The Best New Restaurants in Brisbane
“What good new restaurants should I try?”
Broadsheet ’s editors field this question, or a variation on it, almost every day. While we’d just as soon recommend one of Brisbane’s straight-up best restaurants or a long-standing institution, the pull of a hot new place is hard to deny.
So here it is: our edit of the best new restaurants in Brisbane, updated monthly. Some of these places are redefining the way we eat and will go on to become classics. Others will be shorter lived. Either way, these are the spots we’re enjoying eating and drinking at right now.
Restaurant
The Fifty Six
Sitting on the top floor of the heritage-listed Naldham House, the elevated diner is serving Hong Kong-style cuisine. Take a seat for Moreton Bay bug pao fan, dim sum, deep-fried toffee ice-cream and more.
Restaurant
Layla
The star Melbourne chef’s first Queensland venue serves slow-roasted lamb shoulder, coal-grilled swordfish T-bone with burnt orange and saffron, and watermelon and rosewater granita.
Restaurant
Penelope
Inspired by hotel lobby bars, the modernist new venue from the Maya and Il Molo team brings proper late-night dining to the shopping street – and it’s for people who don’t want to be seen.
Restaurant
Cartel Del Taco
From carnitas to tomahawk steaks, Cartel Del Taco’s New Farm spot brings regional specialties, taqueria style and a suite of Margaritas to an 80-seat corner venue.
Restaurant
Central
Down a moody staircase, the Southside and Rick Shores team are serving drunken chicken, scallop and prawn dumplings, and classic roast duck with lilly pilly plum sauce, alongside rare wines from China’s Ningxia region.
Restaurant
Naldham House Brasserie & Terrace
The grand hotels of the world inspire this elegant European brasserie. Hit the ground floor steaks, seafood and snacks on the terrace. Upstairs is a cocktail bar pouring premium fizz by the glass.
Restaurant
August
Dine inside a 136-year-old heritage-listed church for a European-style menu brimming with classic French sauces
Restaurant
Longwang
Brisbane’s skinniest restaurant packs a fiery punch, courtesy of a former Same Same chef who’s serious about spice. Come for the Rabbit Banquet, which gets you a selection of hits for less than $75.
