If there’s one thing I’m passionate about, it’s exploring amazing new places to eat. Thankfully we really are spoiled for choice here in Brisbane. Whether it’s traditional Indian or Italian food, to a modern twist on Asian delicacies, this list of Brisbane’s Best Restaurants for Dinner will have something for everyone.
I’m constantly updating this list with new places as I discover them, so be sure to check back every month or so when you’re looking for a fun and delicious dining experience.
I’m always on the hunt for new and exciting places, so if you think there’s a restaurant missing from this list of Brisbane’s best restaurants for dinner, please let me know!
Za Za Ta – Fortitude Valley
Encounter the exotic at Za Za Ta with its extensive menu of Middle Eastern flavours with hints of Mediterranean. Vegans don’t miss out either, with an entire vegan menu to choose from. The unique flavours and attention to detail make this probably my favourite restaurant I’ve been to all year. The cocktails are on point too, with equally delicious mocktails as well.
I recommend opting for one of the set menus so that you can try as much of their delicious food as possible!
Food: 9.5/10
Customer service: 9.5/10
Vibes: 10/10
Cost: $$$
Mai Gai – Everton Park
Thai and Vietnamese are two of my favourite cuisines and Mai Gai has both and more. I seriously haven’t stopped thinking about this place since I went. Top-notch cocktails and epic food, a winning combo that never disappoints. There’s so much to try so definitely consider the banquet, but definitely try the crispy cauliflower!
Also, the Massaman Curry is actually incredible.
Food: 10/10
Customer service: 9.5/10
Vibes: 8/10
Cost: $$$
Ahmet’s Turkish Restaurant – South Bank
An observation I’ve made over the past few weeks is whenever Ahmet’s is brought up in conversation with someone, their response is always “Omg yes that place is amazing!“… and they’re not wrong. Everything is done so well, from the hummus and bread to any of the charcoal grill options. Definitely don’t go past the chicken skewers!
Food: 9.5/10
Customer service: 9.5/10
Vibes: 9.5/10
Cost: $$$
Yamas – West End
I’ve been on the hunt for my favourite Greek place and Yamas has delivered. A great restaurant to come with friends to enjoy good cocktails and amazing share plates. I haven’t stopped thinking about the halloumi fries and lamb souvla… I don’t know what they put in that rice but dang it’s good.
Food: 9/10
Customer service: 10/10
Vibes: 9/10
Cost: $$$
sAme sAme – Fortitude Valley
sAme sAme was very hyped up for me and rightly so. You know when you have such high expectations of something that it ends up disappointing you? Not this place. I would happily go here again and again and again. The Massaman Curry and Pad See Ew are my absolute favourites, they both have so much incredible flavour.
Food: 9.5/10
Customer service: 10/10
Vibes: 9/10
Cost: $$$
Olive & Angelo – Brisbane City
Get ready for a carb overload with Olive & Angelo’s homemade pasta and pizzas. Enjoy traditional Italian delicacies while sitting outside in the leafy courtyard. With a goal of catering to everyone, there are even options for those who are gluten-free or vegan. Truly the ultimate comfort food experience.
Food: 9.5/10
Customer service: 10/10
Vibes: 9.5/10
Cost: $$$
Wu Kong Kitchen & Bar – Brisbane City
Dine under the sea in this magical oasis… inspired by the waterfall cave from the Wu Kong origin story. The lychee martini was the strongest but best drink ever, and don’t go past the beef cubes in xo sauce. So good. You can just tell so much thought has been put into every dish. Definitely deserves to be named one of Brisbane’s best restaurants for dinner.
Food: 9.5/10
Customer service: 9.5/10
Vibes: 10/10
Cost: $$$
Oh Boy, Bok Choy! – Stafford
Oh Boy Bok Choy features a collection of Southeast Asian flavours highlighting delicious fresh local produce – does it get any better? It’s a great vibe for your next family dinner or girl’s night! The dipping sauce they serve with the popcorn cauliflower is actually liquid gold, and the pork belly melts in your mouth.
The banquet option is just $55pp which gets you so much food you will be full for days!
Food: 9.5/10
Customer service: 9.5/10
Vibes: 9/10
Cost: $$
Bianca – Fortitude Valley
Simple, classic Italian at its finest. Bring a group of friends to Bianca because you’ll want to order as much food as you can! All of the pasta and bread is made in-house and you can definitely tell.
Also, the pumpkin risotto is honestly life-changing.
Food: 9.5/10
Customer service: 9.5/10
Vibes: 8.5/10
Cost: $$$
Yoko. – Howard Smith Wharves
No need to fly to Japan when we’ve got our very own Tokyo foodie experience here at Howard Smith Wharves. Delicious food with a friendly atmosphere and beautiful view of the story bridge… what more could you want? Good Japanese is not hard to find, but Yoko is on another level with its sophisticated menu and unique take on traditional flavours. The perfect place for a night out with a group of friends.
Food: 9/10
Customer service: 9/10
Vibes: 8.5/10
Cost: $$$
The Balfour Kitchen & Bar – New Farm
I stumbled upon this place by total accident but I am so glad I did. Enjoy the Vietnamese-inspired menu either outdoors in the fairy-lit courtyard or up on the rooftop bar. The food is honestly so so good, I want to give it a 10/10 but I’m hesitant to give anything a perfect rating. Definitely one of Brisbane’s best restaurants for dinner.
The duck is to die for and the bao is delightful.
Food: 9.5/10
Customer service: 9.5/10
Vibes: 9.5/10
Cost: $$$
Nori Thai – Orion Springfield
A family favourite for many years now, Nori Thai always delivers. Formally Peak Thai, but has recently re-opened under their new name – although it seems not much else has changed (thankfully!). The menu is extensive with something for everyone and the staff are always so lovely and welcoming. The crispy pork belly is so delicious, and you can’t go wrong with any of the Thai curries!
Food: 9/10
Customer service: 9/10
Vibes: 9/10
Cost: $$
Sixes & Sevens – Fortitude Valley
For a relaxed atmosphere with amazing finger food and creative cocktails, Sixes & Sevens has got you covered. A great first stop if you plan on going clubbing after, but the menu is so good you won’t want to leave! Duck ragu parpadelle is always a winner for me… and you can’t go past their popcorn chicken. If you go with a group of friends I recommend ordering a few jugs of their delicious cocktails.
Food: 9/10
Customer service: 9/10
Vibes: 9/10
Cost: $$$
Ping Pong – Newstead
I’ve got two words: immaculate vibes. The authentic Thai menu with a modern twist is exciting in itself, but when you’re dining in a room that is entirely pink, it’s like sensory overload in the best way possible. If pink isn’t your style don’t worry, the forest room upstairs is slightly more lowkey but equally fun. With everything from san choy bow, spicy curries and delicious stir-fries, everyone will be left in a happy mood after dining in here.
Food: 8.5/10
Customer service: 9/10
Vibes: 100000000/10
Cost: $$$
Little Red Dumpling – West End
“Sip beer, consume dumpling.” Their tagline says it all really. Dumpling lovers will be spoiled for choice here at Little Red Dumpling. Ordering from the QR code at the table makes things easy, the temptation to try the entire menu is a tricky one to shake! You can find this little slice of Chinese heaven at multiple locations around Brisbane and up and down the coast, but I’ve only been to West End so that’s the one I am reviewing.
Every dumpling is amazing but if you go, promise me you’ll try the dumplings in sweet soy chilli sauce.
Food: 9.5/10
Customer service: 8/10
Vibes: 7/10
Cost: $$
Maya Mexican – Fortitude Valley
Come for the incredible rooftop views, stay for the delicious tacos. Maya Mexican is the ideal spot for a sophisticated afternoon cocktail while feasting on a wide selection of Mexican favourites. Bring along your besties and take in the stunning city views while exploring the extensive menu and enjoying live performances from musicians and DJs.
Food: 8/10
Customer service: 9/10
Vibes: 10/10
Cost: $$$
Seoulful Chicken – Everton Park
If you want epic Korean Fried Chicken, don’t look past Seoulful Chicken. So crispy, so tasty, so good. Settle yourself in for a feast of comfort food as well as a fun range of cocktails to choose from including a selection of soju. Does it really get any better?
Food: 9/10
Customer service: 9/10
Vibes: 8.5/10
Cost: $$
KatsuCo – Sherwood
I’ve eaten a lot of katsu chicken in my lifetime and let me tell you, KatsuCo is the best. So light and crunchy, both the chicken and pork are delish. This contemporary Japanese restaurant is the perfect midweek spot for when you feel like a nice meal without the inner city bustle or the expensive price tag. Be sure to get there early as they don’t take bookings and are always popular!
Food: 8.5/10
Customer service: 9/10
Vibes: 7/10
Cost: $$
Ceylon Inn – Graceville
I think we can all agree that finding a really good, authentic Indian restaurant can be tricky. I’ve never been to India myself, but I imagine Ceylon Inn comes pretty close. Offering both northern and southern Indian dishes as well as Sri Lankan curries, you’ll be spoilt for choice! Be sure to head up to the cool waterfall bar for some delicious cocktails as well.
Food: 8.5/10
Customer service: 8/10
Vibes: 9.5/10
Cost: $$
King Tea – Paddington
If you’re looking for tasty modern Chinese food with great wine and cocktails, King Tea is the place for you. Salt and pepper prawns, dim sum an crispy pork belly are just some of the amazing options to choose from, with vegan dishes also available. Go for a banquet if you’re like me and can’t decide what to get.
Food: 8.5/10
Customer service: 7/10
Vibes: 8/10
Cost: $$
Stone & Brew – Highgate Hill
If it’s home-style delicious Italian pizza you’re after, look no further than Stone & Brew. This family-owned pizza bar is great for a casual night out, with plenty of fun pizza toppings and craft beer or wine to choose from. Try the ‘Death by Pizza’ if you don’t mind a bit of heat!
Food: 9.5/10
Customer service: 10/10
Vibes: 7/10
Cost: $$
Chu the Phat – Fortitude Valley
Inspired by the street food of Hong Kong, Korea and Taiwan, you’ll be taken on a journey through Asia when you dine in at Chu the Phat. The diverse menu offers everything from fried chicken to wagyu dumplings, and Tasmanian scallops. The bustling atmosphere will leave you buzzing as you explore the authentic Asian flavours.
Food: 9/10
Customer service: 9/10
Vibes: 9/10
Cost: $$$
Sultans Kitchen – Paddington
For an authentic Indian experience, you can’t go wrong with Sultans Kitchen. Granted it’s not much to look at, but the food is what really shines. Combining popular signature dishes such as Lamb Korma and Chicken Tikka Masala, with more innovative and much imitated favourites such as Beef Nisha and Chilli Prawn Goa… this 39-year-old restaurant offers all the classic Indian dishes we love, with a creative flair.
Food: 9/10
Customer service: 10/10
Vibes: 7/10
Cost: $$
I hope you like this list of Brisbane’s best restaurants for dinner, be sure to let me know if you have any recommendations… and feel free to explore the rest of my blog for recipe inspiration when you want a night in!
