Brisbane
Brisbane's food scene has quietly become one of Australia's best. Skip the tourist traps in South Bank and head to James Street or Howard Smith Wharves. The craft beer situation at Felons is world-class.
Current conditions
Weather
Sunny
Temperature
28°C
Humidity
62%
Best time to visit
September-November
Our picks in Brisbane
Every spot personally vetted. No pay-for-play, no sponsored listings.
Howard Smith Wharves
Heritage-listed riverside precinct under the Story Bridge with multiple restaurants, bars, and a craft brewery.
Skip the main restaurants — the craft beer garden at Felons is the real move. Sunset views are unbeatable.
Gauge
Contemporary Australian fine dining in Fish Lane. Seasonal tasting menus with exceptional wine pairing.
The tasting menu changes weekly and never disappoints. Book the counter seats to watch the kitchen.
Happy Boy
Modern Chinese restaurant in the Valley. No-frills interior, exceptional food. Where chefs eat on nights off.
Best Chinese in Brisbane and it's not close. The dan dan noodles are mandatory. Cash only on weekends.
New Farm Deli
Brisbane institution since 1975. Italian deli, cafe, and grocer. The cannoli is famous for a reason.
Been here since 1975. The cannoli alone is worth the trip. Grab a table outside on a weekday morning.
GOMA
Gallery of Modern Art — Queensland's flagship contemporary art gallery. Free permanent collection plus touring exhibitions.
Free entry and world-class exhibitions. The kids' gallery on Level 1 is genuinely brilliant — not an afterthought.
Eat Street Northshore
Hawker-style dining market in repurposed shipping containers on the waterfront. 50+ food stalls, live music.
Friday and Saturday nights. Get the dumplings from the stall near the entrance, then work your way through. Allow 2 hours.
Kangaroo Point Cliffs
Dramatic cliff face on the Brisbane River with walking paths, picnic areas, and the best city panorama.
The walk from the cliffs to South Bank at sunset is our favourite free activity in Brisbane. Period.
James Street Precinct
Fortitude Valley's premier dining, shopping, and lifestyle precinct. A walkable strip of Brisbane's best.
Brisbane's best dining strip. Start at Biàng for noodles, end at Gerard's Bar for wine. Don't rush it.
Jan Powers Farmers Markets
Brisbane's premier farmers market at the Brisbane Powerhouse in New Farm. Local produce and artisan foods.
Every Saturday at the Powerhouse. The sourdough from Flour & Chocolate sells out by 9am. Get there early.
Montrachet
Classic French bistro with an extraordinary wine cellar. Consistently one of Brisbane's top restaurants for a decade.
Brisbane's best French restaurant. The wine list alone is worth the visit. Thursday evenings are magic.
Upcoming events
What’s happening in Brisbane right now and in the weeks ahead.
Eat Street Northshore
3 Jan 2025
Eat Street Northshore
Hawker-style dining market in repurposed shipping containers on the waterfront. 50+ food stalls, live music.
Jan Powers Farmers Markets
4 Jan 2025
Brisbane Powerhouse
Brisbane's premier farmers market at the Brisbane Powerhouse. Local produce and artisan foods.
Curated itineraries
Tried-and-tested trip plans from people who actually live here.
Brisbane Weekend Foodie Escape
A two-day deep dive into Brisbane's booming food scene — from farmers markets to fine dining.
Perfect for: foodies
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