9 of the best restaurants and bars at Howard Smith Wharves

List

Sophia	 McMeekin

By Sophia McMeekin

Nestled between Brisbane’s iconic Story Bridge and the New Farm cliffs with a 180-degree vista of the city skyline and river sits Howard Smith Wharves, Brisbane’s vibrant dining and lifestyle precinct.

Just 10 minutes’ walk from the Brisbane CBD, this once-neglected piece of land has been transformed and is now a bustling pedestrian boardwalk lined with restaurants, bars, hotels, and event spaces.

Join the locals and soak up the famous Queensland sunshine by the water, drink in hand, or enjoy a meal overlooking the river at one of the world-class restaurants. One of the best things to do in Brisbane at night, the precinct comes alive as the city lights come out and the many bars and eateries stay open till late.

With some of Brisbane’s best restaurants and bars calling Howard Smith Wharves home, a visit here should be on any Brisbane visitor’s bucket list.

Felons Brewing Co

Friends at the riverfront bar and restaurant

Felons Brewing Co

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 steaks and an extensive menu of 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. 

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

Many people are sitting on a balcony and admiring the view of Brisbane's inner city and river. Many are socialising and enjoying alcoholic beverages at Mr. Percival's Bar.

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

 
Lunch at Greca Restaurant Howard Smith Wharves | best restaurants Brisbane

Sydney restaurateur Jonathan Barthelmess of famed Greek restaurant The Apollo has finally 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 recent opening, but already a firm favourite with locals, 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

Couple enjoying a drink at Fiume Rooftop Bar at Crystalbrook Vincent, with the Story Bridge and Brisbane City in the background

Located in chic Crystalbrook Collection 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.

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 cooking adds a new twist on locally-inspired dishes and embraces the sharing nature of dining by offering share plates that can be enjoyed together. 

The menu is focused on sustainably sourced meat and fish, free of pomp or pretension, that celebrates the beauty of ingredients.

Getting there

 
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Howard Smith Wharves is accessible by bus, ferry, and car, but the best way to visit this precinct is by foot, with 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, and the City Cat ferry stops at Riverside, just a 15 minute stroll to the precinct (ideal for taking in the river views).

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

Let's stay in touch

We'll help uncover your perfect Queensland experience

Bunji
Welcome to Queensland! ☀️ How can I help you?