Seven Newer Brisbane Restaurants to Try for Dinner This Week
Break away from your humdrum haunts and meet the new kids on the block.
Seven Newer Brisbane Restaurants to Try for Dinner This Week
Break away from your humdrum haunts and meet the new kids on the block.
If you've got to the point in life where your local Thai place is saved in your favourites, they know your order and you don't even bother changing out of your daggy trackies to go pick it up, congrats. You, lounge dweller, are living your best life. But there is an alternate life you could be living, involving less humdrum routine and more exploring; it's the life of stepping out and trying new things.
Say "it's not you, it's me" to your usual Wednesday pad see ew and start making a list of what the city has to offer that's new and exciting. We'll even give you a headstart — we've pulled together a list of restaurants that opened in the last few months around Brisbane to try on your next night out. From many a waterside eatery to Greek eats and Latin American bites, there's a little something for everyone. Happy eating, friends.
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Burleigh Heads on the Gold Coast has long had the warm weather, waves and waterside lounging spots covered, and now it has a new bar and eatery positioned right on the popular strip’s beachfront. A 640-person capacity venue as close to the shore as you’re going to get, Burleigh Pavilion has taken over level one at 43 Goodwin Terrace with a 240-seater restaurant at one end and a huge hangout space at the other. For those after a sit-down meal, The Tropic is the place to go. As well as water views, diners will look into the open kitchen, where head chef Guillaume Zika oversees the culinary side of things. His menu serves up plenty of seafood — think seafood platters, servings of octopus and grilled tiger prawns with dry vermouth butter and shellfish oil — while also finding room for sobrassada with pickles, rib eye, plus coconut sorbet for dessert. -
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For a city that loves its central waterway, Brisbane has long ignored the Howard Smith Wharves. Since the 60s, the once-thriving spot along the Fortitude Valley stretch of the Brisbane River has been left to languish — but that’s changing. And Greca is leading the charge. The first Brisbane venture from restaurateur Jonathan Barthelmess, Greca is a Greek taverna with an old-meets-new atmosphere. That suits both the Howard Smith Wharves precinct and Greca’s place in Barthelmess’ overall portfolio. While the Sydney-based chef has two other Greek eateries to his name — both called The Apollo, in Sydney and Tokyo — Greca carves out its own niche. It shares a heritage with its predecessors, and a selection of menu items as well, and yet remains its own creation. Settle in for a shared dinner to take in the relaxed Mediterranean-inspired space, river views, a seafood-heavy menu and both indoor and outdoor seating.
Image: Nikki To.
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Nestled into the fast-growing Howard Smith Wharves precinct underneath the Story Bridge, Mr Percival’s looks out over the Brisbane river — and, if that’s not enough, the octagonal bar and restaurant is actually perched right on top of it. It’s Brissie’s first venue of its type since Oxley’s on the River in Milton was destroyed in the 2011 floods, although Mr Percival’s is less about sit-down dinners and more focused on chilling out in a scenic, stylish spot. With Damien Styles (The Fish House) taking on head chef duties, Mr Percival’s menu aims to match its look and feel. And to think locally, too, with everything on offer inspired by produce from Moreton Bay and the general east coast region. Zucchini fritters, lobster rolls, whipped cod roe served with a warm baguette, and anchovies topped with olive oil, lemon and garlic all feature among the range of snacks, light meals and aperitivo-style nibbles.
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When The Calile opened its doors on James Street in 2018, it didn’t just bring a rather striking-looking hotel to the city. It also became home to the first Brisbane outpost of Gold Coast Greek restaurant Hellenika. Here, you’ll enjoy your meal in a pastel, neutral space that befits the complex’s cruisy, stylish digs. Hellenika’s daily fish market range flies in the ocean’s finest from around the country, including kingfish, lobster (served whole or in halves) and more. Other dishes include dips, olives, anchovies and salads for those after a small bite; calamari, zucchini chips, grilled lamb ribs and veal dolmades in the more substantial category; and spanakopita, eggplant moussaka, souvlaki and wagyu beef pastitsio from the large plate selection.
Image: Sean Fennessy.
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White shipping containers are piled high at X Cargo, and they’re storing one thing: a multi-purpose McLachlan Street venue, bar and eatery. The Fortitude Valley space has dubbed itself a ‘social hub’, with hanging out with your mates definitely what this open-air place is all about. The American-meets-Latin American food selection has a casual feel with dishes like ceviche, chicken ribs and burgers with brisket, crab or cheese. If you’re sharing with a pal, you can opt for a charcuterie or cheese board. And from the mains, there’s steak, snapper and pork scotch fillet, plus brownies and cronuts for dessert. Of course, given that X Cargo champions its multi-use credentials, sipping beverages, having a bite and staring off into the sunset is just the beginning. There’s also live music and workout sessions.
Image: Dane Beesley.
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Tex Mex hot-spot El Camino Cantina comes from Sydney, where it has two outposts. This loud venue is casual and over-the-top with giant cocktails, rock ‘n’ roll jukeboxes, lively Tex-Mex fare and sprawling 300-seat dining room and bar. At the big L-shaped bar, eight slushie machines signal big nights and brain freezes — El Camino’s margaritas come in a swag of flavours and multiple sizes, including a group-friendly two-litre tower. Other options include a host of beers from near and far, and a collection of over 100 mezcals and tequilas. To match, the food lineup is equally vibrant. Think fiery buffalo wings, sizzling fajitas, plump burritos, soft shell tacos loaded with punchy flavour combinations and unlimited complimentary corn chips and salsas. It’s all rounded out with a solid selection of daily specials, including 10-cent chicken wings on Tuesdays, $2 tacos on Wednesdays, brunch on weekends and a weekday happy hour from 4–6pm.
Image: Tom Ferguson.
Top image: Nikki To.
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