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Brisbane's Best New Restaurants

2021

Updated: Mar 10, 2026

From an Argentinian and wood-fired restaurants, a tiny paella bar and Indonesian rooftop to stunning new Greek and a seafood boathouse, 25+ of the best restaurants to open in Brisbane in 2021:

La Costa

A glamorous Italian Riviera-inspired restaurant and bar behind the heritage facade of the Valley's first picture theatre

Manly Boathouse

This stunning white seafront restaurant and bar features a chic beach resort-inspired interior with views of Manly harbour and the bay

Evita

Brisbane's only Argentinian restaurant, Evita inhabits the heritage-listed century old McDonald's Bakery

Rothwell's Bar & Grill

The glamorous old-world bar and grill oozes vintage charm and style, located on the ground floor of heritage-listed Rothwells building

Pilgrim by Fogata

A stunning rustic Latin American restaurant and bar has made its home in heritage-listed The Barracks

Melrose Restaurant

A stunning Pan Asian restaurant on a rooftop at the river end of Oxford St in Bulimba

Bisou Bisou

This stunning contemporary Mediterranean brasserie and bar is found in the base of the glamorous X-Hotel

Rosmarino Ristorante & Wine Bar

This stunning split-level Italian bar and restaurant occupies the refurbished 1890's Hemmant Merchants building

Paella Y Pa'Mi

A chic little Spanish bistro and wine bar specializing in paella, located in the Martha Street precinct

Uncle Wang

A chic contemporary Chinese restaurant and bar nestled within Petrie Terrace's stunning heritage-listed The Barracks.

Banc Brasserie & Bar

A splendid, old-world, European-style brasserie and wine bar in the grand, heritage-listed Bank of New South Wales

Kasina

This rustic Balkan restaurant whisks you straight off the streets of suburban Brisbane to Eastern Europe

ESSA Restaurant & Bar

Open Kitchen in Essa Restaurant Fortitude Valley

ESSA has opened its doors to a luxe new level of bespoke dining

Gemelli James Street

This slick contemporary Italian dining oasis brings delectable Italian cuisine to a prominent Valley corner

Opa Bar & Mezze

This stunning Greek restaurant and bar sits in prime position on the Brisbane River with stunning Story Bridge views

The Arsonist

A dark moodily-lit restaurant and luxe bar where food is cooked over a fire-pit

Ma Pa Me

The cool restaurant and bar raises the dining bar at South Bank with its exquisite Indonesian, Thai, Japanese & Chinese fusion menu

Sasso Italiano

A neighbourhood trattoria and bar serving up old school Italian food from a chic contemporary space

Aji Spice House

A convivial cafe, bar and kitchen serving outstanding Pan Asian cuisine and cocktails

Oh Boy, Bok Choy!

A slick contemporary Pan Asian eatery and bar tucked away in a Stafford shopping strip

Santorini Restaurant Grill Bar

Tables and chairs with white tablecloths and mural on wall inside Santorini Restaurant, Newstead

Take a trip to the famed Greek island at this authentic restaurant and bar tucked away in a Newstead side street

Dos Manos

A ground-breaking Mexican-Japanese fusion restaurant unlike anything else in Brisbane

Elementi

This chic contemporary Italian eatery and bar serves up some of the best pasta and pizzas in Brisbane.

Rita's Tequila & Taqueria

A cool contemporary taco and tequila bar nestled in the base of the historic woolstores

Mr Wabi

A funky Pan Asian street food eatery and bar nestled in Brisbane's oldest laneway

Scorched Earth - Brisbane Festival

Scorched Earth is part crime-drama, part psychological thriller landing at the Brisbane Powerhouse.

Sep 17-20

Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers

Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers returns this spring with blooms, food and family fun.

Sep 18 - Oct 5

WSQ 40th Annual Watercolour Exhibition

Celebrate 40 years of watercolour with vibrant art and hands-on creativity at this free Brisbane exhibition.

Sep 18-20

Rock on Ice

Get ready to rock around the rink with Paradise Resort

From Sep 18

FLAME BBQ & Music Festival

FLAME BBQ & Music Festival has something for everyone

Sep 19

Kids doing activities at Museum of Brisbane

Spring School Holidays at Museum of Brisbane

Get creative at Museum of Brisbane these school holidays

Sep 19 - Oct 5

Grand Central Floral Parade

Toowoomba’s streets burst into bloom with a colourful parade celebrating flowers, art and community.

Sep 19

Doggie District

Doggie District is coming to Breakfast Creek Lifestyle Precinct on Saturday, 19 September, for a free day of fun.

Sep 19

Oz Comic-Con

Oz Comic-Con Brisbane is back for another huge weekend

Sep 19-20

FLAME BBQ & Music Festival

FLAME BBQ & Music Festival has something for everyone, from delicious BBQ fare and live music to fun rides and kids' activities

Flame BBQ & Music Festival

MUST DO

Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers

Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers returns this spring with stunning blooms, delicious food and endless family fun

Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers

COMING UP

What's On in October In & Around Brisbane

From beloved musicals, unique exhibitions and live shows to Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers events, cinema programs and culinary experiences, the top things to do in and around Brisbane in October

What's on in October

HOT TICKET

Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of)

Jane Austen gets a hilarious musical makeover in this Olivier Award-winning comedy coming to Brisbane

Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of)

MUST VISIT

Brisbane Festival 2026 at Brisbane Quarter

Brisbane Quarter is blooming this September, with a striking new installation, limited-edition dining experiences and plenty of pink-inspired treats in celebration of Brisbane Festival 2026

Brisbane Festival 2026 at Brisbane Quarter

BEST OF BRISBANE

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Best Restaurants in Brisbane

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A brand-new Nutcracker is coming to Brisbane