The Best of Brisbane: Restaurants, Bars & Cafes That Topped 2024

It’s been a big year, Brisbane. One big, long delicious year! The food and drink scene has certainly kept me busy this year, and I don’t think I’m the only one. Queen’s Wharf stole the spotlight, with a Terrace full of new venues from some of the biggest hospitality names in the business. 

But we also welcomed the arrival of brand-new independents on the scene, many becoming fast favourites in their ‘burb. Tick off your bucket list of Brisbane wining, dining and snacking with our edit of the best openings in town during 2024. 

+81 Aizome Bar

The chic new bar on everyone’s lips is +81 Aizome Bar in West End. A small, ten-seater bar inspired by the owner-operated lane way bars you might stumble upon on a backstreet in Tokyo or Kyoto, this blue-tiful new space serves Neo cocktails (created by Tony Huang and debuted at Par in Melbourne), an inventive and intensive curation of drinks that take days to create. 

A restaurant will soon join the bar in February, but for now, you can feast on bar snacks served on artisanal Japanese ceramics and sip cocktails to your heart’s content. 

259 Montague Road, West End
Image credit: Florian Groehn

Henley’s 

Step into a bar that’s inspired by impeccable detail, whimsy, and a touch of nostalgia… and Wes Anderson himself. Henley’s is Teneriffe’s newest bar, named for its fictional inspiration–an intrepid epicurean traveller by the name of Arthur Henley. 

Sip on a cocktail worthy of the Grand Budapest Hotel’s pink paradise, and sample delights from the menu such as Coca-Cola fried rice, Gochujang chicken or mango pandan waffle with Biscoff. 

Sitchu Tip: All the dishes at Henley’s are quite unique in their own way, but the Coca-Cola Fried Rice is a must-try.

130 Commercial Road, Teneriffe

Bar Miette 

A dreamy new venue has arrived along the river, another highly-anticipated arrival from the team behind Supernormal and Melbourne’s Gimlet, Cutler & Co, Marriott Wine Bar and more.

With a European-inspired appeal and stunning views of the Brisbane River and Story Bridge, Bar Miette provides a welcoming and casual environment for locals to pop by for a sun-kissed breakfast, golden hour cocktails, or soul-enriching charcuterie and seafood share plates.

Sitchu Tip: Bar Miette is an underrated brunch spot, especially if you’re partial to a morning cocktail. The Milano Fizz is our favourite. 

443 Queen Street, Brisbane

Milquetoast

Brought to you by Brisbane’s most dynamic new duo, Milquetoast promises to be anything but what its name infers. George Curtis (of Before + After bar) and James Horsfall (restaurant manager of Blume) have paired up to bring a brand-new wine bar to Brisbane’s CBD, with a sprinkling of British inspiration. 

Think minimal intervention wine, light bites or gourmet meals, the perfect drinking destination for a languid evening of deep discussion or a fresh new date night haunt that will soon become your regular.

Sitchu Tip: The Reasonably Pleasant cocktail is perfect for an afternoon cool-down, followed by a Can’t Be Too Careful. Nibble on a cannoli or a devilled egg while you sip.

195 Elizabeth Street, Brisbane

Azteca

The same team who brought you Brissie venues such as Carmen Tequileria, Lina Rooftop, Soko Rooftop and more have announced their next venture, and it’s a big one. 

Located within the $3.6 billion Queens Wharf precinct, Azteca is set to become your new favourite dining destination.

With a kitchen helmed by Chef Zac Sykes, diners can expect a Latin American atmosphere with Asian fusion dining, complete with polished interiors that transport you, with live greenery, semi-private dining pods and a secret private dining room, concealed behind a handcrafted Aztec wooden door. 

Sitchu Tip: You wouldn’t necessarily expect a Latin-American restaurant to have such a stellar vegan offering, but Azteca likes to surprise and delight. The garum glazed lion’s mane mushroom “steak” is a standout, as are the cinnamon tostones, served with star anise plant cream and pineapple jam. Don’t forget to order a Carnival Cooler. 

The Terrace (Level 4), The Star Brisbane

Vela

Vela is a new Thai restaurant in the popular West End dining precinct. Brought to you by the team behind Kinn+Derm, Kinn Thai, Pochana, and more, this new edition promises 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. 

Sitchu Tip: Standout dishes for the Sitchu team were the mixed stir-fried mushrooms and the ka na moo grob.

West Village Factory 2, 97 Boundary Street, West End

Supernormal

Melbourne restaurateur 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, a raw bar, dumplings, and large share dishes, this Asian-influenced restaurant has adapted its menu to reflect local produce. 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. 

Sitchu Tip: The Eggplant Cotoletta is a delicious veg-friendly spin on a traditional Italian veal cutlet, and goes down a treat. Don’t forget to arrive early (or linger late) so that you can head upstairs to Club Felix for a cocktail or two. 

33 Felix Street, Brisbane City

Central 

The word on everyone’s lips… is Central. The newest dining destination from the team behind Southside and Rick Shores, this unique venue inhabits a historical underground space in the heart of Brisbane’s CBD. 

Taking inspiration from a retro Hong Kong aesthetic, the food at this new restaurant in Brisbane inspires the same wonder (and levels of salivation) as the venues that forged its path. Devour drunken chicken, barbecue pork puffs, rock lobster noodles and Cantonese Wagyu chow fun. 

If you’re not a fan of making decisions and want to eat the dishes awarded best in show–look for the sparkle icon on the menu that denotes the signature dishes. You can’t go wrong! 

340 Queen Street, Brisbane City

Mourning Roast

Mourning your sleep in? We hear misery loves company, so head down to this new Brisbane cafe to put a smile back on your dial.

Founded by partners in life, love and business, Sam & Nadine infused their passion for creating a unique space for the community to come together and share in the morning ritual of coffee at Mourning Roast.

The house signature blend is a dark-roasted coffee that delivers intense, strong character with notes of dark chocolate, brown sugar, and toasted almonds, the perfect wake-up call for those sleepy morning commutes.

Shop 7, 377 Logan Road, Stones Corner

SNUG

Snug is everything its name suggests–cute, cosy and makes you feel at home. This little suburban cafe is quickly capturing the hearts (and taste buds) of locals with its Korean-inspired brunch menu.

Sit in the sunshine and enjoy morsels like honey butter bread (a milk bread slowly caramelised with honey butter & sea salt) or an egg drop sandwich (a popular Korean brekkie staple, with softly scrambled eggs served cocooned in milk bread).

From 4:00pm, Snug reinvents itself as a wine bar, serving small plates to nibble on as the afternoon hours while away.

Shop 3/321 Chatsworth Road, Coorparoo

Supernova

From the team who brought you Mitch & Antler, and James & Antler last year, comes a brand new cafe set to tantalise your tastebuds. Brothers TH & Chewie Choo have brought their love of Japanese eats to life in this fresh-faced new cafe in Fortitude Valley called Supernova.

Dishing up classic Japanese snacks like sandos, soba noodle salads and matcha drinks with a hit of Yakult (if you know, you know), this weekday wonder is about to become your new favourite lunchbreak pitstop.

89 McLachlan Street, Fortitude Valley

Now that you’re up to speed on the best openings of 2024, see what’s in store for the month ahead with our guide to the best events in Brisbane. Looking for more places to dine? You’ll find the city’s newest restaurant openings right here.