Why Brisbane Should Be on Your Australian Bucket List
Brisbane, the vibrant capital of Queensland, offers a smorgasbord of activities beyond the restaurants in Brisbane. Nestled along the Brisbane River, the city is known for its stunning natural beauty, including picturesque riverside walks and lush parks like the Brisbane Botanic Gardens and Roma Street Parkland. It is also home to a rich cultural scene, which boasts institutions like the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) and the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) — offering hours of entertainment.
For adventure seekers, Brisbane is the gateway to Moreton Island and North Stradbroke Island, where you will find pristine beaches and endless marine adventures. Moreover, within a short drive of Brisbane CBD, you will find Mount Coot-tha, which has breathtaking views and hiking trails. Last but certainly not least, its strategic location makes it an ideal base for exploring the nearby Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast, both famous for their beautiful beaches and unique attractions. For more reasons to start your journey in Brisbane, check out the full guide to why you should start your road trip in Brisbane. For more tips on things to do in Brisbane on your Australia road trip, check out our top Brisbane guides:
The Best Way to Explore Brisbane
Exploring the food of Brisbane (like all great food experiences) is best done at your own pace —there’s no better way to do this than in a campervan. With the flexibility to visit sprawling markets in the early morning and chic eateries by night, a campervan offers the perfect blend of convenience and adventure. Imagine not needing to rush to catch the last bus or paying premiums for taxis to and from your hotel. Instead, you can explore each culinary hotspot at your leisure, allowing your meals to unfold just as organically as your other campervan adventures. This freedom is why many consider a campervan the best Australia road trip companion!
The Best Places to Eat in Brisbane
Brisbane's food scene is as eclectic as it is exquisite, with options ranging from laid-back bistros to luxurious fine dining settings. In the upcoming sections, we'll delve into some of the city’s most beloved eateries.
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1. Gerard's Bistro
Nestled in the back of the James Street arcade lies Gerard's Bistro, a hidden oasis that transports you straight to the Middle East with its unique ambience and innovative menu. Gerard's is known for its progressive dishes, embodying their slogan “Where Levant’s heart meets modern consciousness.” A standout dish at this restaurant in Brisbane is the slow-cooked lamb shoulder, which is delicately spiced and melts in your mouth. For parking, the McLachlan Street car park offers convenient spots for your campervan, just a short walk from the restaurant.
2. Eat Street Northshore
For a more casual dining experience, head over to Eat Street Northshore. This bustling night market, located along the scenic Brisbane River, is a feast for the senses. It features an array of international street food stalls, live music, micro restaurants and quirky bars. The beauty of this food Brisbane experience is that you have everything at your fingertips — from the French street food stall to the fluffy japancakes the world is your oyster! Campervan travellers will find ample parking at the nearby MacArthur Avenue, making it easy to indulge in this lively market without any hassle.
3. Pilgrim Brisbane
At Pilgrim Brisbane, located conveniently in the city’s bustling heart, mornings start with a buzz as the coffee window serves up some of the best brews in town, courtesy of Five Senses Coffee. This spot is more than just a café; it dives deep into Latin-American culture, serving lunch from Wednesday to Sunday and dinner every evening. A must-try here is their signature Latin-American-inspired slow-roasted pork belly, which pairs exquisitely with their homemade spicy salsa. For campervan travellers, Jessie Street offers ample parking space and is a short walk from the restaurant, making it a perfect stop for those exploring the best restaurants in Brisbane.
4. Julius Pizzeria
Looking for the best Italian restaurant in Brisbane? Julius Pizzeria, a gem in South Brisbane, specialises in crafting perfect Neapolitan-style pizzas in a traditional wood-fired oven. This cozy Italian restaurant in Brisbane prides itself on using high-quality ingredients and time-honoured techniques to deliver an authentic Italian experience. Their standout dish, the Prosciutto e Funghi pizza, features thinly sliced prosciutto and earthy mushrooms atop a perfectly charred crust. Easily some of the best pizza in Brisbane!
5. Madame Wu
Madame Wu is an elegant Asian fusion restaurant that offers more than just food; it delivers a panorama of the Brisbane River from its vantage point on Eagle Street Pier. Known for its contemporary twist on traditional Asian dishes, Madame Wu’s crispy skin duck pancakes are a culinary revelation. The restaurant's sophisticated ambience, combined with its innovative Asian fusion menu, makes it one of the top restaurants in Brisbane for a taste of Asia!
6. Black Hide Steakhouse
Black Hide Steakhouse by Gambaro at Petrie Terrace is renowned for offering some of Queensland’s finest cuts of meat, courtesy of Stanbroke Beef. This steakhouse in Brisbane celebrates its artistry with prime Angus and Wagyu cuts, making it a paradise for meat lovers. Their Tomahawk steak, known for its rich flavour and buttery texture, is a dish that steak aficionados must not miss when exploring the food in Brisbane.
7. The Walnut Restaurant & Lounge Bar
The Walnut Restaurant & Lounge Bar, located at the Royal on the Park Hotel in Kangaroo Point, offers a dining experience focusing on modern Australian cuisine. This restaurant in Brisbane excels in integrating seasonal ingredients into its dishes, such as the Queensland Barramundi with lemon myrtle crust. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as a Royal High Tea, this is one of the best restaurants in Brisbane to visit at any time of day!
8. Beccofino
Tucked away in the trendy suburb of Teneriffe, Beccofino shines as another local favourite for some of the best pizza in Brisbane. This Italian restaurant in Brisbane takes pride in its handcrafted wood-fired pizzas and homemade pasta, with the Tartufo pizza—topped with truffle paste, mushrooms, and fior di latte—standing out as a particularly luxurious choice for anyone looking to sample some of the best Italian in Brisbane.
9. Black Fire Restaurant
Next up on our list of top restaurants in Brisbane is Black Fire Restaurant. This eatery brings a rich blend of Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine to Brisbane. Since its inception in Canberra in 2014, Black Fire has expanded its passion for Mediterranean food to Brisbane, offering dishes crafted by head chef Alessandro Spiga. A standout dish here is the paella negra, a bold, savoury delight coloured with squid ink and brimming with fresh seafood. The warm, welcoming atmosphere, coupled with attentive service, ensures a dining experience that is nothing short of exceptional.
10. Balfour Kitchen
Set within the luxurious Spicers Balfour Hotel in New Farm, The Balfour Kitchen is a haven for sophisticated Australian cuisine with a notable influence on Vietnamese flavours. The kitchen's commitment to sustainability is evident in its use of locally sourced ingredients and partnerships with small-scale producers. A standout dish is the grilled barramundi with a Vietnamese herb salad, perfectly encapsulating the restaurant's philosophy of fresh, flavorful, and ethically sourced dining. This is a must-visit for anyone looking for restaurants in Brisbane that focus on locally sourced ingredients with big flavours.
Where to Stay in Brisbane
When exploring the best restaurants in Brisbane, finding the right place to stay is crucial, especially when travelling in a campervan. Brisbane offers several comfortable and conveniently located options that serve as perfect bases for your gastronomic adventures.
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Brisbane Holiday Village
A prime choice for campervan travellers, Brisbane Holiday Village offers a range of high-quality, resort-style facilities. Located in Eight Mile Plains, it provides easy access to the city via the nearby motorway. The village boasts amenities such as a multi-purpose sports field, swimming pool, children's playground, and BBQ areas, making it ideal for families and couples alike. The village's lush green setting provides a tranquil backdrop without having to sacrifice proximity to the best restaurants in Brisbane.
Brisbane Gateway Resort
Another top contender for where to stay on your Brisbane foodie adventure is Brisbane Gateway Resort in Rochedale. This top-rated holiday park is known for its spacious, paved caravan and motorhome sites, as well as its range of facilities, including a tropical swimming pool, a full-size tennis court, and a recreation room. Its location provides easy access to the Pacific Motorway, making it an excellent starting point for exploring Brisbane and its surroundings — a superb base to begin your Australia road trip.
Ready to Explore the Best Places to Eat in Brisbane?
Brisbane's diverse culinary scene is a foodie haven, and there’s no better way to dive into this foodie paradise than in the comfort of a campervan. With the freedom to move at your own pace, you can savour every bite, from the innovative dishes at Black Fire Restaurant to the sustainable Australian fare at The Balfour Kitchen. Don’t forget, you can book your maui motorhome online and pick it up from any maui branch before starting your road trip through the food of Brisbane.