Everything you need to know about Brisbane’s Eat Street Northshore

Eat Street Northshore has well and truly become one of Brisbane’s hottest food and entertainment destinations since launching in 2013. An old abandoned docking site in Hamilton was transformed into the ultimate dining spot and draws hungry crowds every Friday and Saturday night and Sunday afternoon.

The concept is pretty simple: 180+ shipping containers fitted out into food stalls and an entertainment precinct. Wander the alleyways between them and you’ll find everything from pork dumplings to Japanese pizzas, classic burgers to Korean sliders, Aussie fish and chips to snails in garlic and parsley butter sauce, and vegan brownies to cheesecake sundaes.

The vibe is electric. It has all the buzz of a night market with live music to boot, just 10 minutes' drive or a scenic CityCat ferry trip from the city. And if you're in Brisbane to experience the wonder of Bluey's World, Eat Street is just moments away to refuel afterwards.

Get yourself well-acquainted with the best Eat Street dishes and the need-to-know tips with the help of this Eat Street Northshore guide.

Your Eat Street food guide

The sheer number of choices can be overwhelming for first-timers to Eat Street. Food FOMO is a real thing here, which can lead to indecision and food envy if you’re not careful. 

The dishes being served up hail from Japan, Thailand, Korea, Vietnam, Greece, Italy, France, Mexico, Brazil, and beyond. With cocktail, craft beer and wine bars scattered throughout, it’s a perfect dining option for groups who can’t decide what they feel like or have a mixed bag of dietary requirements. Or, want an excuse to eat four different dinners. Plus desserts.

Don’t be fooled by those carnival vibes with all the bright lights and popcorn. They take their food very seriously here. Instead of fries you’ll find pommes frites with brisket beef bourguignon and cheese fondue. Here, doughnuts aren’t round, they’re shaped like fries and topped with soft serve and sweets.

While there are plenty of classic favourites, like burgers, pizza and gozleme, a lot of the food selection is out of the box. Think flavours you never dreamed of pairing (mango pizza, anyone?) and next-level desserts for those with a serious sweet tooth. 

Want dinner with a show? There are plenty of theatrics to enjoy as your dish is cooked in front of you. Watch Kotetsu turn shredded cabbage and teriyaki chicken into a Japanese okonomiyaki ‘pizza’ on the grill, or drool over the giant cheese wheel at Pizza & Pasta that coats your spaghetti in the gooey good stuff.

All dietary requirements are well-catered to, with vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free and halal options throughout Eat Street. You can even head to the website ahead of visiting to pinpoint which vendors will suit your needs. 

End your night on a sweet note at Kombi Valley. This dessert haven goes well beyond standard ice-cream and gelato, so be sure to leave room in the tummy - and take your pick from decadent milkshakes, loaded doughnut fries, funnel cakes and cronuts filled with creative soft-serve flavours. 

Special mention goes to Professor Fairy Floss who spin the most giant sticks of sugar you’ve ever seen.

It’s never a dull moment at Eat Street, with the food offerings changing regularly. Don’t be surprised to see newcomers pop up and the menus change with the seasons.

Does Eat Street serve alcohol?

Want to wash down all that good food with a beer, wine or other alcoholic beverage? There are five bars sprinkled around the lot, including the Whale Bar, Beer Asia, Laneway Bar, Pineapple Bar and Diner Bar.

For an alcohol-free cocktail, make your way to Miss Flossy. For something refreshing on a balmy Brissy night, cool down with an ice tea from Organic Teahouse. Fresh juice, soft drinks, tea and coffee are also in abundance. Good to know: BYO is not allowed.

More than just a foodie mecca

The live music at Eat Street Northshore draws just as many crowds as the food itself. Let your taste in music guide you to the prime seating spot. If you’re after a little ambience, pull up a chair in the LaneWay Cabaret to take in the cool, laid back sound of jazz. On the MainDeck stage, local and touring bands add to the vibrant, bustling atmosphere; while the OpenSky theatre is where you’ll discover an assortment of solo artists and duos, entertainers or watch the big screen transform into an outdoor cinema. 

You can also squeeze in a spot of shopping at MarketSquare and TradersSquare, where you’ll find an eclectic mix of retro memorabilia, neon lights, fun pet accessories, handmade dream catchers, Aussie artisan beef jerky, and even a place to make your own candle.

When is Eat Street open?

Eat Street comes to life every Friday and Saturday from 4pm to 10pm, and Sundays from 4pm to 9pm. 

How to get to Eat Street Northshore

Sure, it’s easy enough to drive to Eat Street and take advantage of the 1400+ free car parks (with plenty of accessible parking spots too). But given its riverside location on the historic Hamilton Maritime wharf, the best way to get to Eat Street is on the CityCat, Brisbane’s ferry service which takes you to the Northshore Hamilton Ferry terminal, just a short 250-metre walk away. 

Good to know: The last CityCat leaves the Northshore Hamilton Ferry terminal at 11.15pm - use Translink to plan your trip. 

Is Eat Street Northshore dog-friendly?

Yes! Your four-legged family members are welcome at Eat Street Northshore, so long as they’re kept on a short leash, are people-friendly pups, stay off the artificial turf areas and more than three metres from food serveries. Eat Street's pet policy has a limit of one dog per adult. 

Assistance animals are welcome in all areas.

What if it rains?

A little water isn’t going to stop Eat Street. Between the nine undercover areas, all with ample seating, the only downfall is you may have to stay a little longer than planned - you won't run out of food options!

For more things to do in Brisbane when it rains, check out this list.

Do I need to bring cash?

Debit and credit card payments are the preferred payment method - keep in mind you can pay only by card at the entry gates and bars. Many market vendors do accept both cash and card. Eat Street has one ATM for those patrons who require cash. 

There's a $6 entry fee per person, unless you’re a carer or 12 years old or younger, in which case you get in for free. 

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