Best of Brisbane
Soko | Brisbane's best rooftop bars | The Weekend Edition
Food & Drink

The round-up: soak up sun or starlight at the best rooftop bars in Brisbane

11 Sep 2024

When the weather is turning it on, there's no better feeling than getting elevated. We love flocking to our closest rooftop bar, getting sky high and soaking up the rays while taking in a killer view. Brisbane's skyline is slowly filling in with some top-notch rooftop bars, and we've taken it upon ourselves to list some of Brisbane's best. Forget your fear of heights – once you take in the vistas at these elevated haunts, you'll never want to come back down to earth. more

Best of Brisbane
The recap: the best new Brisbane restaurants, bars and cafes this month
Food & Drink

The recap: the best new Brisbane restaurants, bars and cafes this month

05 Sep 2024

August is often considered a month of transition, as Brisbane defrosts in anticipation of the warmer months and the city buckles in ahead of September's cultural extravaganza. But August this year was noteworthy in its own right, with a string of big-ticket hospitality openings capturing the attention of foodies. This month, Brisbane celebrated the official opening of The Star Brisbane (and it's signature restaurant), a multi-hued nightspot where everything is for sale, a restaurant showcasing the culinary traditions of Italy, an inner-city bistro with its own microbrewery and a suburban cafe serving schnitzels, strudel and German-made suds. Here's are the openings that we loved in August ... more

Best of Brisbane
The round-up: swipe a fork through five of Brisbane's best tiramisu
Food & Drink

The round-up: swipe a fork through five of Brisbane’s best tiramisu

15 Aug 2024

Back in June, the world lost an icon. Roberto 'Loli' Linguanotto, the Italian chef credited with the creation of the tiramisu, passed away at the age of 81. Few food innovators can claim to have impacted the world in as profound a way as the pioneering pastry maestro, so, to commemorate his divine dessert innovation, we've made a hit list of some of Brisbane's best tiramisu spots. more

Best of Brisbane
Cartel Del Taco | Brisbane's best Mexican
Food & Drink

Where to find the best Mexican food in Brisbane

24 Jul 2024

When it comes to world cuisine, we have a lot to thank the country of Mexico for. While a lot of us are no strangers to a humble burrito, true Mexican food enthusiasts know there is so much more to it – fresh flavours, crisp textures and simple recipes are what make an authentic Mexican dish truly great. Other countries have also borrowed from Mexico’s rich and vibrant culinary culture to create food fusions that we could only dream of – so whether you’re a purist when it comes to your pozole or you don’t mind a bit of Tex-Mex action, Brisbane has got you covered. We’ve rounded the best spots to get your Mexican food fix in Brisbane – let’s taco ‘bout it. more

Best of Brisbane
The round-up: Brisbane's best Middle Eastern eateries
Food & Drink

The round-up: Brisbane’s best Middle Eastern eateries

11 Jul 2024

Just as diverse as it is delicious, Middle Eastern cuisine is to thank for some of our favourite foodie experiences. From a late-night kebab to fine-dining flair, the rich flavour profiles and even richer cultural heritage has made Middle Eastern a culinary chameleon. Sourced from some of the world’s oldest living cultures, the region’s tradition of sharing with friends and family lets Levantine food not only fill your belly but soothe the soul. From shakshuka to shawarma, we’ve rounded up the best Middle Eastern restaurants in Brisbane to transport you to this epicentre of culinary history. more

Best of Brisbane
Looking for a new winter warmer? Biang biang noodles might be the dish of the season
Food & Drink

Looking for a new winter warmer? Biang biang noodles might be the dish of the season

04 Jul 2024

Don't get us wrong, when the temperatures dip we are just as likely as anyone to seek out the warm hug that a bowl of broth-filled ramen and pho provides us. But, every once in a while, we get a craving for something noodles that we can really sink our teeth into. That's when we turn to biang biang noodles – strands of dough slapped and stretched into chewy belt-width beauties that were once a culinary curiosity in Brisbane, but are now increasing in popularity. Keen to try? Here are five spots to get some bang-on biang biang noodles in Brisbane ... more

Best of Brisbane
Ach Wine Bar | Brisbane's biggest food openings of the year (so far)
Food & Drink

The round-up: Brisbane’s biggest food openings of the year (so far)

27 Jun 2024

And just like that, we're in the second half of 2024. Yep, the first six months of the year were a blur, but that was to be expected with the cracking pace of new openings we were covering every week. Before we commence our sprint onwards, we'd like to catch our breath and reflect on the good things the first half of 2024 has brought us, including striking French-inspired wine bar and bistro hybrids, cosy cafes serving Korean-style eats, cornetto-slinging Italian bakeries, fetching fire-powered restaurants and Instagram-conquering cafes. Here's what we loved, in alphabetical order. more

Best of Brisbane
The round-up: sharpen your sweet tooth at Brisbane's best cake and dessert spots
Food & Drink

The round-up: sharpen your sweet tooth at Brisbane’s best cake and dessert spots

27 Jun 2024

Cake is the perfect choice for any occasion – be it celebration, commiseration, congratulations, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday … You get it. When it comes to a delicious dessert it's not hard to find a good reason to justify a little treat, or so we believe. In order to ensure your sweet tooth stays satiated we’ve put together a list of some of the best cake crafters and dessert disher-outers in Brisbane, whether you’re looking to commission a showstopper for a special birthday or a sugary boost for a lagging afternoon. more

The Locals Next week:

Best of Brisbane
The round-up: work your way through Brisbane's best burgers
Food & Drink

The round-up: work your way through Brisbane’s best burgers

23 May 2024

There are few meals more satisfying than a big ol’ juicy burger. Whether you like them stacked or simple, this famous two-handed food is universally adored for a reason – and through the countless variations we have encountered in our travels around Brisbane, we have adopted some clear favourites. From tried-and-true local stalwarts to the craziest creations, we’ve collated a list of what we think are the best burgers in Brisbane for you to wrap your laughing gear around – and don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty. more

Best of Brisbane
The round-up: chomp your way through Brisbane's best cookies
Food & Drink

The round-up: chomp your way through Brisbane’s best cookies

16 May 2024

While we are crazy for cakes, go bonkers for brownies and drool over danishes, cookies hold a special place in our heart. There's never been a better time to be a cookie lover, with numerous bakeries and sweet shops pumping out trays of chunky choc-chip-filled cookies, buttery biscuits and sprinkle-coated wonders. If you've got a hankering for cookies, use this list to track down some of Brisbane's best. more

Best of Brisbane
French fare lets its hair down at DUCKFAT, the new perspective-shifting concept from the La Belle Vie team
Food & Drink

French fare lets its hair down at DUCKFAT, the new perspective-shifting concept from the La Belle Vie team

18 Apr 2024

How well do you really know French food? Most fine-dining fans are well-versed in France's excellence when it comes to haute cuisine, with its fastidious presentation and meticulous technicality. But what about the more casual end of French cuisine? Brand-new eatery DuckFat is giving diners a glimpse at the possibilities of French fare without the white tablecloths, serving up the likes of buttery escargot, steak frites, French-style pizzas and foie gras in a grungy, pink-accented space in Newstead. Come and take a peek ... more

Best of Brisbane
Komeyui, Spring Hill | Brisbane's best omakase experiences
Food & Drink

The round-up: the best omakase experiences in Brisbane

21 Mar 2024

When it comes to Japanese cuisine, omakase is regarded as the country's culinary pinnacle. Translated to “I leave it up to you,” omakase sees diners place their trust in the skilled hands of the chef, who prepares a set menu of seasonal specialties. No two omakase menus are entirely the same, with chefs often electing to showcase high-end of-the-moment ingredients in innovative and surprising forms. Omakase dining is growing in popularity across the country, with a number of wonderful Brisbane restaurants offering this premium epicurean experience. We've collated a quick list of the venues where you can enjoy omakase right now – here's who made the cut ... more

Best of Brisbane
The round-up: here's the best hot cross buns in Brisbane
Food & Drink

The round-up: here’s the best hot cross buns in Brisbane

14 Mar 2024

Easter is the season of indulgence – so when it comes to celebrating with a six-pack of buttery buns, we prefer to go gourmet. It’s the time of year when Brisbane’s best bakeries fiercely compete for our custom, dishing out fresh trays of hot cross buns loaded with fruit, spices and other delicious ingredients. We’re not going to say which bakery bun is the definitive choice – we’re more inclined to put together a list of the top picks and let you make the hard decision. Although picking may be difficult, at the end of the day there is no wrong choice when it comes to hot cross buns. more

Best of Brisbane
Anita Gelato | Brisbane's best gelato and ice-cream
Food & Drink

The round-up: get a sublime scoop at Brisbane’s best gelato and ice-cream spots

15 Feb 2024

When the temperatures rise and air-conditioning units activate all over Brisbane, it's safe to assume that gelato weather has arrived. This summer has been particularly scorching, so it's only fair that we treat ourselves to some ultra-cold, creamy and delicious ice-cream to help us cope. Brisbane has a great selection of gelaterias and ice-cream parlours across town. If you're keen to brave the heat to get your fix of gelato or ice-cream, be sure to equip yourself with knowledge before hand. This is our list of Brisbane's best! more

Best of Brisbane
The round-up: celebrate margarita month in style by knocking back some of Brisbane's best
Food & Drink

The round-up: celebrate margarita month in style by knocking back some of Brisbane’s best

01 Feb 2024

The margarita – the cocktail so nice there's a whole month dedicated to it. Margarita Month is officially underway, and with it being the last month of summer, what better time to make sure you've ticked Brisbane's best margarita spots off your must-try list. We've rounded-up a selection of Brisbane tin shakers that make a mean marg – from the salt-rimmed wonders to tongue-tingling Tommy's and beyond ... more

Best of Brisbane
Etna | Brisbane's best pizza
Food & Drink

The round-up: savour a slice or two from Brisbane’s best pizza joints

01 Feb 2024

No meal is as versatile as pizza – it can cater to nearly any diet and taste and is easily made at home. Meat, cheese, sauce, vegetables, meat, seafood, cheese, meat – if you can dream it, your pizza can have it. Everyone has an opinion of where the best pizza in Brisbane can be found, so instead of simply adding our two cents to the definitive conversation, we decided to compile a list of the spots that do pizza exceptionally well. Check out the list below and then have yourself a pizza party! more

Best of Brisbane
The round-up: tantalise your tastebuds at Brisbane's best Thai restaurants
Food & Drink

The round-up: tantalise your tastebuds at Brisbane’s best Thai restaurants

18 Jan 2024

Any cuisine that can plate up fiery curries, saucy noodle dishes and zesty salads has our immediate vote, so you can only imagine how much we love Thai cuisine. Give it to us takeaway, or sit us down for a dine-in experience – either way we’re always ready to take on some Thai. Brisbane is flush with incredible Thai eateries, from flash restaurants to hole-in-the-wall neighbourhood joints. Everyone has their preferred spot, but we’ve endeavoured to collate as many as we can into a list of what we hear is the best. If you’re reading this on an empty stomach, be prepared to pick up an unshakable craving for Thai right about now … more

Best of Brisbane
The year in review: Brisbane’s best bar openings of 2023
Food & Drink

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

22 Dec 2023

From izakaya-style vinyl bars slinging sake negronis and back-alley boozers playing 80s rock 'n' roll until 3:00 am, to concealed laneway bars where martinis reign supreme, and neighbourhood pubs serving craft suds with a side of Australiana, Brisbane's bar scene welcomed a diverse crop of newcomers this year. We're raising a glass to the Class of 2023, offering up our picks for the year's best new wine bars, breweries and cocktail spots. more