Brisbane’s food culture has grown up – and glowed up. Once overshadowed by its southern siblings, the River City now holds its own with a bold new breed of restaurants that celebrate everything from Japanese precision and Mediterranean soul to high-glam steakhouses and wood-fired wizardry. Whether you’re craving a long lunch that lingers into evening or a meticulously crafted degustation behind a secret door, there’s a spot waiting to serve.
Exhibition
Beneath the old Metro Arts Theatre lies one of Brisbane’s most unique fine dining experiences. With just 24 seats and an ambiance that’s more gallery than restaurant, Exhibition is the culinary canvas of head chef Tim Scott. Antique Japanese chef knives line the walls like artifacts, while each dish is plated on custom-made ceramics handcrafted by local artisans at Box & Ho Pottery.
The menu? You won’t find one. Inspired by Japanese omakase tradition, Exhibition’s degustation is shaped by whatever fresh produce, live seafood, and local meats arrive each day. It’s a hyper-seasonal affair – no two evenings are the same. Dining here feels like being part of a performance – refined, thoughtful, and utterly delicious.
sAme sAme
When cult favourite LoNGTIME reinvented itself as sAme sAme, the move was met with hesitation. But any doubt quickly faded once Brisbane locals got a taste of the new digs. Nestled in Ada Lane, right by The Calile Hotel, this Thai-fusion hotspot is all about big flavour, bold interiors, and even bigger fanfare.
Expect fragrant curries, vibrant salads, and masterfully roasted meats that honour the essence of Thai cooking while elevating it with luxe touches. The curated wine list leans French, the cocktails are as creative as they are potent, and service runs like clockwork. Before dinner, swing by LOS (Land of Smiles) upstairs for a mezcal-fueled aperitif.
Bianca
Bianca is sunshine in restaurant form – all soft pinks, creamy burrata, and the smell of buttered pasta wafting through the air. Located in the heart of James Street, this Italian eatery delivers nostalgia wrapped in modern flair. Whether you’re on a first date or gathering the crew for a long lunch, the vibe is always right.
From pillowy focaccia to house-made orecchiette tossed with spanner crab, every dish speaks of simplicity and excellence. The legendary burrata is a must, but save room for dessert – the tiramisu doesn’t mess around.
Southside
Just off the hum of Fish Lane and surrounded by lush greenery and glowing lanterns, Southside feels like a tropical escape. Inside and out, every inch is curated with flair, from the hanging palms to the statement tilework. On warm nights, the outdoor space buzzes with energy, but the dining room inside offers just as much charm.
The menu reads like a love letter to Asia – charred dim sum, XO seafood, and umami-rich noodles. The standout? Char kway teow with Moreton Bay Bug, a Queensland-meets-Malaysia masterpiece. After dinner, slip around the corner to Maker or Bar Brutus for a nightcap.
1889 Enoteca
Step into 1889 Enoteca, and you’re stepping back in time. Housed in a heritage-listed building, this Italian gem is all exposed brick, polished marble, and the kind of old-world charm that never goes out of style.
Specialising in Roman cuisine – a rarer sub-genre on the Aussie dining scene – the menu shines with rustic yet refined dishes like pork and fennel sausage gnocchi and silky pappardelle. The wine cellar downstairs doubles as a private dining space, perfect for intimate celebrations. Naturally, the vino selection is encyclopedic, spotlighting some of the oldest winemaking regions in Italy.
SK Steak & Oyster
Set inside The Calile Hotel, SK Steak & Oyster is the picture of understated luxury. Think soft lighting, curved leather booths, and a grand piano that occasionally springs to life with live music. It’s a place to settle in – for oysters and martinis, for caviar-laced sides, for the kind of meal that calls for dessert and digestifs.
Start with something raw or from the ocean – the baked Mooloolaba prawns are a standout. Then it’s steak time, with cuts expertly grilled and paired with luxe sides like truffle mash or lobster potato. Save room for the potato menu alone – yes, there’s a whole one just for that.
hôntô
Hidden in a quiet backstreet and cloaked in shadows, hôntô is as much about the experience as it is the food. Dark and dramatic, the interiors sparkle with chandeliers and candlelight. Take a seat at the open kitchen, a corner booth, or the raw bar – it’s all good here.
Led by the minds behind sAme sAme and LoNGTIME, the menu fuses Australian produce with Japanese technique. Expect umami-laden delights like mandarin kosho butter snapper or Wagyu brisket sprinkled with koji furikake. There’s a killer cocktail list, too.
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