Favourite Food in Brisbane

What is the food in Brisbane?

The food in Brisbane is a vibrant mix of local charm, global flavors, and laid-back outdoor dining. The cafe culture thrives in Brissie, particularly with suburban houses converted into cafes, and and long weekend brunches are common. There is so much outdoor and riverside dining to take advantage of the wonderful weather.

From ethnic eateries tucked into suburban streets to riverside spots serving fresh seafood and craft beer, the options are as diverse as the people. I counted over 15 cuisines in West End alone, and modern alleyways host hole-in-the-wall delights. Embrace the casual style and slow down, savour the food, and enjoy the moment.

Where to eat in Brisbane?

Brisbane’s best eats aren’t confined to the city centre – some of the most flavour-packed meals can be found in its buzzing suburban hubs. From West End’s Greek and vegan cafes to Sunnybank’s legendary Asian eateries, each neighbourhood brings its own cultural flair to the table. Suburbs like Woolloongabba, Paddington, and Teneriffe offer everything from upscale brunch spots to hidden local gems.

Some other suburbs with great food options include the South Brisbane, Fortitude Valley, Rosalie, Petrie Terrace, New Farm, Teneriffe, Newstead, Hamilton, Manly, and Sandgate. Think cafes, restaurants, food trucks, pop-up markets, converted alleyways, gastropubs, and even the local bowls club/sports club have many options.

1. Mecca Bah, Newstead

This is one of my most favourite food in Brisbane – Middle Eastern flavors meet modern Brisbane. It has such a lovely atmosphere with benches and cushions situated in a courtyard with other restaurants. The slow cooked lamb tagine is delicious and hard to find elsewhere. I also enjoy the traditional pide and skewers as well. A friend really likes the espresso martinis too!

2. The Yiros Shop, Various Suburbs

Quick, affordable, and delicious, their lamb yiros is juicy and wrapped in warm pita with fries and tzatziki sauce. This was a common lunch stop for me in Fortitude Valley, and also in South Bank.

3. Little Greek Taverna, West End

This tiny restaurant has very fresh and tasty Greek food it is a regular stop for us in West End. Book a table inside otherwise you may need to settle for an outdoor table on the sidewalk which can be off-putting for some people with moderate pedestrian traffic next to the table.

4. Lefka’s Taverna, West End

This Greek gem is farther down West End so it’s less well known for tourists. It has a big following with locals and large menu with great portion size, especially the starter dishes and souvlaki. The ambience and decor feel more like a coastal Greek village but without the heavy foot traffic of West End.

5. Stone Artisan Bakers, Greenslopes

This tiny bakery attached to a small grocer is my favourite spot for a meat pie in metro Brisbane. Try the chunky steak pie and sausage roll for classic Australian fare – with lashings of tomato sauce.

6. Yatala Pie Shop, Yatala

A Brisbane institution off the highway south towards the Gold Coast, their traditional meat pies and sweet apple pies are worth the detour. When I commuted from Brisbane to the Gold Coast for work, I would stop by here for dinner. It’s like a large roadside diner, but just selling the best meat pies and sweets, even with a drive-thru. It’s also common from a beach trip as it’s convenient to the highway. If you’re not traveling this way, check out the Greenslopes Stone Artisan Bakery for a tasty meat pie in the metro area.

7. Bird’s Nest Yakitori, Various Suburbs

My friends love the shareability of these Japanese dishes with such fresh ingredients. It’s very tasty and easy to sample many varieties.

8. Julius Pizzeria, South Brisbane

Tucked into Fish Lane, this gem of Italian deliciousness is a favourite of my mate who takes his family there for authentic pizza. The vibe is delightful in this tight alley and they offer more than pizza as well.

9. Oxley’s on the Bay, Wellington Point

Crunchy chips and fresh battered fish taste even better with a sea breeze. Grab a burger or “fisherman’s basket” seafood mix and enjoy a picnic by the water. This is the only cafe at the very end of Wellington Point otherwise you’ll have to bring-your-own food or drive back into town. It gets very busy on sunny weekends.

10. The Lighthouse Restaurant, Cleveland

Overlooking the bay, this seafood-focused spot is ideal for a relaxed lunch. Try the Moreton Bay bugs or their classic fish and chips. It has such a relaxed coastal vibe and several seating areas but I most like the deck. Sommer and I considered hosting our wedding reception here because of the beautiful location and food. There’s a restaurant, cafe and “fish’n’chippery” takeaway option.

11. Pancake Manor, Brisbane CBD

One of the few locations open 24 hours a day, their buttermilk pancakes with maple syrup and ice cream are a must after a night out in the city. This is a church converted into a pancake cafe. You can sit on benches and in booths and it still has the high ceilings and stonework. Pancakes are the main fare here with plenty of varieties and it was a stop for hot chocolate for Sommer and me on our first date!

12. The Gun Shop Café, West End

This tiny cafe has been in West End for many years. Other cafes around it have closed but the Gun Shop remains. The potato and feta hash cakes are a long-standing local brunch favourite.

13. Paddington Social, Paddington

Elegant yet cozy, this café nails both croissants and curry. Get the Thai-style pork belly if you’re feeling adventurous. The converted house has the charm and the chefs provide great food as a cafe and bakery.

14. Eat Street Markets, Hamilton

A food-lover’s playground and highlights the diverse street food in Brisbane. There are cronuts (croissant donuts), dumplings, oysters and seafood, and plenty of other options. There’s a small entry free (no cash) but it covers the amenities and live music. It’s a terrific location by the river and easily accessible by CityCat ferry.

15. Gelato Messina, South Brisbane

Sommer and I stop here every time we can. They have a regular menu and then a daily rotating menu and make ice cream onsite. They even have ice-cream making classes! They have dairy free, sorbet, and weird combinations. They offer tastings and it can take a while to choose from their many flavours. I once sampled “olive oil” ice cream just for the experience but settled on blood orange sorbet and passionfruit sorbet for the hot day. I had to eat quickly as I walked to the Brisbane sign!

16. OTTO Restaurant, South Bank

Upscale dining with river views—go for the spanner crab linguine and stay for the unbeatable sunset over the city skyline. It’s unbeatable for location with river views in South Bank. Located on the southern end of South Bank it’s a little farther from QPAC and other eateries. Sometimes there are pop-up food markets on the green in front.

17. Ole Spanish Tapas, South Bank

Lively and flavorful, Ole is the place for shared paella and sangria—great for groups and a little slice of Spain in Brisbane. Check their onsite menus for the tapas + wine sampler. I sampled several delicious tapas with red wine while perched on a hightop bar watching the goings-on of South Bank.

18. The Burrow, West End

Tucked into a quirky old house, The Burrow is where locals come for craft beers and hearty breakfasts like the mushroom and halloumi stack. I had a birthday party here and sampled several of their delicious pizzas. The charm and quirkiness of the location amidst easy-going West End adds to the vibe.

19. Taro’s Ramen, Various Suburbs

Taro’s is famous among locals for its rich, house-made tonkotsu broth and hand-pulled noodles. Slurp away, it’s comfort food at its finest.

20. Felons Brewing, Teneriffe

Brisbanites love their craft brews. Right on the river at Howard Smith Wharves with a breezy vibe, their craft beer pairs perfectly with wood-fired pizzas and live music on the lawn. Easy access from the CBD or via CityCat ferry.

21. The Green at QPAC, South Bank

Ideal for a pre-show bite, this casual yet fresh café does a great simple meals and sandwiches. But what I really love is the casual “backyard style BBQ” hand-held options during Friday’s on the green. A pop-up chef BBQ with fries, and simple hand-held options make lounging on the green under the stars complete.

22. Pizza Capers, Various Suburbs

It may be a crime to recommend a chain pizza store? There are so many authentic pizza places to eat including Antica, and others on this list. But for a reliable weeknight pizza or lazy afternoon, the extensive toppings make each slice heavy with flavour and the menu is diverse. I love the rustic lamb pizza and the New Orleans chicken and potato pizza. Plenty of vegan and vegetarian options too. It did start in Brisbane. Does that make it okay to join the list?

23. Vapiano, Brisbane CBD

Fresh pasta made to order in a fast-casual setting—choose your sauce, add extras, and watch it all come together in minutes. There are limited pasta and pizza options but it’s made to order, fresh, and tasty. It’s tucked away in an alley off Albert St/Queen St so it’s fun to find.

24. Regatta Hotel, Toowong

Classic pub vibes with a riverside deck called the “Boatshed”. The steak sandwich and cold pint are Brisbane staples. The men’s bathroom with one-way glass is novel.

25. Grill’d, Various Locations

For a healthy-ish burger fix, their zucchini chips and grass-fed beef burgers always satisfy without the food coma. These burgers are so much more than the “California style” lettuce+tomato+onion on a beef patty. Their creative ingredients provide many options to explore how good a hand-held food can be.

26. Max Brenner or San Churro, Various Locations

Chocolate fondue became a fad in Brisbane for a while, then churros became popular. Max Brenner and San Churro chocolate shoppes are both in South Bank and other locations. Go for the churros with dipping chocolate or a thick hot cocoa that’s basically dessert in a mug, or the classic chocolate fondue.

27. Cineplex Balmoral Café, Balmoral

This was my usual movie cinema in a classic ‘old style’ decor. It has a relatively unknown cafe with tasty eats but what I really grab is the “choc top” ice cream cone. It’s cheap, creamy and multiple flavours with a hardened chocolate shell. It’s a great size to handle easily without being too much too sweet.

28. SEN Legend Vietnamese, Woolloongabba

Tucked in quietly but bursting with flavour—their pho is rich and aromatic, and the crispy spring rolls are delicious. There are several eating areas but I like the upstairs balcony.

29. Samson & Sophie, Teneriffe

This charming corner café is all about good coffee and brunch—try the avo toast with dukkah or one of their fresh smoothies. Get there early on weekends as tables fill fast for brunch.

30. Arrivederci Pizzeria, Milton

Casual and cheerful with giant, floppy slices of authentic Italian pizza served on long trays by the 0.25m, 0.5m, or 1.0m. It’s football (soccer) themed with jerseys hung everywhere and is a slice of casual Italia in Brisbane. It gets super busy during events at nearby Suncorp Stadium (as do all of the eateries at Park Road and Caxton St at event time).

31. The Plough Inn, South Bank

A Brisbane classic for a riverside pub meal in the heart of South Bank. Go for the schnitzel or parmigiana (a classic Brisbane pub dish) and enjoy live music on the weekends. It has a cozy upstairs and warm decor, as well as verandah dining to watch the goings-on in South Bank. Sommer likes the mussels when they’re available.

32. Norman Hotel, Woolloongabba

Advertised as the “worst vegetarian restaurant” in Brisbane, they have excellent cuts of steak in a robust pub environment. You can select your steak from the window and it will be cooked perfectly. The Regatta Hotel is another good option for steak. If you’re seeking a genuine steak fine dining restaurant then try Les Bubbles or SK Steak & Oyster in Fortitude Valley.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there fine dining in Brisbane?

Yes! There are many fine dining establishments, mostly in the Brisbane CBD including Fortitude Valley, South Brisbane, Newstead but you’ll also find local fine dining in unexpected spots throughout the city suburbs. Try Gerard’s Bistro in Fortitude Valley, Summit Restaurant in Mt Coot-tha, or 1889 Enoteca in Woolloongabba.

What food is famous in Brisbane?

Australia is famous for meat pies, pavlova, lamingtons, Tim Tams, Vegemite, and more and you’ll find these in Brisbane. Additionally, Brisbane does boast Moreton Bay bugs, which is a type of crayfish, on seafood menus as well as fusions of local ingredients of the state like macadamia, mango, kangaroo, emu, crocodile. Try Birrunga in Meanjin (local indigenous word for Brisbane) for Australian cuisine with native species, while admiring indigenous art.

Great Food in Brisbane: The Wrap Up

There are so many choices for food in Brisbane that celebrate the international melting pot of Brisbane’s cuisine. You’ll keep trying new places the longer you stay and even when returning. Soak up the casual vibe and outdoor seating and enjoy!

(And if you’re interested in ‘wraps’ for lunch, check out Wrapture in West End and try my favourite wrap – the Diablo)

About the Author

G’day, I’m Paul, an Aussie, and I love to travel. I want to experience the wonder of this amazing world, and foster the curiosity of others to discover their own wonder.

My favourite places to travel are somewhere new. I’ve attempted to learn Spanish but still working on it.

Check out more posts on Australia for local insight