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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

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

Westin Wellness Weekend

Brisbane’s most sought-after wellness event, Westin Wellness Weekend returns

June 20-21

Where do I belong? Our birds through art

A captivating exhibition celebrating Australia's native birds flies into Logan Art Gallery

Jun 20 - Aug 29

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

Lifeline Bookfest

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

Jun 27 - Jul 5

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

MUST VISIT

Best Boutique Cinemas in Brisbane

Swap the standard movie night for a memorable one at one of Brisbane’s best boutique cinemas

Best Boutique Cinemas in Brisbane

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

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