10 of the Best Restaurants That Opened in 2025

Brisbane’s dining scene certainly levelled up in 2025. From neighbourhood gems to destination dining, the city welcomed a wave of new restaurants that gave us plenty of reasons to forget about cooking at home. 

Whether you’re cruising between inner-city hotspots or heading up a mountain for a long lunch with friends, these are the openings that defined 2025. Consider this your hit list - best enjoyed with a empty belly, curious appetite and a smooth ride behind the wheel of the Lexus LBX.

South Brisbane’s Fish Lane gained a confident new addition with Marlowe. Blending Art Deco interiors with refined, produce-driven dishes. Expect thoughtful flavours, polished service and conversation that is sure to last long after dessert...more

Few openings made as much noise in 2025 as the long-awaited return of dining atop Mount Coot-Tha. Summit Restaurant pairs panoramic city views with an elevated modern Australian menu that heroes seasonal ingredients...more

Winnifred's is an exquisite multi-level champagne house and French bistro that's like finding a little slice of France in a Fortitude Valley side street. A virtual opus to France's Champagne region, Winnifred's is home to a unique collection of over 360 cuvées, alongside an exquisite French menu that is equally as impressive...more
 

Another French favourite - Little Provence brings classic French cooking to Brisbane with warmth and charm. Think comforting dishes, intimate interiors and a slice of French countryside tucked away in the CBD...more

Penelope Bistro & Bar is a glamorous dining, drinking and dancing den which is reminiscent of a chic European supper club, located in the heart of James Street's dining precinct in Fortitude Valley...more

Clarence is a contemporary Euro-style restaurant anchoring a prime corner of Fish Lane in South Brisbane, brought to life by the team behind the much-loved original Clarence - a Woolloongabba favourite that built a fiercely loyal following over many years...more

Newstead welcomed Evra in 2025, and locals were quick to make it their own. A modern, flavour-forward menu paired with a sleek, welcoming fit-out makes this a standout for both casual dining and special occasions...more

Rise Le Restaurant is a beautiful contemporary French brasserie overlooking Breakfast Creek in Newstead, set within the Mercedes-Benz building and sharing its ground-floor space with the much-loved Rise Bakery...more

CHERN is a chic, contemporary Asian fusion restaurant bringing an exquisite taste of south east Asia to a popular Kenmore dining precinct. From the savvy owners of Chalong Thai in neighbouring Chapel Hill, CHERN is well worth a visit, whether you're a local or not...more

Barchetta is a cosy and stylish little Italian bar and restaurant tucked away in a quiet corner of Rosalie Village next to Gelateria Cremona. Taking its name (which means 'little boat') from a vintage ferrari, Barchetta is an elegant and welcoming little haven, the perfect spot for a glass of wine and delectable bite to eat...more

2025 gave Brisbane plenty to celebrate on the dining front, and 2026 is looking just as good! Whether you’re heading from the Valley to South Brisbane or venturing further afield, the Lexus LBX makes city dining feel effortless - compact, refined and designed for urban adventures.

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