James Street Is Turning Into a 300-Metre-Long Outdoor Dining Room for 2023's Food and Wine Trail

Hellenika might be your favourite eatery in Brisbane, Greek or otherwise. Perhaps you can't go past sAme sAme's Thai dishes and two-storey venue. You could be fond of ESSA's moody space, the wine and people-watching at Cru Bar and, of course, the frosty sweet treats at Gelato Messina. Congratulations — you're a fan of James Street, which fills a stretch from Fortitude Valley to New Farm with impressive culinary options galore.

You should also be a devoted attendee at the precinct's annual food and drink celebration: the James Street Food and Wine Trail. Thanks to the event, which attracted more than 20,000 people in 2022, nothing says classic Brisbane like spending four whole winter days eating and drinking your way up and down this patch of the River City.

Indeed, if you're a Brisbanite with a healthy appetite, there's only one place to be between Thursday, July 27–Sunday, July 30. Take your rumbling stomach and its yearning for something scrumptious down to the well-known stretch of shops — and then fill it with tasty treats from everywhere from Gerard's Bar and Harveys Bar + Bistro to Jocelyn's Provisions and Mosconi.

Over JSFWT's 2023 run, James Street will become a culinary wonderland again, and highlight the gastronomic delights of the area. That includes devouring delicious dishes and drinks, of course, regardless of what kind of food, beverage or event takes your fancy. And, it also boasts a whole day of market activity.

Whenever you decide to head by, you can hop on the trail. Follow the roadway to a feast of dishes and drinks; think: the returning favourite that is Gerard's Bar's Lebanese pizza party to start things off on the Thursday, Jocelyn's launching a funfetti cake sandwich on the same date, The Green doing a Friday-night dinner and Cantinho cooking up souvlaki to end the working week. Come Saturday, champagne menus and rooftop garden shindigs join the spread at ESSA and The Calile, respectively.

Then, on Sunday, 33 businesses will unleash their wares on Market Day, which'll take over the entire street. Even though Gerard's Bistro will be closed for refurbishment, it's even hosting a stall. So is Mexican newcomer Carmen, plus The Nixon Room, Sunshine and more.

Also on the agenda at the picnic-style Market Day event, which turns the roadway into a 300-metre-long outdoor dining room: live performances and live music. Yes, the street will be shut between McLachlan and Arthur Streets, to make room for five live music stages, tables and dance parties.

Across the trail's full duration, one-off menu pairings, set menus and tastings at James Street's residents remains a big highlight. So does Messina's contribution: five limited-edition flavours, with one per day from Thursday–Saturday and two on Sunday.

James Street Food and Wine Trail returns to James Street, New Farm from Thursday, July 27–Sunday, July 30. For more information, head to the JSFWT website.

Images: courtesy of James St.