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Brisbane claims Gourmet Traveller’s restaurant of the year for first time since 1997

Fire-fuelled venue Agnes wins top spot at the annual awards while a Byron Bay head chef is recognised as Australia’s best new talent

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Brisbane’s Agnes has been named Australia’s restaurant of the year at Gourmet Traveller’s annual awards, becoming only the second Queensland establishment to claim the title in the awards’ 44-year history.

The Fortitude Valley warehouse venue, led by head chef and co-owner Ben Williamson, is known for its open kitchen with multiple woodfire pits, and a menu that features innovative use of fire and smoke. There is no gas or electricity in the restaurant’s cooking process.

At the Sydney awards ceremony on Monday night, Williamson described the win as “unbelievable”.

“Brisbane, I mean, it’s not just a place that you come to on the way to Noosa and beyond, I guess,” he told the crowd to cheers and laughs.

Williamson told Guardian Australia that it was “incredible to fill the shoes that Phil Johnson filled many years ago”, referring to Johnson’s 1997 win as the head of E’cco bistro – the last Brisbane restaurant to claim the top gong.

He said the return to the “very primal base” of cooking with fire was in part inspired by the building’s age. “What we wanted to do was … harness that old feeling that the building has and take the cooking right back to what it would have been hundreds of years ago.

“What I love about cooking this way is, you can write a recipe, but you really need to teach it because managing the fire is probably 50% of the cooking process.”

Gourmet Traveller editor Joanna Hunkin said Agnes was, in some ways, “not what many would expect from a restaurant in Brisbane. But Agnes proves that old dining tropes can change.”

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Williamson was hopeful that it was “the beginning of some great things” for Brisbane.

“For a long time, Brisbane [was seen as] a bit of a gateway to the rest of north Queensland and the state, and I think lately… it’s really becoming a destination of its own.”

Ollie Wong-Hee of Byron Bay restaurant Bar Heather was named best new talent, with the head chef telling Guardian Australia he was “somewhat baffled by it all, to be honest”.

Wong-Hee’s menu incorporates culinary influences from east and south-east Asia, a nod to the richness of Australia’s food scene. “If it wasn’t for cultural diversity in this country, our food would never have evolved. So all I’m doing in my place is honouring different cultures that belong in this country with their food identity.”

Wong-Hee said he did not frequent fine dining establishments, and preferred “to eat where the people eat”. Despite the complexity of the dining landscape, he said non-European cuisines in Australia had yet to receive the respect – and pricing – they deserved.

“I really dislike how we can go to any restaurant in Sydney and pay $40 for 100g of pasta, and we fucking question $18 for a bowl of brilliant noodles from a mother-and-pop shop. That’s what does my head in. I want that disparity to narrow.”

Regional Victorian restaurant Brae received the readers’ choice “icon” award, a new category for this year’s ceremony, while Hugh Allen of Melbourne’s Vue de Monde was named chef of the year.

Hunkin said she hoped the Gourmet Traveller restaurant guide, to be released next week, would “set an agenda for the year ahead” for diners.

“I definitely think we are entering an era of more accessible dining,” Hunkin said of this year’s winners, with many venues offering more “casual entry points to great dining experiences”.

“The quality is there, but it is at a lower price point. I think that’s the reality, that the industry is responding to the cost-of-living crisis”

The Gourmet Traveller 2023 restaurant award winners

Restaurant of the year Agnes, Brisbane, Queensland

State winners Onzieme, Canberra, ACT Aalia, Sydney, NSW Agnes, Brisbane, Queensland Restaurant Botanic, Adelaide, SA Peppina, Hobart, TAS Etta, Melbourne, VIC Millbrook, Jarrahdale, WA

Readers’ choice icon award Brae, Birregurra, VIC

Chef of the year Hugh Allen - Vue de Monde, Melbourne, VIC

Best new restaurant Serai, Melbourne, VIC

Best new talent Ollie Wong-Hee – Bar Heather, Byron Bay, NSW

Best destination dining Glenarty Road, Karridale, WA

Wine bar of the year Good Gilbert, Adelaide, SA

Restaurant personality of the year Louise Radman – Institut Polaire, Hobart, Tasmania

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Brisbane: The ultimate guide to the best degustation

Unbuckle your belts – we've discovered Brisbane's best degustation’s. Let the city’s star chefs lead you through a gastronomic adventure where each small but carefully designed course strives to achieve the perfect flavour, texture and colour. Go for broke and indulge in paired wines!

Dine in the Inner City

Agnes, fortitude valley .

Experience food like never before as Gourmet Traveller's Restaurant of the Year,  Agnes . Feast on food cooked by flame in this minimalist restaurant with an open kitchen that showcases the unique cooking techniques. Arrive for your booking early? Savour a crafted cocktail on their intimate terrace rooftop bar that overlooks The City, or their cosy wine bar tucked underneath the restaurant.

La Cache a Vin, Spring Hill 

Operated by the renowned chef, Dan Arnold, behind the highly regarded venue with his namesake, Restaurant Dan Arnold, and co-owner, Romain Maunier,  La Cache a Vin  is dedicated to providing excellent French cuisine. Their degustation menu features classic French dishes like soufflé and roast duck - all to be enjoyed in a rustic underground setting with charming archways, exposed beams and attentive service. There is even a luxurious private dining room on offer!

Exhibition, Brisbane City 

They do things differently here at  Exhibition . With no menu provided, their dishes are focused on their access to incredible live seafood, benchmark meat and fresh produce from Queensland’s best biodynamic and sustainable farms. Exhibition aims to bring you a menu that takes inspiration from a Japanese style omakase – meaning the chef will choose what’s being served each evening for the 24 guests, you being one of them of course! 

The Balfour Kitchen & Bar, New Farm 

The Balfour Kitchen & Bar offers a five-course degustation, created by head chef Lachlan Horstman. This menu will showcase sustainably sourced seafood, ethically farmed meats, and hero vegetables with beautifully balanced Asian aromatics and distinctive flavours of Vietnamese cuisine.

Donna Chang, Brisbane City

Indulge in a decadent Chinese banquet in the luxe setting of  Donna Chang . Sample dim sum bites like cumin lamb buns and prawn wontons, to large mains like char siu pork while cocooned in the plush velvet seats as chandlers twinkle above from the ornamental high ceilings.

Perspective, Fortitude Valley

If you're looking for a high-end degustation experience without a jaw-dropping price-tag, then  Perspective  is your best bet. With a tantalising menu, including complimentary vegan alternatives, which showcases local farm produce and an intimate 12-seat chef's table that neighbours the open plan kitchen, this venue is definitely one for the foodies.

Honto, Fortitude Valley 

This banquet-style menu is designed to share, with carefully curated large plates, side dishes, dessert and appetisers for you to enjoy. There are 10 courses so don't expect to go hungry but make sure you leave room for winning dishes including the  Honto  drumstick with tuna and avocado, and the lobster katsu sando. 

Restaurant Dan Arnold, Fortitude Valley 

After spending seven years mastering the fine art of French cuisine, you can be sure that Dan Arnold knows what he is doing. At  Restaurant Dan Arnold , you are invited on a culinary journey of Australian flavours and techniques. With three strands of degustation, diners will be delighted by the journey of Australian flavours and techniques, all sourced from small producers and local farms. No matter the rotation, you will not be disappointed.

Takashiya, South Bank 

For a degustation with a difference, head to  Takashiya  in the Emporium Hotel at South Brisbane. Indulge in gourmet Japanese ‘omakase’, which means the chef chooses what to serve for each course. Choose from their mini (9 course), standard (16 course) or premium (19 course) options, with the latter two served in their gorgeous private dining room while the chef cooks in front of you.

Joy Restaurant, Fortitude Valley 

This tiny space (we're talking a total of just 10 seats) has an ever-changing 9-course degustation depending on inspiration at the time.  Joy Restaurant  is not like other fancy restaurants. Owned and loved by husband-and-wife duo Tim & Sarah Scott, you can expect to get to know them as they cook your food, pour your wine, and wash your dishes – definitely not your average up-market venue. 

Tartufo, Fortitude Valley

With a motto of ‘come for a meal, leave with an experience’, you don’t want to miss out on a visit to  Tartufo.  Inspired by the owner’s hometown of Naples and the surrounding regions of Tuscany, Tartufo’s mixed degustazione menu offers sumptuous authentic Italian with the perfect wines to match.

Degustation in the Outer City

C’est bon, woolloongabba .

There is something about French cuisine that feels particularly fancy. A luxurious degustation experience is to be had at the charming C’est Bon with their seven-course chef’s tasting menu full of modern French morsels and based on only the best and freshest local produce. You can also opt for matched wines.

Deer Duck Bistro, Auchenflower 

Fall in love with Deer Duck Bistro ’s moody atmosphere and vintage charm. With a focus on foraging, Deer Duck prides itself on sustainable food with their constantly evolving degustation shaped by the local seasonal produce. While there is an à la carte menu, it’s the degustation that they are famous for. Choose from five-course, short-course, and long-course options, as well as vegetarian alternatives. 

Montrachet, Bowen Hills 

For a truly intimate French experience, Montrachet is the one. On Friday and Saturday nights, they offer a six-course chef’s tasting menu showing off their award-winning beverage selection and service, and highlighting techniques and flavours of Montrachet. Only working with the most sought-after produce, the Montrachet team pride themselves on their relationship with farmers and providores to bring you this exquisite degustation. 

E’cco Bistro, Newstead

E’cco Bistro  is renowned for their delightfully flavourful farm-to-table fare. Swing by between Wednesday and Saturday to be treated to their four- or five-course chef’s tasting menu. Wine aficionados will be pleasantly surprised with the variety of vino on offer.

Sono, Hamilton 

Fans of Japanese cuisine won't be able to resist the alure of  Sono ’s premium six- and ten-course tasting menus. Be treated to stunning views and enjoy traditional dishes at one of Brisbane’s finest award-winning Japanese restaurants.

Rogue Bistro, Newstead 

If you’re accommodating allergies and dietary preferences, you really can’t beat the degustation at  Rogue Bistro . Their six-course ‘dego’ menu changes monthly and features beautifully plated delicacies made with local and fresh produce. Visit the website to peruse the vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, no seafood, gluten free/dairy free and standard menus. The only trick is getting a booking in amongst regular clientele with monthly bookings! 

Brisbane Dining: Often alfresco, always delicious.

Be inspired.

37 of the best restaurants in Brisbane to try now

Emily Murphy

Social Media Manager & Writer

05 April 2024

A culinary renaissance is in full swing as the best restaurants in Brisbane prove they’re simply to dine for.

Australia’s dining landscape  is vast and diverse, and luckily for the Queensland capital , some of the best restaurants in the country can be found in Brisbane. The city’s dining scene is a true sight to behold, helmed by a new wave of dining delights. Here is the ultimate guide to the best restaurants in Brisbane.

Brisbane CBD

1. exhibition.

Best for:  dinner and a show

Honouring its location below the old Metro Arts Theatre, Exhibition  is a fully immersive, high-drama culinary experience. A new degustation is curated daily by Chef Tim Scott of former Joy Restaurant fame (more about Joy later) but no matter what’s on show, expect a wave of creativity.

The degustation menu changes daily.

The mood is thrilling and suspenseful, reminiscent of darkened stalls right before curtains are drawn open, and the staff are exceptional, but the food is its undisputed headliner. Inspired by the flavours of Asia, Chef Tim and his team’s ground-breaking Heston-esque play on seasonal local produce will leave you starstruck.

Come prepared for thrilling theatrics where the food is the undisputed headliner.

Address:  Basement 2/109 Edward Street, Brisbane City

Best for:  refined Japanese flavours and fresh local catches

Yes, it’s a song by Tool and certainly, the creative team behind Pneuma  are fans of the band, but no, there’s nothing even remotely themed or kitschy about this place.

Pneuma elevates fresh seafood dishes with refined Japanese flavours.

The loft-style venue, one of the best restaurants in Brisbane, focuses firmly on the freshest of local seafood and produce, drenched in the flavour bombs of Japan and jazzed to the point where each dish should be framed. A warm ambience, approachable staff and sophisticated wine list are all cherries on top of the excellence.

The loft-style dining space provides a warm ambience.

Address:  336 George Street, Brisbane City

3. ROTHWELL’S

Best for: grilled meats with a side of glamour

Once your eyes recover from the high-shine glare of its sensational glass chandeliers, brace yourself for seriously good grilling. Rothwell’s is the place to go for some of the city’s best charred cuts as the team take inspiration from global heavyweights like The Savoy Grill in London. The fit-out is New York-sexy, all green leather booths and Italian marble finishes, and there’s plenty more to devour than steak. Dive into crowd pleasers like the spanner crab pasta, duck cassoulet and sharable (and Instagramable) 600-gram Beef Wellington.

Address:  235 Edward Street, Brisbane City

Best for:  Greek, waterfront views

Greca is Brisbane’s favourite Greek restaurant  which sits in an old warehouse at Howard Smith Wharves. It serves as an old white taverna, boasting a menu that revolves around the charcoal and wood fire grills.

The renowned contemporary restaurant boasts waterfront views.

Encounter plenty of seafood and meats, alongside other traditional Greek dishes that you’ll have lots of fun trying to pronounce – taramasalata, spanakorizo, saganaki. The saganaki is to die for and is actually one of the must-eat dishes in Brisbane.

The traditional Greek dishes at Greca are to die for.

Address:  Howard Smith Wharf Precinct, 3/5 Boundary St, Brisbane City

5. DONNA CHANG

Best for:  Cantonese

Located in a heritage-listed former bank,  Donna Chang  gives a nod to Sichuan flavours and authentic Cantonese cuisine. The pink dining room is lit with chandeliers and full of marble tables and pink booths for big groups – or just loosening your belt. Serving fresh rock lobsters, Chinese roasted duck, and cumin-spiced lamb dim sums, you’ll get a bit of everything here.

Try Donna Chang’s specialty wonton.

Address:  Shop 3/171 George St, Brisbane City

Best for:  sharing

Since opening in 2019,  NOTA  has reinvigorated the lunch palette of Paddington diners.

Nota offers elegantly plated European dishes.

With its uncomplicated, yet luxurious approach to European plates, make sure you try the Fraser Isle Spanner crab pasta with chilli and garlic, and the mango bavarois to finish it off. All this is served in a historic building filled with brass features, exposed brick and cosy brown trimmings.

NOTA has given its historic building a luxe fit-out that complements the dining experience.

Address:  224 Given Terrace, Paddington

Best for:  Indonesian-Thai fusion

Melrose  brings contemporary Asian cuisine and mixes it with a cocktail bar to offer an alternative dining experience. The menu is perfect for sharing and has a strong focus on Thai flavours.

Our favourites are the soft-shell crab bao buns, cured kingfish with mint, ginger, lime and chilli, crispy Borrowdale pork belly and Penang duck curry. Thank us later.

Don’t miss the Indonesian-Thai fusion cuisine at Melrose. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Address:  Shop 5/6 37 Oxford St, Bulimba

Fortitude Valley

8. establishment 203.

Best for:  Seriously epic steak

If it feels a little clubby inside Establishment 203 , one of the best restaurants in Brisbane, it makes sense. The former nightclub venue is now fitted with plush oversized leather booths, plush banquettes and a whole lot of masterful cooking. The velvet curtains are over the top, sure, but this place throws bucketloads of fun into its premium beef cut finetuning and we’re here for it. Playing to his strengths, Chef Ben O’Donoghue of Surfing The Menu fame nails protein lashed with the flavours of Italy. And if meat’s not your thing, homemade pasta and seafood will equally delight.

Address:  6 Marshall Street, Fortitude Valley

9. RESTAURANT DAN ARNOLD

Best for:  Jaw-dropping plating

You won’t believe you can eat it — the creative genius exploding at Restaurant Dan Arnold  is that spectacular. Chef Dan Arnold brings Michelin star experience from France to this very special slice of culinary heaven in the Valley, plating up masterstroke after masterstroke.

Chef Dan Arnold serves up edible masterpieces.

Your heart will break the moment your fork hits the French-inspired wizardry but do get in there because well-balanced flavours and fresh local produce will send your soul soaring. Additionally, the fit-out is beautifully coastal cool so you’re spoilt for exceptional sights.

Every item on the menu is a slice of culinary heaven.

Address:  10/959 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley

Best for:  Japanese

Tucked through a secret door behind The Wickham, hôntô is turning heads  like nobody’s business. The dark, moody hôntô is undoubtedly the black sheep of the family, but dimly lit tables hide none of the splendour escaping this contemporary Japanese kitchen.

The dimly-lit tables at hôntô add a touch of drama to an incredible dining experience.

Find love at first bite over fresh, raw tuna inside savoury drumstick cones, lobster katsu sandos and grilled baby snapper with chicken dashi butter and kale furikake.

The contemporary Japanese kitchen is turning heads in Brisbane’s dining scene.

Address:  Alden St, Fortitude Valley

11. SAME SAME

Best for:  good vibes

sAme sAme  is another beautifully designed venue from the team behind hôntô – and it’s anything but ordinary. They’ve managed to take the heat, flavour and pace of classic Southeast Asian cooking and shake it together with a liberal dose of personality and hospitality. The results are a bustling, enigmatic restaurant that comes alive every night of the week.

Devour delicious Southeast Asian cuisine at sAme sAme. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Address:  Shop AM3 Ada Lane, 46 James St, Fortitude Valley

12. HAPPY BOY

Best for:  Chinese food

Stop at Happy Boy  for cool, contemporary Chinese food, right in the heart of Brisbane’s buzzing precinct. The light, industrial space offers minimalism in spades, alongside an affordable dinner menu that covers all the bases. The house fried rice is a popular choice, as well as the Beijing duck pancakes.

Address:  Under fairy-lit trees, East St, Fortitude Valley

13. HELLENIKA

Best for:  casual dining

Housed inside the boutique hotel and photographer-paradise, The Calile,  Hellenika  is the perfect alfresco space to grab a daytime bite. Enjoy signature, authentic Greek fare in an array of upscale environments. Whether it be a casual bite by the pool, or alfresco dining with friends – there are myriad options to suit in this rooftop oasis.

Dine poolside at Hellenika. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Address:  Level 1/48 James St, Fortitude Valley

14. GERARD’S BISTRO

Best for:  Middle Eastern food

From the talk around town, you might be forgiven for thinking Gerard  was just a really popular guy in Brisbane’s inner circle.

Pop into Gerard’s Bistro if you’re craving Middle Eastern food.

Really, you’re not wrong. Any diner worth their salt has heard whispers of Gerard’s Bistro, and the Middle Eastern bistro is leading foodies into their densest fever dreams. Changing regularly, the menu features an array of flavour-packed dishes made for sharing and epic house-made breads.

The Moreton Bay bug sayadieh is a must-try.

Address:  14/15 James St, Fortitude Valley

Best for:  date night

A sleek spot,  Essa is perfect for an intimate date night thanks to its moody and atmospheric feel, created by dark wood panelling, exposed brick walls and windows offering a view of lush greenery.

The restaurant provides the perfect dimly-lit setting for a date.

Essa brings an environmentally conscious approach to the menu.

Everything that comes out of Essa’s kitchen showcases local farmers and providers, with their seasonal produce heroed in simple, yet utterly delectable main dishes. Make sure to leave room for their signature Jerusalem artichoke cream bun for dessert.

The signature Jerusalem artichoke cream bun is a must-try for dessert.

Address:  181 Robertson St, Fortitude Valley

16. JOY RESTAURANT

Best for:  degustation

Occupying a tiny corner tenancy in Bakery Lane,  Joy Restaurant  has just 10 seats, all of them overlooking the action being carried out in the kitchen and bar.

So, how good can a restaurant that seats just 10 people be? Well, they’re booked out six months in advance, so we’d say pretty damn good. Choose either a short or long degustation, sit back to make friends with your neighbour, and leave seriously impressed.

Address:  Shop 7/690 Ann St, Fortitude Valley

Best for:  wood-fired cooking

In a beautiful old brick warehouse, tucked away in Fortitude Valley, you’ll find the wood-fired cooking delights of  Agnes .

The ethos: cooking stripped back to its primordial elements, food cooked over a flame and flavoured with a variety of different woods and prepared in exciting ways. From the brilliant minds of sAme sAme and hôntô, Agnes is sure to set your heart ablaze.

The cooking method at Agnes sets the food apart from its competitors. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Address:  22 Agnes St, Fortitude Valley

Best for:  Antipasto

A peach-hued stunner drawing inspo from the Mediterranean region,  Biànca  is also by the crew behind Agnes, sAme sAme and hôntô! It’s fully decked out in terracotta tiles, while the ceiling is covered by metal gridwork.

You can watch the kitchen team at work as they artfully assemble plates of mortadella, prosciutto, salami and more. All this plus fresh pasta, grill dishes, epic desserts and an Inglorious Basterds-themed cocktail menu, and you’ve got one heck of a night out.

Expect house-made pasta and stacks of antipasti at Biànca restaurant. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Address:  Shop AM5, 46 James St, Fortitude Valley

19. SUNSHINE EATERY

Best for:  Vegetarian and vegan

Sunshine  is somewhat of a deli, with restaurant quality food priced per 100g, allowing you to order as little or as much as you like and limiting food wastage.

Order vegan and gluten-free meals at Sunshine Eatery.

The entire menu of hot and cold Mediterranean dishes is 100 per cent vegetarian with ample vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free options as well. The alfresco courtyard is the perfect place to soak in the sunshine while eating it too.

Dine al fresco under vibrant yellow umbrellas.

Address:  39 James St, Fortitude Valley

20. GEMELLI ITALIAN

Best for:  authentic Italian

Gemelli uses authentic Italian products combined with the highest-quality Queensland seafood and meat, creating the ultimate dining experience. Using traditional cooking techniques, you’ll feel as though you’ve just stepped foot in Italy.

Address:  15 James St, Fortitude Valley

21. BISOU BISOU

Best for:  drinks menu

Bisou Bisou  is a French brasserie located in Hotel X. The intimate bistro is quiet and relaxing, ideal for those looking for some tranquillity. The cocktail menu here is next-level, and the bartender knows his stuff. Not to mention the list of French wines will make you weak in the knees.

Head to Bisou Bisou for an intimate meal in a tranquil setting. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Address:  Hotel X, 458 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley

New Farm & Teneriffe

22. vertigo.

Best for:  Thrill-seekers

Does that famous black-and-white ‘Lunch atop a Skyscraper’ photograph of construction workers scoffing sambos up in the air look fun to you? Well, you need to get moving to Vertigo , the country’s first vertical restaurant. Enjoy an Italian-inspired menu 17 metres above ground level on the edge of Brisbane Powerhouse as the city throws up incredible views down below. Terrifying or tempting, it’s certainly one of a kind.

Address:  Brisbane Powerhouse, 119 Lamington Street, New Farm

23. BAR ALTO

Best for: the ragu

Bar Alto  is in the Brisbane Powerhouse, a contemporary multi-arts, dining and conference venue nestled on the beautiful banks of the Brisbane River beside New Farm Park. The former power station has become a distinct Brisbane landmark, both as a stunning industrial creation and as a hub for everything creative including theatre, music, comedy, film, visual arts, festivals and ideas. Bar Alto is a relaxed and welcoming spot to spend an afternoon with a delightful menu ranging from small antipasti plates to a one-kilogram pot of mussels with chilli, garlic, tomato. Oh, and don’t forget the goat ragu pappardelle – yum.

Address:  119 Lamington St, New Farm

24. BECCOFINO

Best for: the woodfired pizza

Inside  Beccofino the smell of the woodfired pizza oven drifts through the restaurant to the outdoor terrace. The pizza menu is separated into pizze rosse (tomato-based) and pizze bianche (white cheese-based) and they are impeccable. The modern Italian restaurant has a substantial menu with pasta, antipasti, mains and Italian desserts. Simple, beautiful food is what these guys do best.

Beccofino specialises in Italian dishes.

Address:  Cnr of, 10 Vernon Terrace, Florence St, Teneriffe

Newstead & Bowen Hills

25. maggie may.

Best for:  70s vibes

Maggie May Supperclub  is the newest venue to hit Newstead and it’s a good one. The retro décor gives a modern 70s vibe and is fashionable and comforting.

This retro-themed resto gives off a modern 70s vibe.

The menu is designed for sharing with a range of small and large plates to whet the appetite. From gin-cured salmon, duck shanks and charred corn ribs to chargrilled pork sirloin with pancetta potatoes and chorizo butter, harissa glazed eggplant, or some cheeky s’mores for dessert, there is something for everyone at Maggie May’s.

Address:  84 Longland St, Newstead

26. ALLONDA

Best for:  risotto

“Allonda” is derived from the Italian word ‘wave’ in reference to executing what they consider to be the perfect risotto. A smooth wave is achieved during the process if, and only if, you get the perfect balance of butter, parmesan, stock and temperature.

The steak at Allonda is cooked to perfection.

This is the philosophy of Allonda  – balance. With a risotto Allonda of the week, they are always experimenting with flavours that will burst in your mouth.

Allonda is always experimenting with flavour combinations, which are a treat for your tastebuds.

Address:  17/21 Longland St, Newstead

27. MONTRACHET

Best for: French cuisine

Montrachet  offers a style of bistro dining, amazing produce and cooking techniques, paired with amazing, warm and precise service to deliver the perfect French dining experience.

Montrachet takes on a classy and elegant approach to French bistro dining.

With a number of accolades to its name, Montrachet is using its experience to ensure they continue to delight the palate with a seasonal French menu, and extensive French wine list.

Delight your palate with a seasonal French menu.

Address:  Shop 1/30 King St, Bowen Hills

Woolloongabba

28. casa chow.

Best for:  Chinese Peruvian

Casa Chow  is an up-tempo venue bringing Chifa cuisine to Brisbane. Chifa fuses classic Cantonese flavours with robust Peruvian staples, for a culinary delight that can’t be missed.

Chifa cuisine fuses classic Cantonese flavours with robust Peruvian staples.

Celebrate this vibrant unison with Casa Chow’s collection of Chinese-Peruvian Style drinks and small share plates.

Order up the pisco sour flight at Casa Chow for a real treat.

Address:  4b/148 Logan Rd, Woolloongabba

29. CLARENCE

Best for:  locally sourced, sustainable produce

Clarence’s  objective is to create a high-quality dining experience in a paired back and unpretentious setting. Focusing all their resources on what goes on the plate and in the glass, they go to great lengths to source the highest quality, local produce and beverages.

Settle into the cosy European-style bistro at Clarence. (Image: Mitch Lowe Photo)

With dishes like kangaroo salami, veal terrine and wild venison, Clarence is unique for all the right reasons.

Dine on locally sourced, sustainable produce at Clarence.

Address:  617 Stanley St, Woolloongabba

30. 1889 ENOTECA

Best for:  all occasions

Passionate about local produce and top-notch wine, Woolloongabba dining institution  1889 Enoteca is a sophisticated stop for any occasion. Chef Matt Stubbing focuses on supporting local farmers as much as possible, which benefits both parties; ensuring the restaurant’s produce is much fresher and less damaged from limited travel.

Address:  10-12 Logan Rd, Woolloongabba

Best for:  inclusivity

Detour  is a unique dining experience that’s progressive, thought-provoking, conscientious, and all-inclusive. To do this their menu is almost entirely gluten-free, split into an omnivore and herbivore selection. The herbivore section is completely plant-based and the omnivore section uses only sustainably produced proteins. The wine list consists of small, biodynamic, organic, Australian producers showcasing the natural wine movement. At Detour you can expect a unique dining experience where everyone is included.

Address:  11 Logan Rd, Woolloongabba

32. ONE FISH TWO FISH

Best for:  seafood

Combining the best of upmarket seafood restaurants with everyone’s favourite local fish ‘n’ chip shop,  One Fish Two Fish is a fresh take on the suburban restaurant and bar, with something for all schools of seafood lovers.

Sink your teeth into the pillowy soft steamed bao buns with painted crayfish, sriracha and aioli.

For those who welcome a relaxed and low-fuss dining experience set to a lively ‘80s soundtrack, this might just be the place for you. With classic fish and chips done perfectly, new-school fancy fish dishes, and versatile and irresistible sides, One Fish Two Fish is the new go-to for lazy lunches and as many oysters as you can muster.

Feast on a smorgasbord of oysters at One Fish Two Fish.

Address:  708 Main St, Kangaroo Point

South Brisbane

33. pilloni.

Best for:  A splash of Sardinian fare

Couldn’t quite make it to Italy this year? Consider Pilloni the next best thing, and then some. Dishing up ridiculously authentic flavours inside an achingly cool fit-out that blends contemporary finishes with warm textures and tones, the West End hot spot does wonderous things with the freshest of seasonal produce.

The restaurant’s fit-out is a blend of contemporary finishes with warm textures and tones.

Homemade pasta floats delicately in flavour-packed sauces while seafood shines and one helluva spit-roasted pig gets the party started at one of the best restaurants in Brisbane, hands down.

Enjoy a splash of Sardinian fare.

Address:  166 Hardgrave Road, West End

34. GOMA FARM-TO-TABLE

Best for:  Season-led creativity

Originally intended as a pop-up venue, GOMA Farm-to-Table  is sticking around indefinitely and crowds are high-fiving.

Yes, it shines a light on the best seasonal produce as every dish arrives high on flavour and low on fuss, but it’s the flood of natural light, friendly team members and general joy of this restaurant that visitors to the Gallery of Modern Art can’t get enough of. Grab a seat in the al fresco section if the weather gods are playing nice.

Address: Gallery of Modern Art, Stanley Place, South Brisbane

35. OTTO RISTORANTE

Best for:  an all-round dining experience

The beauty of  OTTO’s menu  is just how simple it is. It needn’t show off with outlandish bells and whistles, it simply lets the quality of the regional produce do all the talking. OTTO’s celebrates the extravagance of people, place and la dolce vita through modern Italian cuisine.

Dine by the iconic Brisbane River. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Peruse an a la carte menu, tasting menu, vegan menu and curated wine list while overlooking the iconic Brisbane River. Colourful interiors and a vibrant cityscape will keep you company, alongside perfectly al dente Blue Swimmer crab ravioli, or local squid cooked on the wood grill. Bellissimo.

Address:  Shop 1, River Quay, Sidon St

36. SOUTHSIDE

Best for: Instagram cred

Southside is Brisbane’s iconic riverside restaurant  serving East-Asian cuisine and pouring wines that share an appreciation of classic expressions from the great regions of the world alongside its favourite Australian producers.

This stunning restaurant is full of huge, green plants and the food is just as pretty. You’ll have plenty of chances to get the best Insta shot.

The iconic riverside restaurants serves up East-Asian cuisine. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Address:  63 Melbourne St, South Brisbane

North Brisbane

37. herve’s restaurant & bar.

The top level of a former dance studio provides open-plan good times at Herve’s Restaurant & Bar , where French fare always impresses. The vibe is casual and cool but don’t let that trick you into thinking there isn’t heavyweight expertise lacing every dish.

The open-plan space is a sun-drenched delight.

You’ll practically feel the warmth of the Eiffel Tower’s twinkling lights when hor d’oeuvres including a chicken pate éclair and truffle potato rosti sweep your table, before classics like steak frites and confit duck leg send you all the way into a Parisian dream.

The French fare at Herves is a Parisian dream come true.

Address:  Craft’d Grounds, Level 1/31-37 Collingwood St, Albion

This article has been updated by Kristie Lau-Adams

Emily Murphy found her passion for writing at a young age and knew her future was in travel after she moved overseas solo at 18. Em loves to write about beautiful, under-the-radar destinations and anything that will ignite a desire in more people to explore the vastness and beauty that is Australia. She is a devoted bun mum and in her spare time you'll find her by the sea, reading a good book, binge-watching a TV show or exploring Sydney's dining scene.

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Food & Drink

Arts & entertainment, design & style, travel & leisure, search concrete playground, the 20 best restaurants in brisbane.

These are Brisbane's must-visit restaurants for any discerning food aficionado.

The Brisbane restaurant scene is in the midst of an ongoing renaissance. Older dining institutions are changing things up to keep up with the pack, and new eateries keep popping up all over our fine city, championing creative and approachable menus inspired by a diverse range of cuisines.

These days, the options are almost endless. We can treat ourselves at classic fine dining restaurants, be part of the cool crowd when eating at underground haunts, or revel in the delectable beauty that is local Queensland produce at joints that celebrate all things seasonal and sustainable.

With all this on offer, deciding where to go next is tough. So let us lead you in the right direction with our list of the 20 best restaurants in Brisbane.

Recommended reads: The Best Waterfront Venues in Brisbane The Most Romantic Restaurants and Bars in Brisbane Brisbane's Best Dog-Friendly Bars, Cafes and Restaurants

A sleek Italian trattoria from the sAme sAme crew

The Anyday hospo crew ( Honto , Agnes , sAme sAme ) brought brilliant but simple, old-school Italian fare to the Valley when they opened Bianca in 2021. The extensive antipasti menu could easily be where you start and finish your food journey, but for those after something more substantial, there’s superb pasta, a massive pork cotoletta and an even more impressive 850-gram black angus steak.

You’ll feast on some of the best Italian food in Brisbane either up at the bar or in the pink-hued dining room surrounded by wood-panelled walls and terracotta tiles.

Start creating a personalised itinerary — or add to an existing list. Save it, share it and take it with you on your next local adventure.

Donna Chang

Luxe Chinese fine diner in Brisbane's CBD starring fresh seafood

The heritage-listed sandstone building on the corner of George and Elizabeth Streets is home to one of the best Chinese restaurants in Brisbane with Donna Chang. The fine diner fills its open space with pink, green and neutral toned decor, and the kitchen fills its patrons with fantastic Chinese dishes with Sichuan and Cantonese flavours and influences that blend the old and new.

Food options range from xiao long bao and Moreton Bay bug dumplings to whole roast barramundi, lobster rolls and char sui pork. The list goes on for both lunch and dinner, as does the mighty wine selection. A worthy spot to mark an occasion.

The service, food and wine doesn’t fall short of the promise

Bacchus has been among Brisbane’s go-to spots for an opulent restaurant experience since it opened in 2012 and it remains consistently and ambitiously good.

The menu has a strong focus on responsibly sourced, seasonally focused Australian produce, with champagne lobster, an exceptional roast duck, and a selection of steaks sourced from Queensland’s finest beef producers. Then there’s the stellar wine list that features more than 600 vinos, and an impressive cheese trolley to round out your dining experience.. What’s not to love about all that?

1889 Enoteca

Starring fantastic flavours of Rome and an even better wine list

Like stepping into the heart of old-time Europe, 1889 Enoteca offers traditional Roman fare with a wine list that’ll make oenophiles weak at the knees and a beautiful interior to match.

It is evident there is passion behind the food and even more so behind the wine. ‘Enoteca’ translates to ‘wine library’, and wine can be seen everywhere – from the hundreds of empty bottles making up the decor to the full ones ready for drinking. Pair your chosen drops with the unassailable fried zucchini flowers, house made spaghetti cacio e pepe, or show-stopping bistecca and you’re sorted for a perfect night out.

Image: Nikki To.

E'cco Bistro

This Brisbane institution is still a must-visit

For 22 years, e’cco Bistro wasn’t just a place to eat in Brisbane — it was one of the places to eat in Australia. In 2018, however, it said goodbye to Boundary Street and hello to Newstead , re-emerging with a progressive menu, more casual fit-out and a Brazilian charcoal grill to boot.

That might sound like a considerable amount of change for the classic Brisbane restaurant, but it’s still a must-visit. Maintaining the same fresh, simple, produce-driven ethos of culinary mastermind Philip Johnson, the grill takes centre stage where octopus, king prawn, beef tenderloin and even carrots all get the special treatment over the coals. Hot tip: do not sleep on the house fries.

Hellenika at The Calile

Enjoy spanakopita and seafood in smooth pastel surrounds

When  The Calile (arguably the best hotel in Brisbane ) opened its doors on James Street in 2018, it didn’t just add a gorgeous hotel to the bustling strip. It also saw laidback-yet-sophisticated Greek restaurant Hellenika open its doors. It started with a bang and has only gained momentum since.

Serving up meals and drinks for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week, Hellenika is consistently abuzz with local diners and delighted patrons of the hotel. For breakfast, you can expect all your brunch favourites (with a Greek twist), but the lunch and dinner menu is where this Brisbane restaurant shines brightest. There’s a focus on grilled meats, the ocean’s finest and fine wines — of which there are over 500 to choose from, including some banger Greek entrants.

James Street's Japanese fine diner serves up wagyu foie gras rolls, wasabi cocktails and sake flights

There are no prizes for guessing what’s on Sushi Room’s menu. Again, a venue located at The Calile Hotel , the focus of this stellar spot is right there in its name.

Its focus is on simple ingredients, sophisticated dishes and traditional preparation — while still turning the act of making its meals into an experience and giving the whole process its own spin along the way. Yes, sushi and sashimi are the stars of the show, but the long menu also includes grilled yakimono dishes alongside omakase and enkai options if you’d prefer the chef to choose or just like the ease of a set menu.

Fancy yet affordable Paddingron eatery serving snacks from $10

From ex- Moda duo Kevin Docherty and Sebastiaan de Kort, Paddington’s Nota has a philosophy of “simple yet satisfying meals”, according to de Kort. The modern Euro menu aims to be uncomplicated and approachable, while always highlighting quality ingredients and big flavours.

Kick things off with the superb tempura fish sandwich, beef carpaccio or warm confit duck salad with hazelnuts and grilled fig, before exploring the mains that take you from Italy with the chilli and garlic laced prawn casarecce to the east of France with the luxurious beef bourguignon. The tight, well-considered list of wine from across Europe, Australia and NZ makes choosing your evening’s drinks a breeze.

C'est Bon Restaurant & Le Bon Bar

Woolloongabba favourite serving top-notch French fare

Whenever the craving for a taste of France strikes, C’est Bon has Brisbane covered. Five mornings a week, it functions as a creperie over breakfast and brunch, making spanner crab-topped crepes made with buckwheat flour from Brittany. For lunch and dinner, its a la carte menu includes lobster tarts, pigs head terrine, Paris-style gnocchi and blackcurrant gateau.

And for drinks with a view (particularly wine and cocktails over Appellation oysters and croque monsieurs), the Woolloongabba restaurant also boasts a rooftop bar called Ooh La La if you want to make the most of a sunny Sunday arvo. After more than a decade, C’est Bon really is the goods.

Image: Mitch Lowe.

Australian dishes (emu tartare, anyone?) and inventive cocktails

You don’t have to veer off the beaten path to find Woolloongabba’s Detour — physically, at least. Diving into its menu? That’s another thing entirely. When was the last time you ate emu tartare, gunpowdered wagyu brisket, salmon with black ants, and fossilised carrots with dukkha and curry? Or Kentucky Fried Duck with cornbread, the restaurant’s signature dish?

Nestled into the cute-but-busy end of Logan Road precinct, the eatery aims to serve up a meal you’ll remember. If you want to challenge yourself with something different next time you hit up a Brisbane restaurant, head to Detour.

Restaurant Dan Arnold

French fine-diner with modern Australian flavours

After earning years of Michelin-star restaurant experience in France, Brisbane-born chef Dan Arnold returned to his hometown with Restaurant Dan Arnold bringing refined, creative dining to the heart of the Valley.

Diners can choose between three-, five- or seven-course set menus ($110/$165/$210) and can expect modern Australian flavours with a French twist, artfully presented on the plate. A perfect option for your next special occasion when you really deserve to be treated.

Image: Dane Beesley.

Yoko Dining

Buzzy riverside dining starring Japanese flavours

If you’ve ever visited Tokyo’s izakaya and music bars, you’ll be well prepared for Yoko Dining. Tunes spun on vinyl, an infectious energy and a retro-futuristic feel transport guests to the buzz of Shinjuku’s bar scene.

In the kitchen, a hibachi has pride of place. The seafood-heavy menu heroes those unique smoky flavours that come from the Japanese-style charcoal grill. And there’s a raw bar serving up fresh sashimi and ceviche. Yoko promises a fun, boisterous night out that forgoes pretension and polish and will put you right in the party spirit.

OTTO Brisbane

The revamped site for the ever reliable Otto

At the start of 2021 Otto Ristorante made the move to South Bank in the striking, ultra-scenic riverfront space. At this Brisbane restaurant, head chef Will Cowper still leads the charge, championing southern Italian dishes made with regional Aussie produce.

Given the outdoor setup, it’s a great place for a few drinks with a killer vantage from midday until late Wednesday–Sunday — so get ready to sip wines from the same area of Italy, plus a selection of cocktails, while you feast on classic Italian fare.

Brisbane's beloved up-market French bistro

A visit to two-Hatted Montrachet should be on the cards for any Brisbane foodie — especially anyone who is a devotee of true French cuisine. And don’t forget the wine. It boasts one of Brisbane’s most impressive restaurant wine programs.

Indulgent diners can find the likes of double baked soufflé with crab meat and gruyere cheese, seafood bouillabaisse and Grand Marnier brûlée on offer for sit down meals from the seasonal menu — or the whole-table chef’s menu for $145 per person is an ideal way to sample the restaurant’s best. Elegant food and brilliant service are the cornerstones of Montrachet’s fabulous restaurant offering.

This two-storey Thai eatery is an Ada Lane highlight

When Brisbane favourite Longtime shut up shop, it marked the end of an era. Thankfully, when one door closes, another one opens — in this case, upscale eatery Same Same from the same crew.

The focus on delicious Thai street food remains the same, however Same Same has plenty of surprises in store. The space is altogether more contemporary, the menu has grown larger, dishes are somewhat more refined and creative and the team have created a couple banquet menus for those who love to feast but hate to choose the best dishes themselves. They’ve nailed what Brisbane diners are looking for when it comes to having a great night out.

Essa Restaurant

Ex-Gauge chef Phil Marchant's fine diner

Perched on Robertson Street, this Fortitude Valley restaurant opened in 2021 under the lead of ex- Gauge chef Phil Marchant — who brought a strong focus on local produce and harvest-driven dishes to a striking split-level space just off James Street.

Marchant strives to highlight the work of the farmers, hunters and providores he’s sourcing his ingredients from. On the menu (which changes regularly), that approach translates to dishes that endeavour to pair the familiar with the surprising, as well as a big focus on raw, pickled, smoked and wood-fired meals. Celebrate all things local and creative at this exciting addition to the Brisbane restaurant scene.

Lively Greek taverna at Howard Smith Wharves

Nestled into one of the best spots in the city — the Howard Smith Wharves precinct — every aspect of this Greek restaurant has been designed to capitalise upon the scenic location and Brisbane’s sultry climate.

Settle in for a shared dinner, duck in for a casual lunch or pop by for an after-work drink — and whichever you choose, a relaxed Mediterranean-inspired space, river views, a seafood-heavy menu, and both indoor and outdoor seating all await. Owner Jonathan Barthelmess (who also runs The Apollo in Sydney ) has created an eatery with an old-meets-new atmosphere and some of the best Greek food in Brisbane.

Enjoy creative Japanese eats and beers on Alden Street

Pork katsu sandwiches, salmon tartare tacos, raw slices of kingfish paired with yuzu ponzu, and smoked eggplant chilli ramen with burnt nori — they’re just some of the inventive dishes on the menu at Alden Street’s moody Japanese restaurant Hôntô.

While Brisbane boasts plenty of Japanese eateries, this addition adds its own twist to classic flavours of the cuisine. The cocktails and drinks are of equal importance here, with an expert bar team who can be counted on for the perfect pairing for each moment of the Hôntô experience.

This spot seats just ten at the chef's table

The concept behind Sarah Scott’s Brisbane restaurant couldn’t be more straightforward: it’s a celebration of the joy of food — and hospitality in every sense of the word. It’s able to be achieved at this Bakery Lane space because it seats just ten people.

At Joy, customers perch themselves at the chef’s table. On the other side, the food is prepared and cooked, all in plain view of their hungry diners. The restaurant is basically welcoming its patrons into the kitchen while it puts on each night’s set menu (an eight-dish tasting spread for $175 per person). Let the Fortitude Valley eatery take you on an intimate journey accented with Japanese, Nordic and modern Australian flavours.

Woodfired dishes that delight in a converted brick warehouse

Step inside Agnes’ three-level space in Fortitude Valley to find a trio of drinking and dining spaces. Those keen on a drink can head downstairs to the wine bar or up to the rooftop. If you pick the former, you can sip your vino over snacks and dessert, or a first stop before dinner.

But a trip to Agnes’ main dining room is a must for any true foodie. The incredibly talented Executive Chef Ben Williamson focuses on elevated wood fired cooking. From game-changing baked oysters to wood roasted duck, every dish has the careful application of smoke and fire to its creation. What might sound simple is a dining concept that is one of the most exciting and special in Brisbane (and beyond).

Top images: Greca by Nikki To.

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EyesLikePlates

Eyes like plates – food & drink – recipes & reviews, brisbane claims gourmet traveller’s restaurant of the year for first time since 1997.

Brisbane’s Agnes has been named Australia’s restaurant of the year at Gourmet Traveller’s annual awards, becoming only the second Queensland establishment to claim the title in the awards’ 44-year history.

The Fortitude Valley warehouse venue, led by head chef and co-owner Ben Williamson, is known for its open kitchen with multiple woodfire pits, and a menu that features innovative use of fire and smoke. There is no gas or electricity in the restaurant’s cooking process.

At the Sydney awards ceremony on Monday night, Williamson described the win as “unbelievable”.

“Brisbane, I mean, it’s not just a place that you come to on the way to Noosa and beyond, I guess,” he told the crowd to cheers and laughs.

Williamson told Guardian Australia that it was “incredible to fill the shoes that Phil Johnson filled many years ago”, referring to Johnson’s 1997 win as the head of E’cco bistro – the last Brisbane restaurant to claim the top gong.

He said the return to the “very primal base” of cooking with fire was in part inspired by the building’s age. “What we wanted to do was … harness that old feeling that the building has and take the cooking right back to what it would have been hundreds of years ago.

“What I love about cooking this way is, you can write a recipe, but you really need to teach it because managing the fire is probably 50% of the cooking process.”

Gourmet Traveller editor Joanna Hunkin said Agnes was, in some ways, “not what many would expect from a restaurant in Brisbane. But Agnes proves that old dining tropes can change.”

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Williamson was hopeful that it was “the beginning of some great things” for Brisbane.

“For a long time, Brisbane [was seen as] a bit of a gateway to the rest of north Queensland and the state, and I think lately… it’s really becoming a destination of its own.”

Ollie Wong-Hee of Byron Bay restaurant Bar Heather was named best new talent, with the head chef telling Guardian Australia he was “somewhat baffled by it all, to be honest”.

Wong-Hee’s menu incorporates culinary influences from east and south-east Asia, a nod to the richness of Australia’s food scene. “If it wasn’t for cultural diversity in this country, our food would never have evolved. So all I’m doing in my place is honouring different cultures that belong in this country with their food identity.”

Wong-Hee said he did not frequent fine dining establishments, and preferred “to eat where the people eat”. Despite the complexity of the dining landscape, he said non-European cuisines in Australia had yet to receive the respect – and pricing – they deserved.

“I really dislike how we can go to any restaurant in Sydney and pay $40 for 100g of pasta, and we fucking question $18 for a bowl of brilliant noodles from a mother-and-pop shop. That’s what does my head in. I want that disparity to narrow.”

Regional Victorian restaurant Brae received the readers’ choice “icon” award, a new category for this year’s ceremony, while Hugh Allen of Melbourne’s Vue de Monde was named chef of the year.

Hunkin said she hoped the Gourmet Traveller restaurant guide, to be released next week, would “set an agenda for the year ahead” for diners.

“I definitely think we are entering an era of more accessible dining,” Hunkin said of this year’s winners, with many venues offering more “casual entry points to great dining experiences”.

“The quality is there, but it is at a lower price point. I think that’s the reality, that the industry is responding to the cost-of-living crisis”

The Gourmet Traveller 2023 restaurant award winners

Restaurant of the year Agnes, Brisbane, Queensland

State winners Onzieme, Canberra, ACT Aalia, Sydney, NSW Agnes, Brisbane, Queensland Restaurant Botanic, Adelaide, SA Peppina, Hobart, TAS Etta, Melbourne, VIC Millbrook, Jarrahdale, WA

Readers’ choice icon award Brae, Birregurra, VIC

Chef of the year Hugh Allen - Vue de Monde, Melbourne, VIC

Best new restaurant Serai, Melbourne, VIC

Best new talent Ollie Wong-Hee – Bar Heather, Byron Bay, NSW

Best destination dining Glenarty Road, Karridale, WA

Wine bar of the year Good Gilbert, Adelaide, SA

Restaurant personality of the year Louise Radman – Institut Polaire, Hobart, Tasmania

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A bite-sized guide to Brisbane

Brisbane River and Brisbane's skyline.

Where to stay

Rather than shy away from the BrisVegas nickname cast on the capital of the Sunshine State, the W Brisbane has unabashedly embraced it. The first of the W Hotel series to open in Australia since W Sydney closed its doors more than a decade ago, the Queensland incarnation, which nuzzles the Brisbane River in the CBD, has upheld the group’s reputation for quirk and colour.

An eclectic concoction of sweeping water views, Australiana paraphernalia and a psychedelic colour palette welcomes guests to each of the 312 rooms (including 32 luxury suites) – think oversized pineapples, neon lighting, and fixtures plucked from traditional Queenslander homes.

An army of facilities will further tempt you to linger a while, from the spa and gym to an outdoor pool, nestled next to the all-important WET Deck bar. It’s certainly tongue-in-cheek, but this vivacious addition is as vibrant and sunny as its new hometown, and (refreshingly) doesn’t take itself too seriously.

W Brisbane 81 North Quay, Brisbane, Qld, wbrisbane.com.au Prices from $299 per night for a standard room Pool Yes Hotel bar Yes Restaurant Yes Room service Yes Concierge 24-hour

W Brisbane’s Extreme Wow Suite overlooks the city.

QUEENSLAND ART GALLERY & GALLERY OF MODERN ART

With Brisbane’s burgeoning cultural precinct just a short stroll away, take advantage of the W’s handy location and head for the Victoria Bridge, towards the cluster of buildings that houses the creative pursuits of the River City. On the south side of the river, among a gaggle of theatres and museums, you’ll find the creative power couple, QAGOMA. Consisting of the Queensland Art Gallery and the celebrated Gallery of Modern Art, the duo offers a number of compelling exhibitions.

qagoma.qld.gov.au

THE BRISBANE RIVER

Get better acquainted with Brisbane’s most famous resident – the river – with a ride aboard one of the 22-strong fleet of high-speed CityCats transporting residents from one bank to the next. Commence your cruise from the city terminal (one sits just outside the W Brisbane), winding your way around the waterway’s famous curves until you greet the iconic New Farm Park. Make like the locals and spend a leisurely day picnicking on the grass in the rose garden, while snacking on treats gathered at the Saturday morning markets, held at the nearby Brisbane Powerhouse.

Brisbane’s Gallery of Modern Art.

Where to eat

BREAKFAST: THREE BLUE DUCKS

While café-heavy West End sits just across the river, you don’t need to leave the grounds of the W Brisbane for your morning meal. The hotel is home to the first Queensland outpost from the Three Blue Ducks family, which caters to the morning crowd on weekends. A local twist on laidback breakfast fare forms the bulk of the menu, including a sumptuous spanner crab scramble topped with papaya and bean shoot salad.

threeblueducks.com/brisbane

LUNCH: FISH LANE

A treasure trove of fresh eats await at Fish Lane, a revamped laneway opposite the Queensland Museum. Relaxed eateries sit alongside bars and a pub, with more additions set to open soon. Among them, Town Square is expected to arrive – a Richards & Spence-designed public space bursting with new venues, including the Chinese-centric Southside and the casual Kiki – from the group behind Rick Shores on the Gold Coast.

DINNER: LA LUNE WINE CO and MAEVE WINE

Make wine and snacks the order of the night in South Brisbane, where you’ll find a number of intimate wine bars in and around Fish Lane. Long-time resident La Lune Wine Co is always worth a visit, as is the more recent arrival, Maeve Wine, which sits in a 90-year-old heritage building and serves up European-inspired small plates alongside a dynamic selection of wines from small producers around the world.

lalunewineco.com.au

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Review: where there’s smoke, there’s fire at Brisbane restaurant Agnes

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OTTO celebrates people, place and la dolce vita. Located on absolute riverfront at South Bank, OTTO Ristorante and OTTO Osteria bring a vibrant glamour to the Queensland dining scene. Striking river views and colourful interiors meet warm and assured service. Guided by leading restaurant group Fink, and Head Chef Will Cowper in the kitchen, OTTO has forged its way as one of Brisbane’s most popular, successful, and consistent performers.

Taking inspiration from modern Italy, Head Chef Will Cowper’s menu is fresh, seasonal and produce-driven; sourcing the finest local ingredients and letting them speak for themselves. The wine list at OTTO is inspired by a love for Italian varietals, and will capture any wine lover’s attention, with a decisive line up of classic and esoteric Italian regions and varietals.

OTTO continues to forge its way as an industry leader in Queensland. OTTO has been awarded Best Queensland Wine List by Gourmet Traveller Wine, Wine List of the Year and Two Hats at the Australian Good Food Awards 2019, as well as Best Italian Restaurant QLD in the Delicious 100 2019.

Will Cowper

William Cowper is Head Chef at OTTO Brisbane. OTTO serves the food that people love to eat; Italian cuisine using fresh seasonal ingredients, with Will’s menu at OTTO Brisbane taking influence from the southern regions of Italy to suit the warmer Queensland climate.

Originally from Sydney, Will worked for a number of years at OTTO Sydney as Senior Sous Chef, assisting Head Chef Richard Ptacnik to maintain and expand the restaurant’s enviable culinary reputation.

In 2015, Will was asked to lead the kitchen team at OTTO Brisbane, and eagerly accepted the Head Chef position at Fink’s first interstate restaurant. In truly embracing the move to Queensland, Will has developed close relationships with local producers, working alongside them to ensure OTTO uses the best quality ingredients available.

Matthew Sharrock

General manager.

Matthew Sharrock is OTTO Brisbane’s General Manager. Brisbane-born and raised, Matt brings years of experience and passion for hospitality’s ever-changing landscape to the team at OTTO, where his love for food, service, and the outdoors come together at our beautiful riverside venue.

Matt grew up training horses, but followed in his restauranteur aunt and mentor’s footsteps when he opened his own restaurant on the city’s west side. There, he learned every area of the business, from working as a waiter, in the kitchen, and behind the bar, to marketing, events, and management.

In the years since, Matt has managed some of Queensland’s most beautiful venues, including The Tropic in Burleigh Heads, and, in Brisbane, Donna Chang and Blackbird. His love for waterfront venues transitioned seamlessly to OTTO, where the creativity and professionalism of Will Cowper and the team inspire him every day.

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Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Awards – Brisbane Winner Revealed

AUDIO FILE ATTACHED

GOURMET TRAVELLER REVEALS THE WINNERS OF THE 

ANNUAL RESTAURANT AWARDS

CELEBRATING THE CULINARY PIONEERS WHO HAVE REDEFINED THE ART OF DINING 

Strictly embargoed until 00.01am Tuesday, 22 August, 2023: Australia’s leading luxury food title, Gourmet Traveller , last night unveiled the winners of the highly anticipated Gourmet Traveller Annual Restaurant Awards at the hospitality event of the year.

As Australia’s longest-running restaurant awards, the country’s most esteemed and industry-leading chefs and restaurant personalities came together to celebrate the Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Awards, hosted at Brasserie 1930, inside the new Capella Sydney. 

Queensland's fire-fuelled restaurant, Agnes claimed the top honour, scooping the prestigious Restaurant of the Year accolade. The win marks just the second time a Queensland restaurant has been named Restaurant of the Year in the event’s 44-year history, with E’cco first winning the award in 1997.

Gourmet Traveller editor Joanna Hunkin, comments, “Agnes’ chef Ben Williamson understands the importance of light and shade with wood-fired cooking and balances it perfectly, which is no easy feat in a kitchen with no gas or electricity.

“It’s not only the artisan cooking style that makes Agnes noteworthy, the service team here is one of the best in the country, displaying expertise, enthusiasm and hospitality in equal measure.”

Gourmet Traveller awarded seven State Winners in the Restaurant of the Year category, reflecting the incredible calibre of dining in Australia this year. Winners include: 

ACT: Onzieme (Canberra); 

NSW: Aalia (Sydney); 

QLD: Agnes (Brisbane); 

SA: Restaurant Botanic (Adelaide); 

TAS: Peppina (Hobart); 

VIC: Etta (Melbourne); 

WA: Millbrook (Jarrahdale). 

Peter Gilmore, Rosheen Kaul, Josh Niland, Lennox Hastie and Kylie Kwong were among the top chefs to attend the event, which are the country’s only national restaurant awards. 

Chefs from across the nation cast their votes and overwhelmingly named peer, Hugh Allen (Vue de Monde), not yet 30 years old, as their choice for Gourmet Traveller’s ‘Chef of the Year’.

The new ‘ Readers’ Choice Icon Award ’, as voted by readers’, was awarded to Brae, chef Dan Hunter’s paddock-to-plate fine diner from a remote patch of beautiful countryside in Birregurra, Victoria.  

“After a decade of serving up some of Australia’s finest paddock-to-plate cuisine, Brae is more relaxed and better than it has ever been,” says Hunkin. “We’ve long celebrated and championed this magnificent regional restaurant and we’re delighted that our readers agree.”

Sean Moran from Sean’s Panorama in Bondi - now known simply as ‘Sean's' - received a standing ovation as he was honoured with this year’s Outstanding Contribution to Hospitality . The industry veteran will celebrate 30 years of his iconic Bondi restaurant this year, which first introduced the harbour city to farm-to-table dining in 1993. 

From New South Wales, Ollie Wong-Hee — the head chef behind popular Byron Bay restaurant Bar Heather — was announced as this year's Best New Talent . 

The night also recognised the charismatic personalities who make dining out memorable, with Louise Radman of Hobart's Institut Polaire taking home Restaurant Personality of the Year .

In South Australia, last year's Restaurant of the Year, Restaurant Botanic, was awarded the state winner and Adelaide's good-times wine bar Good Gilbert received Wine Bar of the Year. 

Over in Western Australia, Glenarty Road claimed Best Destination Dining and Jarrahdale's Millbrook took home state winner for WA. 

Rounding out the state winners, Aalia was named NSW's best restaurant , Onzieme was the ACT winner, and Massimo Mele's Peppina took out the honour for Tasmania.

The Gourmet Traveller 2023 Restaurant Award winners:  

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR: 

AGNES, Brisbane, QLD

STATE WINNERS:

ACT: ONZIEME, Canberra

NSW: AALIA, Sydney

QLD: AGNES, Brisbane

SA: RESTAURANT BOTANIC, Adelaide

TAS: PEPPINA, Hobart

VIC: ETTA, Melbourne

WA: MILLBROOK, Jarrahdale

READERS’ CHOICE ICON AWARD

BRAE, Birregurra, VIC

CHEF OF THE YEAR:

HUGH ALLEN - Vue de Monde, Melbourne, VIC

BEST NEW RESTAURANT: 

SERAI, Melbourne, VIC

BEST NEW TALENT: 

OLLIE WONG-HEE -  Bar Heather, Byron Bay, NSW

BEST DESTINATION DINING:

GLENARTY ROAD, Karridale, WA

WINE BAR OF THE YEAR: 

GOOD GILBERT, Adelaide, SA

RESTAURANT PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR:

LOUISE RADMAN -  Institut Polaire, Hobart, TAS

"The Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Awards recognise the incredible depth and diversity of Australia's dining landscape and are always a highlight of the hospitality calendar," adds Hunkin.

Full profiles of each of the winners, along with the 2024 Restaurant Guide, feature in the September issue of Gourmet Traveller , on sale Monday 28 August, 2023. 

The Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Awards are presented by S.Pellegrino, with support from Glenlivet , PorkStar, Ilve & Fhiaba .  

For more information, interviews and images please contact:

Rochelle Griggs, Co-Founder & Director, THEY

M: 0422 768 925 E: [email protected]

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