable

What is it? A chic modern Italian restaurant inspired by the Amalfi Coast.

Why go? Massimo Restaurant and Bar sits pretty on the river, putting the luxurious charm of the Amalfi Coast into its modern space and menu. Brick-red striped booths and terrazzo tables host a menu that celebrates the sea. Oysters shine with Massimo’s tomato and limoncello granita, and live lobster and marron from tanks await to be chargrilled with lemon or garlic butter, or tossed through house-made spaghetti. Inventive snacks catch the eye like the cacio e pepe croquettes as well as the Wagyu lasagne bites, while old faithfuls are close by waiting to catch you at your most indecisive moments – did someone say house-made focaccia and eggplant parmigiana? Massimo’s $54-a-head banquet menu is fantastic value, with highlights including crispy calamari with nduja (spicy fermented sausage paste) cream, and a perfectly cooked eye fillet. That’s available every dang day of the week between 11am and 6pm – get it while it’s hot.

Time Out tip: Massimo’s Eagle Bay backdrop means one thing and one thing only – a post-meal stroll along the riverside in the shadow of the Brisbane City skyscrapers to digest all that food.

Address: 123 Eagle St, Brisbane

Price: Mid-range to high-end

What is it? Hidden behind brass doors is this sultry diner in the James Street precinct of Fortitude Valley. Celebrating the best of local and seasonal produce, executive chef Phil Marchant showcases all things raw, pickled, smoked and grilled.

Why go? Opened in 2021, Essa’s has a green-marble enclosure for the bar and an open kitchen. Inside, it's all about honouring seasonal ingredients. Through classic technique, the chefs attempt to make every mouthful a revelry of nature’s best. Whether you’re seated front row to their custom-built woodfire grill or in the rear nook of this dim-lit venue, expect to be wowed by rotating plates that may include squid ink and truffle salami and wood-fired Moreton Bay bugs dressed with bay leaf butter and sea herbs. These kinds of flavour combinations are tricky to execute, but the Essa crew somehow manage to pull it all off.

Time Out tip: If you’re stuck on what to order, never fear, leave it to the experts. $128 delivers a tasting menu that's filling and fulfilling. 

Address: 181 Robertson St, Fortitude Valley

Price: High-end

What is it? Below the Metro Arts theatre of Brisbane, Exhibition Restaurant becomes the unexpected final act of any show. Akin to its theatrical counterparts, chef and owner Tim Scott has curated a multi-sensory dining experience, engaging in a seasonally evolving menu that's a nod to culinary arts and craftsmanship.

Why go? There is no menu here – only one six-course omakase experience that shows off Queensland’s best local and sustainable produce. It’s mod-Oz cuisine at its finest. Be prepared to immerse yourself in the spectacle – we're talking abalone liver parfait served with milk bread; Hokkaido Island scallop with green mango and fig leaf; smoke-touched Wagyu. Words like ‘miso’, ‘dashi’, and ‘yuzu kosho’ are scattered across Exhibition’s menu, which alludes to Japanese inspiration – an excellent dance partner for your curious taste buds. 

Time Out tip: Exhibition’s basement locale may be a little difficult to find; just pull open the big green doors, look to your right for the glowing sign, and follow it downstairs.

Address: Basement 2/109 Edward St, Brisbane

Price: Blowout

What is it? Hailing from Thailand, head chef Arté Assavakavinvong blesses the River City with some of the country’s most interesting, innovative Thai cuisine exemplified at this intimate James Street diner.

Why go? Fortitude Valley is a smorgasbord when it comes to fine eateries, and we Brisbane dwellers truly are spoilt for choice. Enter sAme sAme to see their hot coals and even hotter woks at the ready. It’s all go-go-go at the open kitchen, which offers you dinner and show. Similarly, you can watch the action of James Street at the long bench by the window, or do a spot of eavesdropping at the communal table. Wherever you're seated, you’re sure to be wowed by the grandiose concrete interior that’s spread across two levels for all your Instagram needs. Start with some moreish snacks – prawns with betel leaf and lemongrass, oysters with nahm jim and beef with a coconutty black sticky rice. A highlight of sAme sAme’s menu is the green curry with grilled lamb panang, which summons a mix of rich, hearty flavours and fresh notes of Thai basil. You also can’t skip the grill plates, which combine traditional techniques with local Queensland seafood.

Time Out tip: 140 bottles of wine are yours for the sampling, and the classy ambience calls for nothing less. 

Address: 46 James St, Fortitude Valley

Price: High-end

What is it? This self-titled venue is a love story by Brisbane native chef Dan Arnold who marries contemporary Australian cuisine with his French training. Located on Ann Street in Fortitude Valley, the set menu is an exceptional dining experience.

Why go? Before you’re even attempting to decipher between the three-, five- and carte blanche-course menus on offer at Restaurant Dan Arnold, conversational starters disguised as amuse bouchées arrive at your table. Once you've decided upon whihc of the tastinfg menus you want to try, sit back and enjoy your French technique-driven meal that highlights seasonal Australian produce. With an ever-rotating seasonal menu, you may come across innovative dishes like carrots immersed in a ginger and lemongrass emulsion; coral trout enrobed with beurre noisette; or Wagyu paired with ratatouille-stuffed zucchini and eggplant caviar, ensuring that Arnold’s French Michelin expertise is not lost in translation. The plating is pretty and the crockery is fine, all tying in nicely with the contemporary fit-out.

Time Out tip: “We are happy to accommodate dietary requirements, except vegan,” Restaurant Dan Arnold notes. So perhaps save this spot for a night with your omnivorous pals.

Address: 10/959 Ann St, Fortitude Valley

Price: Blowout 

What is it? A big, fat good-times taverna in the Howard Smith Wharves precinct with a view of the Brisbane River thrown in. 

Why go? ​​Kick back on the terrace amid the giant potted olive trees and ever-present breeze. Greca is your one-way ticket to the Greek islands, minus the long-haul flight. Here, the nearby city skyline becomes secondary moments after that first bite of Mediterranean cuisine. Expect plenty of deep-fried crunches and citrus zaps, herbal delights and grilled affairs. Start with a few plates of mezedes (similar to Spanish tapas) like honeyed saganaki, battered calamari or octopus with fava bean dip. Don't miss the keftedes (herby meatballs), eggplant moussaka and the mustard-oregano barbecue lamb chops, which should take you straight to the finish line. If heaven is what you’re aiming for, bring it home with the sweetest of katoumari (smashed filo, walnut and cream). It’s a no-brainer, really. And don’t be shy, try some ouzo or any of the wines on their very extensive drinks menu. The islands are calling; they’re looking for you.

Time Out tip: Heading to Greca with a crew? Go all out with one of their three shared banquet menus.

Address: Howard Smith Wharf Precinct, 3/5 Boundary St, Brisbane

Price: High-end

What is it? An internationally recognised restaurant serving traditional Roman fare.

Why go? After more than 15 years, owners Dan Clark and Manny Sakellarakis are still rocking the best Roman cuisine in the city. In fact, they’re up there with the best Italian restaurants in the world, according to Italian outlet Gambero Rosso, thanks to their artisanal wine list and menu committed to Roman tradition. Fried globe artichoke, a staple in Roman-Jewish cuisine, is served with lemon mascarpone and gremolata (parsley, garlic, lemon zest and olive oil), and their renditions of cacio e pepe and carbonara are a masterclass – perfectly al dente, of course. Generously portioned mains like their veal saltimbocca, and Moreton Bay bugs doused in basil pesto cream and sun-dried tomatoes, will have you booking a trip to Rome as soon as you leave, or, another trip back to the restaurant. Either way, you’re in safe hands at 1889 Enoteca – even safer if you don’t deny a helping of tiramisu or panna cotta. Dress for the occasion too, it’s a fashionable affair within the mid-century dining room.

Time Out tip: Conveniently located across the road from The Gabba, 1889 Enoteca is an ideal spot for a pre-game or pre-concert feed.

Address: 10-12 Logan Rd, Woolloongabba

Price: High-end

What is it? An award-winning Japanese diner in the West End, offering seasonal banquets, express lunches and all-day à la carte dining.

Why go? True to its name – which translates to gem in Japanese – Ippin invites guests on a culinary journey inspired by the vibrant beauty of flowers. Each dish on the extensive menu is a feast for the senses, adorned with delicate herbs and blooms. Ippin’s highlights include a refreshing plate of kingfish ceviche seasoned with yuzu koshu (chilli-citrus dressing), a deluxe platter of the day’s freshest sashimi, and caviar-jewelled nigiri. Don’t skip on house-made mystery dessert either, it very well may be the show-stopping 'zen bonsai' – a masterpiece of soft soy crémeux, yuzu curd, black sesame sponge and streusel. We don’t know about you, but that’s sounding pretty dang satisfying to us, and Ippin’s fit-out is equally as enticing if you’re looking for somewhere with the whole shabang. Semi-circular booths demand that you stay for a good time and a long time, while the curvaceous-intricate light fixtures add a little bit of luxury to your dining experience. High ceilings and gargantuan windows open the space right up, and Ippin’s second-storey locale is a delightful escape from the bustling West End streets below.

Time Out tip: Ippin’s open kitchen is here for all your entertainment needs – nab a seat and catch the action.

Address: The Garden Pavilion, West Village, 2/97 Boundary St, West End

Price: High-end

What is it? A multi-award winning restaurant that's a modern Australian institution. 

Why go? Owner and chef Philip Johnson was a pioneer of the Brisbane restaurant scene, and more than 20 years on, Johnson’s unfussy fare is still a favourite. In the outer north-eastern suburb of ​​Newstead, E’cco Bistro continues to keep it simple with favourites like grilled scallops, gnocchi swimming in pea velouté (silky-buttery sauce), and refreshing desserts like mango mille-feuille (layered puff pastry), strawberry pavlova, and a simply yet effective affogato. The five-course set menu – with a vegan option – is decent bang for your buck too at $120 per person for a certifiably stomach-filling feast. About 90 per cent of E’cco’s menu is gluten-free too, so no one is going hungry – not here, not today. With a full-on slew of awards behind Johnson and his E’cco brainchild, it’s easy to see why it’s one of the best restaurants in Brisbane. E’cco has also been noted for its contemporary design, and we can wholeheartedly agree that it’s deserving. Timber seating and concrete accents pair wonderfully with the grey stone flooring – polished wine glasses and white fabric napkins are the cherry on top.

Time Out tip: Get in on all the action at the open kitchen’s bar seating.

Address: 8/63 Skyring Tce, Newstead

Price: High-end