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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

Rogue Chef

Chef Anthony Healy brings bold flavours and unforgettable dining to Queensland Fringe.

Aug 1-7

On the Green 2026

On the Green at Clayfield College is back and bigger than ever, headlined by iconic Australian artist Ben Lee

Aug 2

Weddings & Parties Over Coffee

Experience the beauty, wit and timeless brilliance of Bach

Aug 5

Second Coming

La Boite Theatre presents Second Coming, a love letter to Earth wrapped in corporate salvation

Aug 6-22

Final Night Show - Queensland Fringe Festival

Australia’s biggest voices come together for Queensland Fringe’s spectacular Final Night.

Aug 7

Table Mation 3D Dining Experience

Table Mation at Waterloo Bay Hotel is about to transform the way Brisbane dines

From Aug 7

Bundaberg Rum Country Music Raceday

Round up your mates and get ready for a raceday like no other!

Aug 15

Better Off Red

Better Off Red blends bold flavours, fine wine and unforgettable entertainment

Aug 16

Three Food Memories – Live

Brisbane audiences are invited to experience the connection between memory and food

Aug 16

GreazeFest 2026

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

GreazeFest 2026

MUST DO

International Cake Show Australia

From full day workshops to mini decorating classes, there's something for everyone at the International Cake Show Australia

International Cake Show Australia

THIS WEEKEND

Top Things to Do July 31- Aug 2

Australia's favourite hot red fest cruises into town, Ben Lee takes the stage at On The Green, Luminous Lantern Parade returns to South Bank Parklands and an American-style sports bar opens in the city

This Weekend July 31 - Aug 2

COMING UP

What's On in August in Brisbane

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

Best Bars in Brisbane

A Spectacular Barbra Streisand Tribute Hits QPAC