Here Are The Best Cafés in South Bank for a Memorable Meal

South Bank has been a multicultural food and arts hub for decades and the range of cafés and events gets better each and every year.

We’ve wrapped up our long-term favourites as well as some of the newer additions to the South Bank café scene to keep your mornings long, lingering, and full of tasty brunch options. So ready your bellies, here are the best cafés in South Bank for your next memorable meal. 

Best Cafes in South Bank

Christina’s Vibe Café

This South Bank café has an energy all of its own. Christina’s Vibe Café is a quirky, colourful hole-in-the-wall brightening days and serving up delicious coffee with a smile. Serving up breakfast burgers, toasties, coffee, dirty chais and hot chocolates, the comfort food on the menu matches the energy of this café perfectly. There are plenty of gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options on offer too – so there’s something for everyone to enjoy at Christina’s.

72 Ernest Street, South Brisbane

Lisboa Caffé

Lisboa Caffe is a small-batch artisanal Portuguese bakery that specialises in legendary custard tarts. There’s a reason why they have a reputation for making the best Portuguese tarts in Brisbane, one bite of these buttery, flakey, heavenly creations and you’ll soon understand! 

If you’re in a savoury mood, there’s plenty on the menu to hit the spot, as well as miniature-sized morsels if you’re only feeling peckish. Pair your tart with a robust Padre coffee for the perfect way to start your morning.

58 Hope Street, South Brisbane

Poppies

To the joy of many Brisbanites, Poppies have re-opened their doors after being secretly refurbished! Now under new ownership, the team is committed to creating a welcoming, fun atmosphere where memories can be made. Feel like having dessert for breakfast? Order the Tim Tam Stack… but it’s not for the faint of heart. Make sure you wear your stretchiest pants!

Shop/B11 Little Stanley Street, South Brisbane

GOMA Bistro

You might have GOMA on your to-do list to explore an exhibition, but what about their delightful Bistro? An idyllic riverfront setting makes this South Bank cafe a relaxing spot to enjoy a dish that’s a work of art in its own right. Honouring local produce and seasonal fare in their menu as well as offering gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options, make sure you visit this cafe on your next visit to South Bank!

Gallery of Modern Art, Stanley Place, South Brisbane 

Lost Bean

The unassuming Lost Bean café is the perfect spot to find yourself with a cup of coffee or over a gourmet salad. This vibrant casual cafe makes for the perfect pitstop after a stroll at the markets, a cycle by the water or for a catch-up with family or friends.  

180 Grey Street, South Brisbane

Belle Èpoque Patisserie

Treat yourself to luxurious Parisian delicacies at Belle Èpoque, at the base of South Bank’s Emporium Hotel. Synonymous with style and elegance, this cafe offers delicate baked goods, warm and filling breakfasts, rich espresso and breakfast cocktails, should you feel inclined to try a refreshing rosé spritz. They also put on a splendid high tea, should the occasion call for something a little extra special. 

Ground Floor, Emporium Hotel South Bank, 267 Grey St, South Brisbane 

Denim Co.

Denim Co. has been serving up delicious coffee, chai, punch and plentiful tea options since 2001. Not to mention a tasty menu overflowing with brekkie and brunch favourites such as jaffles, acai bowls, fresh juices and Italian hot chocolate. Oh, and they have a dessert bar available in the evenings if you dare to be so very decadent.

Sitchu Tip: If you’re feeling indulgent, why not sweeten your day by ordering the peanut butter Italian hot chocolate or famous Italian Peach sponge cake soaked in vanilla Galliano with a custard centre? Our mouth is watering just thinking about it!

9A, Little Stanley Street, South Brisbane

Coco Bliss

Want to go out for breakfast but keep it healthy? Head to Coco Bliss at South Bank for nature’s gift to daytime dining! Choose from a huge menu of smoothies and juices, or opt for an acai bowl to revitalise the mind and body. Just finished your gym session or morning run along the river? Perfect, Coco Bliss has a protein bowl for that.

178 Grey Street, South Brisbane 

Five Sisters Café & Bar

Owned and run by Panorea Nina and her five creative daughters, this buzzing café and bar serve up delicious and filling meals perfect for lunch with your family or your group of best friends. Tucked into South Bank’s quirky and creative Fish Lane, Five Sisters is the ideal spot to mix up your regular social outings. With vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options available, there’s something for everyone!

76 Fish Lane, South Brisbane

Hope Street Cafe

For a meal with a bit of heart, head down to Hope Street Café. This socially responsible, not-for-profit business offers opportunities for those facing barriers to gaining employment, allowing them to gain valuable, hands-on experience in the hospitality industry. Their seasonal menu is created using local produce, often working with co-ops and local suppliers. Our top picks would have to be the Hope Street Cheeseburger with a beef patty, American cheese, dill pickles, onion, tomato sauce and mustard on a soft bun, the corn fritters and halloumi and the tahini granola. 

 Shop 1, 15 Hope Street, South Brisbane

Nodo

With a hugely popular café already well established in Newstead as well as three other new locations around Brisbane, Nodo has brought their famous baked doughnuts and entirely gluten-free menu to the streets of South Bank. Enjoy carefully curated meals, or just go right ahead and indulge in doughnuts for breakfast, we’re not judging. 

ABC Building, Shop 65 / 114 Grey Street, South Bank

Now you’ve café hopped around town enjoying the best South Bank cafés, why not keep the feasting going? We’ve wrapped up Brisbane’s best desserts for the sweet tooth in your life. Or if you’re after something a touch stronger,  try one of our cocktail recipes!

Writer

Lexie Mamo

24 April 2024

Lexie is the Brisbane Editor at Sitchu and has been part of the team since October 2020. Her background lies in fashion eCommerce and content marketing, having worked in digital roles across brands like Lorna Jane, Black Milk Clothing and dk active. A Brisbane native, Lexie covers food, lifestyle, events, and travel guides for the Sunshine State. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her reading, visiting coffee spots or snapping shots of her rescue cat for his Instagram account.