The Best Places to Eat in Queensland
Queensland is home to some incredible restaurants and eateries. From the thriving city of Brisbane to small coastal towns, there are some great dining experiences ready to be discovered. Whether you’re a lover of fine dining restaurants, or prefer a more casual experience, this list covers all the must-visit spots on your Australian road trip. So when you’re working on your road trip itinerary planner, and looking for things to do in Queensland, make sure you add some, or all, of these spots to your list… Your tastebuds will love you for it!
Joy Restaurant, Brisbane
Location: Shop 7, 694 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley
When searching for the best restaurants in Brisbane, you can’t go past Joy. This restaurant takes inspiration from both Japanese and Australian cuisine and blends them to create an incredible menu that will leave you in awe. Joy is all about creativity, passion and fun, and the small team ensures each and every one of their guests has a joyful experience. Their menu is a set menu and is constantly changing depending on what’s in season and what’s looking good on market day. The intimate venue can seat just 10 guests, so we highly recommend booking before you arrive... Trust us when we say, you won’t be disappointed!
Spirit House, Yandina
Location: 20 Ninderry Rd, Yandina
If your road trip in Australia takes you to the Sunshine Coast, then we suggest booking a table at the incredible Spirit House. Surrounded by lush tropical gardens, and set around a tranquil pond, this is a full sensory experience that will have you wondering if you’ve taken a trip to a far off tropical paradise for the evening. Their award-winning Asian-inspired menu will be one to remember. With delicious dishes such as Whole Crispy Fish with Tamarind Chilli Sauce and their popular Ocean Trout Coconut Soup, this is a dining experience not to be missed.
Image Source: TEQ Visual Gallery
Ochre Restaurant, Cairns
Location: 6 / 1 Marlin Parade, Cairns
With a dedication to local produce, Ochre Restaurant in Cairns creates a dining experience to remember. Known as the most highly-awarded restaurant in Cairns, this is a must-add to any foodies road trip itinerary planner. The restaurant is located near the waterfront and boasts views of the inlet, surrounding mountains and reef. Their chefs expertly craft native foraged ingredients into exciting modern dishes that will tantalise your tastebuds, which pair perfectly with their enviable wine list. A couple of dishes we highly recommend ordering for a true Ochre experience are their salt and pepper prawn and crocodile and the grilled kangaroo with quandong chilli glaze.
Image Source: TEQ Visual Gallery
Sum Yung Guys, Noosaville
Location: 1/205 Weyba Rd, , Noosaville
Many foodies would have heard of the ever-popular restaurant Sum Yung Guys. Located in the picturesque coastal town of Noosa, this is a modern Asian fusion restaurant that is a must-visit. With a funky venue, fun vibe, great staff and a menu that will leave you wishing you could visit every night, it’s no surprise this restaurant has made it onto our list. Their menu is designed to share and has some tasty dishes that you have to try including their Mooloolaba Prawn Toast, Aromatic Yellow Curry and of course their popular Roti (trust us, once you try it you’ll know why almost every table orders one). Bookings are a must so plan ahead and book in if you’re visiting the Sunshine Coast.
Osprey’s Restaurant, Port Douglas
Location: 5078 Captain Cook Hwy, Oak Beach
If you’ve ever wondered what food Port Douglas is known for, then we’re here to inform you! While it might not be a ‘food’, Port Douglas’s Osprey’s Restaurant is a must-visit when in the area. With their innovative approach to Australian cuisine, Osprey’s Restaurant invites you to enjoy their seasonal menu at their tree-top restaurant that boasts expansive views of the Great Barrier Reef and Port Douglas. Some dishes that we love from their menu include their pan fried Daintree farmed barramundi and their tropical mango curry. If you feel like enjoying some of their delicious fresh food on the beach then they also offer picnic baskets filled with delicious goodies that you can enjoy within the Thala Beach Reserve. Bookings are essential and well worth it if you’re visiting the area on your campervan road trip.
Elska, New Farm
Location: 148 Merthyr Rd, New Farm
Foodies after a dining experience they will never forget have to book into Elska. This intimate dining experience offers a Nordic-influenced degustation menu that uses fresh, local Australia produce. Their menu is constantly changing, depending on what their farmers and foragers deliver to them, adding to the allure of the restaurant. There are only 12 tables available, so if you want to have an unforgettable fine dining experience make sure you plan ahead and secure your table.
Bam Bam Bakehouse, Gold Coast
Location: 2519 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Bam Bam Bakehouse on the Gold Coast has developed a cult following, and it’s no surprise why. From their fluffy buttery croissants and magnificent pastries, to their smooth coffee and all-day brunch menu, this is a must-add to any road trip. The hero here is their croissant that takes their team three days to make! Of course, there are countless other insta-worthy treats to taste, so head on in and load up on some goodies!
Image Source: TEQ Visual Gallery
The Milkmans Daughter, Gold Coast
Location: 2/43 Alfred Street, Mermaid Beach, Gold Coast
Everyone foodie loves a great brunch spot, and we’ve got one you have to try! The Milkman’s Daughter is a popular brunch spot on the Gold Coast that uses seasonal produce to create their drool-worthy vegetarian menu. Their concept of living well and living consciously can be seen through their food and their venue, which together make this a great addition to any road trip. Their dishes are vibrant and delicious with so many great choices on offer. A few that we love are the green fritters, lemon ricotta pancakes and the Byron Bay salad, yum!
Balboa Italian, Palm Beach
Location: 1069 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Good Italian food can be hard to come by, so when we discovered Balboa Italian in Palm Beach on the Gold Coast, we were very happy! Using the very best of local and imported ingredients, they create delicious modern Italian dishes that will leave you feeling as if you’ve taken a trip to Rome. Their approach is to use the finest quality ingredients and showcase them in a simple, authentic way, just as the Italians do. From pizza and pasta, to gnocchi and salads, they have all the much-loved Italian dishes and some unique additions.
Gerard’s Bistro, Fortitude Valley
Location: Gerard’s Lane, 14 / 15 James St, Fortitude Valley Brisbane
Nestled down a leafy street, in the heart of Brisbane, is Gerard’s Bistro. Combining flavours of the Maghreb and Middle East, they offer a modern take on classic dishes using traditional techniques and local ingredients. Their dishes are designed to be shared with friends and family and pair perfectly with their carefully crafted wine menu. From their wood-fired laffa bread and Shark Bay scallops, to their Fraser Isle spanner crab tabouli and Mooloolaba king prawns with smoked harissa, each and every one of their dishes will have you in awe.
Ready to explore the best places to eat in Queensland?
So there you have it, our foodie’s guide to all the must-try places in Queensland. Of course, there are many more great eateries, restaurants and cafes all throughout Queensland, these are just a few of our favourites. The beauty with van travel is that you can easily travel to each place, without the need of hiring a car, public transport or taxis. Along the way you’re also likely to stumble across some great dining experiences that maybe we don’t even know about yet!
If you’re ready to hit the road on your Queensland road trip and try all these incredible restaurants for yourself, then book your maui camper today! Head over to their website, select the van that suits your needs and book. Then it’s as simple as getting to the maui branch you want to start your trip at, picking up your van and hitting the road. Plus, on their website you can also find some great campervan deals, as well as get even more travel inspiration from their blog.