InterContinental Brisbane Brisbane's Dining Scene

Brisbane’s dining scene has evolved into one of Australia’s most exciting culinary destinations, shaped by its subtropical climate, riverfront setting and a new wave of confident, design-led restaurants. From refined fine dining in Brisbane CBD to relaxed outdoor dining along the river, the city offers a depth of experience that feels both elevated and distinctly local. Positioned in the heart of Brisbane near Queen Street Mall, InterContinental Brisbane places you moments from many of the best restaurants in Brisbane, making it easy to move between long lunches, hidden laneway dinners and late-night cocktail bars.

As InterContinental Brisbane’s signature dining destination, Latitude 27 Kitchen & Bar offers a refined expression of modern Australian dining in Brisbane CBD. Guided by seasonality, the menu showcases the distinctive flavours of Australia’s diverse landscapes, with thoughtfully crafted dishes that connect guests to premium produce from land and sea.

Set beneath the hotel’s soaring, light-filled atrium, the restaurant offers an elegant setting for breakfast, lunch and dinner in the heart of the city. As the day unfolds, Latitude 27 Bar brings a more relaxed rhythm, with expertly prepared cocktails, a curated wine list and an inviting space for evening drinks in Brisbane CBD.

The Gresham Bar is widely regarded as one of the best bars in Brisbane CBD, set within a heritage-listed former bank building just moments from Queen Street Mall. Known for its extensive whisky selection and meticulously crafted cocktails, the bar offers a more classic, detail-driven drinking experience. Leather seating, high ceilings and original

architectural features create a sense of occasion, making it an ideal setting for a late evening drink or a refined introduction to Brisbane’s bar scene.

Howard Smith Wharves is a defining riverside dining precinct beneath the iconic Story Bridge, where Brisbane’s food and bar scene is experienced at its most dynamic. Felons Brewing Co. anchors the precinct with award-winning craft beers, while Mr Percival’s offers one of the city’s most recognisable overwater bar experiences, making the precinct a favourite for sunset drinks in Brisbane.

A curated collection of restaurants reflects the city’s diverse dining culture, from contemporary Greek at Greca to refined Cantonese at Stanley, Japanese dining at Yoko Dining and Italian-inspired dining at Ciao Papi. With fresh seafood, share-style menus and open-air terraces overlooking the river, Howard Smith Wharves remains one of the best places for dining in Brisbane, whether for a long lunch, riverside cocktails or an extended evening.

Donna Chang delivers a modern interpretation of Cantonese and Sichuan cuisine within one of the most striking dining rooms in Brisbane. Housed in a restored heritage building on George Street, the restaurant pairs grand interiors with a menu focused on elevated dim sum, premium seafood and carefully balanced flavours. It is a leading choice for those seeking contemporary Chinese dining in Brisbane CBD, where both the setting and the food are equally considered.

Fatcow has established itself as a destination for premium steak dining in Brisbane, located within the James Street precinct in Fortitude Valley. The menu centres on high-quality wagyu and expertly sourced cuts from Australia and Japan, prepared with precision and paired with classic accompaniments. With a strong focus on quality produce, attentive service and a refined atmosphere, it remains one of the best restaurants in Brisbane for those seeking a more indulgent dining experience.

Supernormal brings a refined pan-Asian dining experience to Brisbane’s riverfront, drawing inspiration from the food cultures of Tokyo, Shanghai, Seoul and Hong Kong. The menu highlights fresh, locally sourced ingredients, including Moreton Bay bugs, prepared with a light, technical approach that allows flavour and texture to lead. With its waterside setting and contemporary design, it is one of the standout restaurants in Brisbane for both lunch and dinner.

Exhibition is an intimate fine dining restaurant in Brisbane CBD, offering a highly curated tasting menu inspired by the Japanese kaiseki tradition. With just 24 seats, the experience is deliberately personal, focusing on seasonal produce, precise technique and thoughtful presentation. Each course is carefully considered, making it one of the most exclusive and memorable fine dining experiences in Brisbane.

Golden Avenue brings Middle Eastern-inspired dining to the Brisbane CBD, defined by a menu that leans heavily on wood-fired and coal-grilled cooking techniques. The result is a depth of flavour that carries across both smaller plates and larger share dishes, making it ideal for group dining. With its contemporary interiors and warm, inviting atmosphere, it offers a more relaxed yet refined take on dining in Brisbane.

Sky Deck at Queen’s Wharf Brisbane offers one of the most elevated dining and bar experiences in Brisbane, positioned 100 metres above the river within the Queen’s Wharf precinct. The space brings together multiple venues, including cocktail-led Cicada Blu, casual dining at Babblers and a more refined restaurant experience at Aloria. With sweeping views across the city skyline, it is a standout destination for both visitors and locals seeking rooftop dining in Brisbane.

Hellenika is a long-established favourite on James Street, known for its polished yet relaxed approach to Greek dining in Brisbane. The menu focuses on fresh seafood, seasonal produce and generous share plates, making it ideal for long lunches that extend into the evening. With its bright interiors and consistently strong offering, it remains one of the most popular restaurants in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley precinct.

sAme sAme delivers a bold and contemporary take on Thai cuisine in Brisbane, combining vibrant flavours with a modern dining environment. Located in Fortitude Valley, the restaurant focuses on balance, texture and spice, with a menu designed for sharing. It is a go-to for those seeking energetic, flavour-driven dining in Brisbane, with a strong reputation among locals.

Joy Restaurant offers one of the most intimate and highly regarded fine dining experiences in Brisbane. With a very limited number of seats and a seasonal set menu, the focus is on precision, creativity and a deeply personal approach to service. Each course is carefully constructed, making it a destination for those seeking a truly memorable dining experience in Brisbane.

Rothwell’s blends European influence with a contemporary Brisbane sensibility, set within a heritage-listed building in the CBD. The menu leans towards classic dishes executed with care, supported by an extensive wine list and attentive service. It is a versatile choice for both business dining and more relaxed, long-form meals in the city.

Southside is located within the heritage-listed Thomas Dixon Centre in West End, offering a modern interpretation of Cantonese cuisine in a striking, open space. High ceilings and natural light frame a menu built around bold flavours and share-style dishes, making it well suited to group dining. It has quickly become one of the most talked-about restaurants in Brisbane.

SK Steak & Oyster focuses on premium seafood and high-quality steaks, delivering a refined yet approachable dining experience in Brisbane. The menu is intentionally simple, allowing the quality of the produce to take centre stage, supported by a considered wine and cocktail offering. It is a strong choice for those seeking classic dining done well in a contemporary setting.