Treat yourself to the best fine dining restaurants in Brisbane
List
By Sarah Bristow
You’ll find Brisbane no stranger to unforgettable eating experiences. The River City is a contemporary place with a famously laidback attitude to food, but that doesn’t mean fine dining experiences are hard to find around here. There are in residence a handful of eateries focused on special occasion eating, fine diners boasting lengthy degustation and memorable menus that are well worth a visit.
Like these spots - treat yourself to the best fine dining restaurants in Brisbane.
joy.
Photo by @joyrestaurant
Tucked into one of Fortitude Valley’s collection of laneways sits the petite joy. Manned by chef and owner Sarah Scott, this 10-seat omakase-inspired restaurant complete with graffiti-covered walls makes quite the impression. The seasonal menus weave Japanese and Nordic influences together, alongside local Australian ingredients. Degustation is the specialty, with long (eight dishes) and short (five dishes) set menus available.
Agnes
New addition to the Brisbane dining scene is Agnes, which comes courtesy of acclaimed chef Ben Williamson. This wood-fired foray sits in an old brick warehouse that’s been converted into a moody, industrial-style eatery with an equally stylish bar. With its set menu and private dining option this is one of the best fine dining restaurants in Brisbane. In even better news it’s not far from one of Brisbane’s best hotels, The Calile.
Montrachet
Photo by @montrachet_restaurant
Say hello to one of the longest standing and most beloved of the fine dining restaurants in Brisbane. Montrachet may have moved premises a couple of years ago from Paddington to Bowen Hills, but it remains devoted to quintessential French fare, with tasting menu and a la carte both available. Tuck into the likes of bouillabaisse followed by creme brulee.
GOMA Restaurant
Among the artwork of the Gallery of Modern Art sits its designated eatery, GOMA Restaurant. This riverside establishment has a philosophy focused around fresh, contemporary, and local flavours, and is led by Executive Chef (and former qualia talent) Douglas Innes-Will.
Gauge
Wander the booming eating precinct of Fish Lane in South Brisbane and you’ll greet innovative eatery Gauge. One of the most popular fine dining restaurants in Brisbane, this petite venue is recognised for its rather experimental menu, serving up dishes like fraser island spanner crab served with sugarloaf cabbage, horseradish, yeast, and chicken skin, or the fried apple, with quince, rhubarb and gooseberry pie, and topped with wattleseed ice cream.
Rogue Bistro
Photo by @roguebistro
Nibble on modern Australian dining at Rogue, where degustations are a firm focus. The 6-course menu rotates monthly, and features the likes of pan-seared scallops, with kaffir lime potato foam, and toasted quinoa, followed by rosewater compressed watermelon with coconut sorbet, and turkish rose petals.
Deer Duck Bistro
One of Brisbane’s best fine dining restaurants sits far away from the city centre, in the suburb of Auchenflower. Deer Duck Bistro promises to be a unique experience, with quirky degustation menus served in a space decorated with French Renaissance furniture, old silver cutlery, crystal whiskey decanters and antique paintings.
Elska
Photo by @elskarestaurant
An old Nordic translation for love, Elska is a 12-seat restaurant in New Farm celebrating the love the space has for food, connection and family. As the name suggests, expect fare with a Nordic-edge, especially when it comes to techniques, and a focus on a set menu degustation.
Restaurant Dan Arnold
Modern Australian cuisine can be found on the menu of Brisbane-born, French-trained chef Dan Arnold. This Fortitude Valley destination is one of the best fine dining restaurants in Brisbane thanks to its trio of set menus highlighting local Australian produce.
E’cco Bistro
Photo by @eccobistro
One of the most popular fine dining restaurants in Brisbane to visit would have to be the multi-award-winning E’cco Bistro. Opened in 1995 by New Zealand chef Philip Johnson, the degustation here is legendary with a three and five course set menu available. If you have a penchant for a glass or two you’ll be pleased to hear there is also a wine pairing option.
Saké Restaurant & Bar
Nudging the river on Eagle Street Pier is a Japanese offering among the fine dining restaurants of Brisbane. The chef’s omakase menu is the best option for those looking to splurge, with an eating event that includes the likes of lobster tempura and tajima wagyu strip loin.
