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MAC Brisbane - Dining & Drinking
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Arriving in Brisbane, the enthusiastic gastronome faces a Herculean challenge when deciding which style of food to tackle. The biggest disappointment for the casual traveller is that they will have to depart this culinary hot spot with barely a fraction of its offerings tasted. Whereas other cities direct you to the Italian quarter, Chinatown, or the Greek sector, Brisbane provides a patchwork of feasting delights beginning in the heart of the city and sprawling outward.

The city's rich vein of cultural diversity creates a more assimilated food style and a genuine sense of the geography and culture. The term "Asian" has never been so all encompassing with many restaurants sampling a variety of styles with wondrous results. The city's location upon the rich waters of Moreton Bay creates a haven for seafood connoisseurs, and the fertile soils contribute to the supply of succulent meats and vegetables. The Queensland harvest is truly mouth-watering.

Vineyards

While Queensland wines cannot compete with the established wineries of South Australia's Barossa Valley or New South Wales' Hunter Valley, there is no shortage of high quality local grape. Highlighting local and international wines, the annual Brisbane Wine Festival is the pinnacle of the wine drinker's calendar. There are wineries offering a superb product within an easy drive of the city centre in the Brisbane Valley, Pine Rivers, Gympie and Ipswich. The Caxton Street Seafood and Wine Festival, held in May and on the edge of the city's centre, is a classic showcase for local wines. For a broad sample of southeast wines, each winery in the Granite District (an hour's drive from Brisbane) holds its own function during the Spring Wine Festival on the first and second weekends of October.

For the purveyor of the ancient art of beer and spirit drinking, Brisbane provides the springboard for an adventure into the noble art of brand tasting. Along with the city's own legends - Castlemaine XXXX and Bundaberg Rum - there is a selection of drinks available that would appease even the hardiest aficionado.

In the City

A person can travel for days in the Australian outback without finding food or drink. However, in Brisbane's city centre you would be lucky to stroll more than 20 metres without another temptation to lure you in.

English Fare

Tasty, traditional fare can be found at the River Canteen on the South Bank; Tudor England can be explored at the Shingle Inn.

Pubs

Many of the local pubs supply excellent food to accompany your choice of drink, including Brisbane Underground, Friday's and Gilhooley's. The same locations offer regular, late night entertainment, including live bands and drink discounts. For the traveller on a tight budget, the Down Under Bar and Grill offers food and drink at prices that help guard your finances without spoiling your evening.

South Bank

The impressive South Bank is a place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, but offers no less in the way of food and drink. Many of Brisbane's finest restaurants, including the Parklands Bar and Grill, can be found here with a range of styles from traditional Australian to Indian. To enjoy a pint of beer and watch the world go by, the Plough Inn is an ideal spot.

Beyond the City Centre

Fortitude Valley, known locally as The Valley, is Brisbane's one-stop entertainment district with a bewildering array of dining sideshows and liquid offerings. Perhaps the most famous meeting place is the sprawling Dooley's Hotel, which seems to adopt a different personality on each visit. Live music, good food and some genuine Irish craic make this a hard place to leave. Also try out sensational cuisine at the Tibetan Kitchen.

Chinatown

A city would not be complete without its own Chinatown, and Brisbane can proudly boast one of the most traditional such areas in Australia. Situated at the heart of The Valley, this is not a purpose-built or newly developed centre for the benefit of travellers, but more a complete Asian community, going about its daily business. Visitors are welcomed in to share the many wonders--culinary or otherwise.

Halian

To the west of the city centre, and under the shadow of Milton's imposing XXXX Ale House Brewery, Park Road's fashionable café precinct is the place to be seen. The cuisine is largely Italian, despite the miniature Eiffel Tower. Sample an award winning pizza at Arrivederci Pizza Al Metro or dine alfresco with the local Ferrari owners at Rue De Paris.

Paddington

Perched high on the surrounding hills, Paddington's bohemian feel is indicative of the stylish transformation that has undertaken this suburb. Brightly painted Queenslander cottages now play host to a myriad of dining and drinking delights. The excellent Olive Pitt offers a Mediterranean escape with sensational, relaxed dining. For wondrous views over the city, the Mt. Coot-tha Summit Restaurant is unsurpassed.

Choice and Diversity

Brisbane's success as a place of fine dining, good value and quality entertainment lies in its lack of inhibition. It looks at the enriching mix of culture that resides within it and embraces it enthusiastically. The result means you can eat Bavarian one night, enjoying meals with far off names like Jägershnitzel mit Gemüse und Spätzle, and then tuck into a succulent fillet eye steak the next. This is a place where a bawdy weekend night out, stamping your feet to the local rock band down the pub, can be supplemented by a candlelight meal to the sounds of jazz music any other day of the week.

Unique amongst its Australian contemporaries, Brisbane is the epitome of true choice and diversity. Dining and drinking here cannot be bettered.







Copyright 1999-2005 Wcities, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Contact Wcities

Arrivederci Pizza Al Metro


Award winning pizza
1 Park Road
Milton
Brisbane, QLD 4064
Australia
+61 7 3369 8500
Awarded Queensland's Best Pizza at the 10th Queensland Catering Trade Fair, this genuine Italian pizzeria is far removed from the usual pizza chains, so prevalent throughout Brisbane. With its own cafe and bar included, you can sit al fresco or within the brightly decorated interior. With such a wide choice, the advice of a member of the friendly Italian staff will often help you decide. The huge one-metre pizzas will easily feed four-eight people and are excellent value. The 50-centimetre and 25-centimetre are the most popular.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Brisbane Wine Festival


Eat, drink and be merry
King George Square
(Carlton Crest Hotel)
Brisbane, QLD 4000
Australia
+61 7 3378 1630
http://www.winefestival.com.au/
Running since 1994, the Brisbane Wine Festival once again brings you a wide variety of local and international Reds and Whites from more than 40 wineries. The festive atmosphere of the event is enhanced with a number of free seminars from wine makers and a competition to win wine. A wide selection is available to buy and a tasting glass and booklet are yours to take home. There is also a fine selection of food to try, with plenty of wine to wash it all down. See website for more details.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Chinatown


A taste of the Orient
Between Wickham and Ann Streets
Fortitude Valley
Brisbane, QLD 4006
Australia
+61 7 3252 5999
Just next to the city, Fortitude Valley is the multicultural hub of Brisbane, and within it is the Asian microcosm of Chinatown. Ornate arches denote the entrance to the Chinatown Mall, where shoppers will find a number of Oriental market stores and herbalists offering Asian delicacies. Restaurants and cafes in the mall provide a delicious variety of Asian-style cuisine, including Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese and Malaysian and al fresco dining contributes to a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere. Brisbane's Chinatown is one of the most authentic in Australia and there are even free tai-chi classes given here.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Chinatown photo by Pavel Dvoracek
Photo: Pavel Dvoracek
Chinatown photo by Aidan Rice
Photo: Aidan Rice
Chinatown photo by John Shield
Photo: John Shield
Chinatown photo by Erik Anderson
Photo: Erik Anderson
Chinatown photo by Petra Jacob
Photo: Petra Jacob
Chinatown photo by Jari Kurittu
Photo: Jari Kurittu
Chinatown photo by annikaf
Photo: annikaf
Chinatown photo by Paisley Womble
Photo: Paisley Womble
Chinatown photo by Tore Dalsgaard
Photo: Tore Dalsgaard
Chinatown photo by Damien Ayers
Photo: Damien Ayers
 

 
City Centre


Brisbane
Australia
Dominated by the impressive City Hall, Brisbane's business centre is a remarkable dichotomy of style. Unlike other Australian cities, the life of the central area does not fade with the sunset. Bars and clubs swell with numbers, attracting large crowds with entertainment every night. The spectacular Conrad Treasury Casino looms proudly over the river, whilst Queen Street Mall's garnished modern decor greets shoppers, diners and people-watchers with outstretched arms. Built in 1828, the Old Windmill and Observatory are some of Brisbane's oldest buildings and Parliament House, built to French Renaissance style in 1868, is a classic example of the city's historical prowess

Review © 2007, Wcities
City Centre photo by Dick Davies
Photo: Dick Davies
City Centre photo by Lucy + Mila
Photo: Lucy + Mila
City Centre photo by barbara_sturdy
Photo: barbara_sturdy
City Centre photo by Gilbert Jadraque
Photo: Gilbert Jadraque
City Centre photo by *** Olivia ***
Photo: *** Olivia ***
 

 
Dooleys Hotel


To be sure, to be sure
394 Brunswick St
Brisbane, QLD 4006
Australia
+61 07 3252 4344
http://www.dooleyshotel.com.au
To be sure, Dooley's is a good, old-fashioned Irish pub without the theme bar surroundings. Unlike many such bars, Dooley's Irish nature seems embedded in the walls and every second person actually is Irish. Dooley's is the ideal venue for a few quiet drinks and laughs with a close group of friends. With a variety of bars to choose from, including a pool room, dance area and quiet lounge, it offers a full night out without leaving the venue Irish beers are naturally served amongst the regular brews, and small snacks are available throughout the day at reasonable prices.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Down Under Bar & Grill


A backpacker's delight
308 Edward Street
Brisbane, QLD 4000
Australia
+61 7 3211 9277
Situated beneath the famous Palace Backpackers in the City, the Down Under is the best place in Brisbane to mix with people from all corners of the globe. The atmosphere is always friendly as travellers converge to mingle, exchange stories and decide where to move on to next. A favourite amongst local students keen to hear about foreign parts of the world, it is always the rage on the weekends and dance music usually plays right until dawn. Inexpensive yet satisfying meals and bargain drink prices make the Down Under a traveller's paradise.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Down Under Bar & Grill photo by Céline & Vincent
Photo: Céline & Vincent
 

 
Fridays Riverside


Everyday is Friday
123 Eagle St
(Riverside Centre)
Brisbane, QLD 4001
Australia
+61 07 3832 2122
http://www.fridays.com.au
With the picturesque Story Bridge as a backdrop and positioned directly on the Brisbane River, Fridays has all aspects of a night out covered in one venue. The bar and grill are open from lunchtime everyday and the music goes till late. With two separate rooms, you can choose the latest dance grooves or check out some of Brisbane's premier live bands pumping out some rock classics. The large outdoor area makes it easy to have a conversation without losing your voice.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Gilhooley's Irish Pub & Restaurant


The original Irish theme bar
Corner of Albert & Charlotte Streets
Brisbane, QLD 4000
Australia
+61 07 3229 0672
http://www.gilhooleys.com
Gilhooley's is Brisbane's original Irish theme bar. It's pine wooden surroundings give Gihooley's the distinctly pub-like feel essential to the success of any drinking establishment from the Emerald Isle. The Irish music consistently tempers the air and whether you choose to gather around a keg or lean against the bar, the Irish staff makes sure you are never in need of a pint. McCaffrey's and Guinness are on top of the drinks menu, and a quality bar menu satisfies that hunger.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Mt Coot-tha Summit Restaurant


Extraordinary views and dining
Sir Samuel Griffith Drive
(Mt. Coot-tha Lookout)
Brisbane, QLD 4066
Australia
+61 7 3369 9922
http://www.brisbanelookout.com/
With a view such as this it would be easy for the Summit Restaurant to overlook the food. Thankfully, it proves to be just as impressive. Surrounded by idyllic parkland, with Brisbane and the coast stretching out from below, this restaurant sits proudly upon its perch; a chalet style building dressed with lanterns like a scene from a Christmas postcard. Offering contemporary international cuisine, the food is a rich delight of tastes, with the crisp skin Atlantic Salmon Steak a popular choice.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Mt Coot-tha Summit Restaurant photo by Daniel and Anita Saunders
Photo: Daniel and Anita Saunders
Mt Coot-tha Summit Restaurant photo by Daniel and Anita Saunders
Photo: Daniel and Anita Saunders
Mt Coot-tha Summit Restaurant photo by Goh Jia Yuan
Photo: Goh Jia Yuan
 

 
Park Road Milton


Savoir faire at the Eiffel Tower
Park Road
Milton
Brisbane, QLD 4064
Australia
+61 7 3221 8411 (Brisbane Tourism)
Despite nestling under the shadow of a mini-Eiffel Tower, it is the Italian influence that stands out in this fashionable coffee strip. Park Road has become Brisbane's "place to be seen". Well-dressed coffee drinkers sit around the many cafes and restaurants, interspersed with elegant boutiques, creative furnishings and engrossing bookstores. A two-level gallery area at the back hosts yet more shops and restaurants, whilst the street front remains the place to people (or Ferrari) watch. Located between Milton Road and the River, Park Road is the perfect location to while away a balmy Brisbane evening.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Park Road Milton photo by Joy Chase
Photo: Joy Chase
Park Road Milton photo by openhammer
Photo: openhammer
 

 
Parklands Bar and Grill


Steak and Seafood Galore
9 Glenelg Street
South Bank
Brisbane, QLD 4101
Australia
+61 7 3364 0844
After a fun-filled day of sightseeing at South Bank Parklands or after an exciting show at the Lyric Theatre, Parklands Bar and Grill is the perfect place to reside. The classic, outdoors area or the elegant, yet casual interior provides a relaxing atmosphere. Friday and Saturday are the best time to visit, as a popular local Jazz band performs. Parkland Bar and Grill are renowned for their succulent local seafood and char grilled steaks. For the ultimate meal, try the Seafood Buffet or alternatively the Tenderloin.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Plough Inn Tavern


Come in for the harvest
South Bank Parklands
South Brisbane
Brisbane, QLD 4101
Australia
+61 7 3844 7777
Located at the northern end of Brisbane's spectacular South Bank Parklands, the Plough Inn is one of the City's longest-standing taverns. The interior of the public bar is historically preserved, whilst the dance floor, exterior stage and beer garden have been designed to embrace the areas new and stylish trend. The Parklands currently has very few areas for drinking and revelling in live music and dancing, so this is the ideal spot for a night out, especially after enjoying South Bank's other attractions and the lively South Bank Markets located right outside.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
River Canteen


Fantastic city views
The Boardwalk
South Bank
Brisbane, QLD 4101
Australia
+61 7 3846 1880
http://www.rivercanteen.com.au/
Situated on the boardwalk at the bustling South Bank, this restaurant offers superb river and city views. Order from the blackboard menu at the bar during the day, or dine a la carte inside or outside at night. Styled to look like a traditional "Queenslander", the restaurant features crisp white tablecloths and polished floorboards. Local produce features heavily on the menu with innovative seafood and hearty meat dishes.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Rue De Paris


Lively Italian dining
Shop 16, 30 Park Road
Milton
Brisbane, QLD 4064
Australia
+61 7 3368 2600
In the depths of bustling Park Road, this restaurant and coffee boutique embodies the character and charm of the stylish, pavement coffee strip. Dining al fresco, customers sit comfortably in cane furniture under the cover of an impressive umbrella style canopy. Pavement spots are at a premium, but it is first come, first served. Fine Italian fare, including excellent pasta dishes is a delight but leave room for the mouth-watering cakes. You will also find some of Brisbane's best coffees here. Wine is available and a good selection of local and imported beers.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Shingle Inn


Tudor England in the city
Macarthur Central Queen St
Shop LG3
Brisbane, QLD 4000
Australia
+61 7 3221 9039
You could be forgiven for thinking that this was no more than a mock Tudor-style cake shop--but you would be wrong! Step from ultra-modern Edward Street in the heart of the city and you are transported into Tudor England. Grand crystal chandeliers illuminate a dark-wood Tudor street scene, with tables and chairs fit for a king. The simple traditional Australian menu has changed little over the years and is hearty and good quality...but those cakes, yum! The restaurant is non-smoking and offers air conditioning.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Shingle Inn photo by Yazid Azahari
Photo: Yazid Azahari
 

 
South Bank


Total escape in the City
South Brisbane
Brisbane, QLD 4101
Australia
+61 7 3867 2051 (Visitor Information Centre)
http://www.south-bank.net.au
Characterised by striking design and architecture, these 17 hectares of lush parklands comprise Brisbane's cultural heart. Suffering hard times at the end of World War II, South Bank has risen like a Phoenix from the flames. The timely arrival of the World Expo in 1988 and recent financial investment has seen the area flourish into a world-class recreation area. From the State Library to the Maritime Museum to the Queensland Performing Arts Centre, the Parklands sprawl for 17 hectares along the banks of the Brisbane River. The striking man-made lagoon brings the beach to the City. Entertainment features regularly and Markets are held each weekend.

Review © 2007, Wcities
South Bank photo by Kimberly Logan
Photo: Kimberly Logan
South Bank photo by Andrew Chant
Photo: Andrew Chant
South Bank photo by Kenny Easwaran
Photo: Kenny Easwaran
South Bank photo by chris
Photo: chris
South Bank photo by Matt Greenham
Photo: Matt Greenham
South Bank photo by Matana_and_Jes
Photo: Matana_and_Jes
South Bank photo by Drew Sonne
Photo: Drew Sonne
South Bank photo by Matthew Ford
Photo: Matthew Ford
South Bank photo by JY Lee
Photo: JY Lee
South Bank photo by Siu-shan LEE
Photo: Siu-shan LEE
 

 
South Bank


Brisbane
Australia
If you cannot go to the beach, then the beach must come to you. The South Bank is a true wonder of ambitious modern design. With a large swimming area and sandy beach, the city 'escape' is literally only a 30-second ferry ride away. Sixteen hectares of parkland include some of Brisbane's finest restaurants and cafes, and its own rainforest boardwalk. The popular South Bank Markets are held on Friday evenings, Saturdays and Sundays. The atrium snakes its way through the Parklands from the Queensland Cultural Centre, which houses the Performing Arts Complex, Queensland Museum, Queensland Art Gallery and State Library.

Review © 2007, Wcities
South Bank photo by Neil Gavin
Photo: Neil Gavin
South Bank photo by Jonny Squire
Photo: Jonny Squire
South Bank photo by Jonathan Devlin
Photo: Jonathan Devlin
South Bank photo by Florian Muhss
Photo: Florian Muhss
South Bank photo by kyoheeei
Photo: kyoheeei
South Bank photo by Coralie Amato
Photo: Coralie Amato
South Bank photo by Ryan Clontz
Photo: Ryan Clontz
South Bank photo by Phanupong Ongsuwan
Photo: Phanupong Ongsuwan
South Bank photo by Shachar Rubinstein
Photo: Shachar Rubinstein
South Bank photo by James Balch
Photo: James Balch
South Bank photo by Alison Keane
Photo: Alison Keane
South Bank photo by Adrian Liston
Photo: Adrian Liston
South Bank photo by Ms Pigggy
Photo: Ms Pigggy
South Bank photo by bugflickr
Photo: bugflickr
South Bank photo by Katrina Stuart
Photo: Katrina Stuart
South Bank photo by Michael Roytman
Photo: Michael Roytman
South Bank photo by thienzieyung
Photo: thienzieyung
South Bank photo by lele.meles.t21
Photo: lele.meles.t21
South Bank photo by Thomas Shaw
Photo: Thomas Shaw
South Bank photo by Thorsten Siefert
Photo: Thorsten Siefert
South Bank photo by Troels Ølholm
Photo: Troels Ølholm
South Bank photo by Andrea Kennedy
Photo: Andrea Kennedy
South Bank photo by Gemma Seltzer
Photo: Gemma Seltzer
South Bank photo by Roger&Mary
Photo: Roger&Mary
South Bank photo by Heine Jordet
Photo: Heine Jordet
South Bank photo by Pauline Chen
Photo: Pauline Chen
South Bank photo by John Michael McKenna
Photo: John Michael McKenna
South Bank photo by David O'Keeffe
Photo: David O'Keeffe
South Bank photo by Amalia Sanusi
Photo: Amalia Sanusi
South Bank photo by Jeffrey Demaine
Photo: Jeffrey Demaine
South Bank photo by Matthias Matook
Photo: Matthias Matook
South Bank photo by Daniel Axelson
Photo: Daniel Axelson
South Bank photo by John Worthington
Photo: John Worthington
 

 
The Valley


Brisbane
Australia
The Valley, or Fortitude Valley, as it is officially called, offers similar diversity but does so with a brash energetic style for fun-loving nightlife-seekers. It was a booming business and retail district up until the 1960s, but when hit with economic hardship it was tarred with an unfortunate 'bad area' tag. The Valley experienced a resurgence in the 1990s, however, and it is now considered to be Brisbane's alternative mecca. For an entertaining night out, Dooley's Hotel has become a cult favourite. The Brunswick Street pedestrian mall, completed in 1991, is a major contributor to the economic well-being of the area and a fun shopping spot to visit when investigating the Valley.

Review © 2007, Wcities
The Valley photo by Sherwin H
Photo: Sherwin H
The Valley photo by Kaneyn Allen
Photo: Kaneyn Allen
The Valley photo by Shaun Johnston
Photo: Shaun Johnston
The Valley photo by Elizabeth Potter
Photo: Elizabeth Potter
The Valley photo by Nam Nguyen
Photo: Nam Nguyen
 

 
Tibetan Kitchen


Great fare from the Big Country
454 Brunswick Street
Fortitude Valley
Brisbane, QLD 4006
Australia
+61 7 3358 5906
The success and reputation that the Tibetan Kitchen has earned over the last few years is evident in its expansion to another restaurant in West End. Having been drawn in by the striking yellow and blue decor, you will find a small but perfectly diverse menu that incorporates simple Tibetan and Nepalese style with combinations that will make you think, will that work? Well, the answer is yes! The Dhaal Bhat Tarkari Ra Sabje, a scintillating vegetarian platter delights with every mouthful. Excellent value is the banquet meal for minimum 6 people.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
XXXX Ale House Brewery Tours


Queensland's Beer Mecca
Black & Paten Sts
(down from Milton Rd)
Brisbane, QLD 4064
Australia
+61 07 3361 7597
http://www.xxxx.com.au
If you have ever wondered what that little building on your bottle of XXXX beer looks like inside, taking the guided tour is a great way to find out. After being tempted with all of the delightful smells of the brewery, you will no doubt want to taste the final product. The selection of four beers included in the price will be music to your taste buds, and a selection of merchandise is available after the tour. Bookings are essential. Cost: Adults AUD18; Non-drinkers AUD10.

Review © 2007, Wcities
XXXX Ale House Brewery Tours photo by Roberta W.B.
Photo: Roberta W.B.
XXXX Ale House Brewery Tours photo by Annie Foster
Photo: Annie Foster
XXXX Ale House Brewery Tours photo by Laura
Photo: Laura
XXXX Ale House Brewery Tours photo by Lindy Sherwell
Photo: Lindy Sherwell
 

 
Other Schmapplets in this city related to "Brisbane - Dining & Drinking"
Brisbane
Brisbane - Historical Background
Brisbane - Neighborhood Guide
Brisbane - Where to Stay
Brisbane - Art & Entertainment

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