Foodie News: What’s Happening on Brisbane’s Dining Scene

Hunting for the hot goss on the foodie scene? Look no further, because this is the official Sitchu scoop on what’s happening in Brisbane’s food and drink scene. Our little river city has been working overtime to catch up with its arguably more cosmopolitan counterparts, and we’re well and truly in the running now.

From the launch of the multi-billion dollar Queen’s Wharf precinct and all the new dining options it delivered to the new menu launches of your tried and true favourites, this is the place to stay up to date on what’s happening on the foodie scene here in Brisbane.

Yo-Chi to Open Another Brisbane Location

Everyone’s favourite place to spill the tea is opening its 13th Queensland venue, in the walkable suburb of West End! The Yo-Chi team have five new venues in the works, with QLD, VIC, SA, WA and NSW all scoring a new frozen yogurt snacking spot in the very near future. Stay tuned for the address and open date details!

West End, Brisbane

Venues to Support Post-Tropical Cyclone

Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred forced many business to take a hit, unfortunately in more ways than one, in some cases. Here at Sitchu we want to support our local hospitality, events and arts scene, by making sure we’re shouting out your beloved local spots where we can.

Here’s a short list of venues that have reopened this week, are operating under different hours, or need your support in another way this month. Be sure to check in with the venue’s social media to make sure nothing has changed since the time of publication, and only travel when it is safe to do so.

• James Street retailers are largely back to normal – check in with retailers before visiting
• Milquetoast Wine Bar is back (but Tuesday’s $2 oyster offer is unavailable due to supply issues)
• Peach Cafe has reopened with normal trading hours
• Christian Jacques Bakery has reopened with normal trading hours
• Wilburs General Store has reopened with a full cabinet
• Nodo Donuts (all locations) have reopened with normal trading hours
• Epilo Plants & Coffee has reopened with normal trading hours
• IPPIN Japanese Dining has reopened & you can charge your phone there
• The Smug Fig has reopened and has power points aplenty for charging devices/working
• Rosalie Gourmet Market has reopened and is fully stocked with fresh produce, milk, cabinet treats and more
• Sasso Italiano has reopened with normal trading hours
• The Cheshire Cat Motel is offering discounted stays for those who are currently in need of shelter/a place with power

Shane Delia’s New Venue Name Revealed

The Thomas Dixon Centre is welcoming Melbourne foodie royalty in 2025, as the centre transforms into a multipurpose events and dining destination. Melbourne-based chef and restauranteur Shane Delia is bringing his flair for bold, Middle-Eastern flavours to the culinary hub of West End, where hungry diners can expect to go on an unrestricted spice journey at his first-ever Brisbane venue. 

Layla will open its doors to the public on the 28th of March, welcoming diners into a moody main dining room and sunny outdoor courtyard. Soon to become a popular destination for private events, pre-theatre dining and celebrations, Layla is primed to become one of West End’s most popular foodie hotspots. 

Head Chef Simon Palmer (formerly of Black Hide by Gambaro, Urbane, Gerard’s Bistro and E’cco Bistro) will be working closely with Delia to craft a spice-forward, modern menu with widespread global influence. 

Thomas Dixon Centre, Corner of Montague Road and Raven Street, West End

Detour’s Fortitude Valley Pop-Up

Once a beloved dining destination in Woolloongabba, the Detour team sadly closed their doors to Brisbane late last year. But thanks to an opening within the East Street dining precinct, they’re returning to serve top-notch fare once again with a three-month residency. 

With sustainability at the core of their business, the Detour team are also passionate about inclusive dining–which is evident through their predominantly gluten-free menu, and divided herbivore and carnivore menus which make it easy for diners of different dietary persuasions to enjoy. 

Make a reservation to enjoy the fine fare at this restaurant while it calls the sparkling, fairy-lit East Street home. 

5/826 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley

Fish Lane’s Tequila Takeover

The arrival of March brings with it a new series of events that we suspect might delight you… it’s a tequila takeover! Thanks to Espolòn Tequila, a whole host of exclusive drinks and menu items will descend upon venues throughout Fish Lane throughout March. 

Here’s a sneak peek at what to expect: 

• Margs-A-Million | Saturday 16th March, 12:00pm to 4:00pm
  The essential event for any marg-lover, Margs-A-Million is the best way to explore new margarita flavours and creations thanks to the team at Southside. There are ten different options, as well as a mezcal and tequila-tasting station, snack menu collabs, mariachi music and more.
• Baja x Southside Collab Lunch | Sunday 23rd March, 12:00pm to 3:00pm
  Two formidable Brisbane restaurants join forces to bring you an inspired new menu that melds two cuisines and the skills of two chefs. Benny Lam (of Southside) and Julius Villamoor (of Baja) have crafted a collaborative dining event with a three-course menu that combines bold Asian flavours with modern Mexican eats. 
• The Margarita Edit | Wednesday 26th March, 6:30pm
  Enjoy an intimate evening of refined margaritas paired with small plates curated by Chef Daniel Miletic at Midtown, one of our favourite elegant NYC-style cocktail bars.

There are more events on the roster, so be sure to check out the full program and book yourself in before it’s too late 

Multiple venues, Fish Lane, Brisbane, Queensland

The Gold Coast Welcomes a Wendy’s

You might only know of Wendy’s thanks to their hilarious social media antics or American TikTokers chowing down on their drive-through eats. But now you can experience it for yourself, where else but Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast!

On the menu you’ll find their signature Fresh, Never Frozen hamburger patties and chicken tender offering, but crafted for the Australian palate with premium Aussie chicken, hand breaded in store and 100% Aussie beef. 

Try menu classics like the Baconmator, Spicy Chicken Tender Burger, Loaded Chilli Cheese Fries and Frosty desserts, plus an exclusive sauce only for Australian menus. 

Paradise Centre, 2 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise 

Byblos Reopens After Renovations

The very first venue by the Brisbane-based, family-owned Ghanem Group has just had a glow up! The new look is inspired by the Group’s founders’ research trip to their home country in 2023, where they selected artworks, furnishings and even intricate tiles from the city of Byblos to adorn the restaurant.

With this new look comes a brand new menu, full of the delicious share-style feasts that make Byblos the ever-popular dining destination that it is. Byblos is the perfect destination for afternoon sundowner drinks, or big get-togethers with an all-inclusive menu that caters to gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan and vegetarian diets.

Visit this summer for a taste of the brand-new Byblos.

39 Hercules Street, Hamilton

Massimo Reopens After Renovations

Riverside favourite from the Tassis group, Massimo Restaurant has officially reopened, and it’s looking better than ever.

Designed by long-term collaborators, Clui Design and Allo Creative, Massimo’s fresh new look will evoke those la dolce vita feelings.

“We felt it was time for Massimo to get a more modern update – it’s still very much that coastal Italian feeling, really casual and welcoming,” says Michael Tassis of the new look, but don’t just take his word for it.

Pop in and say ciao to this popular Italian spot’s glow up, we hear it pairs well with an Aperol spritz.

Boardwalk Level Riverside Centre, 123 Eagle Street, Brisbane

Now that you’re up to date on the freshest foodie news in Brisbane, check out our guide to the best new cafes in Brisbane, or book a night out at one of the city’s newest restaurants.

Writer

Lexie Mamo

13 March 2025

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.