Penelope Bistro
15 James Street, Fortitude Valley
A Classic Bistro at heart with a touch of European Supper Club; Penelope is part restaurant, part lounge & part bar. Serving modern European cuisine, blending classic French and Italian bistro traditions with contemporary Australian flair and playful late night twists.
Fatcow on James Street
2/10 James St, Fortitude Valley
Primal eating and sophisticated dining are on the menu at Fatcow on James Street in Fortitude Valley. This elegant restaurant is an addition to the Brisbane dining scene, boasting a solid marble bar, circular booth seating and mirrored ceilings to complement a menu specialising in steak and live lobster. The latest offering from the Tassis Group, expect entrées like raw kingfish, smoked ponzu, plums and shiso, or char-grilled octopus, onion purée, squid ink and fermented chilli; then slice your knife into dry-aged T-bone with garlic and peppercorn sauce, mash and mixed vegetables. From the live tank come lobster dishes such as tagliatelle with cherry tomatoes, white wine and crustacean sauce, enjoyed with a drop from the extensive wine list and impressive whiskey collection. Fatcow also features two private dining rooms for to 8 guests and semi private up to 36.
Short Grain
15 Marshall St, Fortitude Valley
Short Grain is an exquisite Thai-flavoured diner by esteemed chef Martin Boetz (of Longrain fame), located in a heritage-listed former clothing factory and one-time Asian food store in Fortitude Valley. In addition to the diner, Short Grain has its own in-house Asian Food store, located to the left of the entrance, where customers can pick up Boetz’s own curry pastes, sauces and condiments as well as ready-made-meals to take and enjoy at home. The stunning high-ceilinged dining room runs along one side, with a line-up of banquette seating under the historic brick window arches and featuring pale timber tables, an open kitchen and contemporary artworks by Vicki Lee.
The Thai-inspired menu is a foodie’s dream, starting with appetisers like turmeric wafer, caramelised coconut, prawns, peanuts and bean sprouts; salt & pepper cuttlefish, sweet soy & lemon; crab, sweet pork, green papaya and betel leaves: or spiced cauliflower & coriander fritters, sweet chilli and ginger sauce. The restaurant can be booked exclusively for a private experience for 80 guests.
sAme sAme
46 James St, Fortitude Valley
sAme sAme came to life through experiences with Southeast Asian cuisine and dining culture. The heat, the flavours, the energy.
Head Chef Arté Assavakavinvong and his team capture this by using the best produce available and traditional cooking methods: hot coals in searing hot woks. To dine, there is a mix of menu favourites and seasonal specials that encourage returning and new diners alike. The drink offerings are crafted with the same ethos, prioritising freshness and fun. A creative list of cocktails that incorporate local produce and capture the spirit of the venue. The wine list is expansive, a 140-bottle list that focuses on primarily Riesling, Côtes du Rhône and Rosé, with plenty of local producers who practice sustainable viticulture. There are many ways to dine in this multifaceted restaurant – the bustling communal table, a long bench by the window to watch passersby, or right in the action facing the open kitchen. Dishes reflect the dynamism and intricacies of Thai cuisine, respectful of the country’s varied climate, geography and culture.
The private dining room above the bustling restaurant can seat up to 30 guests across three tables or book the main dining room exclusively for up to 90 guests. LOS Bar, is a moodily lite bar located upstairs and can be booked for 70 guests for a standing reception with canapes from the main dining room.
Bianca Restaurant
Ada Lane, 46 James St
Biànca was born out of a desire to bring the spirit of Italian dining to Ada Lane, capturing the effervescence of a classic trattoria within a sleek, warm and colourful setting. The compact and pink design has nods to the architecture of both ancient and contemporary Italy. The food is focused on perfecting simple, classic Italian dishes with a nod to the Australian climate and dining sphere, honouring fresh produce and seasonality. It is an important part of Biànca to work from the foundation up, creating their own pastas and breads all in-house.
It is a venue where it’s best to share, selecting from an extensive antipasti menu to accompany the wood-fired breads, pastas and secondi. Bianca’s private dining room updates can seat up to 36 guests or book the main dining room exclusively for up to 90 guests.
Supernormal Brisbane
443 Queen Street
Supernormal, by Co-founders Andrew McConnell and Jo McGann have created a space that draws inspiration from local produce, design, and the city’s unique climate, while staying true to the essence of the original venue. Supernormal offers a contemporary Australian atmosphere with a menu enriched by the flavours of Tokyo, Shanghai, Seoul, and Hong Kong. The dishes highlight the fusion of Asian-inspired techniques with local ingredients, promising a dining experience that’s both familiar and exotic.
Among the menu highlights are: Pork tomahawk with fermented chilli slaw, ginger and prawn dumplings, whole steamed coral trout with brown butter and lime dashi, and Roast Yamba prawns with shio koji sauce.
Through the restaurant and up the staircase, Supernormal caters for exclusive events in the Bridge Room. An elegant light-filled space in which to entertain private lunches and dinner for up to 46 guests seated or 70 for a standing reception.
Naldham House
33 Felix Street
Naldham House is a vibrant revival of one of the city’s most iconic heritage buildings. Combining elegant European Brasserie-style dining with a stylish bar and event space, Naldham House offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern sophistication. The Pan-European Brasserie menu is carefully curated to bring the best of European flavours to Brisbane, with a modern twist. Using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, each dish reflects a passion for quality and a dedication to timeless recipes from across Europe.
The Naldam House Terrace can accommodate up to 100 guests for a standing reception | The Brasserie offers a private dining room for up to 24 guests across 3 tables | the Felix Lounge & Bar offers exclusive hire for 70 guests for a standing reception and Level 1 can seat 100 guests or 150 guests cocktail.
Azteca
Level 4 Dining Area, Queen’s Wharf
Located on The Terrace within The Star Brisbane, join us at Azteca for a unique Latin American inspired dining experience, or at the bar for a cocktail selection boasting authentic spirits, paired to perfection with Asian spices and flavours. Step out of your comfort zone and experience a fusion of Latin American and Asian influence, where every dish is a celebration of culture, creativity, and exceptional taste.
With a private dining room that can seat up to 12 guests.
Donna Chang
171 George Street
Donna Chang infuses the centuries old traditions of Cantonese and Sichuan cuisines with a modern approach to deliver a harmonious dining experience. A sought-after modern Chinese restaurant in the heart of Brisbane, the marriage of modernity and antiquity is further showcased in the heritage-listed former bank, with contemporary interiors, that this premium Asian restaurant inhabits. Private dining options include Mezzanine One for up to 20 guests, Mezzanine Two for up to 18 guests, Mezzanine Three for up to 38 guests.
Walter’s Steakhouse
219 Alice Street
Walter’s Steakhouse and Bar was created following a long-held dream of three friends, Denis Sheahan, Paul Piticco and Andrew Baturo. Each of them lived in NY for extended periods and fell in love with the city that never sleeps, so they wanted to bring a bit of New York to their hometown of Brisbane. Walter’s Steakhouse brings timeless charm to downtown Brisbane, serving their house speciality a 270 day grain fed, in house, dry aged porterhouse, alongside cold seafood appetizers and New York styled desserts. Private dining spaces are available that accommodate groups as small as 10, or as large as 60.
Vela Kinn
Factory 2/97 Boundary St, West End
Immerse yourself in the authentic flavours of Thailand, bringing traditional recipes to life with fresh, innovative twists. Savour the essence of tradition and let your taste buds embark on a journey through time in this modern space within Factory 2 of the heritage listed Peters Ice Cream factory buildings at West End village. There are six semi private a private dining spaces within the venue catering from 30 guests seated to 220 or 35 – 280 for a standing reception.
Luc Lac
33 William Street
Opened by the Ghanem Group (the team behind Donna Chang), Luc Lac brings a fresh take on contemporary Vietnamese dining to the heart of Brisbane CBD.
Drawing inspiration from the vibrant street food culture of Vietnam while showcasing premium local produce, the menu features bold share style dishes, fresh seafood, expertly grilled meats and fragrant curries, alongside an extensive cocktail and wine list.
With it’s striking interiors, energetic atmosphere and warm hospitality, Luc Lac is an ideal destination for business lunches, client dinners and celebratory occasions.
RUMA ROOFTOP
84 Merthyr Road, New Farm
Perched above Brisbane’s CBD, Ruma Rooftop is a stylish dining and drinking destination bringing together modern Asian-inspired flavours, creative cocktails and an effortlessly cool rooftop atmosphere.
With lush interiors, a vibrant energy and a menu designed for sharing, Ruma is the perfect setting for long lunches, after-work drinks, client entertaining and memorable celebrations. Whether settling in for sunset cocktails or a relaxed dinner under the city lights, Ruma delivers a dining experience that feels both elevated and inviting.
Marlowe
105 Melbourne Street, South Brisbane
Originally known as Merivale Flats and built in 1938, Marlowe’s story is one rooted in warmth, nostalgia and the timeless art of hospitality.
A place where old-world charm meets a new chapter, Marlowe pays homage to the memories held within its walls — from long lunches shared around the table to intimate dinners that stretch well into the evening. The restaurant celebrates the simple pleasures of generous food, great conversation and a glass of local wine enjoyed in good company.
The menu draws inspiration from familiar flavours and nostalgic favourites, with every dish showcasing thoughtfully sourced produce from farmers, growers and producers who share a deep respect for quality and sustainability.
