Overview
Dining out in Brisbane is always a good idea, but May brings a few extra reasons to lock in that booking. Across the city, venues are serving up limited-time specials and a little something extra for diners this month — an ideal excuse to try somewhere new, or even revisit an old favourite.
That's where American Express delicious. Month Out comes in, spotlighting the restaurants, bars and cafes that keep Brisbane's world-class dining scene ticking. All month long, eligible Amex Card Members can unlock an exclusive offer at participating venues once they've saved it to their Amex Card*, with some also serving up limited-time dishes and menus. Many of these spots are also part of the Amex Shop Small program, which celebrates local businesses and encourages Brisbanites to shop local, meaning every meal is a chance to support neighbourhood favourites.
In this month's Specials Board, we're highlighting some of our favourite ways to dine out as part of Amex delicious. Month Out. Get in while it's good.
Feel good with a complimentary cocktail on arrival at Donna Chang
Set within a grand, heritage-listed former bank in the CBD, Donna Chang pairs striking interiors with a contemporary take on Cantonese dining. The menu leans into premium ingredients and polished technique, with delicate dumplings, refined seafood dishes and signature roast meats designed for sharing. This May, Amex Card Members can kick things off with a complimentary Feel Good cocktail on arrival — all the more reason to lock in a long lunch or swanky dinner.
A six-course Italian seafood degustation at OTTO
From its polished, light-filled riverside setting, OTTO brings a slice of la dolce vita to Brisbane's dining scene. The food is just as elegant, with a contemporary Italian menu that champions seasonal local produce, all backed by an equally impressive wine list. This May, the restaurant is serving a six-course Italian-inspired seafood degustation for $125 per person — perfect for settling in riverside and making a long lunch or dinner of it.
Take in the views with a complimentary cocktail at Iris Rooftop
Soaring above Fortitude Valley atop Brunswick Street's Hotel X, Iris Rooftop channels a breezy, Euro-summer energy with its panoramic views, vibrant Spanish-inspired share menu and bright, golden-hour cocktails. Add weekly live music, luxe decor and plenty of space to settle in for the long haul, and it's easy to see why it's one of Brisbane's go-to rooftop spots. As part of American Express delicious. Month Out, the venue will shake up a complimentary Sundrift cocktail for Amex Card Members upon arrival. Consider your next sunset session sorted.
A complimentary cocktail to start at Bisou Bisou
Just downstairs from Iris, Hotel X's Bisou Bisou delivers a polished take on French bistro dining. The menu heroes crowd-pleasing classics — think pots of fragrant moules, golden rotisserie chicken and a lineup of rich, satisfying sides — making the venue a choice pick for anything from a casual catch-up to a lively dinner. For this month only, the venue is offering a complimentary Thyme After Thyme cocktail to kick things off in style.
Cult-fave baked goods and brunch plates worth circling back for at Idle
Set on a light-filled New Farm corner, Idle builds on the cult following of Agnes Bakery with a space that's part boulangerie, part neighbourhood cafe and part dream pantry. Inside, you'll find everything from sourdough loaves to sweet and savoury pastries and whole cakes, all made fresh daily, alongside more substantial breakfast plates like sourdough crumpets with house preserves, hearty Turkish eggs and considered Continental-style spreads. There's also a tightly curated selection of house-made condiments, small-batch spirits and pantry staples to take home. Whether you're dining in or grabbing something to go, it's the kind of spot you'll find yourself returning to — especially with a little extra value in the mix this month for American Express Card Members.
Greek feasting by the river — with a little extra off the top — at Greca
Close your eyes and you might just think you're in Santorini rather than under the Story Bridge at Greca, Howard Smith Wharves' lively contemporary taverna. The menu leans into elevated Hellenic comfort fare, with sizzling saganaki, fire-kissed coral trout and fall-apart lamb shoulder with yoghurt and garlicky roast potatoes among the highlights. It's all designed for long, family-style feasts — and all the better with a little extra back in your pocket this month.
A limited-time lunch special at Marlowe
Spread across two floors and nine rooms of a heritage-listed 1938 apartment building on Melbourne Street, Marlowe delivers a considered take on the Modern Australian bistro. This month, the Fish Lane venue is giving you a very good excuse to upgrade your midday routine — for $49, you'll score a hefty wagyu cheeseburger, skin-on fries and a Friday on My Mind cocktail, a fruit-forward mix of Tanica Australian native plum aperitif, green apple, lime and prosecco. The offer is available for lunch throughout May.
*Limits and exclusions apply — check here for the full details.
Top image: Nikki To.