Guide to West End, Brisbane's culture hotspot

Cafes | Restaurants | Bars | Things to do | What's On | Where to stay

West End might be known as one of Brisbane’s inner city dining and nightlife hubs, but it’s so much more than that. Just a short wander from South Bank and Fish Lane, this neighbourhood has a character of its own – and marches to the beat of its own drum (quite literally on a full moon, as you’ll discover).

Whether you’re a foodie, foraging for vintage finds, or after a little adventure and a craft beer, you’ll find it here. 

About West End

Kurilpa, its Aboriginal name, has long been a cultural melting pot. The traditional land of the Turrbal and Yuggera Peoples, West End has seen many transformations which all help form its identity – from farming land to bustling riverside port then industrial centre, to becoming a hub for migrants from around the world. Following WWII, the neighbourhood was dubbed ‘Little Athens’ thanks to its growing Greek population which remains seen today with thriving Greek eateries and cafes, festivals and Orthodox church, sitting alongside its rich Indigenous heritage.

While gentrifying as our capital continues to grow, the close-knit community keeps West End’s spirit strong with a passion for independence and celebration of the unique: in between modern apartment blocks you’ll find coffee roasters, international eats, decades-old neighbourhood gems, boutiques and an urban art scene that rivals any gallery.

Where to eat in West End

Cafes

Where to eat in West End? You could spend a lifetime flitting between meals and still not conquer it all, from hole in the wall coffee shops to cafes that have become legendary brunch destinations.

The latter includes family-run Morning After, a café offering creative dishes from breakfast carbonara to Mediterranean breakfast bowls – you’ll find the locals gathering here to cure their morning after. Sitting on the corner of Boundary and Mollison is local institution The Gunshop Café, serving all day breakfast from simple brekky burgers to decadent French toast.

Fresh baked bagels don’t get better than NYC Bagel Deli; Nordic-influenced Lokal + Co serves up equally scrumptious avo toast or potato pakoras with house-cured salmon; the cake cabinet at Alphabet Café will keep you around long after you finished your meal; while Grown is the locals’ go-to for locally-sourced brunches punctuated with native Aussie ingredients like saltbush and macadamia dukkah.

Picnic, a pastel-hued dream of a café within the West Village precinct, serves single origin coffee and on-trend breakfast feasts like baklava beignets and pina colada rice pudding.

Stop by Blackstar Coffee Roasters for the perfect cup of coffee. 

Restaurants

Whatever cuisine you’re craving, you'll find it at West End restaurants. For something truly special, head to Mu'ooz for authentic Eritrean cuisine – this social enterprise offers hospitality training to refugee women while serving up delicious East African flavours. Craving Mexican? Mama Taco hits the spot with gourmet tacos and zesty margaritas. Or unwind at Bar Francine, a charming converted cottage serving creative small plates alongside a banging wine list.

The neighbourhood's Greek heritage shines at Lekfas Tavern and Nostimo at the Greek Club, while Pilloni brings a taste of Sardinia to Brisbane's Italian scene. Here you'll discover dishes you won't find elsewhere, like culurgiones – pasta pockets filled with potato, mint, tomato and basil – or tagliolini topped with house-cured mullet roe bottarga.

For the perfect date night spot, slip into Caravanserai where Turkish mezze platters piled high, BYO wine, and desserts like salted chocolate crème brulee and house-made baklava create an atmosphere worth lingering in. Meanwhile, Rich & Rare adds a touch of sophistication to the neighbourhood with upscale steak, seafood and sleek cocktails.

Sunday lunch enthusiasts should book ahead at Gum Bistro, where local produce shines in their $78pp Prix Fixe menu.

Fancy an Asian feast? Bird's Nest Yakitori and Little Red Dumpling will satisfy your Japanese cravings, while Lilong dishes up authentic Shanghainese street food. For Vietnam's greatest gift to the culinary world, head to Hardgrave Road where Trang and Quan Thanh sit nearly side by side. There's a bit of a local rivalry about which serves the superior pho, but you're guaranteed a delicious no-frills Vietnamese feast at either. 

Best bars in West End

Fancy a cocktail? For some of the best in Brisbane, make your way to Cobbler which boasts more than 400 whiskies on its shelf. Beautifully outfitted Covent Garden slings the best gins in town (and caters to allergies with a fully gluten free food menu). Come for their gin high tea in the garden, or slip into Bar Hugo for a relaxed evening with artisanal vermouth and carefully curated wines.

Step into 10-seater Japanese-inspired cocktail bar, +81 Aizome, and be transported to the dimly lit dens of Ginza. Helmed by Tony Huang, one of Australia's top 25 bartenders, reservations are recommended to try these expertly crafted concoctions.

The Boundary Hotel is a classic Aussie pub, but with plenty of contemporary touches after a huge revamp and now home to a laneway café, rooftop bar, beer garden and more. BOSC and The Burrow are other great neighbourhood spots that always draw the local crowd.

Craft beer lover? West End is a verified hops-hub, with the likes of The Catchment Brewing Co, Brisbane Brewing Co. Or, try a range of local brews on tap at Archive – a lively joint open late and ideal if you fancy a round of ping-pong with your round.

For live music, check out The End and The Bearded Lady, both really inclusive venues along with Come to Daddy which showcases weekly Drag events, karaoke, trivia nights.

Things to do in West End, Brisbane

Shop local

Stocked with everything from fresh produce to food trucks, fashion and locally-crafted goods, The West End Markets is held every Saturday from 6am – 2pm at Davies Park.

A little window shopping through West End’s independent stores reveals the community’s creative spirit. There’s fashion boutiques like adorne and Euphora, and vinyl records at Jet Black Cat Music, but thrifters will have a field day amongst the vintage stores that surround the intersection of Vulture Street and Boundary Street.  

Get lost in the gardens at Mappins Nursery, then take a workshop where you can make your own terrarium or kokedama.  

More of a bookworm? Check out Avid Reader or children’s bookstore Where The Wild Things Are, then scour for pre-loved second hand books at Bent Books.

Take a stroll

Wander through West End’s alleyways filled with inspiring street art, and along the way look for the plaques across the neighbourhood that reveal the area’s notable history.

You could also explore the riverfront parklands toward Orleigh Park, where you’ll find the locals rolling out their picnic blankets on a Sunday afternoon. Tip: pick up some artisan cheeses, charcuterie and produce from Salumi Deli before you head out.

Challenge yourself

Want to try something new? West End has you covered with indoor rock climbing and bouldering at Urban Climb, and solving puzzles at Escape Hunt. Exercise your body and mind with aerial yoga and Bend + Fly, or settle into mantras at West End School of Yoga and Meditation.

What's on in West End

Looking for an occasion to mark your calendar? Australia's longest running Greek festival, Paniyiri, takes over Musgrave Park each May for a weekend of food, dancing, culture and more – including those legendary honey puffs.

For something a little left of centre, head to Orleigh Park when West End Fire Festival congregates under a full moon. The free community event offers an evening of fire spinning, drum circles, music and more – check them out on Facebook for the next event.

Theatre lovers are spoiled for choice with the acclaimed Metro Arts Theatre hosting a huge calendar of art exhibitions and performances. There's always something thought-provoking to discover. For a dazzling night out, The West End Electric opened in 2024 with its 400+ seat capacity hosting bold cabaret shows, comedy nights and more.

The cultural treats don't stop at West End's borders – you're just a short stroll away from the world-class performances at Queensland Theatre and QPAC in neighboring South Bank. Perfect for turning your West End adventure into a complete arts and culture weekend!

Stay

There’s something for every traveller when it comes to where to stay in West End. Backpackers can lodge in the heart of the neighbourhood at Somewhere To Stay Backpackers. For serviced apartments check out Arena, Soda, or Atlas Apartments. Otherwise, the hotels of South Bank are just a quick stroll away: stay closer to the river at Emporium South Bank, Mantra South Bank or Novotel Brisbane South Bank.

Want to discover more local charm in Brisbane? Head here.