Get a good look at the best riverside dining in Brisbane

At the heart of the Queensland capital sits the iconic Brisbane River, a waterway which winds its way right through the centre of the burgeoning city and its suburbs. Embrace your chance to get up close and personal with this famous local resident with an eating experience on its banks at the best riverside dining in Brisbane.

Otto, South Bank

Among the fine dining establishments in the River City is Otto, a restaurant as eye-catching as it is delicious. Sitting directly on the banks of the Brisbane River in South Bank, this Italian eatery is housed within an architecturally designed space with uninterrupted views of the water and city beyond. Nibble on Moreton Bay Bugs with fettucine and champagne lobster spaghetti in the restaurant, or enjoy something a little more casual at the adjoining Otto Osteria.

Eat Street Northshore, Hamilton

Variety is guaranteed at Eat Street NorthShore, another of the best riverside dining spots in Brisbane. A cluster of over 100 repurposed shipping containers form this popular market, which takes place on Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons. More than 70 traders gather here each week (5 themed bars included) serving up fare from around the globe, from Portugal to Korea.

Byblos, Portside Wharf, Hamilton

Just down the road at Hamilton’s Portside Wharf sits Byblos. An ode to modern Lebanese, this restaurant and bar in one serves up hefty plates of beloved mezat and dips. Feeling extra hungry? Don’t miss out on the Byblos Grill offerings, best enjoyed alongside the eatery’s unrivalled views of the Brisbane River.

Prawnster, Brisbane City

One of the best riverside dining spots in Brisbane would have to be The Prawnster. This floating eatery is housed across a duo of vintage prawn trawlers, which sit docked beside Brisbane City Botanic Gardens. While their trawling days are behind them, these boats remain fish-focused, serving up a fresh seafood-only menu to visitors, including mud crabs and prawns (of course).

Sono, Portside Wharf, Hamilton

If traditional Japanese fare holds more appeal, make your way to the refined Sono. The establishment, with its sweeping river views, offers sashimi and banquet options galore, but it may be best known for its teppanyaki bar, which promises entertainment while you eat. Saké connoisseur? There’s a sake tasting menu that’s right up your alley.

Supernormal, Brisbane City

Your eyes might be transfixed on the mouthwatering morsels served at your table, but be sure to look up between bites while dining at Supernormal. Brisbane’s most anticipated restaurant opening of 2024, Andrew McConnell’s iconic Asian-inspired fine diner has stolen the hearts of Queenslanders. Views of Brisbane River and Story Bridge pair perfectly with the style and substance Supernormal delivers, so settle in and work your way through the menu from dumplings to dessert. You’ll want to stay a while.

Regatta Hotel, Toowong

Among the best riverside dining in Brisbane sits one of the Queensland capital’s most historic offerings, the Regatta Hotel. This Toowong establishment has been a favourite watering hole for locals for the past 140 years. But after a revamp in more recent times, the gastro-pub has become a firm favourite for a tasty meal, especially when it comes to steak.

Bar Alto, New Farm

The resident eatery in the Brisbane Powerhouse forms yet another of the best riverside dining in Brisbane. Bar Alto sits riverside in the converted power station turned arts haven, serving up modern Italian cuisine like delicate pasta, roast lamb and pots of mussels from a suavely styled industrial setting. If the menu itself doesn’t tempt you, the regularly rotating wine list will.

The Powerhouse precinct offers two other dining venues: head down to water level for casual, all-day dining at Mary Mae's Bar & Kitchen (also dog friendly), or perch 17-metres above ground-level for a unique, harnessed experience at Vertigo.

BrewDog DogTap Brisbane, Murarrie

Brisbane has quite the reputation when it comes to craft beer. Arguably there’s nowhere better to get acquainted with the city’s burgeoning focus on specialty brew than BrewDog DogTap, a Queensland outpost of the Scottish beer brand which boasts an impressive 28 different beers on tap. But don’t just be tempted by the beer, this place neighbours the Brisbane River in Murarrie, and has honed a menu heavy on pub favourites.

Good to know: BrewDog has a second outpost in the heart of Fortitude Valley, pouring the same great brews - sans river views.

Greca, Howard Smith Wharves, Brisbane City

Greek food is something that Brisbane excels at, especially when paired with some views of the Brisbane River and the iconic Story Bridge. This is exactly what you’ll find at Greca, star chef Jonathan Barthelmess’ Brisbane space in the Howard Smith Wharves precinct. An eatery well-versed in modern Hellenic cuisine, taramasalata and slow-cooked lamb are two of the most popular dishes, but don’t miss out on the saganaki.

Feeling more like Asian or Italian cuisine? This precinct has a smorgasbord of restaurants and bars - take a stroll and take your pick.

Patina at Customs House, Brisbane City

When it comes to the best riverside dining in Brisbane, one of the more formal options resides at Customs House in the city centre. It’s here that you’ll be treated to one of the best views of the Brisbane River on offer, as well as the luxury of heritage-laden surroundings.

What’s on the menu? A Champagne high tea, paddock-to-plate dining for lunch and dinner, and seasonal pop-up bars in the riverfront garden. 

Alchemy, Brisbane City

Splurge on a night out with a visit to Alchemy, a sophisticated yet relaxed eatery perched on the Brisbane River’s edge. Polished Italian is the focus at this restaurant - dine on the likes of house made gnocchi with gorgonzola cream, roast lamb shoulder agnolotti and wagyu with boulangere potatoes and caramelized shallot. But be sure to save room for decadent dessert, where classics like tiramisu are served with hazelnut praline, coco crumble and dark chocolate ice cream. 

Brisbane Jazz Club, Kangaroo Point

Or enjoy a dining experience a little left of centre with a visit to the Brisbane Jazz Club, nudging the cliffs of Kangaroo Point. While good music is promised with every visit, so too is good food - the bistro style menu is packed with options like mushroom arancini, steak and chips, and oven roasted barramundi. 

Joey's, Kangaroo Point

Sitting atop the cliffs of Kangaroo Point and open daily from 6am til 9pm (or 10pm on weekends), Joey’s pumps with Brisbane locals – from the dawn jogging crowd’s first flat white to casual drinks for those who come to enjoy one of the city’s best sunset spots.

The Brisbane skyline is Joey’s backdrop, and it’s possibly the venue’s biggest drawcard. But the Italian menu will draw you in too, with a range of antipasti, small plates and pastas perfect for devouring in the sunshine. Coming for breakfast? Start your day with wood fired bagels, acai bowls and avo toast. 

Searching for more places to dine or drink with a view? Find Brisbane's best rooftop bars here.