If you're chasing a post-work date night, post-shopping spree splurge, or special occasion meal, Brisbane/Meanjin's CBD offers many a mouthwatering experience for hungry patrons.
While we here at OB真人视讯 don't play favourites when it comes to 'burbs, the city centre is definitely pretty high on our 'most visited' list for dining options. With everything from fine dining to casual eateries, these are the best restaurants in the Brisbane CBD—though if you're looking for somewhere far more relaxed for a quick bite, you might want to check out our list of the best places for lunch in the CBD.
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Donna Chang
3/171 George Street, Brisbane CBD
Trading out of a heritage-listed, neo-classical building on George Street, Donna Chang is all about the harmony between modernity and antiquity. The menu sees traditional Cantonese cuisine and Sichuan flavours executed with modern techniques, and the resultant feast makes for a fine dining experience worth writing home about. It also happens to be one of THE most stunning restaurants in Brisbane—take a group so you can be seated in one of their plush pink booths.
Central
340 Queen Street, Brisbane CBD
Fans of South East Queensland iconoclasts Rick Shores and Southside need to add Central to your list immediately. The team behind these two game-changing Asian-inspired spots have just opened their latest venture: Central. This underground (no, literally) dumpling and drinks spot can be found at the base of a concrete staircase off Queen street. Central is a moody, humming ode to the eateries of Hong Kong that comes with a menu packed full of elevated classics. Think drunken chicken, thick noodles dripping in spices and crispy, glassy roasted duck. The dumplings, of course, are where the menu truly shines, so don’t skip the har gao.
Rothwell’s Bar & Grill
235 Edward Street, Brisbane CBD
Step into a world of luxurious surroundings and decadent food in this imposing former tailor's shop. Rothwell’s offers a timelessly designed space of cosy green leather booths, sparkling chandeliers and a massive U-shaped marble bar in the main dining area. Choose to snack on items like steak tartare with potato crisps and oysters in the bar, go for a main affair of their iconic beef wellington, or just drop in for a drink—their house martini is allegedly the best in town.
Boom Boom Izakaya
49 Elizabeth Street, Brisbane CBD
Image credit: Boom Boom Izakaya | Facebook
Right underneath Donna Chang, Boom Boom Izakaya is a dark, sumptuous venue housed in the heritage building’s original bank vault. You can expect to find a lengthy list of Japanese-inspired bites designed to be ordered in bulk and shared with the group on offer. Think yellowfin tuna tostadas, delicate nigiri, butterflied quail yakitori, pressed pork katsu and slow roasted eggplant with fried tofu. Make sure you order something from the stellar cocktail list too.
Longwang
144 Edward Street, Brisbane CBD
Not so much a hole in the wall, but a narrow gap between buildings, this swanky venue shows us that you don’t need a lot of space to get the vibes right. Longwang spans four-levels, each with a slightly different feel, including a top level with a retractable roof. Sip on a signature Purple Dynasty cocktail, which sports a sprig of rosemary and purple hues is a must-try, then sit back as your dishes roll out. Savour on a round of pan-fried wagyu beef dumplings, smacked cucumbers, wok tossed pork belly and finish it off with the pandan kaya toast for the ultimate modern-Asian feast.
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Exhibition
2/109 Edward Street, Brisbane CBD
Hidden away in the basement level of the Metro Arts Theatre is this immersive, sensory experience from head chef and owner Tim Scott (previously of Joy). With seats for just 24 guests and a menu that changes each evening based on seasonal availability from local suppliers, Exhibition dishes up a night you won’t forget—just make sure you book well in advance.
Sokyo
The Star Brisbane, 33 William Street, Brisbane CBD
Image credit: The Star Brisbane | Instagram
The Star Brisbane has finally brought us a taste of the iconic Sydney Japanese eatery , and we are damn happy about it. Sokyo is all about the collision of ritual and art, so you can guarantee you’re in for a pretty special dining experience here under the expert guidance of the ‘sashimi florist’, aka Head Chef Alex Yu. With that in mind, ordering a sashimi platter is obviously a must, but the A5 Wagyu with egg yolk and garlic chips and kingfish miso ceviche will also live rent free in your mind forever.
Supernormal
443 Queen Street, Brisbane CBD
Supernormal had to be one of the mostly hotly anticipated venue openings Brisbane has seen. While the menu shares common ground with its Melbourne sister venue, the Brissie offering is a delightful ode to our local produce with unique menu additions just for us. The iconic lobster rolls remain a menu staple while the scanner crab and hand-rolled noodle salad nods to Queensland. Oh, and be sure to take a moment for the crispy duck.
Hideki
34 Burnett Lane, Brisbane CBD
Push open an imposingly chic black door on Burnett Lane and you’ll find a deliciously cool Japanese restaurant that’s all about yakitori and small plates. Yakitori, for those unacquainted, are Japanese skewers chargrilled to perfection over smokey open flames in an open plan kitchen. Hideki translates to mean something different depending on the characters used, most often excellence or joy; so the stakes are high. Here, you can expect a modern showcase of traditional Japanese flavours built around locally sourced ingredients, and a list of thoughtfully crafted cocktails to go with them. Do not miss their Matchamisu for dessert either, you won’t regret it.
Walter's Steakhouse
219 Alice Street, Brisbane CBD
Image credit: Walter's Steakhouse | Grace Elizabeth Smith
Walter’s Steakhouse combines sophisticated service with a New York steakhouse-style menu. Decked out with a classy and timeless fit-out that has restored Old Mineral House to its former glory, it's the closest thing to NYC steak this side of the Atlantic. The cuts are aged in house, the sides are almost as good as the steaks and the entrees include a slab of thick-cut bacon (yep, just bacon)—what more could you want in a meat temple?
Pneuma
336 George Street, Brisbane CBD
The Brisbane CBD’s newest restaurant comes from powerhouse hospitality duo Dan Arnold and Matt Blackwell, who have teamed up to create a pop-up restaurant ahead of something more permanent in 2024. With two such talented chefs behind it, you can expect good things from , including, of course, a must-try chefs menu (a Dan Arnold signature). If you opt for a la carte though, the malt tart with Bay Of Fires cheddar custard is a must, as is a bottle of something special from the extensive wine list.
Massimo
123 Eagle Street, Brisbane CBD
Combining Italian cuisine with waterfront views and a selection of superb seafood, it’s not hard to see why Massimo is a fave Brisbane city restaurant for anyone in search of good pasta. Far from your average seaside trattoria, this spot gives traditional Italian dining a sleek modern style, served with a healthy helping of Mediterranean hospitality.
Fat Noodle
The Star Brisbane, Level 5/33 William Street, Brisbane CBD
Luke Nguyen's famed South-East Asian eatery has a new look and a new location, with having made the move over to The Star Brisbane with the opening of Queen's Wharf. If you're a longtime regular, you'll be happy to know that those legendary 20-hour Fat Pho noodles, seafood laksa and of course, Luke's chicken salad are still on the menu, but they have been joined by some new flavours—so it might be time for a revisit.
Opa Bar & Mezze
123 Eagle Street, Brisbane CBD
Image credit: Opa | Facebook
From the mouth-watering food to the dreamy interiors, Opa will have you picking your jaw up from the floor from the moment you first step foot in the venue. The arched windows, cosy white booths, and stunning river views will have you feeling like a Greek god as you wine and dine on their amazing selection of Greek delights. Indulge in pillowy pita bread and tzatziki dip, grilled octopus, fresh oysters, cheesy grilled saganaki and so much more goodness—you’ll want to order one (or five) of everything.
Phat Boy
Brisbane Quarter, Brisbane CBD
Phat Boy’s cheeky attitude combined with its on-plate delights and quirky cocktails ticks all the boxes for not just dinner, but a night out. If you’re willing to get messy, their signature dish is the kung tung—a spicy seafood fry up that’s poured directly onto the table for you to dig into. As for the drinks, well, between the beer towers and cocktails like the Khao San Road, with butterfly pea infused vodka, dry martini, yuzu sake, lychee and orange bitters, you’re set. We should also mention that their sister restaurant, (also in the CBD), is worth a visit too.
Azteca
Queen’s Wharf, Brisbane CBD
Described as a culinary bridge between continents, Queen’s Wharf’s Azteca serves up Latin American and Asian fusion with a side of river views. Things kick off in snack central with Azteca’s answer to Brazil’s iconic cheesy bread (pao de queijo), crispy yellow fin tuna tacos and chicken liver parfait churros. For mains, the coral trout and beef ribs are essential. Trust us. Like all good restaurants, there’s an incredible cocktail list too. Our pick is the Pisco sour, of course, to keep things truly Latin
Tillerman
71 Eagle Street, Brisbane CBD
Glamorous riverside restaurant Tillerman is a relaxed, yet opulent love letter to Queensland’s spectacular produce, climate and water views from every seat in the house. What’s on the plate is just as aesthetically pleasing as the venue itself, with a menu influenced by everywhere from the Spanish coast to modern Australia. As for what to pair your meal with, the cocktail list definitely offers a few surprises, including a section dedicated entirely to very sophisticated daiquiris.
The Lex
W Brisbane, 81 N Quay, Brisbane CBD
Image credit: The Lex | Facebook
This sophisticated hotel eatery is inspired by the iconic New York-style grills but has a distinctly Brisbane flavour, showcasing hyper local produce and natural cooking techniques in a terrace-style venue overlooking the Brisbane River. While the venue itself is sleek and sexy, The Lex's menu is all about familiar favourites given a playful twist—think fancy tater tots with Avruga caviar, lobster rolls, and melt-in-your-mouth steaks paired with sides of mac ‘n’ cheese and a Ceasar salad tossed right next to you at the table from a roving trolley. Make sure you leave room for dessert too—the peanut butter chocolate bombe is calling your name.
Lúc Lắc
33 William Street, Brisbane CBD
Treat your tastebuds to a trip to Vietnam, Thailand and Singapore at Lúc Lắc, perched on The Terrace level at Queen's Wharf. Lúc Lắc truly feels like you’ve left the country: lush, tropical stylings and an open kitchen akin to the bustling markets of South East Asia. And it goes with out saying that the Brisbane CBD restaurant's menu is jam-packed full of flavour. Imagine crispy, zesty snacks, fragrant curries and salads prepared using local Queensland produce and you’re halfway to Asia already. The crispy snail and pork spring rolls are a need, by the way.
Settimo
111 Mary Street, Brisbane CBD
A slice of the Amalfi Coast tucked away on level one of The Westin, Settimo will bring Euro summer to you. A restaurant crafted by the one and only Guy Grossi, his signature Italian dishes are a staple on the menu—scialatielli all’amalfitana, gamberoni alla mugniaia prawn, galletto al limone, and even insalata di polpo e patate. Do we know what any of that means? No. Will we happily eat all of it? Of course.
Longtime Dining
Queens Plaza, Brisbane CBD
Nestled in the heart of the CBD, Longtime offers a sophisticated take on classic yum cha and time-honoured recipes. Sit on the balcony above the mall or pull up a seat with a group of pals at a large indoor table to fill with your selection of snacks. With over 50 dim sum items on the menu, you’ll need all the help you can get when it comes to trying everything.
Naldham House
33 Felix Street, Brisbane CBD
Image credit: Naldham House | Supplied
Taking over the historic building that used to house the Brisbane Polo Club, has multiple options for those seeking a Brisbane CBD restaurant. Inside, you'll find the brasserie, filled with old world charm and dishing up classic plates like beef tartare and braised oxtail ragu. For a mroe relaxed experience, there's also the Terrace outside and its menu of small plates and a boujee wagyu cheeseburger, or , the cosy supper club upstairs.
Persone
Brisbane Quarter, Brisbane CBD
For exquisite Mediterranean cuisine with a modern Australian twist, set your sights on the second floor of the CBD’s Brisbane Quarter. There you’ll find , an Italian restaurant with panoramic views of the riverfront over to South Bank. Dine on oysters, kingfish crudo and prawn tortellini if you're into seafood, with the porchetta and one-kilogram T-bone being the other standout dishes on the menu.
Jumbo Thai
214 Elizabeth Street, Brisbane CBD
Take a long lunch and sidle on down to Jumbo Thai for some of the fanciest Thai food in the city. It’s hard enough to choose from the list of starters, but you'll want to save room for dishes like banana prawns and roasted cashews, or crispy pork belly and vegetables. If you’d prefer curry, the massaman lamb shank is a winner, and then comes the best part: dessert. Caramelised Thai egg custard pudding, chocolate-coated banana fritters, lemongrass panna cotta—the list goes on.
Black Hide Steak & Seafood
33 William Street, Brisbane CBD
Located smack-bang on the terrace of Brisbane’s most scenic address, Queens Wharf, you’ll find Black Hide Steak & Seafood. Black Hide Steak & Seafood by Gambaro is no stranger to the Brisbane foodie scene, but the new location puts a new spin on the classic venue. The Queens Wharf location brings a new cocktail lounge bar dishing out small, elegant plates alongside Brisbane’s best views. The location levels up on the classic, with a bigger focus on seafood while maintaining the tradition of the VIP Black Hide knife program.
Babylon
145 Eagle Street, Brisbane CBD
Image credit: Babylon | Steven Woodburn
Before you ask, yes, Babylon is a sister venue to the Sydney restaurant with the same name, with the same focus on Mediterranean and Middle Eastern fare. The Sydney location definitely doesn't have the same views of the Storey Bridge though, or the riverside bar out front. The restaurant itself is a bit of a stunner too, featuring terracotta bricks, red marble tabletops and dusty pink banquettes. You'll want to take a crew here as the menu is definitely designed for sharing—the pan-fried haloumi is a must-order.
Blackbird
123 Eagle Street, Brisbane CBD
Like your dinner with a side of insane views? Blackbird has you covered. Perched on prime real estate overlooking the Story Bridge and winding brown snake, this classy joint serves up decadent meals cooked in their naturally fuelled wood-fired grill. A vast array of seafood options, including a whole section in their menu for iced shellfish platters, Blackbird is a fisherman’s dream—and Nemo’s nightmare.
The Wolf
260 Queen Street, Brisbane CBD
Combining tastes of France, Italy and Spain, The Wolf provides the European vibes you’ve been missing. But tastes aren’t the only thing being combined here. The Wolf is a delightful remix of a deli, providore, wine store, bar, and, most importantly, restaurant. Serving up dishes like braised wagyu beef cheek gnocchi with pecorino foam and flame cap mushrooms and swordfish ceviche with citrus salad and tomatillo-tigers milk sorbet in a stunning, eclectically decorated setting, you’ll feel a world away from Post Office Square outside.
Cucina Regina
Queen’s Wharf, Brisbane CBD
While nothing is quite the same as a sun-dappled long lunch along a Roman cobble stone street, in Queen’s Wharf comes very, very close, dishing up Italian fare fit for royalty. Don’t come expecting your regular checkered tablecloth Italian restaurant—think more on the theatrical side with dessert trolleys laden with platters with all of your favourite Italian desserts: hello, perfectly jiggly pannacotta and layers upon layers of tiramisu. And of course, classics finished to perfection right at your table. Not only does this Brisbane CBD restaurant have breathtaking views of the river, they also do all of their pasta handmade in house. Nonna would be proud.
Dark Shepherd
Queen’s Wharf, Brisbane CBD
Image credit: Dark Shepherd | Facebook
If you’re a fan of Opa Bar + Mezze or Yamas Greek + Drink, may we suggest a trip to Dark Shepherd is in order as soon as possible? Dark Shepherd—the newest venture from the Tassis Group—isn’t your typical Mediterranean eatery. It’s less white walls and blue domed roofs and more about chic, geometric dark features to create an ultramodern, moody spot. But, there’s no room for negotiations on the Mediterranean kitchen stalwarts. Expect wood-fired, melt in your mouth bites synonymous with the Hellenic recipe catalogue. The menu here revolves around perfectly slow cooked, woodfired lamb and is punctuated with fresh and punchy bites, including live lobster fresh from their tank.
Aloria
Queen’s Wharf, Brisbane CBD
If you’ve heard Queen’s Wharf’s Aloria being referred to as the ‘cellar in the sky’ you may be wondering why. You’ll find Aloria towering over the Brisbane CBD on the 23rd floor, 100 metres overhead, for a start. You’ll also find a wine offering so all-encompassing it will take a good 30 minutes to peruse (don’t worry—the team will help you decide in significantly less time). Not to mention their beverage menu even touts its own dedicated martini section. As for bites, expect a menu jam-packed with Aussie produce and a low-waste ethos. Try your best to decide between wood roasted oysters with a white soy emulsion or fried barra collar accessorised with fermented chilli tamarind and smoked peanuts. However, may we suggest you throw caution to the wind and go for the Caviar and Martini experience?
Pompette
Queen’s Wharf, Brisbane CBD
If you’ve been longing for the caviar bumps seen all over TikTok then you’ll want to stop by Pompette. Ask for a French Kiss here and a bump of Oscietra caviar and a shot of frozen Ariadne vodka will be headed your way. Pompette—a delicious ode to Paris—calls Queen’s Wharf home. Here, among chic modern French stylings, you’ll find a French battle cry in menu form. Yes, you’ll be able to satiate your craving for escargot served with lashings of garlic butter, and all of the French classics of course, but don’t skip their Burger Royale: a wagyu beef patty sandwiched between a brioche bun lathered in foie gras.
HUA
Queen’s Wharf, Brisbane CBD
Lovers of yum cha will find their Mecca at HUA; Brisbane’s newest spot honouring Cantonese dining. The menu is a delightful love letter to the generations who have shaped Cantonese culture and food sprinkled with modern nods. Expect heaping, steamed baskets of juicy, glassy dumplings, fresh seafood expertly prepared, and a buzzing bar with a packed cocktail list. But what makes HUA different? Their yum cha is hand crafted to order, meaning it’s not as in and out as the typical trolley-led affair, but absolutely worth the wait. You can find HUA on The Terrace Queen’s Wharf.
Alchemy
175 Eagle Street, Brisbane CBD
Image credit: Alchemy | Facebook
If your Insta feed is in dire need of some luxe dining vibes, book yourself in for a meal at Alchemy. Overlooking the Brisbane River and the Story Bridge, you’re in for some stunning shots of the city, all while indulging in an incredible meal inspired by the flavours of Italy. With a focus on wholesome, fresh and seasonal produce, you can expect meals like gnocchi alla vodka, four cheese risotto and fig tortellini cacio e pepe to grace your plate.
Phoenix
Brisbane Quarter, Brisbane CBD
A go-to for flavour-packed Chinese dining in an opulent setting, Phoenix is a gem for lunch, dinner, or weekend yum cha brunch. Start with juicy dumplings before indulging in roast duck, lobster tail or Szechuan chicken. And don't sleep on the mango pancake for dessert.
Madame Wu
71 Eagle Street, Brisbane CBD
Asian-fusion restaurant Madame Wu boasts stunning river views and a menu that celebrates the best of Queensland produce and the best of Asian cuisine. An epic cellar, cracking cocktail list, private dining rooms, and one heck of a view of the Story Bridge make Madame Wu a no-brainer for post-work drinks and an indulgent feed.
Banc Brasserie
33 Queen Street, Brisbane CBD
Walk through the doors of the imposing old bank at the top of the Queen Street Mall and you'll find , a glam restaurant and bar thatgives of serious European bistro vibes. Perfect for a business lunch or a sophisticated dinner, start your elegant meal with duck parfait and venison tartare, before moving on to classic steak frites or the Moreton Bay bug and scallop raviolo in bisque.
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Image credit: Donna Chang | Facebook
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.
*The Star Brisbane practises the responsible service of alcohol.