With the addition of multiple new eateries both before and during the pandemic, Fortitude Valley has quietly become Brisbane/Meanjin’s go-to hub for local foodies. The inner-city suburb is now home to a suite of award-winning restaurants, combining exotic menus with thoughtful design touches for the ultimate dining experience.
But it's not all fancy venues with a table service, a la carte menus and lengthy wine lists. As any Valley regular would know, this 'burb is also home to some of the best casual feeds in town, from groovy restaurants to hit before seeking out the bars to cheap and cheerful pan-Asian street food spots. Whatever mood you're in or occasion you're there for, here are OB真人视讯's top picks for Fortitude Valley restaurants.
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- Fancy Fortitude Valley Restaurants
- Casual Fortitude Valley Restaurants
- Cheap And Cheerful Fortitude Valley Restaurants
Fancy Fortitude Valley Restaurants
Mosconi
164B Arthur Street, Fortitude Valley
Two words: duck ragu. Need we say more? Mosconi is the Valley’s answer to refined, sleek European dining, without forking out for an exxy international flight. Tucked away off James St, the intimate eatery makes the most of its two-sided space with a mezzanine level above, plus seating at the bar perfect for a quick Aperol spritz (or three). Upgrade to a full Italian feast and indulge on Moreton Bay bug ravioli, or our fave, Brisbane Valley quail with beetroot carpaccio and gorgonzola. Or you could just work your way through the extensive wine list—whatever works.
Bianca
46 James Street, Fortitude Valley
Image credit: Bianca | Facebook
Bianca is a peach-hued stunner drawing inspo from the Mediterranean region. Brought to you by the crew behind Agnes, Same Same and Honto, the stunning Italian venue is fully decked out in terracotta tiles, while the ceiling—lined with a perimeter of wine bottles—is covered by metal gridwork (pink, of course). The best seats in the house are undoubtedly at the salumi bar, where you can watch the kitchen team at work as they artfully assemble plates of mortadella, prosciutto, salam, and more. All this plus an Inglorious Basterds-themed cocktail menu, and you’ve got one heck of a night out.
Gerard’s Bistro
14/15 James Street, Fortitude Valley
Sweep yourself away to the shores of Morocco with the stunning tiles and exposed brickwork lining the walls of Gerard’s Bistro. The eclectic decor is an ode to the restaurant’s dynamic menu, which combines the flavours of the Middle East with notes prominent in African cuisine. Featuring only the freshest locally sourced ingredients, diners will delight at the bistro’s modern take on traditional dishes—we recommend ordering from the shared menu for a diverse sampling of the flavours on offer.
Joy Restaurant
Shop 7/690 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley
With reservations consistently booked out up to four months in advance, you’ll need to plan ahead if you’re looking to experience the dining extravaganza that is Joy Restaurant. But trust us—it’s worth the wait. The intimate venue has space for just 10 diners, with two seatings available each night. You’ll be treated to a mysterious set menu that won’t be revealed until your plate is in front of you, so maybe leave the fussy eaters at home. If planning ahead just isn’t your style, keep an eye on for any last-minute cancellations so you can snag a sooner reservation.
sAme sAme
46 James Street, Fortitude Valley
Image credit: sAme sAme | Instagram
Nestled in Ada Lane next to The Calile, sAme sAme is an airy, minimalist space perfect for your next date night. Serving up a modern take on a traditional Thai menu, the restaurant has its fair share of cult classics—the betel leaf snacks, soft shell crab baos and roasted pork belly pad see ew all make our list of drool-worthy feeds to order upon our next visit. The centrepiece of the venue is its long share table, positioned beneath a towering arched ceiling for a sleek, sophisticated feel. Check it out for yourself with a boozy lunch, working your way through sAme sAme’s 140-bottle wine list (not to mention their suite of Thai-inspired cocktails).
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Essa
181 Robertson Street, Fortitude Valley
Despite only opening in August of this year, Essa has already made a name for itself as one of the best venues to grace the James Street dining precinct. The eatery combines rustic textures with dark, moody tones, creating a slick, one-of-a-kind atmosphere perfect for late-night catch ups and after work drinks. Focusing on all things raw, pickled, smoked and wood-fired, the eats at Essa showcase local farmers and providores, with seasonal produce transformed into simple dishes with a full spectrum of flavour. As for drinks, work your way through the curated wine list, or treat yourself to decadent cocktails like the Love Bird for a sweet, after-dinner treat.
Agnes
22 Agnes Street, Fortitude Valley
You'd have to have been living under a rock if you hadn't heard of Agnes—but actually getting a booking at this Fortitude Valley restaurant is another matter. When you do nab a table, you'll be treated to a feast cooked entirely over fire, from snacks like the scarlet prawn doughnuts to heartier feeds like smoked lamb neck with ancho mole, garlic yoghurt and flatbread. Be sure to take dessert up on the rooftop terrace—not that the moody, industrial dining room isn't extremely easy on the eyes.
Gemelli Italian
15 James Street, Fortitude Valley
Image Source: Gemelli Italian | Gemelli Italian
After earning its place as a Gold Coast institution, Gemelli Italian has made its way to Brisbane—and brought its Nutella bomba dessert with it. With a coveted James Street location, the restaurant has transformed its split-level space into the ultimate foodie destination, thanks to decadent treats like mouthwatering mushroom arancini and pan-fried, ricotta-stuffed zucchini blossoms. And that’s just the beginning—for mains, treat yourself to a slow-cooked oxtail and pork shin ragu, served up in a delicious woodfired pizza bowl. Not only does that mean more food for you, but it also prevents water wastage during clean up. That’s a win-win in our book.
Bisou Bisou
458 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley
Reminiscing about your last trip to Paris? We’ve got good news—Bisou Bisou has landed on Brunswick Street in the Valley, and there is plenty to say bonjour to. French for ‘kiss kiss,’ Bisou Bisou comes to us from the team behind Donna Chang and Boom Boom Izakaya, so it’s safe to set your standards high. The menu features a modern twist on traditional French fare, so prepare for a new take on classics like seafood bouillabaisse, duck breast and crispy-skinned roast chicken. Topping it all off are some next-level interiors featuring the likes of luxe marble tables, floral lounges and stunning art deco tiling. A sunny courtyard to the rear completes the picture, where you’ll get your fill of quintessential Parisian cafe tables, perfect for a morning espresso or cheeky afternoon sip.
Sushi Room
48 James Street, Fortitude Valley
Let your tastebuds be transported to Japan from the comfort of Fortitude Valley’s Calile Hotel with the help of Sushi Room. Neo-futuristic Japanese fine-dining hits a new level in a space that the architects described as a “Bond villain's lair”. With sushi, sashimi, and tempura on the a la carte menu, and both omakase and enkai experiences on offer too, there’s something for everyone here.
ZA ZA TA
1000 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley
Image credit: ZA ZA TA | Supplied
Having successfully transitioned to an all-new vegetarian menu, ZA ZA TA offers an impressive selection of Middle Eastern eats so hearty you’ll quickly forget they’re meat-free. Drawing inspiration from Lebanon, Turkey, Morocco and Israel, everything on the menu is made from scratch, having been honed after weeks of tasting, testing and perfecting. Start with a few selections from the small meze before moving onto bigger plates like the pumpkin dumplings and cauliflower schwarma. But be warned: once you get a taste of their burnt chilli butter, there’s no turning back—you’ll be an addict for life.
Rosmarino
6 McLachlan Street, Fortitude Valley
Yet to pay a visit to Rosmarino? Get out from that rock you’ve been under and book yourself a table, stat. Set behind a fully restored brick facade in the historic Stewart and Hemmant building, Rosmarino is as good-looking inside as it is out. Take a seat at the bar and choose from a lengthy cheese list, paired with freshly baked bread and a generous glass of wine. Better yet, head to the main dining room and dig into the restaurant’s signature dish, culurgiones cacio nduja—dumpling-like filled pasta stuffed with potato and pecorino cheese and topped with burnt butter and nduja-infused oil. Squisito!
Hôntô
Alden Street, Fortitude Valley
Known by some as the city’s best Japanese restaurant, Hôntô is well and truly worthy of the hype. The dark, moody digs are characterised by an all black dining area, elusive cocktail lounge and a sample-style menu from which to build your very own customised meal. Prefer to share? Treat yourself (and your mates) to a Japanese banquet, featuring plates of fine dining dishes sure to set your taste buds alight. Shoutout to the grilled king prawns for fuelling our garlic addiction in the most delicious way possible.
Hellenika
Level 1/46 James Street, Fortitude Valley
Image credit: Hellenika | Instagram
Located upstairs on the deck of The Calile, Hellenika is our go-to venue for airy summer hangouts and cocktails by the pool. With sprawling olive trees and crisp white curtains, the restaurant gives off some serious Greek island vibes, making it the perfect place to blow off some steam after a busy work week. Indulge on fresh oysters and pickled octopus from the comfort of your own cabana, or head indoors to experience a feast worthy of the Greek Olympians.
SK Steak And Oyster
48 James Street, Fortitude Valley
When the first thing you read on a restaurant’s website is “a place for a long lunch and a few too many martinis”, you know you’re in for a good time. That’s exactly what SK Steak and Oyster provides. Located in the Calile Hotel—isn’t everything good located in the Calile Hotel?—this airy venue serves up perfectly cooked steaks and fresh oysters for your dining pleasure. Who would’ve guessed it? But if delicious steak and seafood isn’t your style, don’t worry, there’s a range of other options on their menu too.
Mr Vain
610 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley
If moody lighting, exposed brick walls, and Euro-inspired dining is what you’re after, look no further than sleek laneway restaurant Mr Vain. The seductive space, adorned in rustic chains and leather banquettes, is complimented by a menu that is both minimalistic and sophisticated. Inspired by the French bistronomy movement, Head Chef Tim Young takes locally sourced produce and creates seasonal dishes designed to knock your socks off. Tasmanian lamb loin rack with chickpea miso and confit onion, anyone?
ēmmē
3/22 James Street, Fortitude Valley
Image Source: ēmmē | ēmmē
The minimalist and neutral decor at ēmmē makes way for colourful flavours to shine through in each dish. Their Mediterranean and Middle Eastern-inspired menu has options for every part of your day, from breakfast all the way to dessert. Start your day with crab and eggs, and close out the night with chocolate tahini cake. Just move in to the restaurant at that point. We certainly won’t judge.
Petite
Corner of Ann Street & East Street, Fortitude Valley
The Valley’s brand-spanking-new French bistro—from the team behind Happy Boy and Snack Man—is called . Despite the name, the restaurant is anything but small. The noticeable venue with floor-to-ceiling windows and a mezzanine has more of an open concept feel to it—perfect for an airy dinner date. Though Petite is ideal for a drink or two, you’d be remiss to skip their goats cheese croquettes or the confit duck.
Short Grain
15 Marshall Street, Fortitude Valley
Martin Boetz is at it again—this time bringing us the Thai restaurant that is Short Grain. Nestled within the walls of a heritage-listed building, you’ll find vibrant meals aplenty. Curries of all kinds, stir-fried seafood, and, most importantly, roasted pork belly with ginger—mouthwatering to even think about, right? You’ll be dreaming about these dishes for weeks to come
TAMA
740 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley
Image credit: TAMA | Instagram
When you walk into TAMA, “classy” is the word that comes to mind—textured walls, hanging plants, and pristine white tablecloths that make you slightly nervous to have a little spill. Cooked up by Australian Chef of the Year Richard Ousby, each meal is created with precision and skill. But your fine-dining experience wouldn’t be complete without a taste of TAMA’s signature seven-meat spaghetti bolognese.
Baja
211 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley
Forget that taco kit at home, because modern Mexican dining is here in the form of Baja. A SoCal vibe in the heart of Brisbane, this understated restaurant is a breath of fresh salty air. Their menu boasts a range of mouth-watering tacos, funky appetisers, and share plates that you won’t want to share with anyone else. Why would you share pork belly adobada when you could have it all to yourself?
Restaurant Dan Arnold
959 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley
Restaurant Dan Arnold is—you guessed it!—owned by Dan Arnold, the Brisbane chef who trained in France at a Michelin-star restaurant. Not bad, right? This swanky spot offers three different set menus, all of which highlight Australian cuisine… with a slight European twist. Though the menu frequently changes, you can expect the likes of torched kingfish, black onyx flap, and Brisbane Valley quail.
The 203
6 Marshall Street, Fortitude Valley
Image credit: The 203 | Instagram
“È così semplice.” Translated, it means: “It’s that simple.” That’s The 203’s motto, and they stick to it. Paying homage to Australian beef and their Italian heritage, the menu is simple—good steak and good Italian. Owned by the generational cattle farm Stanbroke, The 203’s cuts of beef are paddock-to-plate… plus a healthy amount of dry-ageing.
Perspective Dining
6/315 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley
The mastermind behind is not your average chef—Andrew McCrea only has 6% vision. Instead, his other senses influence his cooking, letting his creativity shine through. And shine it does. Patrons can expect the ultimate gastronomic adventure through the nine-course set menu, which changes constantly, so you’ll be back time and time again. Or at their sister venue next door, a 10-seater degustation spot dedicated entirely to dessert—the Eucalyptus Room.
Fatcow
10 James Street, Fortitude Valley
Your go-to spot for premium steak, Fatcow specialises in wagyu and black angus, even offering a wagyu tasting experience for the carnivores among us. The home of Brisbane’s only live oyster tank, Fatcow doesn’t shy away from seafood either. The Oscietra Kaviari caviar is sure to tickle your fancy, but if not, try the wagyu burger. Moo, amirite?
Casual Restaurants In Fortitude Valley
Etna
5/15 Marshall Street, Fortitude Valley
Image credit: OB真人视讯 | Ranyhyn Laine
Though the words “pizza in the Valley” may conjure up some memories of greasy slices while drunk in an alley at 2am, Etna isn’t that type of Valley pizza joint. The pizzeria, brought to you by the minds behind Valley staple Rosmarino, has a menu of both classic and modern pizzas, as well as dishes like duck croquette, pasta allo scoglio, and anchovy bites. The pizza bases are made out of a six-year-old sourdough starter, and fermented for 48 hours before making their way into your stomach. Look out, crust haters, because you may just change your tune after one bite of this.
Happy Boy
East Street, Fortitude Valley
Discover why Happy Boy has earned such a loyal cult following with a meal at their Fortitude Valley restaurant. The minimalist fit-out puts food at the front and centre, so you can savour the smoky stir-fry flavours without distraction. Think traditional cuisine that trades overdone Asian fusion for authentic dishes reminiscent of China’s provincial regions—and also manages to be uber flexible for vegan and gluten-free diners. Complementing the menu is an impressive choice of tipples, courtesy of small batch Australian wine supporters, Spoken Wine, plus a suite of boutique beers from some of the best local and national breweries. Enjoy a cold one out on the alfresco deck under the fairy lights and you’ll no doubt become another of Happy Boy’s regular customers.
Ripiena
1/826 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley
This tiny underrated spot specialises in all things pasta—and we don't just mean your usual penne and fettucini. We're talking authentic, handmade filled and regional pastas served up in simple, traditional sauces. Not only is serving up some of the best pasta in Brisbane, but none of their bowls comes in at more than $25 and you can buy fresh pasta to take home as well. Don't skip the tiramisu.
Les Bubbles
144 Wickham Street, Fortitude Valley
Do one thing and do it well—at least that’s what the team at Les Bubbles believes. The iconic French bistro only serves one main meal: Steak frites, the national dish of France. Steak cooked to your liking, sauce, a salad, and bottomless fries—yes, you read that right. There’s no need for anything else, really. But, if you do need a sweet treat post-meal, don’t skip the creme brulee.
Mr Mista
757 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley
Image credit: Mr Mista | Instagram
Mr Mista combines Los Angeles and South East Asia into one party-fuelled dinner. The L.A. inspired lounge bar compliments the pan-Asian kitchen perfectly—Hollywood themed cocktails pair nicely with bao buns, we’ve heard. So slide on into one of the green leather booths for some duck red curry and a “George Clooney”—White Oat Chilli Mango Gin, Mango, Yuzu, Lemongrass, and Chilli Oil served up martini style, if you were wondering.
Warisan
4 Hynes Street, Fortitude Valley
Warisan is Brisbane’s answer to the question: where can I find really, really good Indonesian food? Warisan’s co-owner—Indonesian chef— Alfan Mustafa learnt to cook from his grandparents before cooking in kitchens across Indonesia. The menu is a delicious love letter to Indonesia with classics like babi guling (the iconic Balinese pork belly dish slow cooked with love) and everyone’s favourite comfort meal, nasi goreng. The crispy chicken skins with sambal asam will stay on your mind for years to come, they’re that good. And yes, they do have Bintang.
Bird’s Nest Yakitori
Shop 4/702 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley
After the roaring success of their first location, Bird's Nest's Yakitori has graced Ann Street with the honour of hosting their second River City venue—making it even easier to get your hands on their legendary meat sticks. The dimly-lit venue is brought to life by a vibrant atmosphere that will transport you straight to the laneways of Japan. Our top pick? The tsukune hot dog, consisting of chicken meatballs topped with melted cheese, fresh cabbage and mayo on a Japanese bun. Hea-ven-ly!
Tartufo
1000 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley
Hearty cuisine, attentive service and platefuls of charm mark Tartufo as one of Fortitude Valley’s most high-end Italian restaurants. With a strong focus on locally sourced produce, their dishes will take you on a delectable journey of all things Italy, paying homage to the aromas and flavours of Umbria, Tuscany, Naples and more. But a truly authentic Italian dining experience requires more than just a plate of good food—you’ll need a glass of good wine to match. Thankfully, Tartufo’s wine list exceeds more than 200 labels—predominantly from Australian vineyards—so you’re covered on all fronts.
1st Edition
22 McLachlan Street, Fortitude Valley
Image credit: 1st Edition | Instagram
It doesn’t matter if you prefer DC or Marvel, all nerds can have a good time at 1st Edition. The comic book inspired bar and eatery is heaven for anyone who is superhero inclined. You’ll find a mish-mash of culinary influences on the menu, with options like pepperoni pizza gyoza, prawn popcorn with pineapple chilli, and chicken ribs with kyoto sauce all up for grabs. Pair that with a superhero themed cocktail and you’re set.
NUG. General Store
8 Bakery Lane, Fortitude Valley
Tucked down the end of Bakery Lane you’ll find , a healthy combination of deli, homeware store, and Italian restaurant. The handmade pizza and pasta at this intimate venue is not to be missed, with creative meals aplenty. We’re talking Queensland spanner crab with roasted lobster chilli bisque spaghetti. We’re talking pancetta, kipfler potato, rosemary and hot honey pizza. And, most importantly, we’re talking homemade chocolate mousse.
Goros
6 Warner Lane, Fortitude Valley
If the plan is for dinner to turn into drinks, dancing and maybe even karaoke, this Valley's spot should be your pick. One of Sydney's favourite Japanese eateries, the izakaya-slash-nightclub has come to Brisbane, and we are officially enamoured with their corn tempura and matcha soft serve. The kind of place where you should order a heap of dishes to share and eat your way through them, Goros also has a late night menu availalbe from 10pm-2am if you're peckish late.
La Costa
1/209 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley
Image credit: La Costa | Instagram
Euro-summer is in full force at . The Northern-Italy-inspired restaurant is any Nonna’s dream, with pizza, pasta, and antipasti on the menu in full force. A tribute to the coast, seafood is a staple here, with chilli prawn pizza, pan-fried salmon, and Moreton Bay bug pasta all set to make your mouth water. Pair that with an aperol spritz, and you can feel the sea breeze already.
Kenjin
247 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley
Cancel that trip to Japan—we have Kenjin right here. With the best of Japanese cuisine mixed with the finest Aussie ingredients, you can have a taste of Asia underneath the blossom trees and neon lights. You’ll find bao buns, gyoza, and raw plates on the menu, as well as some iconic Japanese dishes, like okonomiyaki and katsu chicken. Not ready to head home after dinner? Check out Kenjin’s nightclub, Afterdark.
Oyama
30/115 Wickham St, Fortitude Valley
Brisbane’s go-to Japanese joint, Oyama’s sushi is hard to beat—as is their range of other meals. Hit up their teppanyaki bar, their sushi and sashimi bar, or just play it by ear with their a la carte menu. You’ll find hand rolls, soups, skewers, and, of course, chicken katsu on offer. Make yourself at home in their expansive dining room, grab some sashimi, sip on some wine, and feel yourself transported to Japan.
Cheap And Cheerful Restaurants In Fortitude Valley
Biang Biang Fresh Noodle
6C/421 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley
Image credit: Biang Biang | Instagram
After dinner and a show? Check out , where they hand-stretch the noodles in front of you…. before you scoff it down, of course. Bringing some spice to your life, their meals will be sure to clear those sinuses and warm that belly. And at less than $20 a bowl, dinner won’t break the bank either.
Fat Dumpling
370 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley
It’s not hard to guess what Fat Dumpling specialises in. The Brisbane staple serves up a range of different dumpling types, including jian, zheng, and chong. But if dumplings aren’t quite your speed—first of all, you chose a weird place to eat, then—there are other options on the menu. Salt and pepper squid, sweet soy pork belly, pork xiao long bao—there’s plenty that is sure to curb the hungries.
Nonbei Sake Bar & BBQ
4/624 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley
Japanese BBQ is what you hit up for. Two types of buffets are up for grabs here, as well as four hot pot options. If you’re less of a DIY foodie, seafood-centric main meals are all the rage, with deep fried oysters, octopus karaage, prawn mayo, and aburi eel in the a la carte menu. Ramen, kimchi, and rice bowls can be ordered too—you’re spoilt for choice here.
BrewDog
235 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley
Image credit: BrewDog | Instagram
Taking your pub crawl to the next level, BrewDog’s Valley venue is three levels of pure goodness. The Scottish brewing giant took over heritage listed Tranberg House in 2022, bringing their expansive range of beers to the party centre of Brisbane. With a whopping menu of classic Aussie feeds—both vegan and not so much—you can find burgers, wings, pizzas, and the most iconic pub meal, the parmi. Or is it parma? You decide.
Tatsu Ramen Gyoza Bar
12/12 Duncan St, Fortitude Valley
Looking for ? Just follow that sweet sweet sound of slurping. They’ve got ramen and gyoza to die for—and you’ve got the pick of the litter. Would you rather the classic tonkotsu ramen (with a slice of tender pork char siu) or the deep fried cheese gyoza? Trick question, order both.
District 1
7/8 Duncan Street, Fortitude Valley
When we talk about , we aren’t talking about The Hunger Games—though this Vietnamese restaurant is sure to beat that hunger. Street food is the specialty here, with crunchy prawns, rice paper rolls, noodle salads, and more on the menu. District 1’s baguette (AKA banh mi) is a can’t miss, served with liver pate, traditional Vietnamese butter, sliced cucumber, house made pickled carrot, coriander, and your choice of pork belly, lemongrass beef, xui mai, or mushroom and onion.
Looking for somewhere to grab a drink after dinner? Head here:
Image credit: Mosconi | Instagram
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