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Best Things to do in East Brisbane

Updated: Jun 03, 2026

This charming historic riverside suburb is full of hidden gems, including a pocket-sized Japanese restaurant, a traditional German beer hall & restaurant, antiques, cool cafes and a splendid riverfront park. Here's 20 things to eat, drink, see and do in East Brisbane:

Shunsai

Shunsai is a real slice of Japan in Brisbane - a pocket-sized upmarket Japanese restaurant and bar found tucked away

Pawpaw Café

Inside seating at Pawpaw Cafe East Brisbane

Inhabiting an historic shop on Stanley Street is this all-day brunch café and Pan Asian restaurant by night

Future Magic Brewing Co

A convivial suburban microbrewery tucked away in an industrial side street, serving cool beers & hot pizza

Yakitori Kiku

Tucked away in East Brisbane, Yakitori Kiku serves up authentic Japanese charcoal-grilled skewers in a cosy, Tokyo-style setting.

La Bodega Taqueria

A bright and breezy terracotta-hued Mexican restaurant located in a tiny precinct of eateries off Lytton Rd

Sunny Side Sandwiches

Sunny Side Sandwiches have opened their third outlet in East Brisbane, bringing their delectable gourmet shokupan sandwiches

Banana Leaf

Banana Leaf dishes up top-notch Thai fare in a funky setting

Olli Italiano

Olli Italiano is a charming contemporary Italian eatery and bar serving up delicious pizzas, pasta and antipasti as well as Italian cocktails

The German Club

For a rollickin' good night in an old-fashioned community setting, The German Club, is one of Brisbane’s best-kept secrets

Mowbray Park

Mowbray Park is a remnant of the riverine estate established in 1850 by the father of East Brisbane Reverend Thomas Mowbray

Cafetal Coffee Roasters

Cafetal Coffee Roasters bring the best coffee that Colombia has to offer to an industrial side street

Michael Allen Antiques

This fancy black 1880’s weather board shop consistently houses one of Brisbane’s most intriguing antique collections

KCS Chicken

A hidden gem of a Korean fried chicken eatery occupying an historic shop in East Brisbane

Allpress Espresso

Allpress Espresso is brewing Melbourne’s favourite specialty coffee in the inner-city suburb of East Brisbane

Mowbray Park Playground

This playground is located in the beautiful fig shaded surrounds of Mowbray Park

East Brisbane Walk

Brisbane River and city views along footpath in Mowbray Park East Brisbane.

This walk around East Brisbane, one of Brisbane’s best kept secrets, reveals quaint churches, elegant parks, stately Victorian villas and a hidden creek life

Schnucki Dirndl & Lederhosen

SEQ's own Bavarian shop Schnucki Dirndl & Lederhosen is the go-to for traditional German gear and accessories

Mowbraytown Presbyterian Church Group

This little cluster of stand out weatherboard buildings are both an ode to the father of Presbyterianism in Brisbane, Reverend Thomas Mowbray

Triumph Theatre

This 1920’s built picture theatre is one of a few remaining intact interwar cinemas left in Queensland

The historic neighbourhood hotel had a major makeover in 2025, featuring a stunning restaurant, bar, kids zone and lush beer garden

Looking to discover more hidden gems of Brisbane, check out our Guide to Brisbane Suburbs HERE! Happy exploring!

Top Things To Do In Brisbane This Week

Peaks To Points Festival 2026

Discover the beauty in greater Brisbane’s backyard

July 25-Aug 9

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Jul 28

Night Feast

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Jul 29 - Aug 23

LUMINOUS Lantern Parade 2026

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Jul 31

International Cake Show Australia

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Jul 31 - Aug 2

International Cake Show Workshops & Mini Classes

For anyone with an interest in baking or decorating

Jul 31 - Aug 2

GreazeFest 2026

GreazeFest is back for 3 huge days of music, cars and kulture!

Jul 31 - Aug 2

Queensland Fringe Festival

Queensland Fringe hits the road this August with music, art, food and adventure.

Aug 1–7

Rogue Chef

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Aug 1-7

GreazeFest 2026

GreazeFest, the iconic hot rod and rockabilly festival, is back for three huge days of cool cars, live music and kustom kulture

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MUST DO

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International Cake Show Australia

THIS WEEKEND

Top Things to Do July 24-26

James St Food & Wine Trail returns, QAGOMA's Drawing Festival begins, a vibrant arts trail on the Sunshine Coast, a must-visit new patisserie and a new Sicilian-style family trattoria

This Weekend July 24-26

COMING UP

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From Greazefest, The Gospel According to Paul, The Music of Barbra Streisand and Peaks to Points Festival to whale watching, the top things to do in August in and around Brisbane

Wjat's on in August

DINING DESTINATION

Sipping and Snacking on King St

King Street has become one of Brisbane's premier dining destinations, serving up everything from award-winning restaurants and global flavours to casual eats, cocktails and decadent desserts

Sipping and Snacking on King St

BEST OF BRISBANE

50+ Best Restaurants in Brisbane

Looking for the best restaurants in Brisbane? Then check out this guide for the must-do dining experiences from the city to the suburbs

Best Restaurants in Brisbane

Best Of Brisbane

Brisbane's Best 50 Bars

Whether you're after breezy drinks by the river, a stiff whiskey in an underground bar, a cosy laneway hideaway or a rooftop with views, here's 50 of Brisbane's best bars

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A Spectacular Barbra Streisand Tribute Hits QPAC