Explore Brisbane’s most fashionable precinct with this James Street guide

Forget what you think you know about Fortitude Valley. While the inner-city district remains a hive of activity at all hours courtesy of its thriving nightlife, the suburb is no longer just an eclectic concoction of laneways, music venues and clubs alone. In its midst sits James Street, the blossoming shopping and dining precinct beloved by locals that is now firmly one of the city’s most fashionable offerings.

Boutiques, eateries, and design-friendly hotels sit side-by-side here - get to know this precinct a little better with this essential James Street guide.

Eat

James Street won't’ disappoint when it comes to wining and dining. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are well catered to along this strip, which has become recognised as the home to some of Brisbane’s best restaurants and cafes.

While cafes are in no short supply - King Arthur is a local favourite - it’s upscale dining in particular that continue to flourish here. Longtime dinner favourites include the Middle Eastern-inspired Gerard’s Bistro, The Calile Hotel’s luxury Greek offering Hellenika, Ada Lane's Asian-fusion hotspot sAme sAme and the European flair of Mosconi.

Cementing itself as one of the city's dining hotspots, James Street has its share of buzzy newcomers too. Highly anticipated Essa burst onto the scene with harvest-driven contemporary dishes in its intimate split-level 60-seater restaurant, with a carefully curated wine menu that'll keep you popping in to linger over share plates. Likewise, classic Italian trattoria Bianca keeps seasonality at the forefront, with everything down to the bread and pasta made in-house. 

Thankfully takeaway is just as plentiful for those in a rush. Nearby Botanica has become much celebrated for its creative takes on the salad. While Jocelyn’s Provisions is a Brisbane institution as a haven of sweet treats, cakes, and specialty pastries, as too is Sydney favourite Gelato Messina. Or cook up a storm at home, procuring your supplies from the gourmet spreads available at deli James St Market.

Drink

Caffeinating is made easy with this James Street guide - grab a coffee and a nibble at King Arthur Cafe, Cantinho or Jamie's Espresso Bar. Or swing into Harvey’s Bar + Bistro where you can start with a coffee, then kick on with something a little boozy. 

Fancy a tipple? There are no shortage of drinking dens on James Street, spread along the strip and its surrounding streets. You’ll find a number of them overflowing with guests seven days a week, with an impressive amount well-versed in wine, the clandestine Gerard’s Bar, The Calile's The Lobby Bar, and Cru Bar & Cellar among them. Sixes and Sevens is another local favourite - a revamped Queenslander cottage turned pub focused on cocktail jugs and share plates that heaves come Friday afternoon.

Perched on the corner of James Street, you'll find Bar Tano,  the Italian little brother sitting next door to restaurant Gemelli. It's the place to meet for classic Italian cocktails, salumi and cheeses - the perfect start or end to an evening out. The crew from sAme sAme also have their own bespoke bar offering: head upstairs from the restaurant to LOS (Land of Smiles) where you can devour your way through the 140-strong wine list, huge tequila offering or Thai-inspired cocktails, plus bar snacks from the restaurant below.

Play

It’s no surprise as to why James Street is Brisbane’s most popular shopping destination: stores are just as prevalent as eateries, particularly of the high-end variety. Peruse the designer-heavy boutiques that line the main drag, from local favourites Natasha Schweitzer, Calexico and Camargue to Australian heavyweights Aesop, Scanlan Theodore, and Bec & Bridge. Though it’s not just wardrobes that will be well-stocked after a visit - homewares specialists are in no short supply. Decorating your home is made easy thanks to fellow James Street residents West Elm, Dinosaur Designs, Jardan, and St Barts.

Decompress after a day shopping with a trip to one of the relaxation specialists present. There are an impressive number of wellness-focused enterprises that can be found in these parts - drop in to Brooklyn Beauty Bar for a manicure, Endota Spa for a facial, or a well-deserved massage at the KAILO Wellness Medispa at The Calile.

Stay

No James Street guide is complete without mentioning The Calile Hotel. One of the city’s most design-savvy accommodation options, the self-described ‘urban resort’ is a pastel-hued 175-room space sitting pretty in central James Street. Home to an equally design-focused hotel, pool, bar, restaurant, and lauded luxury spa it’s well worth a visit, no matter whether or not you choose to stay the night.

Brisbane's newest boutique accommodation sits in a heritage building right on James Street. Miss Midgeley's has transformed 150-years of history into an architectural spectacular, home to five pink-hued apartments. Book a room or rent the whole place - you'll be just steps from the precinct's hotspots, like Agnes Bakery.

Budget-friendly accommodation is also on offer along the main drag, including Sage Hotel which sits just a short wander away.

Looking for somewhere to stay? Here's your essential guide to Brisbane accommodation.