The Ten Best Restaurants to ‘Dine Smart’ for Charity in Brisbane

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and in the weeks leading up to the festive day, charity organisation Street Smart Australia has partnered with restaurants and cafes around Brisbane to form Dine Smart. Diners are encouraged to add a small donation to their bill that will go towards helping the homeless.

You can check out all of the participating restaurants here, and to make it easier for you, we have narrowed down our Concrete Playground top ten places to Dine Smart before Christmas.

Montrachet

Named after one of the most famous vineyards in the world, Montrachet in Paddington is the place to enjoy a decadent evening of wine and food. This exquisite French restaurant serves some of France's finest traditional meals such as escargot, bouillabaisse, lambs brains and crème brûlée, all executed with perfection. Wine lovers will be thrilled by the selections from regions in France including the Loire Valley, Bordeaux and from the restaurant's namesake, the vineyards of Montrachet.

224 Given Terrace, Paddington; 07 3367 0030; www.montrachet.com.au

Il Centro

Located on Eagle St Pier, Il Centro is one of Brisbane's most loved restaurants. Their signature dish, a rich sand crab lasagne, has won the hearts of locals and famous visitors alike. The menu has a wonderful combination of Italian cuisine and Queensland seafood, and consistently impresses. It is a dining experience second to none with attentive waitstaff, beautiful views and delicious food.

Eagle Street Pier, 1 Eagle Street, Brisbane; 07 3221 6090; www.il-centro.com.au

Cove Bar and Dining

Down on the river at South Bank, Cove is the perfect place to enjoy sumptuous food, ice cold drinks and the sunset. Their oysters are fresh from Coffin Bay; the menu is unique and delicious; the drinks list impressive; the location ideal. Enjoy relaxed alfresco dining at its best at Cove.

River Quay, Sidon Street, South Bank; 07 3844 3993; www.covebardining.com.au

Bucci

Bucci on James Street has the complementary hybrid of classic Italian flavours prepared with fresh modern twists. The extensive menu means that everybody will be satisfied whether after a light salad, heavy pasta or a selection of delicious cured meats. Be sure to leave room for the decadent desserts. Italian doughnuts anybody?

15 James Street, Fortitude Valley; 07 3852 3323; www.buccirestaurant.com.au

Saké

For an exquisite experience , Saké at Eagle St Pier is the place to go. The diverse menu incorporates the best of Japanese cuisine - sashimi, tempura, dumplings, edamame - all prepared to perfection using local Queensland seafood and traditional Japanese delicacies. And of course, you cannot go to Saké without drinking from their extensive range of Saké.

Level 1, 45 Eagle Street, Eagle Street Pier, Brisbane; 07 3015 0557; www.sakerestaurant.com.au

Piaf

For French fare that is fair on the pocket, Piaf is the perfect dining experience. Their meals are uncomplicated and delightful and will leave you totally satisfied. This charming little bistro has a relaxed vibe that allows you to people watch while you sip on a beautiful pinot and nibble on your quail leg. Make sure you enjoy a bowl of their frites with aioli. Simple pleasure at its finest.

5/182 Grey Street Southbank; (07) 3846 5026; www.piafbistro.com.au

Cabiria

For those who like to keep lunch time simple with a sandwich, why not pop into Cabiria to try one of their innovative creations. Each sandwich has a twist on the original classic. Harry's Bar Egg Sandwich is filled with soft boiled eggs, anchovy and chives while the cheese toastie is filled with leek, garlic and onion for an added flavour explosion. You can also enjoy market fresh oysters and a range of charcuterie options.

No 6. The Barracks, 61 Petrie Terrace; 07 3368 2666; www.cabiria.com.au

Bavarian Bier Cafe

It's the silly season, and it's time to celebrate. And what better way to kick off the season than with steins full of German beer and some pork (knuckle) on your fork? Prost! In light of the festive season, the Bavarian Bier Cafe have several Christmas-themed set menus to make dining out in a large group that little bit easier.

Level 1, 45 Eagle Street, Eagle Street Pier, Brisbane; 07 3015 0555; www.bavarianbiercafe.com

South Bank Surf Club

Located in the heart of South Bank, the South Bank Surf Club is the perfect place to kick up your heels while the sun goes down. With a jazzed up surf club menu, the diverse food offerings suits all tastes and appetites. For post-work drinks or a solid hit-out on a Sunday, the SBSC is as close to the beach as you can get in Brisbane this summer.

30a Stanley Plaza, Parklands South Bank; 07 3844 7301; www.southbanksurfclub.com.au

1889 Enoteca

The philosophy at 1889 Enoteca is to keep it simple, and this simplicity is what makes this place so very popular. With a non-pretentious approach, this restaurant's focus is on top-quality food and service. The waitstaff are attentive offering sage advice on wine-matching and what to order. The menu honours the 'hero' of the dish, be it the exquisitely made pasta, a red claw yabby or the delicious veal in the Saltimbocca alla Romana. A dining experience that you will revisit in your dreams.

Moreton Rubber Building, 10-12 Logan Road, Woolloongabba; 07 3392 4315; www.1889enoteca.com.au