The best new restaurants in Brisbane

It's no secret Brisbane is home to a thriving food and drink culture to match its enviable weather and ample green spaces. With some of the country’s best restaurants, cafes and bars - including Agnes, Gourmet Traveller's Best Restaurant of the Year - and a population of continually evolving dining precincts, there's always a new menu to work your way through.

Check out the newest contenders on the Brisbane dining scene – from glamorous steakhouses to sleek French wine bars – and use this as your guide for your next night out. 

Supernormal, Brisbane City

The wait is over: Melbourne food sensation, Supernormal, has finally opened its doors on Brisbane’s Queen Street. Andrew McConnell’s first Queensland outpost, Supernormal has had a Sunshine State transformation – so don’t expect a cut copy of the hawker-inspired Flinders Lane digs.

Instead, a natural toned fitout with rattan, timber and bamboo accents, plus floor-to-ceiling windows revealing Story Bridge and the river make it clear you’re in Brisbane. The Asian-inspired menu showcases the restaurant’s new location too, taking advantage of the incredible seafood and produce of Queensland and Northern NSW from the tantalising raw menu to the whole steamed coral trout with brown butter and lime dashi, and grilled wild barramundi in XO sauce. Of course, Supernormal’s signature dishes – the twice-cooked spiced crispy duck and New England lobster roll – star on the menu, alongside great wines and cocktails with a touch of tiki flair.

Tip: There’s no doubt this will be one of the best new restaurants in Brisbane – grab a reservation quickly, or walk-in at off peak times (Supernormal is open 12pm – 11pm daily).

Where: 443 Queen St, Brisbane City

Bar Miette, Brisbane City

Evidence Brisbane’s food scene shows no signs of slowing down: Andrew McConnell opened a second venue this July. Take the elevator up a level from Supernormal to discover Bar Miette, an approachable Euro-leaning riverside terrace bar offering all day dining. A great spot to wander in and linger over a glass of wine or two – one bite of crab mayo toast and a look at the views, and you’ll be hooked.

Tip: The milk bun stacked with mortadella, salted butter and smoked maple syrup is a must.

Where: 443 Queen St, Brisbane City

Naldham House, Brisbane City

Naldham House might be the most beautiful of all the new restaurants in Brisbane – though the 140-year old heritage building is actually home to three venues (and one more still to come).

Helmed by hospitality group DAP & Co. including restaurateur Andrew Baturo, who’s behind Brisbane favourites like Walters Steakhouse, The Gresham and Libertine, Naldham House is sure to be the city’s newest meeting place, with a terrace bar perfect for after work drinks or sunny weekend catch ups, and late night cocktail bar Club Felix that serves French-style snacks and libations late into the evening. But it’s the Brasserie that really steals the show – both in its glamourous Anna Spiro design reminiscent of grand hotel lobbies, and the Euro brasserie-style menu crafted by executive chef Douglas Keyte.

Tip: Request a booth near the grand piano, and share the 800g cote de boeuf with bordelaise sauce.

Where: 33 Felix St, Brisbane City

Little Miss Sunshine, Brisbane City

Bringing sunny vibes, house beers and Queensland cuisine to the CBD, Little Miss Sunshine is a new bistro and brewery set to open in late July. Located on Ann Street, this vibrant space is the perfect excuse to say goodbye to the desk-side lunch, or pop into for a knock-off beer. The crew are set on making Little Miss Sunshine a place for the Brisbane community, so expect live music, yummy meals from burgers to bug spaghetti, and 28 taps pouring goodness, including their own locally-brewed small batch beers.

Tip: Keep an eye out for the lunch specials if you work in the CBD.

Where: 80 Ann St, Brisbane City  

ēmmē, Fortitude Valley

For a diner with a mantra of ‘embracing imperfection’ every dish at ēmmē is pretty bang-on perfect. This wood-fired eatery on stylish James Street carries the precinct’s love of a minimal aesthetic, while bringing the flavours of the Mediterranean and Middle East to their food – specifically shouting out Jordan and Morocco as influences.

ēmmē is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner – with standout dishes including kingfish with green harissa and pickled jalapeno, Jerusalem artichokes covered in hot honey and smoked egg yolk, and the massive 1.2kg roasted lamb shoulder served with zucchini tzatziki.

Made with love and designed to share, it’s well worth getting a group together and going all in on a set menu banquet.

Tip: Save room for the chocolate tahini cake served with date caramel and whipped yoghurt.

Where: 3/22 James St, Fortitude Valley  

Dapl, Spring Hill

Forget what you know about modern Australian cuisine. Dapl – which opened at Spring Hill’s Amora Hotel in early 2024 – makes native Aussie ingredients shine in rich and innovative ways.

If you’ve ever tasted true bush tucker, you might recognise a few of the menu highlights. Like sea scallops served with mulled wine cranberries and native sea herbs, or confit lamb shoulder with peppermint gum. Pasta lovers should tuck into the sand crab cavatelli topped with macadamia nut romesco and native dukkah, but the bush-spiced kangaroo with Davidson plum sauce can’t be beat – except perhaps by the sweet lemon myrtle cheesecake.

Topped off with a great wine list and friendly service, dinner at Dapl will be a great night out.

Tip: Let the chefs lead the way with a two or three-course selection dinner.

Where: 200 Creek St, Spring Hill  

Calida, South Bank

In the heart of South Bank, 180-seater restaurant Calida celebrates the flavours and traditions of Argentina. Pack your appetite for this one: the extensive menu created by Alemré Executive Group Chef, Adam Star, features small plates like handmade empanadas, grilled octopus, chorizo and ceviche, alongside a range of fine-cut specialty steaks cooked on the custom Parrilla grill and served with house-made chimichurri and Australian red gum smoked salt.

Tip: Can’t decide? Go for the signature mixed grill for two to get a taste of the menu highlights, and be sure to pair it with the great selection of Argentinian wines and Latin-inspired cocktails.

Where: 164C Grey St, South Brisbane

Milquetoast, Brisbane City

Next door to inner-city rock bar, Alice, new wine bar Milquetoast occupies a converted laneway garage – bringing upbeat, industrial vibes for your next date night or post-work catch up. A venture from George Curtis of acclaimed Brisbane cocktail bar Before + After, and sommelier James Horsfall, you can count on great drinks here. The wine menu leans toward low-intervention, independent Aussie and international drops, joined by creative cocktails and a British-inspired menu of bites like devilled eggs, crumpets served with cured fish and curry aioli, cauliflower gnocchi, cheese plates and more.

Tip: The full kitchen is open until 11.30pm.

Where: 199 Elizabeth St, Brisbane City

Fatcow, Fortitude Valley

Steakhouses are well and truly having their moment in Brisbane. Fatcow – previously satiating diners at Eagle Street Pier – has joined the bustle of restaurants lining James Street.  

Dedicated to serving steak and lobster in sophisticated surrounds, Fatcow is one the best new restaurants in Brisbane when you want to indulge. Tassis Group made headlines with the gold-leaf covered steak – but there’s plenty of substance too. Artisan bread with smoked butter and ‘moo jus’ is a great starter, followed by small plates like spiced yoghurt tartare and wagyu croquettes. For your main course, choose tank-fresh lobster served chargilled or in a rich tagliatelle, or a cut of the mouth-watering selection of Black Angus cooked on a woodfired grill (all certified Halal). Deciding on dessert? Go for the Basque cheesecake.

Tip: There’s a beautiful private dining space for groups.

Where: 2/10 James St, Fortitude Valley

Longwang, Brisbane City

Yet another new Brisbane restaurant from the Tassis Group – who are having a very busy year with two more venues to open on the new Kangaroo Point Green Bridge – Longwang has been impressing diners with modern Asian cuisine since late April 2024.

The name has roots in Chinese mythology, paying homage to the revered Dragon King of the Sea. The menu has similar roots, featuring dishes like chicken bao, decadent dumplings, Sichuan bug tail, and master stock pork belly. With Executive Chef Jason Margaritis (ex-sAme sAme and Donna Chang in Brisbane, and Spice Temple Melbourne and Sydney) in the kitchen, exquisite flavours are guaranteed.

The unique Edward Street space has been custom-built to transform an alleyway between two city buildings, so it’s ideal for intimate catch ups – and feels like a place where you can pop into for quick bite or settle in for a full banquet.

Tip: Come for ‘Dragon Hour’ every day from 4-6pm or Lucky Duck Sundays, a must-try with a delicious banquet, signature cocktail, and live DJ from 1-4 PM.

Where: 144 Edward St, Brisbane City  

Augusta, Brisbane City

Inspired by the vibrant and eclectic Augusta Street in São Paulo, Brazil, Augusta is a lively spot by day and night – whether you need a coffee or caipirinha. A hit at Mermaid Beach on the Gold Coast, now migrated north to Brisbane City’s North Quay serving authentic Brazilian cuisine and Aussie classics for breakfast, tasty bar snacks like fried cheese croquettes, kibe, and veggie coxinha, alongside Latin cocktails and great beats.

Where: 293 N Quay, Brisbane City

Petite, Fortitude Valley

The team behind Fortitude Valley Asian favourites Happy Boy and Snack Man unveiled new venture, Petite, in June 2024. Located on their well-worn East Street turf, Petite is a French-inspired bistro and wine bar that is made for whiling away an evening – the sleek yet soft layout with leather banquettes and warm glow from vintage chandeliers encourages guests to stay a while and savour, just as the French intended.

The concise 20-dish menu is designed to share and pair with the carefully curated 20 wines available by the glass, with drops also French-leaning. Grab a spot near the open kitchen to watch meals come together, from kingfish carpaccio to steak frites and chocolate soufflé.

Tip: Come hungry – the menu doesn’t follow the tradition entrée/mains/dessert format but you’re probably going to want a taste of everything.

Where: Corner of East St and, Ann St, Fortitude Valley

Justin Lane, Fortitude Valley

The iconic white Queenslander at the corner of Alfred & Constance in Fortitude Valley was long a go-to destination for a long night out. And after years of lying dormant, a legendary Gold Coast pizza and party haunt is moving north to breathe new life into this much loved spot.

Justin Lane’s Brisbane outpost officially opens Friday 26 July! Expect their famous sourdough pizza and handmade pasta, along with a more extensive wine offering and a cocktail list that’ll make you kick on well after the last slice is demolished – especially if you descend into the just-announced underground cocktail bar for another round set to the tune of some vinyl records.

Where: 132 Constance St, Fortitude Valley

Still hungry? These Brisbane restaurants launched in 2023 and are a must-visit.

Pilloni, West End

It’s no secret Brisbane loves an Italian restaurant, but if you’re after a more regional affair, West End’s Pilloni is for you. Plating up wood-fired Sardinian cuisine, don’t expect your typical Italian dishes here. Instead, devour elevated takes on traditional fare from this Mediterranean island just west of Italy’s boot – like pane carasau (a crisp flatbread), culurgiones (a Sardinian pasta filled with potato, wild mushrooms and speck), spaghetti with mussels and bottarga, and slow roasted lamb neck with fregolone.

Husband and wife duo Andrea Contin and Valentina Vigni are well-versed in plating up mouth-watering Italian food – they also run La Lupa nearby in West End – but Pilloni draws on Contin’s upbringing on the island and wraps it in a classic, romantic atmosphere. To be enjoyed over a bottle of Sardinian wine, of course.

Tip: Bring a group of four or more and order the roasted suckling pig, which takes seven days to prepare (24 hour pre-order required).

Where: 166 Hardgrave Road, West End.

Midtown, South Brisbane

Fish Lane’s sleek new darling, Midtown, is everything you love about an upscale New York bar – with a Brisbane twist. And when that twist comes with martini flights (each conveniently two-sip sized), classic cocktails and a raw bar, you can bet you’re in for a good time. Helmed by One Fish Two Fish team, Daniel and Amelia Miletic, Midtown’s vibe is decidedly more bar-with-food than restaurant, though the food is anything but an afterthought – and nods to the pair’s prowess when it comes to seafood. Start with oyster shooters and steak tartare cigars, continue with a seacuterie board, or snack on prawn croquettes and Spanish octopus served with a green olive tapenade and sourdough.

And if you’ve been looking for a late-night spot for a post-theatre swizzle or two, Midtown’s Supper Club runs 10pm until midnight every Friday and Saturday.

Tip: Be sure to order the mini bay lobster croissants, smothered in hollandaise mayo and chives.

Where: 15 Manning St, South Brisbane.

Bonus tip: If you’re a fan of laneway cocktail bars, wander down Brisbane City’s Burnett Lane to discover Antico, a newbie from the cocktail-shaking minds behind Death & Taxes and Dr Gimlette.

Short Grain, Fortitude Valley

Short Grain is the homecoming of award-winning chef Martin Boetz, who has collected 36 Chefs Hats throughout his career, and is most well known for his Longrain restaurants in Sydney and Melbourne.

The casual eatery tucked into Fortitude Valley showcases Boetz’s signature Thai and South Asian flavours, and while Brisbane already has its share of incredible pan-Asian restaurants, Short Grain offers something different. Like crisp chicken skin wafers topped with smoked trout, green mango and peanut relish on a betel leaf, aromatic grass-fed beef yellow curry, and duck egg caramel custard tart.

Tip: Short Grain boasts its own food store, where you can buy goodies like curry paste, chilli jam and dressings to take home. It’s a concise offering for now, with more options to grace the shelves in 2024.

Where: 15 Marshall Street, Fortitude Valley.

Fosh Bar & Restaurant, Hamilton

Portside Wharf has picked up another eatery perfect for sunny day snacking in Fosh, a new venture from The Tassis Group (Opa Bar + Mezze, George’s Paragon and Massimo), verified experts in Brisbane waterfront dining. As the name suggests, Fosh focuses on seafood – all line caught and served within 24 hours – alongside Aussie produce. It’s a serious offering, from oysters and a raw bar to seafood platters, Queensland mud crab, dry aged fish and market catch that might range from coral trout to snapper and sole, depending on what’s been reeled in. Wrapped together in a stylish oasis that wouldn’t be out of place in The Hamptons; you won’t want to leave.

Tip: Looking for a more casual bite? Walk in at FoshTails Fish & Chippery and grab a spot under the picnic umbrellas.

Where: Portside Wharf, 39 Hercules St, Hamilton.  

Komeyui, Spring Hill 

The call for Japanese fine dining was also answered in Spring Hill, where an outpost of Melbourne’s chef-hatted Komeyui has opened. The dining space feels calm and relaxed compared to many of Brisbane’s other buzzy diners, but that’s by design. Food is art at Komeyui, and the focus is on Japanese techniques, balance and time-tested traditions, down to the hagama – a traditional cast iron rice cooker that cooks rice over fire to enhance subtle flavours within the nigiri and sushi. Choose to dine a la carte, or settle in for the signature five course menu or omakase experuence.

Tip: You’ll be tempted to fill up on the nigiri and sashimi, but save space to try the oven-grilled miso glacier toothfish, which is marinated in Kyoto miso for three days.

Where: Ground Floor, 191/203 Wharf St, Spring Hill.  

Carmen Tequileria, Fortitude Valley

For an equally tasty but arguably much fancier take on Mexican-inspired cuisine, make a reservation at Carmen Tequileria. A newcomer to James Street’s vibrant offering, the 80-seater restaurant oozes sophisticated style – but there’s plenty of substance too, and it comes in the form of a 30-strong-and-growing mezcal list made for sipping or mixed into an innovative cocktail.

As for the food? Tuck into poached lobster tacos and teriyaki duck tacos, then add yellowfin tuna poke tostadas, charred corn ribs, butterflied BBQ prawns, and rich agave al pastor pork. If you’re too full for dessert, the Patron tequila sorbet is a fun finish.  

Tip: There’s probably no better place in Brisbane to learn about mezcal right now, so be sure to chat to the bartender and sample a few.

Where: 70 James St, Fortitude Valley. 

Ippin, West End

West End has long been a foodie hotspot, and 2023 welcomed IPPIN to West Village precinct’s ever-growing host of eateries. The upscale Japanese dining experience makes any meal feel like a special celebration, and the menu spans from bento boxes to sashimi and nigiri, a selection of hot dishes pulled from an impressive glass-cased yakitori grill, and exquisite desserts prepared by a pastry chef.  

Tip: The set menu with paired beverages features most of IPPIN’s true highlights, including hibachi grilled wagyu.

Where: West Village, Level 2/97 Boundary St West End.

Bar Rosa, South Brisbane

If you’re a Brisbane local, there’s good chance you’ve lined up for a table at Julius many times, the scent of the city’s best wood fired pizza enough to convince you to join the waitlist. Next time, pop around the corner to discover their sister restaurant just a few steps away, Bar Rosa. Opened in March 2023, the sleek 35-seater has a cosy wine bar atmosphere, but equal attention has been paid to the food and beverage service here, where you’ll linger over selection of classic Italian-inspired plates and fresh house-made pasta alongside a concise wine and cocktail menu.

Tip: Arrive early for an aperitivo at Bar Brutus in Fish Lane, then share as many dishes as possible at Bar Rosa – the veal and pork meatballs in tomato sugo and local bug tail spaghetti are a must.

Where: 77 Grey St, South Brisbane.

On the hunt for more new restaurants in Brisbane?

Save room in your stomach to explore the smorgasbord of bars and dining that will arrive at Queens Wharf precinct. Opening progressively from 29 August 2024 through to the end of the year, Queens Wharf will include three rooftop venues on the Sky Deck, tropical inspired Asian restaurant Lúc Lắc, Latin American terrace diner Aztec, and several restaurants and bars within The Star Grand.

Italian fine-diner ‘Attimi by Dario Manca’ is set to open in September in Paddington, while two new overwater dining spots will be unveiled with the Kangaroo Point Green Bridge: elevated 130-seater restaurant Stilts, and Mulga Bill’s – a casual spot for pizzas, tapas and seafood that will also have a coffee counter for those on the go.

More to come – watch this space!