The Five Best Fast Lunch Spots in the Brisbane CBD

During the working week it can be difficult to eat well. Many of us forget to bring our leftover chicken curries from the night before, while others have no time to eat so might grab a packet of chips and a soft drink from the closest newsagent. A lot of us get stuck in the rut of eating from the same sushi joint or carvery where we feel confident that our order will satisfy our lunch time needs. And often we will walk past places that look appealing but feel too risky, because we don't want our one meal and break of the day to be a disappointing one.

Luckily for you Concrete Playground has selected five delicious, ultra-convenient and reasonably priced places from five corners of the Brisbane CBD to satisfy your lunch time needs of speed, economy and good taste.

Sage on Ann

Sage on Ann is the perfect place for the legal eagles out there. Conveniently close to the courts, Sage on Ann offers healthy and delicious lunch time dishes for you and your colleagues. Enjoy some old-style eating by ordering the macaroni and cheese, or combine fatty with fresh by ordering the pork belly salad. Their sandwich menu is extensive and includes traditional ham, corned beef, and chicken sandwiches, but also provides the adventurous with options such as the peking duck with chilli plum sauce sandwich. They serve DiBella coffee, and will also take pre-orders for those needing to get in and out in a hurry.

140 Ann Street, Brisbane; 3221 4471; www.sageonann.com.au

Jan Power's Farmers Markets at Queen Street

For those of you who like a bit of variety we highly recommend the Jan Power's Farmers Markets, run every Wednesday. Located at the top of the Queen Street Mall - just across the river from South Bank - these markets can give you everything that you need, including a fun experience. Head to the German Sausage Hut for a delicious hot dog with sauerkraut and mustard; enjoy some hot smoked salmon as you browse through the fruit and veg; treat yourself to some sauteed mushrooms with avocado and salsa; and if you have a sweet tooth, then you must get some Della Mano brownies. Not only will you find many bites to enjoy for lunch, but you can pick up some top quality produce at market price.

Queen Street Mall (bridge end), Brisbane; www.janpowersfarmersmarkets.com.au

AJ's Vietnamese Noodle House

AJ's can seem a bit intimidating for first-timers. There's always a handful of people loitering out the front causing confusion. Usually these people will either be waiting for their take away to be brought out, or they are waiting for a table. AJ's is incredibly popular and with good reason: the food is delicious and cheap. Their rice paper rolls are fat and full of tasty fillings. The spicy beef noodle soup is appropriately sinus-clearing and incredibly flavourful. Their vermicelli salads are all good - we recommend the pork or spring rolls (cut up spring rolls + salad = how to cheat when eating salad). Everything you order will be good and you will only need a $10 note.

70 Charlotte Street, Brisbane; 07 3229 2128

Spring

Located on the corner of Felix and Mary Streets, Spring is the one-stop shop for all food experiences, including buying produce, getting take away or dining in. Their menu is full of delicious meal options including the incredible pulled chipotle pork and guacamole sandwich. They also have tasty takeaway options such as ham and cheese croissants, and an endless supply of sugary treats for the sweet tooth.

26 Felix Street, Brisbane; 07 3229 0460; www.spring.com.au

Le Bon Choix

This piece of French heaven is located at the very end of Queen Street, on the corner of Eagle Street. The French staff make your mid-week lunchtime experience all the more pleasant with their lovely accents and good looks. Line up and decide on what you will have for lunch, making certain that you include dessert. Will it be a chicken baguette with a chocolate eclair for dessert? Or a spinach and feta quiche with an almond croissant? Whatever you choose, you will be incredibly satisfied - their sweet treats will probably change your life.

379 Queen Street, Brisbane; 07 3229 9260; www.lebonchoixbakery.com.au