Malt Dining & Bar

In one of Brisbane’s oldest buildings from which the city’s first produce markets operated in 1865-68, lives the stunning upstairs downstairs bar restaurant, Malt Dining, melding the best of the 19th and 21st centuries - a secluded hideout that is just a small step and a world away from the weekend crowds at Riverside.

Rustic walls of rough hand-hewn bricks, exposed timber girders and original polished timber floors are the backdrop for a sleek contemporary outfit of banquettes, raw wooden tables, leather menus, a grand ebony piano, backlit bar and striking artworks.

Downstairs the long narrow bar is a moodily lit intimate room with counter or table service and a comprehensive beverage menu to keep drinkers of all persuasions happy, with its signature page a whiskey drinker’s delight - American whiskey, Islay, Highland, Islands, Blends and Single Malts.

From the bar take the narrow side staircase and drinks tab upstairs to the gorgeous open plan dining rooms, hung with artworks, separated by sandstock arches and overlooking the street via original double hung windows.

The beautifully executed menu has sustainability as its backing philosophy with ingredients sourced locally or farmed rather than plundered, with entrees including a superb foie gras and Coffin Bay scallops while mains include their signature fish pie, Wagyu fillets or seared duck.

Meantime, those who enjoy a tinkle with their meal will revel in the live grand piano music accompanying the dining.

Groups and party bookings of up to 22 sit-down and 45 stand-up can be accommodated in the lower floor cellar where a floating table is suspended from the ceiling beams.

The menu may have changed since our visit.

A guide to the best bars in Brisbane's CBD HERE.

Still thirsty for more suggestions on where to grab a drink in Brisbane, head to our comprehensive Eat & Drink section HERE! Cheers!