The Best Restaurants In Brisbane

Famous for its striking skyline of stupendous skyscrapers, Brisbane is a city of business, culture and great food. From the finest examples of French dining par excellence to beautiful views and small, local restaurants, the city boasts a dining scene to match those of Melbourne and Sydney. We revisit Brisbane with an updated selection of the top restaurants in the city.

Montrachet
Tumble into the effortlessly elegant Montrachet, Brisbane’s French restaurant par excellence. This exquisite eatery was founded by Lyon-born Thierry Galichet and is the perfect location for Francophilian diners to sample high-end cuisine. Although at the more expensive end of the dining spectrum, with plats principaux costing around $42, the quality of the food and the opulence of the interior confer inestimable value to the establishment. Imbibe a finely concocted cocktail or a glass of piquant French wine while you decide what to select from the broad menu. For your main course, try the divine canard aux deux façons, succulent confit duck leg set against roasted duck breast and serving with crispy fried Brussels sprouts and smothered in a Jerusalem artichoke and blueberry sauce. The restaurant is not open at the weekend so book over the phone well in advance to ensure a table.
Montrachet, 224 Given Terrace, Paddington, Australia, +61 7 3367 0030

Destinations Unlocked:
Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture tripCentralAmerica
1. Guatemala
An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.CentralAmerica
2. Belize
A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.CentralAmerica
3. Mexico
An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.SouthAmerica
1. Ecuador
A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.SouthAmerica
2. Peru
An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.Europe
1. Italy
The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.Europe
2. Scotland
Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.Europe
3. Portugal
A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.Asia
1. South Korea
Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.Asia
2. Thailand
From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.Asia
3. Sri Lanka
A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great priceAfrica
1. Morocco
An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!Africa
2. Egypt
From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
1889 Enoteca
Inspired by the Italian wine repositories or enoteca, 1889 Enoteca is the choice destination for connoisseurs of the Italian culinary persuasion. Snuggled in the shell of the 19th century, heritage listed Moreton Rubber Works building, this establishment is both an excellent eatery and wine repository, inspired by its namesake. Slurp one of the restaurant’s many fine wines whilst choosing what to consume on the delightfully broad menu. Try the famed bucatini all’amatriciana, hollow spaghetti tossed in a fresh tomato sauce with cured pork cheek, chilli, and Pecorino Romano. To secure a seat at one of the fine wooden tables in this eatery, ensure you book in advance over the phone.
1889 Enoteca, 10-12 Logan Rd, Woolloongabba, Australia, +61 7 3392 4315

Sono
Sequestered away right in the heart of Brisbane’s central business district is Sono, a sanctuary of Japanese cuisine and culture. The interior is swathed in an aesthetic cloak of traditional Japanese interior design lending authenticity to the dining experience, while many of the eatery’s chefs were trained in Kaiseki, the highest level of authentic Japanese cooking. The menu is extensive and offers a range of food, including sashimi, sushi, and a multitude of traditional Japanese dishes. Highly recommended is the soft shell crab kara-age with shiso sauce, deliciously crispy deep-fried soft shell crab served with shiso leaves, salsa, and a tangy vinegar sauce. Diners can book a private room or booth should they wish to indulge in an evening of clandestine romancing, or covert consumption.
SONO Japanese Restaurant, Level 1, Tattersalls Building/Edward St, Brisbane, Australia, +61 7 3220 1888

Malt
Resting peacefully in the venerable Wenley House building is eclectic Australian restaurant, Malt. Wenley House, constructed in 1865, used to serve as a municipal and its current owners have fastidiously imbued the interior of the restaurant with rustic, working-class charm. The establishment is divided in two parts, a bar and the Attic Restaurant. Sample the fresh market oysters that echo the building’s practical past; these come in a variety of guises including natural with shisho and delectable pickled melon. If seafood is your bent then the menu at Malt offers some of the best, including the ‘tastes of ocean trout’ dish, which consists of the eponymous fish served with gin and tonic gel, pickled beetroot, and avocado cream. This restaurant caters for groups of all sizes, from amorous couples to roistering event bookings.
Malt Dining, 28 Market St, Brisbane, Australia, +61 7 3236 4855
Public
For an evening of generous dining, sharing and laughter, totter down to Brisbane restaurant Public. This excellent eatery specializes in the concoction of delicate small plates that easily be shared enabling frequenters to sample all manner of taste sensation. The menu offers a tantalizing range of these plates to select from, including the smoked pumpkin, served with macadamia and mustard, and fresh octopus with eggplant and pomegranate. The restaurant has been the esteemed recipient of a number of awards including the Best New Restaurant and One Chefs Hat awards from the Queensland Good Food Guide Awards 2012/13.
Public Restaurant & Bar, Upper Level 1, 400 George Street, Brisbane, Australia, +61 7 3210 2288
Moda
Sniff a whiff of the Mediterranean Sea in Brisbane restaurant Moda. With a prime location right in the center of Brisbane’s central business district, this restaurant offers food inspired by a startling variety of traditions and cultures. Head Chef Javier Codina supplies diners with diverse and beguiling menus suffused with influences from France, Italy, and Codina’s native Barcelona. Quaff heartily on one of Moda’s many enticing wines while scanning the enthralling menu, then tuck into the heavenly wagyu beef cheek, which is finished with fluffy truffle mash and saturated in elegant, luxurious red wine. The restaurant’s interior is sleek and understated, with cosy corners allowing diners the opportunity to engage in coquettish colloquy while they munch.
Moda Restaurant, 12 Edward St, Brisbane, Australia, +61 7 3221 7655

The Spice Avenue
For the best British Indian cuisine in the whole of Brisbane, slink along to The Spice Avenue restaurant. This eatery specializes in cooking in the Balti style that originates from the northern region of Pakistan, from where it subsequently traveled the world over, stopping off in Birmingham in the United Kingdom before winging over to Brisbane. This restaurant is the ideal destination for raucous revelers or relaxed recliners alike, as the diners can choose to either eat in-house or take-away. A highly recommended signature dish is the chicken sharagama: chicken tikka slung in with fresh mushrooms, chopped onion, zingy ginger, cabbage, and spiced with fenugreek and coriander, before being served perched on a sizzler.
The Spice Avenue Balti Restaurant, 190 Birkdale Rd, Birkdale, Australia, +61 7 3822 9822
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!


Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.


KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.