Everything I ate in Brisbane
Australian cuisine isn’t something you can necessarily hone in on. Unless we’re talking about Vegemite and Tim Tams, Australian food isn’t as distinct as you would expect from cuisines as specific as Japan or India. Instead, like the country’s multicultural roots, Australian cuisine is a fusion of Asian, Middle Eastern, European, and Western flavors, making it familiar even to first-time visitors.
From neighborhood joints to restaurants featuring whole, hearty bites, Brisbane’s food scene is filled with familiar tastes and cuisines that simply hit the spot—here’s where to find them.
Felons Brewing Co.
Located right under Story Bridge and alongside the Brisbane River, Felons Brewing Co. is the city’s perennial hangout. Inside, you’ll catch families and small groups having a hearty meal, while hundreds of sports fans gather outside to watch their favorite football teams duke it out, beer in hand. Felons also hosts concerts inside the Barrel Hall.
As for their bites and drinks, Felons features a familiar menu loved by locals and visitors alike. Our suggestion? A platter of fresh oysters to kick things off, followed by their pepperoni and salsiccia pizzas, with a plate of baked potatoes on the side. And don’t forget their ginger beer to complete the meal.
Felons Brewing Co. is located at 5 Boundary Street, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Southside Restaurant
Neighboring Brisbane’s art district, Southside Restaurant serves East Asian cuisine, with the city’s urban forest in view.
Its menu features dishes inspired by Chinese tradition, from a fresh truffle prawn toast to a rich and succulent Shanghai-style red braised pork belly. They also serve familiar Chinese favorites such as a seafood chow mein and the classic crispy Peking duck with pancake.
Southside Restaurant is located at Fish Lane Town Square, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
The Green
James Street is home to some of Brisbane’s most notable designers, restaurants, and hidden bars, making it one of the city’s most stylish strips.
The Green embodies its owners’ experiences as immigrants in suburban Brisbane, featuring dishes representative of their Lebanese roots while staying true to authentic Middle Eastern traditions.
From an octopus confit and coal-grilled prawns to an eggplant tarte tatin and grilled whole chicken, The Green’s menu offers fresh yet fulfilling bites that are as healthy as they are delicious.
The Green is located at Shop 1/27, James Street, Fortitude Valley, Queensland, Australia
Tippler’s Tap
Located on the South Bank and along the Brisbane River, Tippler’s Tap is a sports bar where delicious, hearty bar chow meets the passion and intensity of Australia’s sports community.
Inside, grab fulfilling bites, from a massive double smashed beef patty burger to a slow-cooked corned beef brisket, as you watch the day’s football game alongside locals. Be sure to also get a pint, as Tippler’s Tap is Brisbane’s only self-serve beer and cocktail bar—yes, you can skip the long lines and get straight to drinking.
Tippler’s Tap is located at 3/184 Grey St, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Turquoise Kebab and Pizza
Regarded as having the best kebab in Brisbane, Turquoise Kebab and Pizza is the best spot for your late-night munchies. The corner joint offers kebabs with hefty portions, and includes other famed Middle Eastern bites such as falafels and baklava. For starters, try their beef kebab, which is not only loaded but also toasted to utter perfection.
Turquoise Kebab and Pizza is located on 79 Albert St, Brisbane, Australia
Messina
Also on James Street near The Green, Messina promises unique, handcrafted gelato that doesn’t include pre-made bases or mass-produced flavor pastes. Each of their branches also features a 40-flavor cabinet, with 35 traditional flavors and five rotating weekly specials—from an Italian nougat to a chocolate fondant flavor. Even their regulars would pass as limited edition flavors elsewhere; panna cotta with fig jam and amaretti biscuit, a blood orange sorbet, boysenberry, and more.
Messina is located on 48 James Street, Shop RW11, Centro on James Fortitude Valley. They also have several branches throughout Australia
Happy Pops
Just a short walk from Tippler’s Tap, Happy Pops features delicious gelato and sorbet pops made from locally sourced ingredients. Happy Pops has a wide offering of pops, from a fresh, tart dark chocolate raspberry to a rich and utterly sinful M&M cookie dough gelato pop. Our pick? A coconut yoghurt and raspberry pop for hint of freshness to cut through the Brisbane heat.
Happy Pops is located at Shop 30BC, Stanley Street Plaza, South Brisbane
