Brisbane is a foodie paradise. From fantastic Asian street food to modern Australian dishes, this Brisbane food & drink guide shows you where to eat & drink
Outstanding regional produce dominates the menus in Brisbane, with many restaurants serving up fresh oysters and grass-fed steak which pair well with Australian wines. Asian street food is also popular in Brisbane. Read on to discover the top 10 things to eat and drink while in Brisbane and where to find them.
1. Fresh oysters
Australia has an abundance of delicious oysters freshly harvested from the water. In Queensland, the government regularly checks the water quality in commercial oyster-growing areas to ensure consumers like you have access to the best.
Where to try oysters in Brisbane: Visit Jellyfish (123 Eagle St), a smart riverfront restaurant for the freshest oysters. Alternatively, head to The APO (690 Ann St).
2. Steak
In Brisbane, you can get quality steaks that are given a marble score (from 0 to 9) which is a component of the AUS-MEAT beef quality grading system. From Eye Fillet to Rump Cap, grass-fed to organic-certified, you’ll be spoilt for choice here.
Where to try steaks in Brisbane: Black Hide Steakhouse (36 Caxton St) offers fine cuts of steak prepared to your liking.
3. Grilled Barramundi
Also known as Asian sea bass, Barramundi is a popular fish in Queensland. The fish is often prized for its sweet, buttery flavour and it’s delicious when grilled.
Where to try barramundi in Brisbane: From pan-fried to panko-crumbled, chefs at Jellyfish (123 Eagle St) prepare barramundi to your liking.
4. Breakfast
If you’re a person who enjoys a hearty breakfast before sightseeing, Brisbane has plenty of excellent cafés available to serve you. From Banana French toast to artisan bread with vegemite, you have a wide range of choices when it comes to the most important meal of the day.
Where to go for breakfast in Brisbane: Artie & Mai (340 Sandgate Rd) serves excellent eggs benedict while The Gunshop café (53 Mollison St) offers excellent artisan bread and its seasonal pancake is truly special.
5. Rice noodle salad
Known as ‘bun’, this Vietnamese street food is light and refreshing, with rice vermicelli noodles mixed with herbs and vegetables drenched in nuoc cham dressing.
Where to go for rice noodle salads in Brisbane: Visit Mrs Luu’s (40 Tank St) and order its insanely delicious sugar-cane prawn bun.
6. Laksa
Originated from Malaysia, this noodle dish is either served in spicy coconut milk curry or a tamarind-based soup. Laksa is highly popular among local Brisbanians and visitors alike.
Where to try laksa in Brisbane: Laksa Hut (27 Station Rd) and Ipoh Laksa (1/333 Gympie Rd) are neck and neck in regards to who serves the best Laksa in Brisbane.
7. Twix tacos
Calling all Twix fans, this taco made with deep-fried Twix bars, a velvet pancake shell and brown salsa is a chocoholic’s delight.
Where to try Twix tacos in Brisbane: Ze Pickle (4 Hynes St)
8. Gluten-free donuts
Forget about greasily fried donuts, you can get baked or even raw donuts that are also gluten-free in Brisbane. How awesome is that eh?
Where to try gluten-free donuts in Brisbane: Nodo (1 Ella St) has the best gluten-free donuts you’ll ever taste on this planet. The baked Valronha chocolate & beetroot donuts are to die-for and its raw donuts are equally delicious.
9. Wine
Australian wines have been winning gold medals in competitions around the globe, so in between sightseeing and activities, do leave some time to enjoy a glass of Shiraz or Sauvignon blanc.
Where to enjoy great wines in Brisbane: ARC Dining (5 Boundary St) has an extensive wine list.
10. Pavlova Martini
Arguably Brisbane’s best-kept secret, the Pavlova Martini is made with Vodka, fruit juice and topped with meringue.
Where to try Pavlova Martini in Brisbane: The speciality cocktail bar at Emporium Hotel (1000 Ann St) is the place to go.
