A foodie's guide to the best restaurants and bars at Howard Smith Wharves

A visit to Howard Smith Wharves should always include a stop at Felons, a brewery and gastro-pub housed in a huge shed in the heart of the precinct, with plenty of seating overlooking the water.

Founded by Brisbane locals, Felons joins a slew of breweries in and around Brisbane, who brew and serve their own selection of beers and ciders. The menu includes a selection of modern gastro-pub fare, including wood-fired pizzas. Pull up a beanbag on the astro turf (dog-friendly), snag a picnic table, or head inside the restaurant - you simply can't go wrong with a visit to Felons. It's become such a popular spot the crew opened the massive Felons Barrel Hall right next door - a modern Aussie take on a German beer hall, it's a great space for groups. Keep an eye out to regular Felons events including beer yoga and trivia nights.

Stanley Restaurant

Australian-Cantonese restaurant, Stanley has garnered a slew of awards thanks to its charming Hong Kong-inspired decor (the venue is named after Hong Kong’s Stanley Bay) and menu of classic dishes with a modern twist. The Peking duck pancakes, steamed reef fish, and Moreton Bay bug and mud crab served four ways are stand outs.

The two-storey bistro, housed in the heritage-listed former headquarters of Brisbane’s water police, has a cool, dark interior, ideal for whiling away a hot summer afternoon. Or, dine on the deck in the sunshine with the Story Bridge towering above you.

Mr Percival’s

Perched over the water in the centre of the action is Mr Percival’s, an eye-catching octagonal bar sitting directly under the Story Bridge. A go-to spot for drinks in Brisbane, the vibe here is always high.

Find a seat on the expansive deck and watch the sun go down over the city skyline as you enjoy drinks and a bite to eat from the aperitivo menu, which includes a selection of caviar, prawn cocktails, pizzas, and Moreton Bay bug rolls.

Once the sun sets and the city lights come out, head inside for cocktails and dancing; you’ll find the in-house DJ spinning decks high above the mirrored bar.

Greca

Sydney restaurateur Jonathan Barthelmess of famed Greek restaurant The Apollo ventured north to give Brisbane his own take on the food of the gods. You’ll find contemporary Greek taverna, Greca, hidden among the olive trees overlooking the river.

If you can’t decide between classic favourites like dolmades, spanakopita and lamb shoulder, then why not go full Greek (quite literally) and enjoy it all with a set menu. And everything on the menu goes down well with their signature watermelon spritz.

Yoko Dining

Next to Greca you’ll find another Jonathan Barthelmess venue, Japanese izakaya turned bistro, Yoko Dining. A firm favourite with locals - for dinner and the bottomless brunch on weekends - Yoko channels the energy and fun of Tokyo’s late night record bars in a split-level venue.

Offering sophisticated, sustainable Japanese cuisine, with a seafood leaning menu, raw bar, and plenty of bar snacks, the heart of the kitchen is a hibachi charcoal grill, turning out dishes such as the grilled prawns in kombu butter. The playful Japanese-inspired cocktail menu includes yuzu slushies, and, for dessert, you have to try their signature soft serve.

With ample seating outside and in Yoko is a great option for warm and cool weather dining by the river.  

Ciao Papi

Transport yourself straight to the Med with a visit to Italian cafe and eatery, Ciao Papi. Occupying one of the best spots by the river nestled under the cliffs on the New Farm end of the precinct, Ciao Papi is the ideal location for a long lunch that turns into evening tipples.

On the menu you'll find melt-in-your-mouth pastas, chargrilled meats, fresh seafood, and woodfired Napoli and crispy thin pizzas. Just add a glass of wine or two and you've got the perfect Brisbane afternoon sorted. 

Fiume Rooftop Bar

Located at chic hotel, Crystalbrook Vincent, rooftop bar Fiume is set above the hustle of the Howard Smith Wharves, and offers some of the best views of the Brisbane river, the city skyline and the Story Bridge.

Perch on a stool on the balcony and enjoy cocktails – the menu includes an impressive range of spritzes and adds flair with native Australian ingredients.  

Goodtimes Gelateria

Save some room for dessert, because Goodtimes Gelateria is worth the calories.  Tucked beside New Farm Riverwalk, Goodtimes serves up 22-flavours from classic tiramisu to creative pavlova and banoffee. Grab a scoop, cup or milkshake and enjoy the good tunes, too.

Betty's Burgers

Noosa’s famous burgers have made the move south and settled into prime position underneath the Crystalbrook Vincent.

With its classic line-up of Shake Shack style burgers, onion rings, fries, frozen ‘concrete’ desserts and family friendly feel (and price-point) it’s understandably a Brisbane favourite for burgers.

Mews

Inspired by laneway-style dining, Mews embraces art and architecture with a sprinkle of fun. Its playful approach to breakfast and brunch adds a new twist on locally-sourced dishes, like house made foccaccia loaded with stracciatella and avocado, or homemade hotcakes jazzed up with kaffir lime and burnt Italian meringue. If you're calling into Howard Smith Wharves in the morning, head to Mews.  

Getting there

Howard Smith Wharves is accessible by public transport, making it even easier to take advantage of the smorgasbord of restaurants and bars that line the riverfront.

CityCat, CityHopper and Cross River ferries stop at Howard Smith Wharves' dedicated ferry terminal, while the precinct is also a short walk from nearby bus stops and 15-minutes walk from Central Train Station.

Arrive on foot or bicycle thanks to kilometres of boardwalk joining the Wharves from Brisbane City to New Farm. Two lifts are located at the top of the cliffs on Bowen Terrace for direct access into the precinct.

On-site parking is available for those driving.

Howard Smith Wharves is located under the Story Bridge, at 5 Boundary St, Brisbane City.

Where to stay

Want to stay in the heart of the action of Howard Smith Wharves? Whether you're visiting to city or seeking a staycation with flair, Crystalbrook Vincent is a luxurious hotel with an award-winning design and bold energy. Choose between views of the riverfront or the green-filled nature wall on the cliffs behind - either way, it'll be an escape to remember.

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