Let’s be real, what’s the point of going out to an ugly restaurant? You can cook at home—you’re spending that sweet money for the vibes and view. And, lucky for us, Brisbane/Meanjin has no shortage of restaurants overlooking scenery that could’ve come straight out of a Bob Ross painting—minus the winding brown snake.
Whether it's for a special occasion or just to spice up a Tuesday night, here at Urban List we're all about levelling dinner up with a stunning vista, so without further ado, here’s Brisbane’s best restaurants with a view.
Popolo
3 Sidon Street, South Brisbane
Pop over to Popolo for an Italian feast right on the banks of Brisbane River. Located in the River Quay precinct with the skyscrapers across the river well in view, this rustic joint serves up pizza, pasta, and, ultimately, perfection.
Sit in their funky al fresco dining area and order up some tartufata pizza, Moreton Bay bug linguine, and pistachio panna cotta—sounds like the perfect three-course meal to us. Throw in one of their signature cocktails, like the “Rosa Cherubina” with pink gin, rose syrup, lemon, pineapple and strawberry topped with prosecco, and you’ve got yourself a night out.
OTTO
River Quay, South Bank
Look, it’s not exactly the classiest thing to get blotto at OTTO, but we wouldn’t judge you for it. The Italian restaurant located right on the edge of the river at South Bank serves up cocktails and croquettes you don’t want to miss.
The mains are substantial, so you’ll want to sample a little (or a lot) from each dish, but make sure you leave room for what is arguably our favourite part of the meal—dessert. And if you want to skip the dining and go straight for the wining, hop over to the OTTO Osteria for a casual bite and a serious drink.
Greca
3/5 Boundary Street, Howard Smith Wharves
Image credit: Greca | Instagram
You may not have a Big Fat Greek Wedding, but you can certainly have a big fat Greek feast at Greca. With a menu designed to share, grab a couple of friends and order up some souvlakia, sheftalia, and saganaki. If it starts with ‘s’ and you’re not sure how to pronounce it, best believe it’ll be on the menu—and be damn good. Their cocktails are not to be messed with either. Sip on a Santorini Southside and smell the seaside. Alliteration is key, folks.
Babylon
145 Eagle Street, Brisbane CBD
One of our go-to city destinations, Babylon is a Mediterranean paradise overlooking the Story Bridge. Their pan-fried halloumi drizzled in honey is to die for, and their wood-roasted chicken with preserved lemon yoghurt, house pickles, and brown butter is what dreams are made of. We’re not kidding. Top things off with some chocolate tahini and a Turkish espresso martini and you’ve got yourself a feast.
Lina Rooftop
74/80 Tribute Street, South Brisbane
Elevate your dinner to a whole new level—12 levels up to be exact. Lina Rooftop brings a relaxed Mediterranean vibe to the Brisbane skyline. With 1500 square metres of rooftop bliss, including an enticing infinity pool, you feel like you’re on top of the world—and you can pretty much see the whole world from that far up. And when you taste their wagyu, you’ll know you are. Ask for a booth by the windows for the full experience.
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Yoko Dining
2/5 Boundary Street, Howard Smith Wharves
Image credit: Yoko Dining | Instagram
Inspired by the energy of Toyko’s music bars, Yoko brings a neon-filled vibe to the Howard Smith Wharves. Right on Brisbane River with sweet views of the city skyline, you can grab some izakaya plates to share—we’re talking wagyu kushiyaki, pork gyoza, and soft shell crab temaki.
If you’re not one for sharing—we understand—you’re covered too. Order off the raw bar menu for some wasabi citrus ocean trout or nikkei ceviche, or ask for some misozuke kingfish collar with yuzu or wagyu scotch fillet off the hibachi grill.
BŌS
4/480 Queen Street, Brisbane CBD
Wanna feel like a boss? Head over to BŌS. Puns aside, it’s not even the insane views of the Story Bridge across the water that’ll catch your eye. Their interior decorating skills are off the charts, with polished marble, plush green seating, and elegant brass accents.
We haven't even started on the food. Paying homage to “the glory of premium beef”, their menu includes dishes like bistecca carved T-bone with red wine jus, and tomahawk carved dry aged black angus with smoked bone marrow butter and Mooloolaba prawns. Carnivores, this one’s for you.
Massimo
123 Eagle Street, Brisbane City
Screw the Amalfi Coast, just head over to Massimo for the same flavours in our beloved Brisvegas. Snatch up a live lobster from their tank and then taste it with spaghetti, white wine, tomato, and garlic. Does it get more Italian than that? How about some steak with port and blue cheese sauce? What about some ragù di agnello? And we haven’t even mentioned the water views yet…
Stanley
5 Boundary Street, Howard Smith Wharves
Image credit: Stanley | Instagram
Another icon of the HSW, Stanley serves up Cantonese dishes as good as their waterfront view—which is pretty good, just so you know. With a philosophy centered around food, friends, farmers, and fishermen, their menu is a delightful combination of BBQ, seafood, and noodles, brought together with Asian flavours. Their signature dishes include kung pao cauliflower, southern rock lobster with xo sauce and crispy noodles, and crispy pork belly with English mustard. Not too shabby.
Madame Wu
71 Eagle St, Brisbane CBD
All my guys, gals, and non-binary pals, meet your new favourite lady: Madame Wu. She’s elegant, she’s exciting, and, most importantly, she’s an Asian fusion dining experience you won’t soon forget. Based on the Chinese proverb, “To the people, food is heaven”, their menu is full of heavenly dishes that will make your tastebuds sing.
These dishes include plates of Hong Kong Portuguese chicken with fragrant pear salad, pork and prawn dumplings in chilli oil, and roasted duck with steamed bok choy in soy and peanut sauce. And for one final indulgence, treat yourself to their Malteaser Espresso Martini to finish off.
Ciao Papi
5 Boundary St, Howard Smith Wharves
Want the feel of a Euro summer without the price tag? Head on over to Ciao Papi for some pasta and pizza next to the water, and Italy will come to you. Their main dining room has floor-to-ceiling windows so you can’t miss the view of Brisbane City across the river, and if that isn’t enough, you can sit on their outdoor deck for the full cityscape under the Story Bridge. Perfect for any Lady and the Tramp-esque fantasies, bring a date and slurp up some chilli and garlic prawn linguini.
Opa
123 Eagle Street, Brisbane CBD
Image credit: Opa | Instagram
Get keen for a smashing time at Opa—just not too smashing. Even though this Greek restaurant’s name is associated with plates dropping to the floor, it’s generally not encouraged to chuck your meal on the ground. Shocker. It’s okay though, because when you try their prawn saganaki and zucchini fritters, you won’t want to waste a bite. Finish up with some galaktoboureko and loukoumades to really sweeten the deal.
Tillerman
71 Eagle Street, Brisbane CBD
Calling pescetarians far and wide—gather round while we tell you about a magical place called Tillerman. This seafood restaurant is heavily influenced by Coastal Europe, incorporating dishes like golden pompano meunière, NQ tropical painted lobster with angel hair pasta, and charcoal-grilled pink snapper in their oceanic menu. Nothing is off limits—if it’s under the sea, it can be under your nose in minutes, though your eyes will be more focused on the river views across from you.
MAYA Mexican
757 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley
Now, Fortitude Valley isn’t known for its classiness, but what screams boujee more than looking down on all of the plebs below walking past as you feast at a rooftop bar? That’s where MAYA Mexican and their almost 360 degree views comes in.
Stone, marble and timber blend seamlessly into the all-white decor, where pops of lush greenery add life into the space. But the kicker? The food, obviously. A large range of tacos, seafood and regional Mexican dishes grace their menu—as do a bunch of creative margaritas. It’s not a night in the Valley without some tequila.
Alchemy
175 Eagle Street, Brisbane CBD
You’ll be sure to have a jolly good time at Alchemy when Head Chef Brad Jolly is around, Story Bridge and river views are just a bonus. Known as one of Australia’s most influential chefs, his kitchen serves up mouthwatering meals with French undertones like brined duck breast with creamed celeriac and eye fillet with boulangere potatoes, caramelized shallot, and bone marrow sauce. Honestly, it’s got us drooling as we write.
Polished off dessert at your chosen Brisbane restaurant with a view and ready for a drink? Head here:
Image credit: Popolo | Supplied
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