Brisbane’s hospitality scene is booming right now. Not much time passes in the River City without a hot new restaurant, bar or cafe opening up – and it can feel overwhelming knowing which one to try next. That’s why we’ve rounded up some of the best new restaurants in and near Brisbane, if you need some inspo for your next dining date.
1. Vela
If you’re looking for somewhere new that serves up tasty Modern Thai cuisine, Vela has popped up on the scene, and it comes fitted out with a giant moon installation hanging behind the bar.
As for the food and drinks, you can indulge in traditional upmarket fare including gourmet skewers, curries, as well as plenty of rice and noodle dishes.
You can find Vela at West Village, Factory 2/97 Boundary St, West End.
2. Calida Argentinian
South Bank recently scored a fiery Argentinian-inspired steakhouse, featuring fine Queensland cuts cooked to perfection, alongside a variety of Latin eats such as empanadas, tostadas and more.
The interiors are also a stand-out for this new restaurant, with stonework and raw bricks that exude a dark and moody atmosphere.
You can find Calida Argentinian at 164c Grey Street, South Brisbane.
3. Fatcow
James Street is now home to the new and improved Fatcow, which has had a glow-up and relocation from its original Eagle Street setting. The revamped restaurant boasts a solid marble bar, two private dining rooms, and circular booth seating with mirrors on the ceiling.
With steak and seafood being the main focus, you can expect to choose from over 16 steaks and a variety of fresh seafood sent from trawler to plate within 24 hours.
Fatcow is also currently the only restaurant in Brisbane to have a live oyster tank, guaranteeing the freshest of shucked oysters.
You can find Fatcow at 10 James Street, Fortitude Valley.
4. Longwang
This new dining spot specialises in modern Asian cuisine, and features a rooftop bar and cocktail lounge.
Seafood exudes the main character energy at Longwang, with menu highlights like local mud crabs and Tasmanian rock lobsters plucked fresh from a live seafood tank, plus a variety of wok-tossed eats including bug tail “kung pao” and whole fried baby barramundi with dry red curry snake beans.
Non-seafood stars include a Massaman curry made with braised lamb shoulder, as well as fried chicken bao sliders with green chilli jam, herb slaw, crispy garlic and kewpi.
You can find Longwang at 144 Edward Street, Brisbane City.
5. DuckFat
DuckFat is a stunning French restaurant adorned with modern art. On the menu, you’ll find a variety of French favourites like melt-in-your-mouth beef tartare, hearty bourguignon, moreish mussels and fries, as well as a selection of tasty French pizzas, one of which is made with puff pastry.
The interiors hero an industrial chic with classic French charm. Look out for the pink trees and graffiti artworks on display.
You can find DuckFat at 3B / 63 Skyring Terrace, Newstead.
6. Chalong
Deliciously authentic Southern Thai cuisine and stunning interiors are what you’ll find at this new restaurant in Chapel Hill.
Chalong’s menu highlights include the Phuket-style soy-braised pork belly, grilled marinated chicken skewers, the Southern herb fritters salad and more.
If you’re a fan of curry, the restaurant makes their curry paste from scratch for signature dishes like the yellow fish curry and mussamun beef cheek curry. For vegetarians, there are also tofu green and red curries to indulge in.
You can find Chalong at 1/620 Moggill Road, Chapel Hill.
7. MexiCali
Popular Gold Coast taqueria MexiCali has expanded to Brisbane and is opening its second venue in Bulimba this March. Akin to the Nobby Beach restaurant, MexiCali Bulimba will feature a vibrant setting with an open-air rooftop and tequila bar.
On the menu, you’ll find familiar dishes such as Baja-style fish Tacos, jalapeño poppers and beef birria quesatacos, as well as plenty of new eats exclusive to the Brisbane venue.
Unique sips include the ‘Algo Azul Paloma’ which is mixed with prickly pear and clementine-infused tequila, or you can opt for a classic marg or sangria.
You can find MexiCali at 3/142 Oxford Street, Bulimba.
8. Dapl
Dapl, has opened up in Spring Hill, bringing with it a modern Australian dining experience that celebrates diverse native flavours.
Think peppermint gum lamb backstrap, lemon myrtle grilled calamari, Gooralie pork belly, rich chocolate mousse infused with orange liqueur, and plenty more.
You can find Dapl at Amora Hotel, 200 Creek St, Spring Hill
9. Distillery Restaurant
Australia’s longest-running distillery known for its award-winning artisan rum has opened an onsite restaurant just south of Brisbane that heroes elevated pub-style comfort food.
Think porterhouse steak served with creamy potato puree, beef ribs slathered in sticky barbeque and rum sauce, mouthwatering burgers, and Beenleigh Rum-infused desserts.
As for drinks, you can taste the local drop, with rum cocktails, tastings and more.
You can find Beenleigh Artisan Distillery and Distillery Restaurant on the banks of the Albert River at 142 Distillery Road, Eagleby.
2023 OPENINGS
10. Establishment 203
If you’re a fan of heartwarming Italian food and succulent steaks, then you won’t want to sleep on Establishment 203.
Think locally sourced Queensland meats, epic pasta dishes such as wagyu sirloin spaghetti bolognese, harder-to-find Italian wines, and sleek pastel interiors at this new restaurant in the Valley, which has an ambitious goal of becoming Brisbane’s best spot for steaks.
You can find Establishment 203 at 6 Marshall St, Fortitude Valley.
11. Ithaka
Ithaka is a new pop-up Greek restaurant that’s opened right by the river. Tuck into delicious Greek eats and cocktails with a view.
You can find Ithaka at River Quay, 2 Sidon Street, South Brisbane.
12. Vertigo
Located 17 metres high atop the Powerhouse, Vertigo blends adventure and gastronomy in a spectacular sky-high setting.
Strapped into a harness, daring diners will get to enjoy epic city views and a delicious set menu, which features dishes including fresh burrata, Italian fish stew, and chocolate caramel custard.
You’ll start the experience by removing everything from your pockets and placing it into a locker. This includes phones and cameras, which means you won’t be able to digitally capture the experience — but your memory sure will.
You can find Vertigo at the Brisbane Powerhouse, New Farm
13. Carmen
James Street’s newest Mexican spot is perfect for an indulgent feast of tacos, margaritas and more.
Head to Carmen on a Thursday for their Tijuana Thursday offering, which will get you and your dining partner a margarita jug paired with three courses of Mexican eats such as quac and chips, tacos, and taquitos, for just $59. That’s less than $30 each.
You can find Carmen at 70 James Street, Fortitude Valley.
14. Pepe’s Mexican
Pepe’s has been serving Mexican food in Brisbane since 1972, with restaurants in both Newmarket and Jindalee. Now, the popular restaurant has opened up a third restaurant on the bayside.
From delicious nachos and tacos to moreish margaritas, Pepe’s in Wynnum is a choice dining spot before or after a swim at the beach. They also host trivia nights every Thursday.
You can find Pepe’s Mexican at Unit 3/89 Bay Terrace, Wynnum.
15. Settimo
Set in the elegant Westin hotel in the heart of the CBD, Settimo is celebrated chef Guy Grossi’s love letter to the Amalfi Coast. On the menu, you’ll find regional specialties like beef onion ragu and cured mussels as well as bigger dishes like slow-cooked lamb.
We recommend saving room for dessert – Settimo’s signature tiramisu might be one of the best in town.
You can find Settimo at The Westin Brisbane, level one, 111 Mary Street, Brisbane City
16. Rich & Rare
This new restaurant in West End specialises in sizzling steak and succulent local seafood. Menu highlights include tomahawk steak cooked over an open flame, oysters shucked to order, lobster cooked live from a tank, as well as Mooloolaba swordfish steak on the bone.
Rich & Rare is also home to a dry-aging room and a glass-encased wine cellar, so you know the meat and wine is kept well.
The Boundary Street spot is also home to one of Brisbane’s best value set menus, which gives you a nine-course journey through land and sea for just $50.
You can find Rich & Rare at 97 Boundary St, West End
17. California Tacos
After becoming a favourite Mexican joint on the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, California Tacos is now open in Brisbane.
While the neon-lit oasis is known best for serving up Australia’s biggest nachos, they also make mean tacos which certainly aren’t lacking in the sauce department, as well as plenty of cocktails to wash it down with.
You can find California Tacos 120 Boundary St, West End
18. TAMA
ICYMI, Fortitude Valley’s GPO building has recently reopened after a huge $9 million makeover, with the historic corner venue now home to three exciting new venues. Our pick: the stylish contemporary restaurant TAMA.
TAMA’s menu focuses on local produce, with highlights including fresh and tasty Aussie tuna, succulent Queensland wagyu beef, and a delicate beetroot salad, just to name a few.
You can find TAMA at 740 Ann St, Fortitude Valley
19. Fosh
Northshore Hamilton’s Portside Wharf has scored some new restaurants in 2023, and our favourite would have to be Fosh.
This elegant seafood restaurant serves up decadent eats by the river. Think local line-caught fish served within 24 hours, as well as oysters, prawns, scallops and Moreton Bay bugs.
You can find Fosh at 39 Hercules St, Hamilton
20. IPPIN
If you love Japanese food as much as we do, then you’re going to want to add this new restaurant to your list. Set in an open-air space above West Village, Ippin offers a traditional Japanese dining experience on the second floor of the South Pavilion.
This luxe 140-seater feels like trip to Japan without leaving the city, from the aesthetically pleasing Japanese decor to the impressive dishes and sake selection.
You can find Ippin at South Pavilion, West Village, Tenancy 2/97 Boundary St, West End
21. Baba Ganouj
Baba Ganouj is a stunning new 200-seater restaurant in the heart of South Bank.
To take the hassle out of choosing, you can go for the platter for two which gives you little bit of everything: dips, skewers, salad and more.
Don’t forget to try the little Lebanese desserts — the baklava and Turkish delight are a perfect way to finish.
You can find Baba Ganouj at 186 Grey St, South Brisbane
22. Bosco
Tucked away inside a revamped warehouse, Bosco takes inspiration from the coastal and olive oil regions of France, Italy and Spain, with a focus on seasonal local produce.
Think flame-cooked meats, succulent seafood dishes and almost an entire page on the menu dedicated to cheese.
You can find Bosco at 8 Austin St, Newstead