We’ve rounded up some of Brisbane’s best restaurants you can book a table at, whether it be for date night, special occasions, or just a new spot to check out with your foodie crew.
1. Za Za Ta
Za Za Ta has been named as the best vegetarian restaurant in Brisbane. And with good reason.
The care and flavour that goes into their culinary creations are truly a treat for the taste buds. Our favourites on their autumn and winter menu were the Bloom Providore Mince stuffed Squash and the burnt cabbage salad, as well as the halloumi doughnuts, of course, which we’ve tried before and love.
If you’re looking for a high quality Middle Eastern inspired feast, we highly recommend heading here for dinner, and grabbing a drink at Bar KAZBA next door beforehand (their cocktails are amazing).
Find Za Za Ta at 1000 Ann St, Fortitude Valley.
2. 1889 Enoteca
Transport your taste buds to Italy for the night at this beautiful eatery located in the heart of The Gabba.
The Italians are renowned for romancing for a reason. Who can resist a plate of “all’amatriciana” made using hand-made pasta paired with the delicate wine from Toscana? Enoteca is praised for its sophisticated setting and great ambiance.
Enjoy the company of your loved one while savouring every last bite of a classic Italian meal.
Find out more about 1889 Enoteca.
Find 1889 Enoteca at the Moreton Rubber Building, 10 – 12 Logan Rd, Woolloongabba
3. Mr. Vain
Mr. Vain is the Parisian bistro / New York bar mash-up of our dreams. Tucked away behind a convenience store in the Valley, you’ll walk down an alleyway to find this hidden gem.
Their new menu gets a glowing recommendation from us. Quality food, cocktails and wine, as well as a *chef’s kiss* on the interiors and mood lighting.
Our food favourites were the seafood dishes (hiramasa kingfish tartare and Fremantle octopus).
Find Mr. Vain at 610 Ann St, Fortitude Valley.
4. Agnes
Nestled away former Fortitude Valley brick warehouse is Agnes, a must-try restaurant dedicated to the art of wood-fired cuisine.
Enjoy a choice of set menus, with exquisite eats such as baked oysters, tuna crumpets, and beef tartare served with beef fat toast.
You’ll want to book well in advance for a table at Agnes.
Find Agnes at 22 Agnes St, Fortitude Valley
5. Hellenika
Renowned as one of the best Greek restaurants in Australia, Hellenika has solidified its reputation for excellence, located within the charming confines of The Calile Hotel in Fortitude Valley.
Overlooking the hotel’s inviting pool and accompanying deck, Hellenika serves up everything from pita and dips to saganaki, dolmades, and baked lamb.
Find Hellenika at The Calile, 48 James St, Fortitude Valley
6. Essa
Nestled in the Valley, Essa has become a Brisbane favourite dining destination under the guidance of the former head chef of South Brisbane’s Gauge.
The dishes at Essa pay homage to local farmers and suppliers, showcasing their seasonal produce in a creative way. Their menu is seasonal and can change daily, so you’ll always be able to try something new.
Find Essa at 181 Robertson St, Fortitude Valley
7. Joy Restaurant
Seating just 10 diners at once, Joy Restaurant could be Brisbane’s smallest, and that’s why you have to sometimes wait six months for a booking here.
From an intimate vantage point, diners have the privilege of observing the culinary mastery orchestrated by the owner and chef, Sarah Scott, as she prepares a short or long degustation.
Find Joy Restaurant at Bakery Lane, Shop 7/690 Ann St, Fortitude Valley.
8. Sushi Room
Sushi Room is intimate 60-seat fine dining Japanese restaurant specialising in fresh Australian seafood.
Also located at The Calile, you’ll find a focus on fine produce here, and as the name of the restaurant alludes to, there’s plenty of sushi and sashimi on the menu. Look out for the caviar Toro Toro sushi rolls, moriawase and lobster tempura, agemono traditional fried dishes, yakimono grilled dishes as well as caviar and oysters if you’re feeling extra fancy.
Find Sushi Room at The Calile, 48 James St, Fortitude Valley
9. Toscano
If you’re looking for authentic Italian cuisine, look no further than Toscano. Inspired by the traditional culinary traditions of South Italy, this sophisticated restaurant boasts gorgeous dark green interiors to backdrop your dining experience.
We started off with some cocktails, which were mixed to perfection. The food is also of high quality, from the starter bites to mains. The mushroom and truffle arancini is a must-try, as is the Nonna’s recipe Polpette meatballs and spicy pork Nduja Ravioli. The Italian wines paired perfectly with our mains too.
Find Toscano at 2 Edward St, Brisbane City.
10. YX Mini Hot Pot
If you’ve ever wanted to try a hot pot experience, where you get to cook your own meat in broth, YX Mini Hot Pot has restaurants in Sunnybank, Eastwood, and Eastwood. Get ready for a unique Asian dining experience.
One notable perk is that each guest is provided with an individual broth pot equipped with its own burner, eliminating the need for sharing. This setup allows you the freedom to cook the meats you want to, at your own pace.
While savouring your meal, keep an eye out for the presence of a robot waiter, adding a unique touch to the dining experience.
Find XY Mini Hot Pot at Sunnybank and Eastwood