brisbane CBD
Restaurants
Massimo
Restaurant
An all-day Italian eatery inspired by the breezy, seafood-forward diners of the Amalfi Coast.
Longwang
Restaurant
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.
Supernormal
Restaurant
Yes, those famous lobster rolls have landed riverside. But the Queensland sequel to Andrew McConnell’s Asian diner isn’t a carbon copy of the Melbourne original. Here’s what to expect.
Naldham House Brasserie & Terrace
Restaurant
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.
Milquetoast
Restaurant
Milquetoast, a late-night wine bar in a former CBD garage, is anything but. Hit this laneway destination for Brit-leaning food, amaro cocktails and the best lo-fi drops from small winemakers.
Sokyo
Restaurant
The Star Brisbane’s ambitious Japanese fine diner is helmed by chef Alex Yu, who spent eight years at Sokyo in Sydney, and was recently the head chef at Yugen in Melbourne.
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Cafes
Scugnizzi
Cafe
Just like a trad Italian bakery, this tiny takeaway joint sells chunky Roman-style pizza by the slice. Plus, arancini stuffed with saffron rice and Italian sausage, and house-made pastas to go.
Georgio’s Cafe
Cafe
City workers, take note – this sleek cafe is the answer to all your weekday lunch woes. It’s got you covered with healthy salads, loaded deli sandwiches and Bear Bones specialty coffee.
Joe’s Deli
Cafe
A Gold Coast deli king is now serving classic subs, Cuban sandos and loaded hot dogs in Brisbane. And because he's got a license, a Margarita or natty wine is in your near future.
Brew
Cafe
A grungy hideaway that’s busy from morning to night.
Industry Beans Adelaide Street
Cafe
The Melbourne coffee roaster’s small CBD espresso bar aims to get your brew out in under two minutes. Stop in for expert coffee, ice-cold cans of cold brew and Chouquette pastries.
Lune Croissanterie Burnett Lane
Cafe
The Melbourne-born croissanterie’s petite, takeaway-ready store isn’t much more than a hole in the wall. But it’s serving those famous pastries, and Coffee Supreme espresso and filter. Follow the crowds headed for one of the city’s most popular laneways.
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Bars
Bar Miette
Bar
The sibling to Supernormal is a European-inspired terrace bar with its own menu and views of the Story Bridge and Brisbane River.
Frog's Hollow Saloon
Bar
An elite bartending team is behind this approachable cocktail den, slinging an imaginative signature drinks list, Guinness on tap and housemade toasties. It’s all housed behind a heritage brick-and-timber facade in the city centre.
Before & After
Bar
Behind a nondescript door down a graffiti-covered laneway, this homey underground bar is devoted to digestifs. Come for vintage Italian amaro, beeswax and lavender Negronis, and plenty of snacks to drink them with.
Felons Barrel Hall
Bar
The top Brisbane brewery’s monster entertainment precinct is a one-stop drinking and dining destination. It’s got you covered with 59 taps, multiple eateries and a non-stop roster of DJs and live music.
Antico
Bar
Fans of dapper cocktail bar Death & Taxes should make a beeline for this Brisbane city spot. Inspired by the hole-in-the-wall bars of New York and Italy, it's where you can slink into a leather booth with a well-made cocktail and escape the everyday.
Dr Gimlette
Bar
A boundary-pushing cocktail bar from the team behind CBD laneway bar Death and Taxes. It takes service to a whole new level, with roving Martini carts delivering expertly made seasonal drinks to luxurious leather booths.
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Shops
Contra
Shop
A trove of independent and unconventional menswear.
The Cloakroom
Shop
Bespoke and ready-to-wear menswear that’s always sharp.
InStitchu
Shop
Bespoke suiting and shirting you can actually afford.
King of the Wings
Shop
Step aside, Colonel. Your secret herbs and spices don't have anything on this chicken.
Showroom
Shop
Online shopping brought to the real world.
cbd Guides
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Dodge the sales crowds and head to these spots.
The Best New Bars in Brisbane
Here's where we're drinking right now.
CafeSmart 2024 Cafes
Maybe you get a coffee every day. Or maybe you save it as a special treat. No matter your caffeine preference, if there’s one day this year to buy a coffee – make it Friday August 16. CafeSmart is back for its 14th year, turning cafes into hubs of community spirit and collective action. It’s simple: $1 from every coffee purchase at a partner cafe on August 16 will go towards supporting people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. It doesn’t leave you out of pocket – though you’re welcome to donate separately to the campaign in-store or [online](https://donorbox.org/cafesmart2024-donate) – and you walk away with a coffee and the knowledge you’re helping someone at risk. Whether you drink a flat white, cold brew, filter or something else, finding a participating cafe shouldn’t be hard – there are dozens of cafes in Brisbane to choose from. Not sure what to order? Sonam Sherpa of Golden Brown gave us his recommendations for [coffee drinks to try this winter](https://www.broadsheet.com.au/national/food-and-drink/article/coffee-drinks-try-winter-and-why-you-should-order-one-august-16). Make your coffee count this August. Support your local cafe and consider paying a coffee forward to help end homelessness. Find your nearest participating venue below [or here](https://streetsmartaustralia.org/cafesmart/).
The Best Cafes in Brisbane City
Kick start that morning: these are the city’s best cafes for coffee and brunch.
