The Brisbane River isn’t just a waterway; it’s a centrepiece. And nestled along its bends lie some of the city’s best dining spots, where delectable eats meet stunning waterfront views. Here are some of the must-try riverside venues to eat and drink at in Brisbane.
1. Blackbird
Sporting some of the best steaks in Brisbane, this stunning restaurant by the river is perfect for a casual lunch, or romantic date night as Story Bridge sparkles in the distance from your table.
From melt-in-your-mouth wagyu to tasty kangaroo paired with baked Dutch cream potatoes, Blackbird is a choice option for comfort food with a view.
đź“ŤRiverside Centre, 123 Eagle St, Brisbane CBD
2. The Lex
W Brisbane’s distinguished dining venue, once known as Three Blue Ducks, has transformed into The Lex, an establishment offering the ambiance of a New York-style eatery complemented by breathtaking riverside vistas.
Here, you’ll find deliciously made seafood dishes, which pair perfectly with their signature Caesar salad prepared fresh at your table.
In addition to its enticing lunch and dinner offerings, The Lex also hosts a buffet breakfast priced at $54 per adult and $27 for children under 12.
đź“ŤW Brisbane, level three, 81 N Quay, Brisbane CBD
3. Ciao Papi
Nestled along the iconic Howard Smith Wharves dining precinct, Ciao Papi offers traditional Italian eats with contemporary flair, from gourmet pizzas and pastas to smaller bites like arancini and antipasto.
Whether it’s a romantic meal for two or a lively gathering with friends, this riverside dining spot provides a choice backdrop. Pair your meal with a selection from their curated wine list or indulge in cocktails while soaking in breathtaking views of the Brisbane River.
đź“ŤHoward Smith Wharves, 5 Boundary St, Brisbane CBD
4. Mary Mae’s Bar & Kitchen
With its laid-back location on the river at New Farm Park, Mary Mae’s is perfect for a waterfront breakfast, lunch or dinner. When it comes to food, think classic brunch eats such as avo toast and eggs your way, as well as gourmet burgers, generous share platters, salads and more.
Be sure to check what exhibitions and shows are on at Brisbane Powerhouse while you’re here, because it’s right next door.
đź“Ť119 Lamington St, New Farm
5. Babylon
A stunning riverfront dining spot, Babylon is a multi-tiered waterfront venue that seats over 1000 people, perfect for a decadent meal by the water, or a cocktail to ease into the afternoon.
If you’re vegetarian, the food menu has a whole section dedicated to flame-cooked plant-based bites, such as wood-fried pumpkin kebab, spiced-fried cauliflower, smoked eggplant salad, traditional lentil kofte, and more.
đź“Ť145 Eagle St, Brisbane CBD
6. Fosh
Back in 2023, Northshore Hamilton’s Portside Wharf welcomed a wave of new restaurants, and among them, Fosh quickly became a standout favourite for seafood lovers.
This riverside dining spot offers a fresh array of dishes, such as locally sourced, line-caught fish delivered within 24 hours, alongside a selection of fresh oysters, succulent prawns, delicate scallops, and the ever-moreish Moreton Bay bugs.
đź“Ť39 Hercules St, Hamilton.
7. Stanley
Sat directly under Story Bridge, Stanley is the perfect spot to indulge in contemporary Cantonese cuisine, from delicious dim sum to flavourful wok-fried specialties, as well as plenty of wine and cocktails to pair.
Whether it be a yum cha lunch with a variety of wontons as well as Moreton Bay bug spring rolls and wok-tossed black pepper lobster, or a romantic date night dinner as the sun sets, Stanley is a stand-out amongst the riverside dining spots at Howard Smith Wharves.
And if that’s not enough convincing you to dine here, Stanley is also one of Brisbane-set Boy Swallows Universe author Trent Dalton’s favourite restaurants.
đź“Ť5 Boundary St, Brisbane CBD
8. Joey’s
Kangaroo Point’s favourite riverside eatery Joey’s is a choice spot for any meal of the day, whether it be breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner.
The breakfast menu features all your early start classics such as smashed avo, granola and eggs your way, whereas the lunch and dinner menu is all about share plates and wood-fired pizzas.
đź“Ť29 River Terrace, Kangaroo Point
9. Mr Percival’s
Boasting chic and contemporary interiors, this sophisticated cocktail bar is fantastic for sipping inside or outside, with panoramic views of the Brisbane River and plenty of waterfront seating.
Tasty cocktails, gourmet bar snacks and share plates — you can’t wrong at Mr Percival’s.
đź“Ť5 Boundary St, Brisbane CBD
10. Opa Bar + Mezze
You may be forgiven for thinking you’ve travelled to Greece at this stunning restaurant with airy interiors and to-die-for dishes. They do all the classics and they do them well: from keftedes with smooth feta mousse, flavourful halloumi and creamy taramasalata to tender, herby lamb.
The delicious food, amazing cocktails and Santorini vibes will truly have you wanting to shout “Opa!”
đź“ŤBoardwalk level, 123 Eagle Street, Brisbane CBD
Editorial contribution by: MJ GayĂłn.