Felons Brewing Co., Brisbane City
After-work drinks are made easy (and breezy) at Felons Brewing Co. at Howard Smith Wharves, which boasts plenty of ideal outdoor seating overlooking the river. Grab your pals and perch with a frothy sip and a woodfired pizza under the roof or head to the beer garden outside and find a spot under the umbrellas to while away the afternoon.

COPPA, Brisbane City
A relative newcomer, COPPA at Eagle Street Pier brings coastal cool and laid-back charm to the riverside hub. The venue’s casual alfresco dining space is superb pick for wining and dining, implementing a breezy aesthetic that emphasises the site’s breathtaking river views. Our drink of choice? A frozen negroni – which perfectly complements the lively locale’s waterfront outlook.

Madame Wu, Brisbane City
Perched at Riparian Plaza on Eagle Street, Madame Wu dishes up modern Asian delicacies in a lavish setting. For primo alfresco vibes, take a seat under the protection of the retractable roof on the balcony to enjoy Story Bridge views before tucking into a mouth-watering menu of Asian-inspired bites.

Popolo, South Bank 
Situated alongside the Brisbane River, Popolo delivers an elegant yet simplistic dining experience. Gaze across the river to the city skyline while savouring delicious share plates, traditional pizza and house-made pasta, or if you want to get an even closer spot to the river, snag a picnic basket full of Italian-inspired goodies and roll out a rug on River Quay Green in front of the restaurant (hot tip – this picnic spot is licensed!).

Patina at Customs House, Brisbane City
Boasting incredible views of Story Bridge, Patina at Customs House is a bucket-list dining destination for Brisbane locals and visitors. It’s here where you can enjoy a share-style menu showcasing local seafood and seasonal produce and a clutch of lip-smacking cocktails that are sure to enliven the tastebuds.

Joey’s, Kangaroo Point
Kangaroo Point’s iconic clifftop cafe underwent a significant makeover in 2020, transforming into vibrant restaurant and bar Joey’s. The site’s new fit-out has been specifically designed to take advantage of Joey’s enviable position atop the cliffs, ensuring every seat can experience the breathtaking 180-degree views of Brisbane City and the river. Plus, the eatery has delicious eats and a killer drinks list, to boot!

Southside, South Brisbane
Found in Fish Lane’s Town Square hub, Southside is a multi-level restaurant that features a variety of spaces for drinking and dining – with a particularly pretty alfresco space. Whether you’re a pre-show snacker or more of a leisurely feaster, you’re sure to be impressed by the menu of Chinese-centric delights – we suggest dabbling in some dim-sum devouring.

Will & Flow, Brisbane City
Overwater bar Will & Flow celebrates Brisbane’s enviable weather, offering both indoor and outdoor seating, and panoramic river views across to South Bank and the Cultural Centre. Whether you’re meeting up with pals for riverside coffees or hustling up your colleagues for post-work cocktails, you will be impressed with this breezy spot and its bounty of tempting fare.

Comuna Cantina Elizabeth Street, Brisbane City
Desperately seeking South American food and a shady spot to sit at lunch? Look no further than Comuna Cantina’s Elizabeth Street outpost, which boasts eight unique spaces to inhabit, including a shaded alfresco area. It’s here where you can dig in to tastebud-tempting snacks (cheesy quesadillas, here we come) as well as a collection of Instagram-worthy cocktails that look almost too good to drink.

Found a spot near the river but no car park? Ditch driving and hop on a CityCat (there’s even double-decker CityCats now in service!). If you want to soak up the sun but don’t want to spend any pennies, pack some provisions and a picnic rug and head to one of Brisbane’s best parks. 

This article was written in partnership with our friends at Brisbane City Council. To discover more of Brisbane’s backyard pop over to the Brisbetter Days Out website.