The vibrant capital of Queensland is not just known for its stunning river views and warm climate; it’s also a hotspot for those who love to eat! From theatrical multi-sensory fine dining to a classic pasta house, a touch of Brissy hospitality makes every meal memorable here. This is your Now Book It guide to the top 10 restaurants to book in Brisbane.
Venues are listed in no particular order.
1. Exhibition Restaurant
Located underground in the Metro Arts Theatre of Brisbane, Tim Scott’s Exhibition truly lives up to its performative name, where “they do things differently”. With no menu and no need to make decisions, you simply sit back, relax and enjoy a variety of beautiful produce in a series of exquisite dishes. With only 24 seats in the house, it’s crucial that you make a reservation for a chance to be part of a multi-sensory dining experience.
Location: Basement 2/109 Edward St, Brisbane City QLD 4000
Opening hours:Tuesdays to Saturdays 5 – 11pm
Also featured in: Best Places for Seafood in Brisbane
2. Joy Restaurant
Sarah Scott founded this intimate 10-seater back in 2019 with the intent to create a chef’s table driven by “passion, deliciousness and storytelling.” Judging by the accolades they’ve collected to date, Joy is all that and more, dishing up omakase-inspired plates with heart. Located in Fortitude Valley, running only 3 days a week strictly on reservations only, and with a 4-month wait in queue – the sooner you jump on that waitlist, the sooner you can experience Joy.
Location: Shop 7/690 Ann St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006
Opening hours: Wednesdays to Fridays, 6 – 11pm
3. Short Grain
From the (now closed) Long Grain’s Martin Boetz comes this Thai powerhouse in a heritage-listed brick building that affords plenty of sunlight in the day, and a vibey mood after dark. Short Grain holds its own with the flavour-packed favourites, from crunchy chicken crackers with smoked trout and green mango to yellow curry of five founder beef brisket. The chef’s signature caramelised pork hock also makes an appearance here, so come hungry!
Location: 15 Marshall St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006
Opening hours: Wednesdays and Thursdays 5-10pm; Fridays and Saturdays 12 – 3pm, 5 – 10:30pm and Sundays 12 – 3pm.
4. Beccofino
Since 2004 Beccofino has been the go-to for home-style Italian cooking in the suburb and the reasons are clear. A standout is the rich duck ragu with handmade pappardelle pasta that slaps. Bright red sit-back plastic chairs and small tables make up the relaxed, mellow setting for a super-cash pizza dinner. Chef-owner Paolo Biscaro is known for his famous wood-fired thin pizzas, and you won’t regret the ‘Number one’ – tomato, fior di latte, basil and thinly sliced prosciutto.
Location: Corner of 10 Vernon Terrace, Florence St, Teneriffe QLD 4005
Opening hours: Tuesdays to Thursdays 5:30 – 9pm; Fridays 5 – 9:30pm, Saturdays 12 – 9:30pm and Sundays 12 – 9pm
5. Alchemy Restaurant & Bar
With a riverside location that offers sweeping views, Alchemy is a strong contender for stylish dining and special occasions in the CBD – ask for a table outside for the best vantage point. The menu changes seasonally, but what remains is the creative approach to modern Aussie cuisine with French undertones. Nibble on Coppa pork salami with gnocco fritto (fried dough) for starters before savouring something heartier like saltimbocca quail or braised beef cheeks.
Location: 175 Eagle St, Brisbane City QLD 4000
Opening hours: Tuesdays to Fridays 12 – 3pm, 5:30 – 11pm; Saturdays 5:30 – 10pm
6. 1889 Enoteca
There’s more Italian where this list came from, and this is one for the books when it comes to tradition that goes as far back as 1889. Nestled in Woollongabba’s antique district, this stalwart fills out every night so keep a booking handy. Roman pastas lead the menu with no-nonsense goodness – cacio a pepe and classic no-cream carbonara that lets the ingredients and handmade pastas shine. There are also wholesome mains that might pique your interest, just make sure to have anything with a bottle from their extensive wine list – it is, after all, an enoteca.
Location: 10-12 Logan Rd, Woolloongabba QLD 4102
Opening hours: Tuesdays to Thursdays 5:30 – 9pm; Fridays and Saturdays 12 – 2:30pm, 5:30 – 9:30pm and Sundays 12 – 2:30pm, 5:30 – 9pm
7. E’cco Bistro
This sprawling venue located in Newstead Haven’s development comes to mind for group gatherings, as it sports a spacious dining room, a 35-seat upstairs private function room and a semi-alfresco terrace with swanky fit outs. The menu is built around the authentic Scheer Parilla grill, which means the contemporary bistro classics come smoke-kissed. With the caliber of hatted chef Philip Johnson in the kitchen, it’s a no-brainer to spring for a coal-grilled Queensland coral trout or grass-fed sirloin here.
Location: Shop 8/63 Skyring Terrace, Newstead QLD 4006
Opening hours: Wednesdays and Thursdays 6 – 10:30pm; Fridays and Saturdays 12 – 2:30pm, 6 – 10:30pm.
Also featured in: Best Places for Seafood in Brisbane
8. Rothwell’s Bar & Grill
Between the marble bar and the luxe green leather booths, this old-world restaurant is a sight to impress for a swanky dinner date or a night out with friends. Opened by hospo pros Ben Russell and Dan Clark (1889 Enoteca!), this venue promises timeless dining in its European-inspired menu. The piece de resistance is a split between the 600-gram beef Wellington and seafood platters designed to be shared, while sumptuous pastas like tagliarini with sea urchin and caviar, and blue cheese gnocchi dot the menu. Tap into their French region wines for a pairing or catch the roving Armagnac cart for a classic sip.
Location: 235 Edward St, Brisbane City QLD 4000
Opening hours: Tuesdays to Thursdays 12 – 2:30pm, 5:30 – 9pm; Fridays and Saturdays 12 – 2:30pm, 5:30 – 9:30pm
9. Baja Modern Mexican
Backed by chef Julio Aguilera who cut his teeth at multiple foremost restaurants, Baja’s northern Mexican tendencies come with top-notch flavours and polished techniques. The decor gives chic barrio vibes with high chairs, a pink bar and the outdoor cactus garden, a great option for discrete fun dining. From twice cooked octopus tentacles with burnt jalapeno soy sauce to beer battered king fish tacos, the food is out to impress and tempt you towards an order of refreshing margarita, tequila or mezcal based cocktails.
Location: 211 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006
Opening hours: Tuesdays to Thursdays 5 – 9pm; Fridays and Saturdays 5 – 10:30pm.
10. The Spaghetti House
Last but certainly not least, The Spaghetti House is a beloved institution in Brisbane, known for its hearty Italian fare. With a menu that features classic pasta dishes from marinara to cacio a pepe and a warm, inviting atmosphere, this is a firm favourite for families and friends. Friendly service and generous portions are guaranteed at this trattoria, so consider this the one to book when gathering for a casual yet satisfying meal.
Location: Little Stanley St &, Grey St, South Brisbane QLD 4101
Opening hours: Mondays to Fridays 11:30 – 3pm, 5 – 9pm; Saturdays 11:30am – 9:30pm and Sundays 11am – 9pm
