It’s easy to overlook Thorneside. Sandwiched between Wynnum and Manly to the north and Wellington Point and Cleveland to the south, the bayside locality is often overshadowed by its bustling neighbours – but that could be changing. Seafood seekers have been flocking to Thorneside to get a seat at Pippy Fish Cafe, an alluring new eatery located a short prawn toss from Beth Boyd Park and Queens Esplanade. In a part of Brisbane flush with fish and chippers and seafood-centric eateries, what is pulling pescatarians in Pippy’s direction? First, the 45-seater venue’s up-style aesthetic is slick and contemporary, with dashes of industrial rawness softened by hexagonal tiling, steampunk-inspired light fixtures, leather banquettes, timber furnishings and fish murals on the ceiling applied by local artist Miriam Innes. Sleek but accessible, Pippy Fish Cafe is ideal for casual mid-week dinners, Friday night takeaway or an occasion outing with the whole family.

Second, Pippy is standing out thanks to its fresh-catch offering and dine-in menu of elevated eats. Head chef Paul Matthews is sourcing Poseidon’s finest, favouring Queensland catches as much as possible. These hauls are funnelled into the restaurant’s sit-down and grab-and-go offering, with the former featuring trout pate served with dill creme fraiche, lobster tail brioche roll, steamed black mussels with white wine, tuna tataki with summer salad and two seafood platters – one hot and one cold. Pippy’s takeaway spread is headlined by its signature Seafood Cornetto – a cardboard cone filled to bursting point with crumbed fish, hand-cut chips, calamari, scallops and battered prawns – as well as prawns by the kilo, battered or crumbed fish, crispy potato skins and croquettes. The likes of Mission Beach barramundi, Hervey Bay crabs, Mooloolaba prawns and snapper, and Tasmanian oysters can be spied in the display fridge, with morsels cleaned and sold for those looking to cook at home. On the beverage front, Pippy Fish Cafe stocks a sensational selection of Australian wines and craft beers from cutting-edge brewers such as Hop Nation Brewing Co., Bright Brewery, Boatrocker Brewers & Distillers and Otherside Brewing – many of which are largely uncommon finds in Brisbane.

Pippy Fish Cafe is now open to the public – for operating hours, contact details and booking info, head to the Stumble Guide.