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Best Things to do in East Brisbane

Updated: Jun 03, 2026

This charming historic riverside suburb is full of hidden gems, including a pocket-sized Japanese restaurant, a traditional German beer hall & restaurant, antiques, cool cafes and a splendid riverfront park. Here's 20 things to eat, drink, see and do in East Brisbane:

Shunsai

Shunsai is a real slice of Japan in Brisbane - a pocket-sized upmarket Japanese restaurant and bar found tucked away

Pawpaw Café

Inside seating at Pawpaw Cafe East Brisbane

Inhabiting an historic shop on Stanley Street is this all-day brunch café and Pan Asian restaurant by night

Future Magic Brewing Co

A convivial suburban microbrewery tucked away in an industrial side street, serving cool beers & hot pizza

Yakitori Kiku

Tucked away in East Brisbane, Yakitori Kiku serves up authentic Japanese charcoal-grilled skewers in a cosy, Tokyo-style setting.

La Bodega Taqueria

A bright and breezy terracotta-hued Mexican restaurant located in a tiny precinct of eateries off Lytton Rd

Sunny Side Sandwiches

Sunny Side Sandwiches have opened their third outlet in East Brisbane, bringing their delectable gourmet shokupan sandwiches

Banana Leaf

Banana Leaf in East Brisbane dishes up top-notch Thai fare in a funky setting

Olli Italiano

Olli Italiano is a charming contemporary Italian eatery and bar serving up delicious pizzas, pasta and antipasti as well as Italian cocktails

The German Club

For a rollickin' good night in an old-fashioned community setting, The German Club, is one of Brisbane’s best-kept secrets

Mowbray Park

Mowbray Park is a remnant of the riverine estate established in 1850 by the father of East Brisbane Reverend Thomas Mowbray

Cafetal Coffee Roasters

Cafetal Coffee Roasters bring the best coffee that Colombia has to offer to an industrial side street

Michael Allen Antiques

This fancy black 1880’s weather board shop consistently houses one of Brisbane’s most intriguing antique collections

KCS Chicken

A hidden gem of a Korean fried chicken eatery occupying an historic shop in East Brisbane

Allpress Espresso

Allpress Espresso is brewing Melbourne’s favourite specialty coffee in the inner-city suburb of East Brisbane

Mowbray Park Playground

This playground is located in the beautiful fig shaded surrounds of Mowbray Park

East Brisbane Walk

Brisbane River and city views along footpath in Mowbray Park East Brisbane.

This walk around East Brisbane, one of Brisbane’s best kept secrets, reveals quaint churches, elegant parks, stately Victorian villas and a hidden creek life

Schnucki Dirndl & Lederhosen

SEQ's own Bavarian shop Schnucki Dirndl & Lederhosen is the go-to for traditional German gear and accessories

Mowbraytown Presbyterian Church Group

This little cluster of stand out weatherboard buildings are both an ode to the father of Presbyterianism in Brisbane, Reverend Thomas Mowbray

Triumph Theatre

This 1920’s built picture theatre is one of a few remaining intact interwar cinemas left in Queensland

The historic neighbourhood hotel had a major makeover in 2025, featuring a stunning restaurant, bar, kids zone and lush beer garden

Looking to discover more hidden gems of Brisbane, check out our Guide to Brisbane Suburbs HERE! Happy exploring!

Top Things To Do In Brisbane This Week

Viva La Voce

Catch Brisbane’s next generation of opera stars at Viva La Voce

Sep 10 - 12

Brisbane Festival - Tiri Te Araroa Woman Far Walking

Tiri: Te Araroa Woman Far Walking - Brisbane Festival

The new adaptation of the tale of Tiri Mahana, Tiri: Te Araroa Woman Far Walking, comes to the Brisbane Powerhouse

Sep 10-13

Laidley Spring Festival

The Laidley Spring Festival showcases a weekend of family-friendly fun.

Sep 11-13

Make, Believe, Magic: The Worlds of the Jim Henson Company

An exhibition exploring The Jim Henson Company will show at GOMA

Sep 12 - Apr 18

BBX2026 LEGO® Fan Expo

BBX2026 brings Brisbane's biggest LEGO® fan event back this September

Sep 12-13

Make Believe Magic-Labyrinth-Program Screened to be Believed The Jim Henson Company

‘Make, Believe, Magic’ Cinema programs

Experience your favourite Jim Henson characters on the big screen

From Sep 12

Century Pools Family Raceday

The annual Century Pools Family Raceday is back

Sep 12

SWELL Sculpture Festival

Queensland's largest outdoor sculpture exhibition is back

Sep 11-20

Tamborine Mountain & Hinterland Wedding Trail

Plan your dream day at the Tamborine Mountain & Gold Coast Hinterland Wedding Trail

Sep 13

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

THIS WEEKEND

Top Things to Do Sep 4-6

Riverfire lights up the Brisbane skyline, Brisbane Festival kicks off, Father’s Day celebrations, a family-friendly raceday and Haigh’s Chocolates opens its first Brisbane boutique

This Weekend Sep 4-6

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

FAMILY FUN

Century Pools Family Raceday Doomben Racecourse

The annual Century Pools Family Raceday is back with a jam-packed day of live racing, free family entertainment and plenty of Wiggles-inspired fun

Century Pools Family Raceday Doomben Racecourse

FATHER'S DAY

Father's Day at Walkabout Creek

Escape to the bush this Father’s Day and treat Dad to a delicious buffet breakfast or lunch at Walkabout Creek Cafe

Father's Day at Walkabout Creek

HOT TICKET

A GILBERT & SULLIVAN CONCERT EVENT

Six of Australia’s finest voices are joined on stage by a 19-piece orchestra and all your favourite Gilbert & Sullivan classics

A GILBERT & SULLIVAN CONCERT EVENT

FATHER'S DAY GUIDE

Father's Day 2026

From a buffet breakfast in the bush to waterfront lunches and family fun at a winery here's some great ideas to celebrate Father's Day

Father's Day 2026

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

Gilbert & Sullivan Classics Take Centre Stage at QPAC

WIN the ultimate pub day out with $1,000 to spend at Goldie's Tavern

Enter here

WIN a 2-Night Stay over New Year's at BIG4 Gold Coast valued at $1300

Enter here