The Best Al Fresco Dining In Brisbane

As Brisbane’s restaurant and cafe scene ascends to new culinary heights, it is only fitting that the restaurant spaces themselves are demonstrating their full potential. As it enters the summer months and the urge to take your cocktail out onto the terraces, the rooftop or the streets becomes overwhelming, follow our guide to the best al fresco dining and drinking experiences in Brisbane.

South Bank Surf Club

Bar, Restaurant

In absence of any real beaches in the city, make do with an imitation in this laid back bar and restaurant, serving seafood, burgers and beer on tap. Surf Club is an entirely al-fresco set-up and the perfect weekend chill-out zone, spread over two levels. Downstairs is the bar and kitchen whilst in the upper level resides a massive wooden deck with views over Streets Beach and the river. The catwalk, however, is an additional thin platform that dishes out a bird’s eye view over towards the city.

Beach Burrito Company

Beach Burrito Company’s Brunswick Street store has a beach-style courtyard to transport customers south of the border (and a few hundred thousand miles away). Eat tacos, burritos, jalapeno poppers and drink ghetto can beers in the midst of the inner city.

Bar Alto

Restaurant, Bar, Diner, Italian

Located at the Brisbane Powerhouse, where one of the city’s best markets also takes place, Bar Alto is Italian in flavor yet authentically Brisbane in atmosphere. Dinners are meant to be eaten at a leisurely pace on the upper deck that looks out over the river: savor the house specialty of goat ragu on pappardelle and bask in the setting sun.

Gunshop Cafe

Cafe, Australian, Vegetarian, Vegan

In this vibrant West End spot, you’ll have to beat back the crowds to gain entry to the inner sanctum of Gunshop’s spruced-up garden courtyard with brick-wall exteriors and even rooftop beehives. Patrons can seek shade whilst enjoying chef Jason Coolen’s locally-sourced market-driven menus.

Next Door Kitchen & Bar

Bar, Wine Bar, Wine

Defying the stereotype of a grungy basement bar, Next Door Kitchen & Bar subverts the 1920s speakeasy style and brings their whole set-up onto the open street. The opportunity is ripe for people-watching on Little Stanley Street whilst you kick back with a vermouth cocktail and enjoy the tapas menu, inspired by creative modern European cuisine.

About the author

Alex MacKay

23 years old and MA (Hons) English & Film Studies graduate of the University of St Andrews. Budding filmmaker and screenwriter. My three great loves are flat whites, Saturday Night Live and the music of Taylor Alison Swift. I also have a weird fantasy about having Stanley Tucci as my dad.

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