Cafes
Single O, Austin Street: The first Brisbane-based coffee bar from the pioneering Sydney-born roaster is serving a slice of its Surry Hills experience, including oat iced latte off tap, coffee-infused gelato, pastries from Agnes Bakery and lemon and pepperberry chicken toasties.

Nodo, Ella Street: One of Brisbane’s most beloved treat and brunch purveyors was born right here in Newstead. Nodo’s gluten-free doughnuts and day starters like the Bang Bang Bene with Szechuan-braised ham hock can’t be beat.

Salt Coffee Roasters, Doggett Street: A staple of Newstead’s caffeine scene, Salt is a go-to for everyone from flat-white fanatics and those big on batch brew. You’ll also find a tight menu of rotating eats that are sure to satisfy.

Industry Beans, Proe Street: This nationally lauded roaster is also one of Newstead’s finest brunch suppliers. The chilli barramundi folded eggs or the pandan bubble waffle (with a signature Fitzroy Iced cold brew on the side) would be our picks.

Yolk, Gasworks Plaza: Brekkie rolls don’t get much better than the kind served at Yolk. The Angus scotch-fillet roll with sunny-side up egg and chimichurri, and the mushroom roll with panko-crumbed mushroom, scrambled eggs and American cheese are the proof in the pudding.

Drip, Skyring Terrace: Silky caffeine from The Black Lab Coffee Co isn’t all you’ll find at Drip – tip-top Reuben toasties, breakfast danishes and roast-chicken wraps make this cosy cafe a primo pit stop.

Campos Coffee, Gasworks Plaza: A name long synonymous with sensational coffee, Campos is perpetually pumping with folks nabbing their regular cup. The line moves quick though – the Campos crew is full of experts, after all.

Sunroom, Ross Street: Part cafe, part homewares resource, Sunroom is an uber-stylish spot to spend a while. From turmeric and matcha lattes to bakehouse treats, there are a lot of reasons to linger longer.

Mica Brasserie, The Promenade Lifestyle Centre: Shannon Kellam’s brasserie is often inundated with locals seeking a pastry hit, but those that prefer to dine in will fall in love with Mica’s croque monsieur, sausages and mash, and buche de chevre.

Masters St Coffee, Masters Street: The team behind this hole-in-the-wall coffee slinger pulls shots as well as anyone, with sublime coffee (made using beans from Black Mass Roasters) to prove it.

Cheeky Poke Bar, Skyring Terrace: Brisbane’s poké craze started here at Cheeky Poké’s first location. Even though the Cheeky empire has expanded, the bowls (and the tacos) are as bang-on as they’ve ever been.

The Matriarch, Masters Street: The art of high tea is perfected at The Matriarch, which has transformed an industrial space into an elegant eatery. Guests can enjoy a menu boasting buttermilk and fruit scones with cream, house-made tiramisu, and plenty of tea and champagne.

Locale, Commercial Road: Injecting a sense of la dolce vita into the everyday, this mome-style Italian cafe is a must-visit for gluten-free snacks and sweets, as well as killer coffee.

Bars
Ruby, My Dear, Longland Street: The Happy Fat Group is transporting Japan’s listening bar culture to Brisbane. Here, a roster of DJs spin hand-picked vinyl records while guests imbibe sake negronis and snack on panko-prawn ebi buns.

NIKY, Doggett Street: Salt Coffee Roaster’s chic wine-pouring sibling NIKY is all about natty vino. Effervescent pet nats and skin-contact sips flow freely while a small kitchen pumps out an array of snacks and share-style plates.

Ardo’s, Wyandra Street: The City Winery crew has branched out into the wine bar game with Ardo’s – a bar and wine shop hybrid stocking a range of top-notch Australian vino alongside hits from the Gerler Wine range.

Range Brewing, Byres Street: The offering at Boundary-pushing beer maker Range Brewing is always changing, meaning that froth heads will always find something new and interesting to quaff when they pop in for a pint and a pizza.

Green Beacon Brewing Co., Helen Street: An OG of the craft-beer scene, Green Beacon continues to be one of the best schooner slingers in town. A rotating roster of food trucks also park outside in order to keep folks fed.

Working Title Brew Co., Doggett Street: It was a crushing blow when Newstead Brewing Co. left the area, but Working Title fills the void (and its Doggett Street warehouse) with a range of experimental ales and bar food that we’d describe as unconventional (in the best way).

Newstead Social, Masters Street: Newstead’s version of a casual pub-style haunt, this joint is your best bet for oversized parmies, stacked burgers and sizzling steaks.

Hello Gorgeous, Chester Street: Located close to James Street’s fringe, Hello Gorgeous is the perfect stepping stone for a Newstead crawl. Stop in for a colourful cocktail and a mezze board, or linger longer to make your way through the hand-picked wine list.

The Triffid, Stratton Street: Yes, The Triffid is, first and foremost, a live-music venue – but its beer garden is great for a cold one and a bite! Pop in for a beer and a smash-patty burger from The Triffid Burger Co.

Restaurants
Bosco, Austin Street: Simon Hill’s follow-up to Bar Alto hits all the right notes – a menu filled with simple grilled foods from the oil regions of Spain, France and Italy (plus bread from Brewbakers), a curated wine list and a chic industrial-style location in an overlooked backstreet. What’s not to love?

e’cco Bistro, Skyring Terrace: A pillar of Brisbane’s fine-dining scene since opening in 1995, Philip Johnson’s beloved e’cco bistro continues to set the standard for elevated eats.

Mrs Brown’s Bar & Kitchen, Commercial Road: Part bar, part eatery, all fun – Mrs Brown’s has been a buzzy bastion of Newstead nightlife since opening. Regulars are still raving about the Korean fried cauliflower, lamb paratha pancakes and chicken and cheese spring rolls.

Allonda, Longland Street: The NOTA crew made waves with its Newstead concept. It’s a looker, with a high-ceilinged interior and a contemporary aesthetic paired perfectly with a conscientiously crafted menu of drool-worthy, European-inspired dishes.

Monal Dining, Skyring Terrace: Not quite a bar, not quite a restaurant, Monal Dining is an approachable neighbourhood spot run by some top-flight chefs. Swing by for snacks like tuna tartare on fried potato and wagyu intercostal skewers on beds of labneh, or linger longer for lemon molasses-glazed chicken bathing in curry sauce and Riverina black Angus sirloins.

Nonda, Gasworks Plaza: East Asian-inspired flavours mix with tongue-tantalising results at Nonda, which fuses elements of multiple cuisines into the likes of black vinegar sweet-and-sour pork with puffed rice crackers and mushroom tantan men with dobanjang.

Stratton Bar & Kitchen, Stratton Street: The sibling of Mrs Brown’s Bar & Kitchen ups the ante a few notches, transforming a pair of World War II-era hangars into a contemporary chow spot serving the likes of cacio e pepe udon noodles and bolognese-and-burrata-topped pizzas.

Ping Pong, Gasworks Plaza: This pink-hued palace of Thai-inspired eats matches its vivid interior with punchy flavours. Try the panang curry with wild prawns and coconut, Peking duck tacos and fried lamb ribs with garlic and black-pepper sauce.

Golden Pig, Ross Street: Not only is the Golden Pig a beloved trove of Asian cuisine (the crunchy duck baos with slaw, pickled young ginger and tare mayo are worth the visit alone), but it’s also one of Brisbane’s best cooking schools. Whet your appetite or sharpen your skills – the choice is yours.

Botany, Gasworks Plaza: Perched next to Gasworks’ green space and ensconced by leafy garden beds, Botany lives up to its greenery inspired name. It’s a dreamy spot for brunch with bubbles, leisurely lunches or after-dark cocktails.

Rogue Bistro, Austin Street: Those seeking one of the best degustation experiences in town can find it at Rogue Bistro, which offers a seasonally responsive six-course menu that blends epicurean ingenuity with theatrical flair.

Smokey Moo, Gasworks Plaza: You’ll probably smell Smokey Moo before you see it. Follow the scent of woodsmoke and you’ll find one of Brisbane’s best barbecue restaurants, where meaty morsels are given the low ‘n’ slow treatment until they’re melt-in-your-mouth perfect.

Santorini Restaurant Grill Bar, Kyabra Street: Home-style Greek is a specialty here – think zucchini chips, dolmadakia, kefalograviera saganaki and grilled-to-order souvlaki.

Maggie May, Gasworks Plaza: There’s more than meets the eye at Maggie May, a slick and richly appointed 70s-inspired supper club serving everything from bottomless brunches to sriracha mayo-drenched prawn rolls and classic cocktails.

Mecca Bah, Gasworks Plaza: A familiar name to Brisbane foodies, Mecca Bah has long been a go-to spot for Middle Eastern-inspired cuisine – from mezze and North African meatballs to chermoula vegetable tagines and harissa lamb shish kebabs.

Would you believe that there’s even more in Newstead worth checking out? Have a browse through the Stumble Guide for more appetising options.