You’ve landed a promotion, struck a deal, or reached a landmark and you want to celebrate in Brisbane/Meanjin with something truly special. But a regular dinner’s not going to cut it. If you need to go big (read: HUGE), you need to step it up with a degustation. Personally, I'm convinced that degustation dining is the absolute peak of eating out. Nothing conjures the same luxurious, almost Roman opulence like a meal that comes in seven stages, especially if you get the matching wines.
Now I would happily eat my way through an eight-course plus feed every single night if I could but let me warn you, lots of teeny tiny meals adds up to a heckin' feed. It might sound like lowkey tapas but it is so not tapas, and if you don’t come prepared (ie. starving) you might die in the attempt to fit it all in. Having tried them all (multiple times) and then some, I can confirm that these are the best degustations in Brisbane—and you won't want to wear tight pants.
Exhibition Restaurant
109 Edward Street, Brisbane CBD
comes to us from Tim Scott, a former chef and co-owner of Joy (see further down the list), so you know it's going to be good before you even take a seat in front of the small but bustling kitchen. Like Joy, Exhibition is tiny, with a mere 24 seats, and serves up only a set menu at $247pp a pop—so save this one for that anniversary dinner.
Menus change constantly, but focus on local seafood, meat and fresh produce dished up across up to 15 courses, with intense flavours that will blow your mind—I may or may not have moaned out loud several times. I think it's one of the best dining experiences in Brisbane, and well worth dropping $500 on—just make sure you check in advance about any dietary requirements.
How much will it set you back? $247pp, or you can get a Shortened Experience for $187pp on Tuesdays.
Rogue Bistro
14 Austin Street, Newstead
Once only available on Wednesdays, Rogue’s five-course dego is now on offer every night of the week—in fact, due to its almost cult-level popularity, its now their sole focus. Technically it's more than five, because there's usually at least four to five different snacks at the start, and they're my favourite part of every menu.
The best part is, the line-up of dishes still changes every single month, with menu drops on Instagram in the weeks before that drive their regulars into a frantic booking frenzy. Rogue's chefs get seriously creative, so you should definitely keep an eye out for a menu that tickles your fancy—though if you're anything like me, you'll end up wanting to dine every month. Honestly how am I supposed to resist labne spice churros and dark chocolate tiramisu?
How much will it set you back? $120pp, or you can try a three-course version for $90pp on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Joy Restaurant
Bakery Lane, Fortitude Valley
Joy Restaurant has made serious waves in Brisbane’s dining scene, in no small thanks to owner and head chef Sarah Baldwin. One of the few places on this list where you won't find a menu online at all, at Joy you just have to turn up and have faith in their ability to wow. Their nine-course degustation menu always uses the freshest seasonal ingredients and explores every forgotten quarter of the flavour realm.
Be warned: seats at Joy are strictly limited to just 10 pax, and they book out unbelievably fast. Thankfully, you no longer have to be awake at midnight to snag one like I did the first time I booked, as these days they open the bookings at a respectable (daytime) hour. They open three months in advance but if you can’t think that far ahead, keep tabs on their for any cancellations.
How much will it set you back? $205pp
Restaurant Dan Arnold
10/959 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley
Image credit: Restaurant Dan Arnold | Facebook
The ultra modern, super sleek brainchild of Dan Arnold himself, Restaurant Dan Arnold only trades in tasting menus. Arnold spent seven years learning the fine art of French cuisine before returning to Australia, and now offers three strands of degustation dining united by a single objective to highlight local Australian produce (ingredients are sourced from small producers and local farms).
Despite the scrupulous attention to detail, the restaurant itself has a relaxed and informal atmosphere, letting the incredible dishes be the real star of the show. And stars they are, with every bite an experience in itself. I still dream of their bread course—and the cheese trolley that rolls out just as you think it's over.
How much will it set you back? The $220 eight-course menu is the way to go ($415 with wine pairing), but there's also a five-course menu for $180pp ($325 with wine pairing).
Montrachet
1/30 King Street, Bowen Hills
Any night at is a delicious night, but if you’re keen to splurge, their Le Menu Degustation is where it’s at. Featuring incredible artisan produce turned into incredible French fare, the six-course spread designed by chef owner Clement Chauvin includes the likes of duck liver parfait with grilled brioche and cherry gel, confit duck legs boudin and Chauvin's signature passionfruit souffle with a chili explosion. Oof.
How much will it set you back? $150pp
You might also like:
- Brisbane's Best Restaurants
- Brisbane's Best Japanese Restaurants
- Brisbane's Best Italian Restaurants
Attimi By Dario Manca
224 Given Terrace, Paddington
Meaning ‘moments’ in Italian, Attimi by Dario Manca is all about slowing down and embracing the here and now—so be prepared to put your phone away and fully immerse yourself in the cosy, heritage surrounds while you enjoy a 12 or eight course degustation that journeys through a variety of Italian regions. Yes, 12 courses—you’re going to be here a while. Leave your expectations of Italian food at the door, because this dego is all about gastronomic culture—I left with a whole new appreciation for Italian fine dining.
How much will it set you back? $198pp for the 12-course degustation (add matched wines for $148pp), or $148pp for the quicker eight courses (add matched wines for $128pp).
Deer Duck Bistro
396 Milton Road, Auchenflower
Image credit: Deer Duck Bistro | Facebook
Located on Milton Road, Deer Duck Bistro is an asset to the west side dining scene. Their menu usually favours traditional European flavours, but they also like to throw in a few curveballs, and this season's line up is a cracker—kangaroo fillet with verjus compressed green apple, pork loin with carrot and vanilla puree, and duck breast with braised chicory.
Best of all, they offer degustations at three different levels depending on your appetite: First is a lightning-quick five course whiparound (perfect if you’re new to degustations), then there’s a slightly longer seven-course feast for the seasoned diner, and finally their stonking nine courses for the serious gourmand. Me? I always go for the nine of course, you don't want to suffer FOMO looking at the table next to you tucking into two desserts while you only have one.
How much will it set you back? $105pp (plus $95pp for matched wines) for five courses, $140pp for seven courses (plus $135pp for matched wines) or $165pp (plus $159pp for matched wines) for nine courses.
C'est Bon Restaurant
609/611 Stanley Street, Woolloongabba
It doesn't get fancier than French food—except when there's six courses of it, each one more inspired than the last. C'est Bon's shared menu is one for the bucket list, featuring six courses of 10 dishes that hero French cuisine and local ingredients—it is honestly the dining experience that converted me to French cusine—who knew it could be so creative?
Head Chef and owner Andy Ashby curates a new menu each season, and if you're lucky he might even serve you a course or two. Of course you'll want to start with a drink at the rooftop bar upstairs, and get dinner with the matched wines, which will end in you rolling out the door in a very un-fancy like manner by the end.
How much will it set you back? This one is a bargain at just $90pp.
TakashiYa
267 Grey Street, South Brisbane
Discover the Japanese version of a degustation at TakashiYa, where the chefs will prepare and serve around 20 courses of sashimi, sushi and more as a part of their omakase experience. Meaning "I'll leave it up to you," this cultural experience is as much about the fun of watching the chefs create the dishes as it is eating them—and boy do they have some fun.
Be warned—try to eat your sushi in two bites and you will be gently reprimanded, this is a one bite only kinda spot (and NEVER dip your sushi in soy sauce). Order some sake to really complete the experience, better yet, get a bottle so you can pour it yourself out of their nifty Japanese sake contraptions.
How much will it set you back? $280pp, or you can try a taster version at the bar for $160pp.
Bacchus
9 Glenelg Street, South Brisbane
Image credit: Bacchus | Facebook
Bacchus is named for the Greek god of wine-making, festivity, theatre and fruit—and they really live up to their namesake when it comes to their tasting menu. Here you’ll feast your way through seven exquisite courses, from a chef's selection of amuse bouche that sets the tone for the whole meal all the way through to their signature apple dessert that still wows me despite having tried it almost a dozen times. I live for the dessert course at Bacchus. Good to know: There’s a vegetarian version too for the non-meat eaters.
How much will it set you back? $140pp, or $200 with paired wine.
Perspective Dining
6/315 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley
If you want to be seriously impressed, in the Valley’s TC Beirne & Co building will blow your mind. Even without knowing the background of owner and chef Andrew McCrea you’ll be wowed by the creative nine-course degustation, but when you realise McCrea only has six per cent vision, you’ll be floored—I certainly was.
Taking simple, seasonal ingredients and transforming them into intricate dishes that incorporate a variety of textures, flavours and techniques, this is a dining experience like no other. There’s just 12 seats here in an intimate space that directly overlooks the open kitchen, and McCrea explains each dish in detail as they are served. You can do the whole experience with or without matched wines, but I definitely recommend with.
How much will it set you back? $195pp ($300 with matched wine), or you can try a five-course shared lunch version for $80pp Thursday to Saturday.
Pneuma
336 George Street, Brisbane CBD
From the powerhouse duo of Dan Arnold (Restaurant Dan Arnold and La Cache a Vin) and Matt Blackwell (ex-Goma Restaurant), comes this innovative loft venue that takes inspiration from culture, music and art, as well as a wide variety of international cuisines. extended degustion menu will take you on a journey through six courses that change regularly and combine wild and wonderful flavours in the most creative way possible. If you need proof of how good it is, Pneuma was supposed to be a temporary pop-up—and it's still here a year and a half later.
How much will it set you back? $125pp for the extended chef's menu, or $95pp for the short menu.
E’cco Bistro
63 Skyring Terrace, Newstead
Image credit: E'cco Bistro | Facebook
A Brisbane icon, E’cco Bistro has been dishing up their five-course tasting menu for longer than even OB真人视讯 has been around (12 years and counting), and while it has of course changed many a time over the years, it is as impressive as ever—and somehow gets better every time I sample it. You’ll usually find e’cco’s signature potato gnocchi on the menu (always a good time), but otherwise, it’s a delicious adventure that changes with the seasons. Best of all, there’s vegetarian and vegan versions as well, so no one misses out.
How much will it set you back? $120pp for five courses or $105 for four courses.
Da Biuso
Roaming
I admit, I was sceptical about a degustation on a bus—but Da Biuso converted me after the first course. This is no ordinary bus—Da Biuso looks more like a luxe train car, and its current location by the river in Hamilton only adds to the experience. Climb aboard and you’ve got two degustation options—a nine-course Euro-inspired menu, or a seven-course pasta degustation that even features a dessert lasagne (I bet you can guess which one I always pick). You can also add on wine matching or just order by the glass or bottle if you prefer.
How much will it set you back? $180pp for the nine-course degustation or $150pp for the pasta degustation.
Tartufo
1000 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley
A longstanding Valley icon, is well known for their traditional Italian pizzas, pastas and of course, their tiramisu. What you may not know, however, is that they also dish up a six-course degustazione that will have you rolling out the door—or possibly unable to even move (and I speak from personal experience) because owner Tony is what you might call 'a feeder'. There's no set menu but you can expect an array of Tartufo classics over 2.5 hours—think pasta, pizza and more.
How much will it set you back? $95pp or $80pp for the pescatarian version.
Looking for more ways to indulge? Head here:
- Brisbane's Best Bottomless Brunches
- Brisbane's Best All-You-Can-Eat Buffets
- Brisbane's Best High Teas
Image credit: Rogue Bistro | Grace Elizabeth Smith
OB真人视讯 Best Of: has our highest stamp of approval—curated lists of the very best recommendations for you to eat, do, see, buy or book, carefully chosen by our Editors.