Restaurants
How to support the local Brisbane hospitality scene during the coronavirus threat
Food & Drink

How to support the local Brisbane hospitality scene during the coronavirus threat

01 Apr 2020

UPDATE March 23, 2020: We told you we'd be regularly updating this, as the coronavirus situation is rapidly evolving. As of midday Monday March 23, the federal Government has forced the closure of all pubs, clubs, cinemas, casinos, nightclubs, indoor places of worship, gyms and indoor sporting venues. Restaurants and cafes will be allowed to operate, but only to offer takeaway and delivery services. Currently hotels can operate in an accommodation-only capacity, and supermarkets, convenience stores, banks, petrol stations, pharmacies, food delivery services, bottle shops, hairdressers, beauticians and freight and logistics services can continue to operate. COVID-19 is a serious virus, which means we need to take serious steps to overcome it. As you can see from the latest Government protocol, this usually comes at the expense of small businesses – especially our bars, cafes and… more

Restaurants
The round-up: venues that are temporarily closing during the COVID-19 outbreak
Food & Drink

The round-up: venues that are temporarily closing during the COVID-19 outbreak

26 Mar 2020

As of midday Monday March 23, the federal Government has forced the closure of all pubs, clubs, cinemas, casinos, nightclubs, indoor places of worship, gyms and indoor sporting venues. Restaurants and cafes will be allowed to operate, but only to offer takeaway and delivery services. That doesn't mean that every local business you know and love is going to magically switch to takeaway and delivery – for some, this is not feasible. The following is a list of Brisbane venues that will be shutting doors entirely for an indefinite period of time during the COVID-19 outbreak. We will be updating this list as much a possible to convey the closures as we hear of them. For more information on these listed closures, including a projected timeframe for how long they might last, be sure to visit the venue's website and socials. more

Restaurants
West End welcomes colourful taqueria and mezcaleria Mama Taco
Food & Drink

West End welcomes colourful taqueria and mezcaleria Mama Taco

17 Mar 2020

Although we were saddened to hear of Luigi's Italian's recent closure, we were thrilled to learn that the Luigi's team weren't gone for good. The skilled crew have merely shifted operations a few doors down on Hardgrave Road in West End for a brand-new concept. Here, the Luigi's team have swapped pizza dough and mother culture in favour of Mexican fare and mother mole for Mama Taco – a contemporary take on traditional taquerias and mezcalerias. more

Restaurants
Rise and shine! Donna Chang is now serving breakfast
Food & Drink

Rise and shine! Donna Chang is now serving breakfast

16 Mar 2020

The only thing that can sway us away from a well-deserved sleep in is the promise of a phenomenal breakfast. We're not talking about eggs on toast – we want something extra. Beloved inner-city restaurant Donna Chang has just debuted a new breakfast menu, featuring mouth-watering eats imbued with some signature Chinese-inspired tweaks. more

Restaurants
Chopsticks at the ready – Mei Wei Dumplings opens at Treasury Brisbane
Food & Drink

Chopsticks at the ready – Mei Wei Dumplings opens at Treasury Brisbane

12 Mar 2020

We're going to be honest with you folks, the sight of handcrafted dumplings brings tears of joy to our eyes. The salivation-inducing reveal as you uncover steamy basket after steamy basket is like unwrapping a bunch of birthday presents, but we don't need to wait a whole year to enjoy this feeling again and again. Gold Coast-born Cantonese dining concept Mei Wei Dumplings has made its way up the M1, opening a new location underneath Treasury Brisbane. If delectable dim sum, spicy stir-fry dishes and bang-on barbecue sounds like your idea of a great time, head to Mei Wei Dumplings when it opens at 11:00 am today, Thursday March 12. more

Restaurants
Thai time – Phat Elephant opens at UPSTAIRS at Toombul
Food & Drink

Thai time – Phat Elephant opens at UPSTAIRS at Toombul

05 Mar 2020

Last year a frenzy of activity saw Toombul Shopping Centre transform into one of Brisbane's most happening foodie precincts. UPSTAIRS at Toombul brought multiple cuisines under one roof, with several established names opening new outposts at the revitalised retail hub. While these restaurants got up and running, one tenancy was conspicuously vacant – leaving guests curious as to what was in the works. Well, now it's time to address the elephant in the room – popular Brisbane City eatery Phat Elephant is bringing its tantalising Thai fare to Toombul tonight, Thursday March 5, slotting in perfectly amongst the hub's dining array. more

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Restaurants
Mosconi | Brisbane's best Italian restaurants
Food & Drink

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

05 Mar 2020

We've already delivered our verdict on Brisbane's finest pizza parlours and pasta spots, but we couldn't take ourselves seriously if we didn't acknowledge Italian cuisine at large. Brisbane is flush with authentic Italian eateries, from the ultra-modern fine-dining sort to the rustic family-oriented restaurants. If you've been hankering for some hearty fare, it's near impossible to look past Italian. In no particular order, here are some of our picks for Brisbane's best Italian restaurants. Spettacolare! more

Restaurants
Golden Lane
Food & Drink

The round-up: dine on dim sum at the best yum cha in Brisbane

05 Mar 2020

If there is anything that we love more than steamed dumplings and pork buns, it’s large quantities of steamed dumplings and pork buns. Yum cha is one cuisine that we will always have room in our stomach for, and it is a good idea to come hungry. If you are a novice when it comes to authentic Chinese yum cha, we suggest ticking a few spots off this list to get the best experience. more

Restaurants
Devour breakfast doughnuts and sand-crab benedicts at Toowong's Hooch & Co
Food & Drink

Devour breakfast doughnuts and sand-crab benedicts at Toowong’s Hooch & Co

27 Feb 2020

The brains behind beloved Toowong Italian restaurant Barolos have been busy to start 2020, taking over the space once home to Covet Bar & Restaurant and transforming it into brand-new eatery and bar Hooch & Co. The 60-seater is quietly earning some buzz thanks to its canny infusion of Asian flavours across brunch and lunch bites, not to mention its grounded and warm neighbourhood appeal. more

Restaurants
Pavement Whispers: the Morning After team announces Thai concept Ping Pong for Gasworks Plaza
Food & Drink

Pavement Whispers: the Morning After team announces Thai concept Ping Pong for Gasworks Plaza

20 Feb 2020

Yianni Passaris operates on the mantra "no rest for the wicked". Six months on from the opening of his lauded brekkie-roll dispensary Yolk, the hospitality figure (who also operates West End brunch staple Morning After) is embarking on his third foodie venture – but this time he's got a crew at his back helping him deliver. Ping Pong is the name of the forthcoming bar and eatery, which aims to serve authentic Thai cuisine (prepared by a crack team of Thai chefs) in a striking setting that will need to be seen to be believed ... more

Restaurants
Savour mixed-Asian cuisine at Fortitude Valley newcomer Stone & Copper
Food & Drink

Savour mixed-Asian cuisine at Fortitude Valley newcomer Stone & Copper

20 Feb 2020

Anyone that has travelled through Thailand, Malaysia and India can attest to the gastronomic wonders that abound in each country. Curries, stir-fries, breads – it's no wonder why such culinary delights have become so popular in Australia. Though each country has its own unique set of go-to ingredients and distinct flavour profiles, there is a shared DNA that runs through much south-Asian cuisine. Stone & Copper in The Valley is a new bar and eatery that looks to highlight this crossover by plating up a mix of Asian cuisine, showcasing a range of distinct but complimentary dishes made using authentic techniques and recipes. more

Restaurants
Donna Chang | Brisbane's best Chinese restaurants
Food & Drink

The round-up: Brisbane’s best Chinese restaurants

14 Feb 2020

From natural disasters to virus outbreaks, it’s been a pretty rough start to the decade. It’s no secret that small local businesses have taken a big hit in 2020, and the best thing we can do is support them. We’ve encouraged you to buy from the bush, we’ve encouraged you to travel to bushfire-affected areas – now we’re encouraging you to eat Chinese food. Due to the fears surrounding coronavirus and international travel bans, our beloved local Chinese restaurants on home soil are suffering. There is no need for us to go on a noodle strike – the best course of action is to get out there and show support for our Chinese-Australian friends. So get your chopsticks ready – there’s a Chinese restaurant nearby just waiting to feed you! more

Restaurants
Get loud at Brunswick Mall's new two-level music haven The Sound Garden
Food & Drink

Get loud at Brunswick Mall’s new two-level music haven The Sound Garden

13 Feb 2020

Since the arrival of the Fortitude Music Hall last year, The Valley has become the epicentre of live music in Brisbane. Yesterday, the Brunswick Street Mall scored an impressive music-oriented bar and eatery in the form of The Sound Garden. Stretching over two levels, this gargantuan bistro is not only a spacious spot for punters to drink and dine before or after a gig, but it's also a handy spot to catch up-and-coming artists. more

Restaurants
Rack city – Big Roddy's Rippin' Rib Shack expands to The Valley
Food & Drink

Rack city – Big Roddy’s Rippin’ Rib Shack expands to The Valley

13 Feb 2020

If you've never savoured the saucy goodness at South Brisbane ribs, burgers and wings hotspot Big Roddy's Rippin' Rib Shack, then there's a few things you should know. First, it's okay to get messy – in fact, it's encouraged. Second, a healthy appreciation of The Simpsons is recommended, but not mandatory. Third, last week the barbecue crew expanded north of the river, opening a new location in Fortitude Valley. If you've been meaning to try Big Roddy's locally sourced, tender, melt-in-your-mouth ribs, then now you've got a great excuse to indulge. Remember to don a bib! more

Restaurants
The tide is turning – Wynnum welcomes Bay Terrace Seafood & Sushi
Food & Drink

The tide is turning – Wynnum welcomes Bay Terrace Seafood & Sushi

13 Feb 2020

It's hard to believe that one of Brisbane's prominent bayside suburbs was lacking a quality sushi restaurant, but now sashimi-craving locals of Wynnum have a top-notch eatery to get their fix. Bay Terrace Seafood & Sushi is a new restaurant, wine bar and takeaway joint that is looking to elevate Wynnum's dining scene with quality produce, professional service and a comfortable setting that draws inspiration from a couple of world-renowned seaside hotspots. more

Restaurants
Freja's Cafe transforms into degustation-style fine diner Elska
Food & Drink

Freja’s Cafe transforms into degustation-style fine diner Elska

06 Feb 2020

There's a shake-up underway in the heart of the Wilston Village precinct. On Thursday February 6, beloved brunch spot Freja's Cafe will transform into Elska, an intimate restaurant dishing up degustation-style dinners that incorporate native-Australian ingredients and Nordic-inspired techniques. Imbued with a sense of passion and connection, Elska (an old Nordic word for love) aims to help diners broaden their culinary horizons without subjecting them to the intimidating atmosphere of contemporary fine dining. more

Restaurants
The round-up: the best all-you-can-eat restaurants in Brisbane
Food & Drink

The round-up: the best all-you-can-eat restaurants in Brisbane

06 Feb 2020

It's time to ditch the tight denim, figure-hugging frocks and muscle tees – this list is for those wearing loose-fitting clothing only. Does hearing the word 'buffet' give you butterflies? Do you fantasise about all-you-can-eat feasts on the regular? If you like to push the limits of your belt (and stomach lining), you need to put these eateries on your hit list. Presenting Brisbane's best all-you-can-eat restaurants – stretchy pants only! more

Restaurants
The bird is the word at South Brisbane eatery Naked Wings
Food & Drink

The bird is the word at South Brisbane eatery Naked Wings

30 Jan 2020

Nothing gets our engine running quite like the sight of a basket of saucy freshly cooked chicken wings. Usually when we park our caboose in front of this heavenly sight, we've already cleared our schedule so as to fully embrace the ensuing glassy-eyed contentment, where we bask in a greasy post-feast afterglow. That experience isn't for everyone, though – not all eaters consider making a mess (and having to fight the food-nap urge) as a good time. If you're after an experience that's a little lighter and cleaner, we think you'll like Naked Wings. This new South Brisbane chicken joint specialises in lighter, crispier chicken – the kind that won't leave you comatose and have you calling it a day straight after lunch. more