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Essential Eating: Our Editorâs Guide to Brisbane Dining
The go-to guide of the best restaurants in Brisbane (that you probably should have eaten at by now).
We all know that familiar panic when someone leaves you in charge of choosing the restaurant. Whether itâs for friends or family whoâve just come to town, an outing for the group chat, date night or just an excuse to eat out â the pressure is real. And donât worry, I feel it too.
So to the delight of your decision-fatigued brain, here are Brisbaneâs best-in-show dining experiences that are not to be missed (in no particular order).
Do you think weâve missed one? Slide into our DMs and letâs talk food.
Azteca
The same team who brought you Brissie venues such as Carmen Tequileria, Lina Rooftop, Soko Rooftop and more have announced their next venture, and itâs a big one.
Located within the $3.6 billion Queens Wharf precinct, Azteca is set to become your new favourite dining destination.
With a kitchen helmed by Chef Zac Sykes, diners can expect a Latin American atmosphere with Asian fusion dining, complete with polished interiors that transport you and dreamy views over the Brisbane city skyline.
You can expect dishes like Elgin Valley free-range chicken covered in dark chocolate mole sauce, dry-aged Gooralie free-range pork served with grilled pineapple and fermented jalapeno, but don’t stop after the mains.
The desserts on offer are truly transcendent, and shouldn’t be missed when you dine at this top-notch spot.
Sitchu Tip: Order the Carnival Cooler for a cocktail so fresh, you’ll almost float.
The Terrace (Level 4), The Star Brisbane
Agnes
With their moody lighting and wood-fired flavours, Agnes is a no-brainer on the list of essential eats in Brisbane. Often booked out well in advance, this restaurant is the brainchild of Brisbane foodie royalty; Tyron Simon (of Honto and sAme sAme), Bianca Marchi, Frank Li and Ben Williamson (ex-Gerardâs).
Built around the concept of cooking on an open fire, the flavours infused into each dish at Agnes take your taste buds on a journey into smokey new dimensions. With five other venues within their portfolio, the Anyday group restaurants are a safe bet for a delicious time.
22 Agnes Street, Fortitude Valley
Midtown
Why not make plans to meet for a martini?
Impress the group chat by making a date to visit this intimate bar for a two-sip martini. Perfect for date night, Midtown is a cosy, 40-seater bar in the thriving foodie hub of Fish Lane.
Split into three distinct areas (Uptown, Midtown and Downtown), guests can opt for a casual, private or alfresco experience when they visit this supper club for a classic cocktail and a bite to eat.
When it comes to the menu, youâre in safe hands. Midtown is operated by the brilliant duo behind One Fish Two Fish, so expect to nibble on dishes with Spanish, Italian and Balkan influence.
Sitchu Tip: Midtown is one of the very few places you can eat dinner after 9pm, which makes it a rare gem in my books.
15 Manning Street, South Brisbane
The Lex at The W Hotel
The Lex channels the energy of a New York City grill, but with all the sophistication and flair youâve come to expect from the Marriott family.
Serving up impressive tomahawk steaks, the bougiest tater tots youâve ever eaten and a Caesar salad thatâs hand-tossed at your table, a dining experience here is not one youâll soon forget. Chef Pawel Klodowski and his team plate up some of the most flavourful and opulent dishes that showcase the breadth of his experience, and youâd be remiss not to experience it!
81 North Quay, Brisbane
Carmen
Carmen Tequileria is a haven of fresh Mexican eats, sparkling zero-waste cocktails, artisanal mezcal and imminent good times. One of the newer ventures from Potentia Leisure, Carmen has become a fast favourite in the Sitchu teamâs books. Theyâve just started offering brekkie, which has been an instant hit.
The kitchen is dedicated to exploring ways to up-cycle and reduce waste at every possible point, and the flavour-packed menu doesn’t disappoint. Grab your bestie and book in for an afternoon of share plates at this gorgeous restaurant.
70 James Street, Fortitude Valley
Restaurant Dan Arnold
The most highly rated hatted restaurant in Brisbane is none other than Restaurant Dan Arnold, located in Fortitude Valley, with Chefâs Hat Award of 17 against its name.
Helmed by Brisbane native Dan Arnold, his experience spans six years as sous-chef of French Michelin-starred Restaurant Serge Vieira, where he built up his concept and dream for his very own restaurant back at home in our humble river city.
Opening doors in 2018, RDA dishes up tasting menus using ingredients from small producers and local farms, to craft thoughtful and elegant food in a relaxed and informal setting.
959 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley
Exhibition
Exhibition is an intimate space built underneath the Metro Arts Theatre of Brisbane that seats just 24 patrons at a time. Dining at this hatted restaurant in Brisbane is truly one of the most unique experiences you can have in our city, with a rare multi-sensory immersion part of your food journey.
Taking inspiration from the Japanese omakase-style (chefâs choice) and continuing the buildingâs legacy with live theatrical displays, visual arts and performances, you can simply sit back and await the delicious morsels of premium seafood, meats and mouthwatering paired accompaniments.
Head chef and owner Tim Scott takes pride in challenging themselves to continually deliver unique, sustainable and locally sourced plates, inspired by a variety of cuisines and prepared via various methods of traditional and modern cooking.
109 Edward Street, Brisbane
Now that youâve got a list of Brissieâs must-do restaurants under your belt, it might be time to move on to the best new cafes for some brekkie options! Or if youâre looking for somewhere to head after dinner for a nightcap, try one of the best bars around Brisbane.
