From Brisbane City Hall to the iconic shores of South Bank on the Brisbane River, the capital of Queensland delivers on all fronts.
The River City is bursting with fun things to do, exciting places to visit and an epic lineup of major sporting and cultural events, such as the recent FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Discover all this along with markets, great restaurants and cafes to take in the balmy Southeast Queensland weather; as we celebrate AGFG’s 2023 Chef Hat award-winners, check out these six Brisbane venues that are must visits:
It wouldn’t be surprising to see the God of food, wine and indulgence himself lounging at Bacchus Restaurant (15), his South Brisbane namesake. Located on the podium level of the Rydges South Bank, this lavish yet inviting venue presents a sensory feast of sparkling chandeliers, rich furnishings, eclectic music and innovative European fare.
Equip yourself with a cocktail, direct your gaze to the languid pool, or open kitchen and indulge in an ever-changing array of dishes; think choices like Goldband snapper, broccoli, burrata, tomato and olives from the à la carte menu.
Treat yourself and loved ones to an elegant dining experience at Deer Duck Bistro (13), an Auchenflower venue with a touch of class. Emanating a distinguished vibe, Deer Duck is bedecked in lavish furnishings, plush upholstered dining chairs spaced around notably set tables and warm lighting, adding a moody ambience.
Order à la carte, or choose one of the degustations, perhaps sampling plates like seared emu fillet with lemon myrtle, rocket pesto and fermented ricotta; finish with a dessert of chestnut cream, gianduja espuma, coffee reduction and Nutella focaccia.
Celebrating a shared passion for food, wine and a promise to constantly evolve, Signature restaurant (13) is the pinnacle of Emporium Hotel Southbank's culinary collection. Located on Grey Street, this venue boasts a 150-year-old stained glass window, blush pink and burnt orange tones, a backlit white onyx bar and bespoke furniture, while more than 1000 handblown glass balls crown a range of design features.
From a menu crafted to be innovative, start with swordfish, corn, pistachio, basil and fermented capsicum, before mains of Fair Game wild venison, sweet potato fondant, shallot, pear and sage, enjoyed with a glass of Pinot Noir.
Bringing the best of Italy to Coorparoo, discerning foodies head to Ramona Trattoria (12) on Leicester Street. Inspired by deep-seated culinary traditions and with a name meaning ‘protector’, Ramona breathes new life into Brisbane dining from stylish surrounds spilling out to the alfresco area to take advantage of balmy Qld nights.
Twirl your fork around pasta dishes such as spaghetti alle vongole with pippis, bottarga and parsley, or pick up a slice of gourmet pizza topped with salsa di Pomodoro, pork and fennel sausage, potato, rosemary and pecorino.
With a philosophy centred around great food, friends, fishermen and farmers, head to Stanley (12) restaurant on Boundary Street in Brisbane for a memorable dining experience. Located on Howard Smith Wharves, this elegant waterfront restaurant and bar exudes a moody vibe of softly glowing lanterns, dark wood table settings and a balmy alfresco area for lingering with a cocktail taking in the vistas.
Embark on a culinary adventure sure to impress with signature plates of yellowfin tuna, calamansi, sesame and fennel, moving onto live Southern rock lobster from the tank, steamed with white soy, ginger and shallot.
Escape the bustle of the city at charming and serene The Balfour Kitchen (12) on Balfour Street in New Farm. Set in a beautiful Queenslander, guests can dine on the verandah, enjoy relaxed gatherings under frangipanis in the courtyard, or cocktails on the rooftop bar, as the sun sets over the Storey Bridge.
Serving edgy modern Vietnamese-inspired cuisine with a French twist, the menu delivers fresh, light and punchy flavours as seen in offerings like sweet and sour pork cutlet, panisse, fennel and fire-roasted capsicum.
