Inspired by W Hotels’ original birthplace, The Lex channels the swagger of New York, but with a uniquely local-focused flavour. Situated on level three of the W Brisbane, the riverfront restaurant instantly scores top marks for location. The spacious venue boasts views over the Brisbane River, South Bank and beyond through floor-to-ceiling windows, creating a flow-on indoor-outdoor space that offers sweeping views from nearly every table. W Brisbane’s cutting-edge aesthetic is perfectly complemented by The Lex’s dark-toned decor and funky pops of colour, which create a moody and sophisticated, yet lively and fun ambiance. If you get tired of the view (trust us, you won’t), The Lex’s talented kitchen crew will certainly keep you entertained. Watch them in action through the open kitchen or even tableside (if you order the famous caesar salad) as they prepare your flavour-packed fare.

The restaurant captures the unrivalled hospitality and buzzing energy of a New York-style grill, with a commitment to hyper-local produce, natural cooking techniques and time-honoured traditions at its core. Created under the direction of W Brisbane’s chef de cuisine Pawel Klodowski, the menu takes a playful approach to familiar classics. A sumptuous selection of snacks, entrees and mains from the grill make up The Lex’s culinary offering. The small-plate morsels include the likes of a Fremantle octopus hot dog with barbecue octopus, gochujang, spring onion and fresh apple, The Lex’s take on tater tots with Avruga caviar and creme fraiche, and charcoal eclairs with grilled Mooloolaba prawns, chilli and celeriac remoulade. Entrees include cured Tasmanian ocean trout with soy and mirin, avocado, pickles and yuzu-miso, grilled North Queensland champagne lobster, barbecue Mooloolaba prawns with chilli butter and native citrus, and smoked maple and bourbon pork belly. From the grill you can sink your teeth into a dry-aged herb and macadamia crusted Rocky Point cobia with buttermilk and tarragon, free-range Gooralie pork cutlet with chimichurri and braised endive, or a dry-aged Warwick MB3 tomahawk steak with wild-garlic jus. Fancy a bit of theatrics while you dine? Order the caesar salad and a member of The Lex’s friendly team will prepare it tableside.

The Lex is now open at the W Brisbane. Head to our Stumble Guide for operating hours and more information. 

Image credit: Shirley Lam