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Best Things to do in Ascot

Updated: Jan 30, 2026

The gracious inner northside suburb of Ascot features tree-lined streets of beautifully preserved grand Queenslanders, Brisbane's oldest heritage-listed racecourse, historic old world parks and railway station and a bounty of cafes and restaurants, as well as cake & donut shops along its main avenue, Racecourse Rd.

Here are 12 of the best places to eat, drink and visit in the upmarket old world suburb.

Taro's Ramen

Taro’s Ramen is an authentic slice of Japan on Ascot’s Racecourse Rd, owned and run by chef Taro

Vlume 133

A charming and chic tapas bar offering top notch service and food, occupying a white Queenslander cottage

Ascot Park

This colourful playground and heritage parkland features a 1930s bandstand rotunda with adjacent BBQ facilities

Verandah On Racecourse

Verandah on Racecourse feels much like a corner of Saigon with its wide, timber deck, plenty of greenery and all the flavors of Vietnam.

Swalk Cafe

The food and drinks at Ascot's Swalk Cafe are indeed "sealed with a loving kiss" - to quote the World War II postal acronym,

Vito's Cucina & Bar

Vito's Cucina & Bar is an al fresco breakfast, lunch and dinner venue filled with greenery and a cheerful vibe, serving modern Italian cuisine

5 Boroughs

5 Boroughs eatery and garden bar brings a taste of New York and good all day casual dining to an historic building

Oriel Park

This picturesque long-established park is heavily shaded with figs, jacarandas and poinciettas and features Federation era picnic rotundas and a bamboo grove

Bright & Early Books

Bright & Early Books is a beautiful, independent bookstore that specialises in children's books and early childhood literacy

Dicki's

Dicki's is a plant-based cafe on a corner of Ascot's leafy Racecourse Rd, a sibling for its first vegan cafe in New Farm

Ascot Railway Station

As a quaintly suitable accessory for the nearby historical race grounds, Racecourse (later Ascot) Railway Station was purpose built to bring in the crowds to the popular horse races.

Eagle Farm Racecourse

Horseracing in Brisbane had its roots in the early settlement with the first settlers keen followers and punters, with the Queensland Turf Club being established in 1865.

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

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