Restaurants Brisbane | The Weekend Edition

Sustainable (and inventive) fare and all-Australian wines star at Woolloongabba neo-bistro Clarence

27 Jan 2022

Wild-shot venison, pesto soup with trompette zucchini, pig-head terrine and apricot and botrytis mille feuille – these kinds of dishes might not be common sight in Brisbane, but at Woolloongabba's newly minted modern-Australian bistro Clarence, they're a specialty. This intimate restaurant – helmed by a tip-top hospo tandem – officially opens its Stanley Street abode today, Thursday January 27. Boasting a compelling menu that passionately champions sustainable sustenance and a wine list comprised of vino from old guard and new-wave Australian producers, it's shaping up to be a special arrival for Brisbane's buzzing Clarence Corner strip. We were lucky to get a sneak peek inside ahead of its opening – here's what we saw ... more

Food & Drink

Introducing Knowhere – Spring Hill’s steak-and-cocktail-slinging hidden gem

27 Jan 2022

Considering its close proximity to the inner city, Upper Edward Street in Spring Hill is hardly the middle of nowhere. That said, the strip is considered a relatively quiet pocket for hospitality, especially compared to the buzzing action taking place down in The Valley and The City proper. Things could be changing, though, with the recent arrival of new bar and eatery Knowhere. Boasting a vivid aesthetic inspired by one of the world's most famous surrealists, a menu that champions locally sourced produce and a drinks list overflowing with Australian spirits, crafted cocktails and independent beers, Knowhere could soon become Brisbane's worst-kept secret. more

Food & Drink

Uncle Wang brings smoky duck, elevated prawn toast and Chinese jerky to The Barracks

27 Jan 2022

Framing traditional Chinese fare through a modern lens, new minted Petrie Terrace eatery Uncle Wang is looking to change perceptions and challenge westernised interpretations of quintessential dishes. Armed with a broad menu designed to explore with friends, Uncle Wang delivers big on flavour and ingenuity. more

Food & Drink

The Pizzantica team opens Antica – a premium pizzeria and kitchen – in Wilston

20 Jan 2022

Whether you've snagged a slice from its roaming kombi van or have chowed down on some stellar Italian fare at its former New Farm HQ, you'll agree that few Italian eateries nail a slice quite like Pizzantica. After existing for years as a nomadic operation, Pizzantica finally boasts a brick-and-mortar restaurant that is completely its own. Antica officially opened to the public on Wednesday January 19, showing off a range of appetising antipasti, primo pasta, mouth-watering mains, crave-worthy cocktails and, of course, perfect pizzas. We took a peek inside on opening day – here's what we saw ... more

Food & Drink

Pavement Whispers: Catalina, a rooftop restaurant and bar boasting skyline views, is coming to South Brisbane

20 Jan 2022

Okay, imagine this – a Mediterranean-inspired beach club, but in the sky. Okay yes, it sounds far-fetched but bear with us. You're on a rooftop several stories above terra firma, an infinity pool stretches out in front of you to the lip of the building and off in the distance is city skyline in all of its splendour. To your back there's an open-air terrace with cabana lounges and a chic restaurant, too. The sun is out, the sky is blue (so is the pool) and the drinks are cold. Although it sounds like an unreal conjuring out of our wildest dreams, it's actually something that will become a reality in late February. Catalina is a soon-to-open 1500-sqm rooftop bar and eatery taking resort-style vibes to sun-kissed heights. Here's what we know ... more

manly boathouse classic battered fish and chips — Restaurants

Food & Drink

The round-up: Brisbane’s best fish-and-chip spots

13 Jan 2022

Few cuisines suit the Australian summer more than fish and chips. Battered, crumbed or fried – as long as it comes wrapped tightly in a paper parcel with a slice of lemon and some chips and calamari on the side then anything goes. Brisbane has a bunch of great, local fish and chip spots and with the seasons about to change we thought it would be a good idea to encourage you to get your fin fix while the weather is warm. more

Food & Drink

The round-up: what’s open on the January 26 public holiday

10 Jan 2022

As much as we love a public holiday, The Weekend Edition team believes that January 26 is not a date to celebrate. We would like to acknowledge the significance of this date for Indigenous Australians and fully support changing the date for an inclusive celebration that every Australian can enjoy. That said, if you do happen to find yourself in need of a strong coffee or something a little more substantial on Wednesday January 26, there are a bunch of places that are opening their doors that need our continued support during these challenging times. Here’s a handy list … more

ESSA | Brisbane's biggest openings of 2021 — Restaurants

Food & Drink

The round-up: the biggest foodie openings of the year

28 Dec 2021

Well, here we are. The end of the year is imminent, which means it is time to take stock of the year that was. Even with a succession of snap lockdowns and the continuation of dining restrictions, Brisbane's dining scene continued to flourish. New eateries appeared at a rapid rate, forcing us to scramble just to make sure we covered them all! All told, 2021 brought us new glamorous bistros, high-end diners, killer cafes, brilliant bars and much, much more. We've compiled a list of stand-outs from the past 12 months. While not an exhaustive selection, it does offer a snapshot of the diverse array of arrivals we had the privilege of checking out this year. more

The Locals Next week:

Food & Drink

The year in review: the trends and tastes that shaped Brisbane in 2021

28 Dec 2021

Here we are, bleary eyed and weary at the end of another year. While we can't say that 2021 was an amazing year for the world at large, there were still some bright spots worth celebrating. The year that was saw Brisbane's dining scene evolve in interesting ways, from the massive influx of new Italian-inspired eateries to the return of the sambo. We're taking a look back to commemorate the notable happenings in the Brisbane foodie landscape and also spotlight some of the pieces that resonated with you, our dear readers, the most ... more

Food & Drink

Renowned Sydney restaurateur Maurice Terzini opens his first Byron Bay venue, Belongil Beach Italian Food

23 Dec 2021

As the man behind venues such as Icebergs Dining Room and Bar and CicciaBella, it is safe to say that Maurice Terzini is quite accomplished in the Sydney hospitality industry. Wednesday December 15 marked the opening of Maurice's first venture outside of Sydney – Belongil Beach Italian Food in Byron Bay – in association with his long-time business partner Deke Miskin and general manager and business partner Dave Owen. Located a stone's throw from the ocean and with a menu of fresh and simple Italian classics, Belongil Beach Italian Food will be the perfect place to perch this summer. more

Food & Drink

The round-up: what’s open in Brisbane on Boxing Day (and the following public holidays)

23 Dec 2021

People use Boxing Day for a variety of things – shopping, seeing the latest blockbuster film or simply resting after the Christmas Day chaos. We like to use it for more feasting! Sure, there might be plenty of Christmas lunch leftovers floating around, but we prefer to seize the day by dining at some of Brisbane's best nosh spots. This Boxing Day (and the following public holidays on December 27 and 28), loads of eateries will be opening to the public – here are some to look out for ... more

Food & Drink

Boonah’s intimate 20-seat destination restaurant Blume showcases the best of the Scenic Rim

16 Dec 2021

Hop in the car and drive roughly an hour southwest of Brisbane and you'll find yourself in the Scenic Rim – one of the country's most fertile growing regions. Not only is this picturesque pocket of Southeast Queensland easy on the eyes, but the produce grown here is almost incomparable in quality. While we heartily recommend spending a day or two visiting as many farms as you can, a recently opened destination restaurant from one of Australia's brightest young chefs is giving Scenic Rim locals and roadtripping blow-ins a chance to sample the best of the Scenic Rim on a plate. Through a tantalising set menu, Blume takes diners on a hyper-local tastebud tour of the region's most exceptional producers, in the quaint digs of one of Boonah's most charming buildings. more

Food & Drink

Longtime Yum Cha brings dim sum, live seafood and cocktails to Queens Plaza

16 Dec 2021

Are there any meals that boast the same level of belt-loosening extravagance as yum cha? Just picture it – wave upon wave of small plates arriving at your table while a lazy Susan spins sluggishly under the weight of the bounty. If this experience sounds like your kind of indulgence, then allow us to introduce you to Longtime Yum Cha. This gorgeous eatery is officially opening tomorrow, Friday December 17, at Queens Plaza, debuting with a menu of Cantonese-inspired eats and crafted cocktails to match. Wear something stretchy and gather some mates – there's a lot on the menu to explore. more

Food & Drink

Pilgrim, the new Latin-American eatery from the Fogata crew, opens in Petrie Terrace

02 Dec 2021

When Fogata Latin Fusion closed its beloved James Street-based restaurant in early 2020, it left many eaters – especially those in Brisbane's Latin-American community – crestfallen. Thankfully, forlorn foodies were given hope in the promise that the Fogata team would return in the not-too-distant future to plate up its heralded menu of Latin-American fare once more. The team finally made good on its promise last month, opening sibling restaurant Pilgrim at The Barracks in Petrie Terrace – an intimate dining spot where mezcal and pisco flows and plates of ceviche, chargrilled calamari and churrasco are devoured. more

ZA ZA TA – Brisbane's best vegan spots — Restaurants

Food & Drink

The round-up: fill up on goodness at Brisbane’s best vegan spots

02 Dec 2021

Put your presuppositions in the bin – plant-based food is not just salad and steamed vegetables. Vegan cuisine is becoming increasingly prominent due to the rise of dietary requirements and a conscientious focus of what we put in our bodies. For those of you who can’t stomach the thought of canning the cutlets and trashing the T-bones in favour of salad, please relax – we aren’t here to sway you to veganism. What we will say is that dining as a vegan can be hard in our predominantly meat-eating society, but also very rewarding – even if you love bacon and eggs. We’ve chosen to point out Brisbane’s best vegan spots well worth sampling. more

Food & Drink

Step inside Rothwell’s Bar & Grill – Brisbane City’s new home of classic bistro dining

25 Nov 2021

Brisbane City's restaurant scene is having a moment, with a number of elegant eateries setting up inside some of the precinct's glamorous heritage-listed buildings. The newest entrant, Rothwell's Bar & Grill, opened on Edward Street on Tuesday November 23 and immediately turned heads with its well-dressed interior and menu of sumptuous European-tinged bistro fare. It's no wonder that this opening is causing a stir – it's the result of a partnership between the owner of 1889 Enoteca and the former head chef of Aria Brisbane. If that's not enough of a blue-chip pedigree to get you interested, we don't know what to tell you. We took a tour inside Rothwell's Bar & Grill – here's what we saw ... more

Food & Drink

Argentinian-inspired restaurant and bar Evita opens inside a heritage Fortitude Valley hideaway

25 Nov 2021

Tomahawk steaks and whole lobsters cooked over oak and ash, a wine list boasting close to 300 bottles from Latin America and further abroad, a pisco-soaked cocktail list, and some chic heritage-listed surrounds – those are some of the top-line highlights one can expect from an outing at Fortitude Valley newcomer Evita. The fetching arrival (which opened to the public last week) is the result of a culinary collab between two hot-shot hospo groups, designed to deliver transportive tastes and atmospheric ambience influenced by the rich culture of Buenos Aires. This spot isn't only for fans of fire-singed fare – Evita's looking to become a go-to spot for any lover of adventurous epicurean outings. more

Food & Drink

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

25 Nov 2021

We don't want to alarm you, but today is November 25. Just let that sink in – November. 25. With one incredibly busy month ahead of us in the lead up to Christmas, we thought we should stop and reflect on the month that has been. October boasted a cavalcade of openings, from a retro Italian restaurant to a heritage-listed brasserie housed in an old bank. Been too busy to check in on Brisbane's dining scene lately? Here is a quick round-up of the best new Brisbane restaurants, bars and cafes of the month. more

Food & Drink

Dumpling dens, sky-high bars and margarita meccas – the top places to eat and drink this Christmas

25 Nov 2021

'Tis the season to feast! Christmas is just around the corner and the silly season is prime time to sip, snack and satiate your cravings, as well as the perfect excuse to gather your crew for some quality time around the table. Whether you’re planning to down cocktails with your colleagues, you're looking to level up date night or the whole family is out and about, we’ve got you covered – here are some of the best places to eat and drink in Brisbane this festive season. more

Food & Drink

Style, swagger and seductiveness – retro-inspired charmer Sasso Italiano opens in Woolloongabba

18 Nov 2021

Many of the Italian-American eateries that proliferated across the USA in the 60s and 70s remain enduring culinary icons. These neighbourhood trattorias evolved into community institutions, creating a legacy of hospitality that continues to inspire successive generations of epicurean entrepreneurs. The owners of Woolloongabba's new eatery Sasso Italiano count themselves among the new breed of operators blending this old-school approach with a touch of contemporary chic. The restaurant, the first of many new concepts in the works at South City Square on Logan Road, is serving up a menu of trattoria staples (think rigatoni amatraciana, cotoletta, meatballs, cacio e pepe and margherita pizza) and a drinks list headlined by ten kinds of negroni in surrounds that sublimely harmonise the aesthetics of past and present. more