Farm to Flame – 6 Restaurants for Thrills on the Grill

There is nothing like the sound of food sizzling on the barbeque or grill as tantalising aromas waft in the Spring air!

Whether you decide to cook at home or seek out your favourite spot for thrills on the grill, cooking with fire is a primordial part of family life. Here are six restaurants where farm to flame is the ethos of the menu:

Located in the heart of the city in the historical Port Office Building, Moo Moo the Wine Bar + Grill on Edward Street is one of Brisbane’s favourite steak restaurants. Nestled in the Stamford Plaza Brisbane Hotel complex, this sister venue of Moo Moo Gold Coast retains its heritage charm along with showcasing modern elements like a monolithic granite bar top, built-in champagne walls and designer furniture.

 

There are six balconies, private booths and dining rooms as well as a walk-in wine cellar and dry-ageing display cabinets; start your farm-to-flame journey with grilled wild-caught prawns with chillies and garlic butter, before a signature Black Angus steak with Moo Moo jus and sides of Wagyu fat fried potatoes, young carrots and sautéed greens.

A premier destination for delectable fresh seafood and mouth-wateringly smoky char-grilled steak, Ember on Jonson Street in Byron Bay is renowned for exceptional food and warm hospitality. Expect a vibe in keeping with the coastal lifestyle; think potted palms, blond wood and a balmy alfresco area as you relax with a cheeky cocktail or two.

 

The Josper grill seals in juiciness and imparts a smoky flavour that sets Ember apart, as well as gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options; scallops with confit garlic, celeriac purée, salmon pearls and vincotto entice to begin, moving onto a char-grilled dry-aged tomahawk steak with herb butter, seasonal greens and skin on chips with rosemary salt and garlic aioli.

Bull & Bell Steakhouse on Banna Avenue in Griffith is a European-style restaurant with a farm-to-table philosophy celebrating the abundance of beautiful produce the Riverina region has to offer. Experience a carnivorous journey packed with flavour and indulgence like never before in spacious surrounds of leather circular chairs, plush blue carpeting and a marble open kitchen counter.

 

Opt for the signature Black Gully beef tasting plate with dry-aged Angus striploin on the bone, grass-fed eye fillet and Angus flank steak, grilled to your liking with mashed potato, creamed spinach and Dutch carrots; or perhaps grilled, spiced lamb rump hits the mark with zucchini baba ganoush, corn and tomato tabouli, washed down with a red wine.

Primal eating and sophisticated dining are on the menu at Fatcow on James Street in Fortitude Valley. This elegant restaurant is a new addition to the Brisbane dining scene, boasting a solid marble bar, circular booth seating and mirrored ceilings to complement a menu specialising in steak and live lobster.

 

The latest offering from the Tassis Group, expect entrées like char-grilled prawns, creamy bisque, piment d’espelette and finger lime; then devour char-grilled Brisbane Valley quail, with roasted potatoes and pumpkin, or eye fillet steak with wood-fired butter and garlic lobster, a garden salad and fries with truffle aioli.

Located next to the Brisbane Showgrounds, Six Acres Restaurant on Gregory Terrace pays homage to the rich history of the area. In keeping with the agricultural significance of the Ekka, Six Acres Restaurant today remains one of Brisbane's premier steakhouse dining experiences; expect a refined ambience of black leather seats, walls adorned with pieces of china and moody lighting.

Featuring the finest produce and meats from trusted local suppliers, you'll find the promise of only the best here, complemented with the perfect wines; start with star anise duck breast, carrot purée, pickled baby carrots, plum and salad, before grilled fish of the day, with crunchy fries, leaf salad, blistered cherry tomato and mustard dressing.

Spoil yourself, family and friends with an elegant steakhouse dining experience at Rare Bar and Grill on Victoria Street in Mackay. Setting a new standard of excellence in the area, dine street side and people-watch with a cocktail in hand, or head indoors where a moody vibe of polished wood floors, a green subway tiled bar and trailing greenery set the scene for memorable meals.

 

From a menu of steak, pasta and seafood dishes, dive right in with starters like salt and pepper calamari and lime aioli, moving onto mains such as Wagyu striploin, topped with Moreton Bay bugs and served with steakhouse chips, fried corn ribs and green beans, sautéed with garlic and herbed butter.