Best of Brisbane
The year in review: Brisbane’s best cafe openings of 2023

The year in review: Brisbane’s best cafe openings of 2023

By James Frostick 07 Dec 2023

As the final weeks of 2023 sees Brisbane shifting gears into holiday mode, we're getting ready to reflect on what the past 12 months have brought us. While this year wasn't a huge one for brand-new brunch slingers, it was big on sandwiches, bakeries and boutique coffee spots. We've collated a list of what we think are some of the year's best new cafe openings, from the viral sensations to the quiet achievers. In no particular order, here are our picks ... more

Casual Dining
Benz on Miller, one of Brisbane's most-respected burger joints, has opened a new spot in Tingalpa
Food & Drink

Benz on Miller, one of Brisbane’s most-respected burger joints, has opened a new spot in Tingalpa

07 Dec 2023

What makes a great burger? Good produce, for one. Then you've got to have a good meat-to-bun ratio, plus a solid mix of condiments. Consistency will have us coming back time and again, of course, and a bit of variety on the menu couldn't hurt. If there's any spot that ticks all of these boxes, it's Benz on Miller – the Murarrie-born burger joint that has recently expanded with a brand-new eatery in Tingalpa. Here you can sink your teeth into the brand's menu of award-winning burgers, as well as slurping up lemon curd thick shakes and Biscoff cheesecake tubs. more

The round-up: crank those carols and cruise on by Brisbane’s best Christmas lights

The round-up: crank those carols and cruise on by Brisbane’s best Christmas lights

With December first only days away, the eager elves of Brisbane have started work on decorating their houses in a twinkly explosion of Christmas cheer. So what does this mean exactly? It means it's time to don your dorkiest Christmas sweater, pack the kiddies in the car, start blaring the Bubes (Michael Bublé) and embark on the ultimate Christmas lights adventure. If you’re wondering where to start, you’ve come to the right place as we’ve made a list (and checked it twice) of Brisbane’s best Christmas lights, now all you have to do is plan your route! more

Food News
Sipping Santa – add some extra Christmas cheer with a gift your pals can drink
Food & Drink

Sipping Santa – add some extra Christmas cheer with a gift your pals can drink

07 Dec 2023

The countdown is officially on now – there are only a few weeks until Christmas. If, like us, you're leaving the hardest-to-buy-for recipients' gifts until last, we have a suggestion ... get them something they can drink. It's fun, it's festive and it's guaranteed to put an extra spring in their step on Christmas morning (there are no rules between Christmas and New Year). We're not just talking about any old bottle though, you want to look like you've still put some thought into it! Here are a few ideas to help you nail your drinkable gift giving this year ... more

Current Events
Walking in a whimsical wonderland – enjoy festive workshops, decorations, prizes and more at Uptown this Christmas
Event News

Walking in a whimsical wonderland – enjoy festive workshops, decorations, prizes and more at Uptown this Christmas

07 Dec 2023

With less than three weeks until December 25, Brisbane City is abuzz with Christmas cheer. The shops are packed, carollers are out and dazzling decorations fill the streets. Uptown is looking to be your one-stop-shop for festive shopping and fun this holiday season, bringing the magic of Christmas to The City with a range of festive workshops, prizes, Insta-worthy photo ops, gift wrapping stations and magical window displays. more

Kids
Wackadoo! Bluey’s World is coming to Brisbane for real life next year
Event News

Wackadoo! Bluey’s World is coming to Brisbane for real life next year

07 Dec 2023

It's the adorable show about the energetic six-year-old Blue Heeler that's captivated the world with its hilariously Aussie take on parenting, and pretty soon, Bluey fans will be able to step inside the Heelers home for real life. In 2024, Brisbane will welcome a ground-breaking immersive experience known as Bluey’s World. Here's everything we know so far ... more

Events
The Dish: Brisbane food news you might have missed this week
Food & Drink

The Dish: Brisbane food news you might have missed this week

07 Dec 2023

There's a lot happening in Brisbane these days, almost too much to keep up with. The Dish is a rapid-fire rundown of Brisbane food news – quick taster-sized tidbits to keep you in the know and, perhaps, tickle your taste buds. This week we’ve got word of turducken feasts, Christmas-themed sweets, riverside brunches and much more! more

Event Highlights

Community
Christmas at South Bank
23 Nov - 1 Dec 2023

Christmas at South Bank

kids
A Christmas Carol
8 - 14 Dec 2023

A Christmas Carol

Comedy
Lord Mayor's Children's Program
10:00–11:00 am and 1:00–2:00 pm

Lord Mayor’s Children’s Program

Circus & Dance
Ripped at The Pink Flamingo Spiegeland
Thursday: 7:30–9:30 pm and Saturday: 3:00–5:00 pm

Ripped at The Pink Flamingo Spiegeland

Drink
Industry Beans Bottomless Brunch
31 Dec 2023 - 1 Jan 2024

Industry Beans Bottomless Brunch

Drink
New Year’s Eve Masquerade at Soko
31 Dec 2023

New Year’s Eve Masquerade at Soko

Events: What's on in Brisbane this week. Start planning your weekend

Fri 08 Dec See all events today
Community
Christmas at David Jones

Christmas at David Jones

Fun
Area 1: Escape Rooms

Area 1: Escape Rooms

Festive Food Workshops at Indooroopilly Shopping Centre

Festive Food Workshops at Indooroopilly Shopping Centre

Community
City Hall tours

City Hall tours

Food
BITE Markets

BITE Markets

Next 07 Days See all events this week
Comedy
Thursday Night Improv Comedy

Thursday Night Improv Comedy

Exhibitions
State Library of Queensland Gallery Walk

State Library of Queensland Gallery Walk

Music
Opera Australia's The Ring Cycle

Opera Australia’s The Ring Cycle

Exhibitions
fairy tales

Fairy Tales at QAGOMA

Recipes
Gwinganna Lemon Slice
Food & Drink

Sort your summer snacking with Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat’s healthy lemon slice recipe

07 Dec 2023

Considered one of Queensland’s leading wellness destinations, Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat is renowned for its pioneering approach to nutrition and holistic wellbeing. To help you embrace the art of mindful eating at home, Gwinganna has launched a new cookbook, Gwinganna Gourmet – a collection of more than 50 thoughtfully crafted recipes that combine wellness with the art of gastronomy. Inspired by the verdant 200-hectare property's bountiful organic gardens, co-head chefs Justin Addie and Steven Crawford have worked alongside consulting wellness chef and nutritionist Samantha Gowing to create a selection of tantalising recipes that will nourish the whole family. We're very lucky to get an exclusive sneak-peek recipe from the book – a reimagined lemon slice with whole-food ingredients and nutritional goodness. One bite of this nostalgic zesty treat and you’re transported back to… more

Community
What's on in Brisbane this weekend
Event News

What’s on in Brisbane this weekend

06 Dec 2023

This weekend is jam-packed with goodness, from festive events in The City and pop-up foodie meccas to world-class opera and all of the best Christmas markets happening around town. Take a peek at this handy guide to what's on in Brisbane from Thursday December 7 to Sunday December 10. Enjoy! more

The Locals Next week: A BRISBANE LOCAL

Zoe Graham
The arts sector can play a really critical role in profiling Brisbane as a vibrant and creative place to visit and live ... ~ Zoe Graham more

Weekly Inspire… Theme of the Week: words of wisdom

My doctor told me I had to stop throwing intimate dinners for four unless there are three other people ~ Orson Welles