SITE PARTNER:

James St, Fortitude Valley

Brisbane's Best Eat Streets

Updated: Feb 20, 2026

One of Brisbane's best and most elegant eat streets, James Street, Fortitude Valley is home to some of Brisbane's finest and most renowned restaurants (including Greek, Thai, Middle Eastern, Italian, steak and seafood) and bars, as well as top notch casual eats. Here's the pick of where to drink and dine:

Fatcow on James St

The top-tier steak and seafood restaurant brings a world of sophistication, timeless glamour and exemplary service

The Lodge Bar & Dining

Lit-up exterior of Rodd & Gunn's The Lodge Fortitude Valley

An exquisite 2-storey restaurant and bar housed in a stunning heritage-listed Queenslander

sAme sAme

sAme sAme is a stunning contemporary 2-level Thai restaurant and bar in the Valley's chic Ada Lane

SK Steak and Oyster

Vie of dining room from top floor at SK Steak & Oyster

Mad Men meets James Bond at Ada Lane's stunning world-class restaurant and bar

Penelope Bistro + Bar

Penelope Bistro & Bar is a glamorous dining, drinking and dancing den which is reminiscent of a chic European supper club

Gemelli James Street

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

Sunshine Mediterranean Eatery

Sunshine is a unique Mediterranean eatery with the option to dine in or take away

At Sixes & Sevens

People drinking outside At Sixes and Sevens Bar in Brisbane's Fortitude Valley

At Sixes and Sevens is a gorgeous public house come gastro pub inhabiting one of the area's oldest surviving buildings

The Green

A Middle Eastern inspired urban oasis serving breakfast and lunch daily from its leafy plant-filled home

Harvey's Bar & Bistro

Harvey's Bistro, Fortitude Valley, James Street, Brisbane

This upmarket bistro in a cool summerhouse style setting has become something of a James Street institution

ēmmē

ēmmē is a stunning light-filled diner dishing up an ever-evolving menu, breathtaking interiors and exceptional brews on James Street

Hellenika

Hellenika is a glamorous Greek taverna sitting poolside on the first level of James St’s boutique Fortitude Valley hotel The Calile

The ultra chic moodily-lit restaurant tucked off James Street serves exquisite Middle Eastern cuisine that combines ancient with modern

Ubuntu Social

Ubuntu Social is a free, all-ages celebration of world music, art, and community

Jun 21

Football for Fans

Westfield Mt Gravatt is bringing all the football excitement to Brisbane

Until Jul 20

Rusalka

Opera Queensland's Rusalka is taking over QPAC from June 25

25 Jun - 4 Jul

Tom Gleeson – Out of Touch

Tom Gleeson is completely out of touch so come along to his show and take him down a peg

Jun 26

Save on your stay at Four Points by Sheraton Brisbane

Four Points by Sheraton Brisbane is helping Marriott Bonvoy members get even more from their stay

Until 25 July 2026

Red Riding Hood and The Wolf

Queensland Ballet is set to enchant young audiences with a brand-new whimsical production

Jun 26 - Jul 4

Sunnybank Food Trail

Get your stretchy pants ready, Brisbane—the Sunnybank Food Trail is officially back

Jun 27

Lifeline Bookfest

Lifeline’s Brisbane Bookfest is back for 9 huge days this winter!

Jun 27 - Jul 5

Sister Act

A feel-good musical celebration of friendship, courage, and finding your voice

Jun 27 - Jul 11

Brisbane Greeters Tours

See Brisbane through the eyes of a local with these free guided tours

Brisbane Greeters Tours

MUST DO

Red Riding Hood and The Wolf

Queensland Ballet is set to enchant young audiences with Red Riding Hood and the Wolf, a brand-new whimsical production

Red Riding Hood and The Wolf

THIS WEEKEND

Top Things to Do June 19-21

The World Press Photo Exhibition returns, a bold new Hamlet takes the stage, Festival of Showjumping begins and Brisbane’s biggest Brooki Bakehouse opens in Fish Lane

This Weekend June 19-21

BRISBANE GUIDE

Day to Night in Paddington

Follow our Must Do-approved itinerary for the ultimate day-to-night adventure through Paddington

Day to Night in Paddington

NEXT MONTH

What's on in July in & around Brisbane

From Video Games concert, Night Feast by the river and the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra to art tours of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, Jetty2Jetty and Bonfire Night, the best things to do in and around Brisbane in July:

What's On in Brisbane in July

THE GUIDE

Winter School Holidays Jun-Jul

Keep the kids off the screens this holiday with these great shows, activities and events, from fun in the snow to epic shows, exhibitions and more

June July School Holiday Guide

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

Best Bars in Brisbane

A vibrant celebration of Baroque Italy at QPAC