Brisbane's Food Scene is Setting a New Benchmark for Culinary Experiences

By Belinda Seeney, Aruga Director of Content.

Brisbane diners have voracious appetites that fuel the city’s electrifying food scene. Beyond a taste for seasonal dishes and perfectly paired drinks, Brisbane is home to curious diners who crave adventure, thirst for knowledge and devour authenticity.

 

Sating these appetites are risk-taking restaurateurs and creative Chefs who continue to challenge conventions and embrace the best of Brisbane to deliver unforgettable dining experiences.

 

In 2023, the city welcomed Vertigo, a thrilling alfresco restaurant where diners enjoy the likes of delicate Moreton Bay bug and locally grown heirloom tomatoes while suspended four stories above the ground and Establishment 203 where steaks are hand-selected from Wagyu and Angus cattle raised on the Darling Downs.

 

 

Hospitality heavyweight Tassis Group has a string of successful restaurants in Brisbane with four more to come in 2024 including Bombora and Mulga Bill’s atop the almost-completed Kangaroo Point Green Bridge, offering a 360-degree view of the Brisbane River and city skyline.

 

Founder Michael Tassis says the city no longer follows trends but sets them:

 

"Brisbane offers an eclectic blend of experiences and is luring many of the big names from interstate to be a part of it,” he says. "The rules have all changed and it’s exciting to be a part of it – flashy new precincts are being built and charming heritage buildings are becoming available all at once. It’s a canvas for creativity.”

 

Bringing innovation and influence to Brisbane’s dining scene for more than 30 years, the Ghanem Group – its venues including Bisou-Bisou, Blackbird, Boom Boom Room, Byblos, Donna Chang and Iris Rooftop – is renowned for combining beautiful spaces with quality produce and visionary Chefs.

 

 

Managing Director Nehme Ghanem says a cadre of young, innovative Chefs and daring restaurateurs are continually pushing culinary boundaries.

 

"Brisbane is witnessing an influx of talent from across the country, bringing a wealth of experience and fresh perspectives, fostering healthy competition and compelling establishments to elevate the overall quality of the dining experience,” he says.

 

"The confluence of youthful ingenuity and seasoned expertise is undeniably propelling Brisbane to the forefront of Australia's culinary landscape”.

 

An exhilarating newcomer to Brisbane’s dining scene, Settimo within The Westin Brisbane imbues the city with the vibrant flavours, hospitality and energy of the Amalfi Coast. Rapidly winning both fans and awards is Chef de Cuisine Alessandro Pizzolato who, alongside restaurateur Guy Grossi, is spearheading a renaissance of Italian dining, one with a strong focus on regionality and authenticity.

 

"People want to learn. They want to walk away from a dining experience with more than just a full belly and so they should,” Alessandro enthuses. "There is no space for pretentiousness and gimmicks. The crowd is well-educated and they know what they want – real food, with ethos and soul.”

 

Stomachs are already grumbling in anticipation of more than 50 new restaurants and bars opening in 2024 as part of Queen’s Wharf Brisbane. Joining Luke Nguyen’s reimagined Fat Noodle and new Italian restaurant Cucina Regina are Aloria, Cicada Blu and Babblers, perched 100 metres above the river on The Star Brisbane’s striking new Sky Deck.

 

The Star Brisbane General Manager of Food, Beverage and Events, Dustin Osuch says 2024 is shaping up to be a transformative year for Brisbane.

 

"There are very few precincts like this in Australia, in fact, not many of this calibre in the world,” Dustin says. "There is no doubt in my mind we will continue to see the culinary industry evolve at a rapid pace over the next 12 to 24 months and I suspect we will see more highly acclaimed Chefs and restauranteurs swarm to the river city, as well as those up-and-coming Chefs who are hungry to make their mark and bring a whole new perspective.”