23 of my favourite places to eat in Brisbane in 2026

1. East-Asian cuisine from Southside

One of my absolute favourite spots to eat incredible East-Asian food with Chinese techniques at its heart is Southside in South Brisbane. Set across three levels in Fish Lane, this place feels like a ruined jungle temple meets industrial warehouse, and it works brilliantly. The food here is next level with standout dishes like wagyu xiao long bao, truffle spring rolls and char kway teow tossed with Moreton Bay bug. Pair it all with a tight wine list celebrating both old-world expressions and local Australian producers. The vibe is warm, the service is fantastic, and it’s become one of those spots I genuinely look forward to returning to.

2. Patisseries from Flour & Chocolate

Probably my favourite place in Brisbane to indulge in a tart, cake or other heavenly treats! Flour & Chocolate, based in Morningside, serve up the most delicious and good-looking patisseries you’ve seen south of the equator. Not only does the food taste good, but Lachlan and his team of wonder-chefs are absolutely lovely too! Be sure to try one of their impressive Danish’s and their signature cronuts.

3. Cake from Jocelyn’s Provisions

You have not truly lived until you’ve eaten one of Jocelyn’s Provisions incredible cakes, from any of their stores (James Street, Toowong, Albion or Camp Hill). I eat these as a naughty treat, with a coffee and a good old-fashioned catch-up. Not only do they look picture-perfect, the cakes here are full of flavour and deliciously moist. Yep, I said moist. My favourite is the Passionfruit Butter Cake because passionfruit!

4. Curry at Punjabi Palace

Definitely my favourite Indian restaurant in Brisbane, no questions asked. I’ve been going to Punjabi Palace to eat here for years now and still love it! The service is always good, the curry is always delicious and it’s well-priced. My favourite thing to eat here is the vegetable paneer tikka masala with naan bread. That meal is the cure for whatever ails you. Drunk? Eat it. Tired? Eat it. Sad? Happy? Hungry? Eat. It.

5. Breakfast at Jam Pantry

If you like your breakfast to be fun, then you have to go to The Jam Pantry in Greenslopes. Now run by Victor, this super cool space on Logan Road boasts a menu unlike any other in Brisbane. For real. There are your usual breakfast staples, of course, but then there’s a rotating menu of seasonal treats with a focus on preserving, fermenting and pickling. Think fairytale breakfasts and you’ll be in the right vicinity.

6. Pasta from 1889 Enoteca

If you are looking for Brisbane’s best pasta, get yourself down to 1889 Enoteca in Woolloongabba. The pasta here is next level, as is their fantastic range of wines. A meal here really is one of those dining experiences that turn into a great evening you just can’t forget. I go here whenever I have something really special I want to celebrate.

7. Pho from Vietnam House

For really great Vietnamese food, get yourself down to Vietnam House in the Valley. This place is really low-key and laid back, but has an easy, enjoyable vibe to it that I really like. It’s my Vietnamese go-to, for those nights when you want something delicious but not stodgy to eat. The Pho here is really, really good and I always struggle to choose just one thing to eat. Don’t miss out on the Singapore Noodles!

8. Breakfast at Deedot Coffee House

If you find yourself on the South Side (yo!) and want to get a really delicious breakfast and a great cup of coffee, head over to Deedot Coffee House at Holland Park. They serve up these epic breakfasts on chopping boards that really fill you up but don’t leave you feeling stodgy and gross. Ideal for summer, I know. They also make a really great cup of coffee. Just be sure to get down there early, it’s quite the hot spot.

9. Dumplings at Harajuku Gyoza

When it comes to eating delicious dumplings, Harajuku Gyoza is my top pick. They have tasty options for meat-eaters and vegetarians and you can get your dumplings steamed or fried. They also do this really yummy tofu and broth thing, which is surprisingly great (trust me, I hate tofu and even I love it!) They have a few locations now so, take your pick.

10. Breakfast at Lucky Duck

Another of my favourite Brisbane breakfast spots, Lucky Duck Cafe & Bar is a very cool little space in Highgate Hill. I love this place because the food is really fresh and the portion sizes are generous, but not overwhelming. They consistently make great food at great prices and the coffee is awesome too! It’s a go-to spot for me.

11. Cheap eats at Quan Thanh

If you’re on a budget, head directly to Quanh Thanh in West End. I was introduced to this place by a good friend a few years ago and I just love it. There’s a great range of Vietnamese basics that are tasty and won’t break the bank. If you’re feeling a bit down on a winter’s day, their Pho will always cure what ails you. Always.

12. Authentic Mexican from La Carmela

For seriously authentic Mexican food that actually tastes like Mexico, get yourself to La Carmela on Caxton Street. This vibrant cantina is housed in a gorgeous heritage-listed building with high ceilings, hand-painted tiles and a beer garden out back with stunning street art. The menu is packed with genuine street eats, including their famous birria tacos with slow-cooked marinated beef, queso fresco and consommé. The jalapeño poppers are killer, the ceviche is fresh and zingy, and the cocktail list is absolutely on point. Open Tuesday to Sunday, it’s become one of those spots that just gets it right every single time

13. Breakfast at Brown Dog

If I had to choose one place to be my official budget go-to for breakfast in Brisbane, Brown Dog Cafe would be it. Why? This Woolloongabba space is always super cool and chilled out and they consistently serve up simple, delicious and very well-priced breakfasts that you just can’t go past. They keep it simple and absolutely nail it every time. I also really love the coffee here – it’s awesome.

14. Cheap Indian Street food at Mirchh Masala

The food at Mirch Masala is really simple and really delicious, as well as being exceptionally well-priced. The place is no-frills, but the menu is awesome and loads of locals go here so you know it must be good. It’s definitely a hidden spot in Brisbane and somewhere not too many people know about.

15. Brisbane’s best sunset at Joey’s

Perched on top of the Kangaroo Point cliffs with a 180-degree view of the Brisbane CBD and river, Joey’s is hands down one of the best spots in the city for sunset drinks and dinner. The outlook here is genuinely outstanding and the whole vibe feels like you’ve been transported to a breezy Italian coastal town, complete with striped umbrellas and that relaxed European energy. The menu leans into fresh Queensland produce with a Euro spin, so you’re looking at things like kingfish tacos, buffalo milk burrata with heirloom tomatoes, blue swimmer crab linguine served in a bag and wood-fired pizzas with toppings like pesto and burrata or prosciutto and rocket. Everything I’ve had here has been delicious and packed with flavour. Come early for a laid-back sunset session with a spritz in hand, watching the city light up as the sun drops, or round up your favourite people for a late-night feast. Either way, Joey’s delivers on food, drinks and that unbeatable view. Just be sure to book ahead on weekends as this place fills up fast.

16. Dinner at Lennon’s

If you’re in the city and need a top spot for dinner, either to enjoy or impress, then get yourself down to Lennon’s Restaurant & Bar in the Queen Street Mall. The food here is so good, it’s really fancy but still really tasty and generous (not those tiny, pretentious plates of food that leave you starving). They also serve some mighty fierce cocktails and amazing wines here, so, really, they’ve got it all.

17. Beers at Riverbar & Kitchen

Our city really lends itself to cold beers outside on a hot afternoon. Bliss, right? One of my favourite places to do just this is at Riverbar & Kitchen at Eagle Street. The view here is awesome, you get to watch the world go by with the hustle and bustle of ferries and, of course, the sunset over the Storey Bridge. This place has a great atmosphere and an even better cocktail list. Get on it.

18. Vegetarian feasts at Govinda’s

For vegetarians, Govinda’s Pure Vegetarian is a real haven because you can eat everything! Woohoo! I love going here for lunch or dinner after a few too many beers in West End. They have loads of yummy foods to choose from that taste delicious and feel good in your tummy. Not only that, but it’s all well-priced too, perfect for budget eats with good friends.

19. Cocktail pitchers at the Regatta

Oh, the Regatta, the scene of so many dirty, dirty dealings (especially on the dance floor, am I right?!) There’s no denying the Regatta is an awesome place to spend a warm summer afternoon, in the golden sun, drinking pitchers of delicious cocktails. They serve some awesome Pimms cocktails here that are too good to be missed, so get on down and give them a try.

20. Breakfast at The Single Guys

I stumbled upon The Single Guys by accident, in Kenmore, and was blown away. It’s a tiny space but it serves up incredible food! The menu makes it hard to choose just one thing to eat for breakfast and the coffee is so good, not surprising given they’re also a coffee roaster. This unassuming place is a must-try in Brisbane for great breakfasts.

21. Acai bowls from Kiss The Berry

I freaking love Acai bowls! They’re so tasty, I just can’t get enough of them. My favourites come from Kiss The Berry, in South Bank. These are a great option for those balmy summer days spent wandering through South Bank. Grab a bowl of goodness and head on down to the water’s edge to enjoy it in the shade.

22. Drinks at Les Bubbles

Les Bubbles used to be a brothel, but it isn’t anymore, don’t worry. Now it’s become Brisbane’s favourite steak experience, housed in the very building that was at the centre of the Fitzgerald Inquiry. The space serves up incredible steak frites with bottomless fries alongside really awesome cocktails and other drinks. You can already tell it’s become one of those iconic Brisbane hotspots, so get on down there and check it out. Ideal for after-work drinks or a late-night cocktail.

23. Breakfast at Scout Cafe

This rustic little gem tucked away in Petrie Terrace is the kind of laid-back, dog-friendly spot you wish was at the end of your street. Scout Cafe sits in a charming historic building with hand-scraped 1920s brick walls, bay windows overlooking Hardgrave Park and a fireplace in the back room. The menu changes regularly but expect top-notch food like herb scrambled eggs with chorizo and rocket on bagels, Welsh Rarebit with mushrooms or their signature Scout’s Honour breakfast with perfectly cooked eggs on crispy sourdough. The coffee is excellent, the vibe is welcoming and it’s open 7 days a week. Part cafe, part living room, whole lotta lovely.