Restaurants
Old meets new at Brisbane City's subterranean saloon Miss Demeanour
Food & Drink

Old meets new at Brisbane City’s subterranean saloon Miss Demeanour

19 Sep 2019

The Rowes Arcade building on Edward Street boasts a strong hospitality lineage stretching back to the early 1900s. From the landmark 380-seater Rowe's Cafe (named after hospitality icon Minna Rowe), all the way through to the days of Rosie's Nightclub and Sonny's House of Blues, the heritage-listed building has housed its fare share of daytime and late-night destinations. The latest in this long line of hotspots – Miss Demeanour – is dipping into this heritage, paying homage to what's come before while still firmly looking toward the future with an all-day (and night) offering that boasts a welcoming and cheeky appeal. more

Restaurants
The Matriarch brings a dash of romance and luxe Euro elegance to Newstead
Food & Drink

The Matriarch brings a dash of romance and luxe Euro elegance to Newstead

19 Sep 2019

Imagine this – you're sitting in the heart of a lavishly appointed French court, sipping top-shelf champagne in the shade of an olive tree, with snacks at your elbow and your every want and need taken care of by attentive wait staff. Usually you'd need to hop on a plane and spend a chunky sum to enjoy an experience like this, but a new venue in Newstead might just be the next best option. The Matriarch is a stately warehouse hub of European-inspired hospitality, catering to brunch lovers, bubbly sippers, high-tea hunters and tapas enthusiasts. more

Restaurants
Na Bangkok brings Thai street food to FudoDori
Food & Drink

Na Bangkok brings Thai street food to FudoDori

19 Sep 2019

Darase Kraykaew has been keeping folks fed and watered with her beloved Thai restaurant At Bangkok since 2007. The popular restaurant – located in the heart of Chinatown in Haymarket – is know for being open until 5:00 am, ensuring guests can get a fix of Thai street food in the wee hours of the morning. In fantastic news for fans of authentic Thai fare, Darase is bringing her culinary concept north, opening sibling restaurant Na Bangkok at Elizabeth Street precinct FudoDori today, Friday September 13. Na Bangkok's menu of inspired eats will not only tantalise tastebuds, but will educate diners on the origins of some of Thailand's most popular dishes. more

Restaurants
Proof BBQ & Booze | Brisbane's best American barbecue
Food & Drink

The round-up: Brisbane’s best American barbecue restaurants

12 Sep 2019

Apologies in advance to all plant-based eaters out there – this round-up is strictly for the carnivores. This time around, we’re checking out the finest hunks of meat available around town. No, we’re not talking about Aussie Thunder Male Revue. We’re talking about barbecue – American barbecue, to be precise. Brisket, pulled pork, ribs, sausages – if it’s smoky, saucy and meaty, it’s exactly what we’re after. We’ve assembled a list of some of the best bricks-and-mortar barbecue locations in Brisbane. Be wary of reading while hungry – this list will get the salivation glands working overtime. more

Restaurants
Cocktails, ceviche and coastal vibes – Baja brings modern Mexican to The Valley
Food & Drink

Cocktails, ceviche and coastal vibes – Baja brings modern Mexican to The Valley

05 Sep 2019

From Tijuana to Los Cabos, the Mexican state of Baja California is regarded as a bucket-list destination for lovers of surf, sun, sea breezes and scintillating fare. Daniel Quinn – the mastermind behind popular Fortitude Valley caffeine and bagel joint Milk Box Coffee & Tuckshop – is bringing this playful side of Mexico to Brisbane with his new concept Baja. The chic eatery is looking to deliver a take on the cuisine relatively unseen in Brisbane, with a menu of fresh and light morsels wrought from Australian ingredients executed by a skilled team of renowned culinary wunderkinds. more

Restaurants
The round-up: where to light up the night for Sunsuper Riverfire 2019
Food & Drink

The round-up: where to light up the night for Sunsuper Riverfire 2019

05 Sep 2019

Let's set the scene – a cloudless night, a cool breeze, a glass of something sparkling in one hand and an entire skyline illuminated by the snap, pop and fizz of fireworks. If this mental image was enough to give you goosebumps, then we'd hazard a guess that Riverfire is one of your favourite nights of the year. If that's the case, then you'd probably know that Riverfire is back for 2019, ending September once more with an incredible display of city-spanning pyrotechnics. A plethora of Brisbane venues are hosting Riverfire parties all over town, so if you are keen to secure a spot ahead of time to catch the action, have a gander at this list and decide where you'll be on Saturday September 28. more

Restaurants
An icon on the move – Mecca Bah opens at Gasworks Plaza
Food & Drink

An icon on the move – Mecca Bah opens at Gasworks Plaza

22 Aug 2019

Since its inception, Mecca Bah has long been a go-to for those seeking a mix of North African and Middle Eastern cuisine. Its lengthy tenure at Fortitude Valley's Emporium precinct cemented it as a culinary institution, but even the most durable destinations are prone to a shake-up every once in a while. Earlier this year, Mecca Bah vacated its Fortitude Valley digs in favour of a fresh start as an anchor tenant of Gasworks Plaza's new dining extension. The new space quietly opened to the public last week, and already regulars are trekking to sample Mecca Bah 2.0's menu, which features all the popular favourites as well as a clutch of experimental newcomers. more

Restaurants
Rico Bar & Dining set to make its mark on Eagle Street Pier
Food & Drink

Rico Bar & Dining set to make its mark on Eagle Street Pier

22 Aug 2019

Earlier this year, acclaimed fine-dining institution Aria officially shuttered after ten years of operation. After diners came to terms with the closure, much discussion has erupted over what will take over Aria's prime location at Eagle Street Pier. We can reveal that the space will soon be home to Rico Bar & Dining – a multi-faceted eatery from the crew behind George's Paragon Seafood Restaurant and Massimo Restaurant & Bar. Want to know more? Read on ... more

The Locals Next week:

Restaurants
Lupa Pizza Bar
Food & Drink

The round-up: Brisbane’s best pizza joints

15 Aug 2019

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

Restaurants
Louis Tikaram appointed head chef of forthcoming Cantonese eatery Stanley
Food & Drink

Louis Tikaram appointed head chef of forthcoming Cantonese eatery Stanley

13 Aug 2019

The burgeoning riverside hub at Howard Smith Wharves has scored another big name for its culinary offering. Australian-born chef Louis Tikaram is returning home after an acclaimed stint overseas to take on the head chef role at forthcoming Cantonese restaurant and bar Stanley. After wowing diners in West Hollywood, the former Good Food Guide’s Young Chef of the Year will be spearheading the anticipated eatery's debut offering when it opens in October. more

Restaurants
Za Za Ta | Brisbane restaurant | The Weekend Edition
Food & Drink

The Middle East meets the Mediterranean at stunning Fortitude Valley arrival ZA ZA TA

08 Aug 2019

If you ask us, cultural collisions produce some of the most amazing culinary experiences. The best of these amalgamations do more than just cross-pollinate flavours – they also combine histories and traditions of each region, re-contextualising experiences and creating a harmonious blend of the best of each half. ZA ZA TA is one such glorious bonding. The anticipated restaurant officially opens today, Tuesday August 6, and seeks to plate up a soulful union of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines with a dynamic that showcases time-forged techniques and curious ingredient pairings. more

Restaurants
Steins at the ready – The Bavarian opens its brand-new beer hall at The Barracks
Food & Drink

Steins at the ready – The Bavarian opens its brand-new beer hall at The Barracks

08 Aug 2019

From Brisbane City and Chermside to Broadbeach, Maroochydoore and Toowoomba, The Bavarian brand has become synonymous with cheerful, casual and comprehensive hospitality. Potentially the most beloved concept in Rockpool Dining Group's thriving portfolio, The Bavarian has blossomed from a quirky one-off Bavarian-themed beer bar into a juggernaut of steins, schnitzels and sausages. Petrie Terrace is the latest suburb to snag a beer hall of its own, with The Bavarian opening at The Barracks today, Friday August 2. more

Restaurants
Arc Dining and Wine Bar
Food & Drink

The round-up: what’s open this Ekka public holiday

06 Aug 2019

The tents have been set up, the showbags have been stuffed with goodies and the rides have been switched on – it's Ekka time, baby! Brisbane's biggest carnival is back for 2019, and with it comes plenty of strawberry sundaes, dagwood dogs and treats galore. You know what else it brings? A public holiday! On Wednesday August 14, all of Brisbane gets a day off to enjoy how they please. Some folks choose to spend the whole day soaking up the Ekka atmosphere, while some might take the opportunity to catch up on sleep. Both are great options, but perhaps you'd like to use the day to visit some dining spots you've been meaning to tick off your list? Plenty of cafes, restaurants and bars will be open on the Ekka public holiday, and we've compiled a list of some of the spots operating from morning through to evening. more

Restaurants
Feast on fat rice noodles and xiao long bao at Chu Bistro in Bowen Hills
Food & Drink

Feast on fat rice noodles and xiao long bao at Chu Bistro in Bowen Hills

01 Aug 2019

A new culinary concept has appeared at the base of the Madison Heights Apartments complex, which stands at the centre of the ever-bustling nexus of Campbell Street and Mayne Road in Bowen Hills. Boasting a modern-industrial aesthetic, a menu of aromatic pan-Asian dishes and a cocktail list infused with a colourful array of ingredients, Chu Bistro is delivering an experience perfectly suited for lively group dinners and after-work libations. more

Restaurants
District 1
Food & Drink

The round-up: where to find Brisbane’s best pho

01 Aug 2019

When we rank our favourite noodle soups, number one would have to be pho, fo’ sho. We’re not promising that this round-up won’t be littered with soupy puns, but when your brain craves noods it’s hard to resist. Brisbane is flush with fantastic Vietnamese restaurants, all vying for the title of Brisbane’s best pho. Everyone’s got their own pick for the best pho in town, making this one of the most contentious lists in recent memory. We’re not confident we can name the best, but we’re damn certain we have a world-class selection – here are our picks. more

Restaurants
A Thai-tanic arrival – Jumbo makes a sizeable splash in Brisbane City's dining scene
Food & Drink

A Thai-tanic arrival – Jumbo makes a sizeable splash in Brisbane City’s dining scene

25 Jul 2019

Brisbane is currently in the midst of a Thai renaissance. The cuisine has long been popular as a neighbourhood takeout staple, but now the fare is becoming the focal point of an upscale dining revolution. Jumbo is the newest entrant vying for our tastebuds – a restaurant that is set to deliver a harmonious melding of culture and cuisine. Utilising the freshest locally sourced produce, sauces and curry pastes made in house, and fare served in a sense-enlivening restaurant setting, Jumbo is raising the standard of Thai food available in Brisbane. The restaurant officially opens to the public on Friday July 26, but we've got the first glimpse right here. more

Restaurants
LONgTIME | Brisbane's ten best restaurants
Food & Drink

The round-up: Brisbane’s ten best restaurants as voted by you

25 Jul 2019

The past 16 months has seen Brisbane's restaurant scene boom in terms of its profile and standing amongst Australia's major cities. New restaurants opened, and several old favourites underwent significant shake-ups. This meant that the stage was set for the most anticipated EAT/drink Awards in recent memory, and our readers didn't disappoint. The 2019 EAT/drink Awards were some of the most hotly contested in the lifespan of the competition, and our marquee categories naturally drew a lot of attention. After an entire month of voting, the winners and runner-up venues have been announced, but there were many other fine establishments that still received an overwhelming amount of votes. This year we have a brilliant crop of culinary destinations comprising the upper echelon of Brisbane's Best Restaurant vote getters, so we figured we’d acknowledge the cream of the crop and list the ten… more

Restaurants
Windsor welcomes smokin'-hot pitmaster's paradise Proof BBQ & Booze
Food & Drink

Windsor welcomes smokin’-hot pitmaster’s paradise Proof BBQ & Booze

18 Jul 2019

Booze, barbecue and bang-on service – these are the three Bs that form Proof’s prime directive. The latest in Brisbane’s long line of stellar suburban bars is redefining public-house hospitality, luring in locals with a combination of good grub, good drink and good chat. If meat by the pound and whiskey by the drink sounds like your idea of a good time, follow the scent of wood smoke down Newmarket Road to Proof BBQ & Booze. more

Restaurants
Phat Boy brings tantalising Thai feasts to Brisbane Quarter
Food & Drink

Phat Boy brings tantalising Thai feasts to Brisbane Quarter

18 Jul 2019

Alyssa Phadungkiat believes that we all have a cheeky child within us, one that emboldens us when we indulge. Debating going back for one more scoop, slice or mouthful? “Do it,” says the child. “It will be worth it,” they assure us. It’s this unseen but ever-present force within that has inspired Alyssa’s latest concept Phat Boy at Brisbane Quarter. Further bolstering her portfolio of Thai eateries, Phat Boy sees Alyssa and her team pushing the cuisine further forward, taking classic Thai flavours and elevating them to greater mouth-watering heights. Phat Boy officially opens today, Monday July 15, so if you’re looking for a spot to treat yourself (and the little greedy-guts within) to some guilt-free feasting, look for Phat Boy’s newly illuminated sign. more