Brisbane's Best New Restaurants That You Need to Try

Nothing thrills us more than a brand-new restaurant, cafe or bar opening and this year, Brisbane is chock-full of them! From supper club-inspired venues to Middle Eastern fare with a twist, there are plenty of foodie adventures to be had at the best new restaurants in Brisbane.

So, gather the gang and get cracking on this list!

Vela

New to the popular West End dining precinct is a Thai restaurant by the name of Vela. Brought to you by the team behind Kinn+Derm, Kinn Thai, Pochana and more, this new addition promises to deliver authentic Thai food with an inventive twist.

The first thing you’ll notice about Vela is the incredible interiors - we’re particularly obsessed with the moon suspended behind the bar and the fun LED wall art. Once you get past the beautiful fit-out, it’s time to gape at the incredible cocktails and perfectly plated dishes spanning skewers, noodles, curries, salads and fried rice.

West Village Factory 2, 97 Boundary Street, West End

FIRMA

The Emporium Hotel’s Signature Restaurant transforms into FIRMA this August, offering a fresh take on traditional Italian dining helmed by chef Alba Rizzo.

Evoking memories of Southern Italy, FIRMA uses freshly sourced and local ingredients to craft elevated comfort food, Mediterranean style. Inclusive of any dietary requirements, the Emporium continues its commitment to top-tier hospitality with this authentic new iteration of its principal dining destination.

Dine a la carte on slow-cooked ossobucco, risotto Milanese, pork agnolotti and soft polenta, or opt for the $60 or $120 set shared menus.

The tiramisu dessert trolley is a must-try part of the experience, as are the martini and negroni drinks trolleys.

Emporium Hotel, 267 Grey Street, South Brisbane

Supernormal

Melbourne restauranteur royalty Andrew McConnell and Jo McGann have brought the highly anticipated Supernormal to Brisbane’s riverfront at long last!

Whilst the menu shares a lineage with the Melbourne flagship, offering appetisers, raw bar, dumplings and large share dishes, this Asian-influenced restaurant has adapted its menu to reflect local produce, and the interior design cues hint at the Queensland landscape and climate.

Expect delicious dishes like clay pot sticky pork rib dumplings, ginger and prawn dumplings, baked abalone pastries, hand-rolled Shanxi noodles and whole mud crab with black pepper sauce.

443 Queen Street, Brisbane

Naldham House Brasserie & Terrace

The ground level of Naldham House is finally open after the building has spent a long hiatus uninhabited. Created as a new world of elegance, charm and endless possibilities, Naldham House is set to become the city’s new favourite social club.

The Brasserie & Terrace takes inspiration from grand hotel lobbies around the world and European culinary delights, to craft an experience that Brisbane has been begging for. Once you’ve finished dining, you can also pop up to Club Felix, their brand new bar, for a late-night champagne or cocktail.

33 Felix Street, Brisbane City

(Image credit: Dexter Kim)

Uncle Don

South City Square has just unveiled its latest addition. Promising to redefine casual Asian dining, Uncle Don is the brainchild of the Eastern Culinary Collective (other venues include Nonda, Soka, Jango Korean BBQ and Choo Choo Sushi).

With two established locations in Brisbane already (Paddington and West End), this new restaurant in Brisbane is the perfect place to grab a bowl on the go, or a quick bite before watching a movie at the Angelika Cinema.

Specialising in donburi, choose from over twenty bowls on the menu, from a savoury grilled eel, to a warming beef and onion option.

South City Square, G4.12, South City, 148 Logan Road, Woolloongabba

Longwang

From the foodies that never stop, comes another Tassis Group venue that we’ve been waiting for with bated breath. Tucked away down a formerly disused alleyway, Longwang is a purpose-built, modern Asian restaurant with a rooftop bar, cocktail lounge, formal dining space and flexible dining spaces.

Partnering with Chef Jason Margaritis (of sAme sAme, Donna Chang and Melbourne’s Spice Temple),  the menu blends Chinese and modern Asian cuisine to celebrate the best parts of banquet-style dining. And if you’re wondering where the name stems from, “Longwang” has roots in Chinese mythology, paying homage to a Dragon King who commanded the seas.

144 Edward Street, Brisbane

Fatcow

Carnivores rejoice, because it won’t be long before Fatcow reopens its doors in a brand-new location.

Finding itself in excellent company on the delightful James Street precinct, this steak restaurant favourite from Michael Tassis’ repertoire will be welcomed back with open arms after closing its doors 18 months ago, to make way for the redevelopment of Eagle Street Pier.

Taking this opportunity to perform a little glow-up, Fatcow intends to return with a fresh new look and offering, to elevate their experience and delight new and returning diners alike.

Sitchu Tip: If you like your oysters fresher than fresh, you'll be pleased to know that Fatcow lays claim to the only live oyster tank in the city.

10 James Street, Fortitude Valley

Short Grain

Fortitude Valley welcomes a brand new restaurant to its ranks on Marshall Street with the arrival of Short Grain. Brought to you by the co-owner and Executive Chef behind award-winning and twice-hatted Sydney counterparts Longrain Sydney and Longrain Melbourne, Martin Boetz.

Now, Boetz has returned to his hometown to open a warm and inviting space in a heritage-listed building that once housed an Asian food store in the nineties. Take a seat at the wooden tables or along the banquette as you order places from the fragrant and exotic Thai menu to devour with your dear friends.

15 Marshall Street, Fortitude Valley

Pneuma

Sadly we said farewell to Greenglass, one of the CBD’s favoured French restaurants, but this sadness was short-lived, thanks to the arrival of Pneuma. Operating as a pop-up, until the time comes for renovations, this discreet dining destination plates up elegant dishes of smoked eel cream, heirloom beetroot, Saku tuna and roasted monkfish tail. If decision fatigue gets the better of you, opt for the short (or extended!) chef’s menu.

336 George Street, Brisbane City

Dapl

Dapl is Brisbane City’s newest modern Australian restaurant, showcasing the creative flavours of our native flora and fauna. Opening its doors in 2024 alongside the enormous, thirty million dollar refurbishment of The Amora Hotel, the diversity of Australian cuisine is showcased through over 30 native ingredients, sourced locally and seasonally. Opt to dine a la carte, or indulge in an immaculately presented three-course set menu with paired wines from their award-winning list.

200 Creek Street, Brisbane

Como Restaurant

Drawing inspiration from beloved regions throughout Italy, Como Restaurant envelops diners in the laid-back, yet refined essence of Lake Como. When you step into this new restaurant in Brisbane, you’ll instantly feel comfortable and relaxed, in the intimate booth seating or perched at the bar. Mood lighting sets the tone for a cosy date night or a catch-up with your closest confidantes. The menu offers delicate bites to share, wood-fired pizza, and pasta plates that will linger in your mind long after you leave. With meals inspired by family recipes and humble traditions, you’ll enjoy food with heart and soul when dining at Como.

119 Melbourne Street, South Brisbane

Chalong

The Thai word Chalong means to celebrate, and we’re certainly in a celebratory mood when it comes to this new restaurant in Brisbane! Opening their doors to Chapel Hill locals in February 2024, Chalong dishes up Southeast Asian delights inspired by traditional street food eats that you don’t find in many of the Thai restaurants around town. Chef Garfield, born and raised in Southern Thailand, is a perfectionist when it comes to crafting that perfect flavour, labouring over curry pastes and cocktail syrups from scratch to ensure a tastebud sensation that is utterly unique to this restaurant.

Sitchu Tip: The Chalong signature cocktail is hard to beat, made with Chalong cane spirit, pineapple and yuzu. For a mouthwatering dish to satiate any appetite, the Yaowaraj noodle is impossible to beat.

1/620 Moggill Road, Chapel Hill

Pompette

The second of two new venues to be announced for the new Queens Wharf dining precinct from the Tassis Group is Pompette.

Positioned at the end of the Neville Bonner pedestrian bridge, this Parisian-inspired venue will boast spectacular views of the Brisbane River from its vantage point overlooking the South Bank Parklands.

With interiors by Clui Design, Pompette will feature a champagne and oyster bar, leafy alfresco area and three private dining rooms. Set to offer all-day dining, this new restaurant will serve modern interpretations of traditional French dishes, including escargot, steak au poivre and more.

The Terrace, Level 4, 33 William Street, Brisbane City

(Image credit: Markus Ravik)

Black Hide Steak & Seafood by Gambaro

Brisbane’s best-known seafood restaurant is launching something new! Black Hide Steak & Seafood has been added to the growing line-up of top tier dining institutions, coming soon the The Star Brisbane.

With indoor and outdoor seating for up to 240 diners, this new steakhouse is set to be the biggest restaurant on The Terrace, with views across the Brisbane River.

Gambaro Group Director John Gambaro is thrilled to be announcing the latest venture from the group in their expanding portfolio. “We have made significant enhancements to our menu with the addition of a variety of delicious seafood dishes, featuring fresh Queensland catches to perfectly complement our renowned steak offerings, as well as introducing a stylish cocktail lounge bar, where guests can indulge in small plates from our menu while enjoying panoramic views of the river.”

Brisbane’s dining scene is about to be seriously levelled up! Stay tuned for opening dates.

Level 1, Treasury Casino Building William Street Corner Top of Queen Street, Brisbane City

Sokyo

Brisbane’s culinary scene is soaring to new heights this year, with an exciting announcement from the new Star Brisbane precinct in the CBD. One of Australia’s most iconic Japanese restaurants will open its doors later this year to serve locals and visitors with sumptuous sashimi bouquets and ornate dishes.

Chef Alex Yu will lead the kitchen, after beginning his career at Sokyo Sydney, before then assuming the role of Head Chef at Yugen Melbourne and earning two hats within one month of opening. Often referred to as the ‘sashimi florist’, we’re champing at the bit to get a reservation at this stunning new restaurant in Brisbane.

33 William Street, Brisbane

Cucina Regina

A brand new Italian dining destination fit for royalty has been unveiled as part of The Star Brisbane’s grand plan for 2024! Inspired by sister venues Cucina Vivo on the Gold Coast and Cucina Porto in Sydney, this gorgeous new restaurant will soon become your favourite new luxe, inner-city haunt. Serving up simple, honest Italian fare with old-world charm, this venue is bound to transport your tastebuds to Italy with antipasto, woodfire pizza and handmade pasta. The incredible views won’t go astray, either.

Opening 2024

The Terrace, Level 4, 33 William Street, Brisbane City

Bosco

Inspired by the coastal and olive oil regions of France, Italy & Spain, comes a restaurant inspired by everyone’s favourite carb… bread. Bosco is a new project from the Bar Alto team, housed in their long-term baker’s bakery and warehouse. This 80-seater establishment dishes meats and fish cooked over an open flame, alongside delicate entrees and share plates, complemented by a European-leaning wine list. Wines served by the glass are changed up daily, just take a peep at the blackboard to see where your palate will be adventuring next.

8 Austin Street, Newstead

Establishment 203

An exciting new Italian steak restaurant has been unveiled in Fortitude Valley! Establishment 203 is a sophisticated new venue that will deliver an elevated, international standard of dining to the Brisbane scene. With none other than the absolute connoisseur of beef, Chef Ben O’Donoghue at the helm, expect exemplary steak offerings, Italian pasta pairings and trademark cocktails. Ben draws on his love of Italian cuisine, European travels and time spent at London’s famous River Cafe to craft the absolute best steak dining experience in the country. Using traditional techniques with modern equipment, the kitchen houses Queensland’s first Michelin-quality MKN induction cooking suite, alongside live wood-fired Mibrasa cooking stations to ensure incredible flavour with every bite. Establishment 203 opens mid-November, and you can pre-book now to ensure you’re one of the first to experience this incredible new restaurant in Brisbane.

6 Marshall Street, Fortitude Valley

Zazu Dining

East meets West at West End’s newest addition: Zazu Dining. The menu here spans Pan Asian and modern European plates, and one dish that is a Brisbane icon. Australia’s only Iron Chef, Gillian Hurst, has brought her famous sand crab lasagne to this brand-new restaurant in Brisbane. You’ll also find bao buns, pizza, yakitori and gyoza on the menu, and that’s all before you hit the mains. We’re predicting this will be your new regular when you’re booking for a group because there’s something for everyone at Zazu!

49 Mollison Street, West End

Rich & Rare

West Village has welcomed yet another exciting addition to its varied line-up of culinary offerings… and this one’s for the carnivores! Rich & Rare has entered the chat to offer premium fare without any pretentiousness. This Manhattan-inspired, 150-seat restaurant offers up a menu of fifteen different steaks, sourced from Australia and Japan, each boasting a unique flavour profile. But if you’re not craving a steak, you can dine on briny fresh oysters (opened on order), lobster or line-caught kingfish. The beverage menu brings its own bevy of delights, with whiskey, wine and spirits to choose from to wind down after a long week.

West Village Garden Pavilion, 97 Boundary Street, West End

Bar Gusto

Craving some authentic Italian? Bar Gusto is one of the best new restaurants to hit the Brisbane scene, in Bowen Hills to be specific. Blending la dolce vita with the Aussie spirit, Bar Gusto fosters a warm and welcoming ambience buzzing with laughter, conversation and the clinking of cutlery as Brisbanites tuck into hearty plates of pizza, pasta and salad. There’s a special place in our hearts (and stomachs) for the Gusto Grazing Board, an antipasto platter that is just perfect for a long lunch, dining al fresco with a wine in hand.

601 Gregory Terrace, Bowen Hills

TAMA

The GPO has had a full-blown glow up and we are here for it! As well as introducing two new bars, the venue has also introduced an elegant new restaurant called TAMA. Combining the culinary expertise of Richard Ousby and Alan Hunter, TAMA plates up elevated, simple dishes using the finest local ingredients procured from the state’s heavy hitters on the produce scene; namely the Scenic Rim, Granite Belt, Darling Downs and North Queensland. The menu is innovative and playful and you’ll be delighted to discover the smoky undertones imparted by the Spanish Josper oven, specially imported for the space.

740 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley

Keen to explore even more of Brisbane? We're constantly updating our event calendar with all the good stuff. If it's more incredible venues you're after don't miss our edit of the most Instagrammable venues and the best secret bars in Brisbane.

Don’t forget to share your adventures exploring our gorgeous city by tagging us @sitchu.brisbane and #sositchu.