Brisbane used to be a bit of a bore on the dining front although it has really come along of late. There are now many award-winning restaurants in the city and its stylish suburbs, with everything from good Aussie tucker (wholesome Australian food) to excellent European and Asian eats.
Due to its mild climate, riverside area and charming streets, much of the dining is alfresco, plus prices here are cheaper than in many other comparable Aussie centers.
The CBD, nearby Fortitude Valley, and along Brunswick Street in the New Farm suburb have some of the best eating, while Chinatown is lively and South Bank is laid back and eclectic.
Brisbane's central business district is centered on Queen Street, with the buzzing Queen Street Mall at one end of it. Although best known for its shopping, it is also awash with eateries, from buffet-style pizzerias and food courts to the best in Italian and Greek restaurants.
Situated in the affluent Fortitude Valley area of Brisbane to the east of the CBD, this fine wide street has many top-end eateries. There is also a profusion of terraced cafés here as well as flashy hotel restaurants.
The New Farm area of town is southeast of Fortitude Valley and lines the river, with the best of the eateries at the end of Brunswick Street and across Merthyr Road. It is an area of trendy bistros and cafés and also has a great deal of Asian eateries.
This is the most laid-back dining area of Brisbane, lying south of the river and along its banks under the guise of the city's best museums and galleries. It is a superb area to eat and drink and puts on regular markets where cheap food can be had on the street.
This is the best area of the city to eat seafood although it is a few miles to the east of the CBD and along the coast. The Farmers Market here on Saturday has the freshest seafood in the city and there are cheap eateries here for sampling.
Cha Cha Char
Eagle Street Pier, CBD
Phone: +61 7 3211 9944
Cha Cha Char has award-winning steaks from the region that are in fact considered among the best in the country and at prices that won't break the bank.
E'cco Bistro
100 Boundary Street, between CBD and Fortitude Valley
Phone: +61 7 3831 8344
Serving all types of popular dishes and local Aussie favorites, E'cco Bistro is owned and run by Philip Johnson, a popular international chef. It is one of the city's best restaurants.
Restaurant Two
Corner Edward and George streets, CBD
Phone: +61 7 3210 0600
Located right near the Botanic Gardens and run by chef, David Pugh, Restaurant Two is highly regarded in the gastronomic world in Brisbane. It is known for its European and Australian food and has a fantastic selection of wine.
Era Bistro
102 Melbourne Street, West End
Phone: +61 7 3255 2033
One of the finest bistros in the city features an extensive wine menu and a top chef. There is also alfresco dining here and the beef fillet is particularly divine.
Tukka
145b Boundary Street, CBD
Phone: +61 7 3846 6333
For those who prefer to sample native Aussie cuisine, Tukka is a unique eatery in Brisbane. It is known for its bush food such as wallaby, crocodile, and bush tomatoes.
Three Monkeys
58 Mollison Street, West End Three Monkeys is an eclectic café in a converted house with a garden where you can taste local produce seven days a week amid nice surroundings. The furniture and décor are sublime and the whole place is somewhat of a Brisbane institution.
Find more information about Brisbane and hotels in the area:
Brisbane hotels | Australia hotels
