Where to Eat in Brisbane: Best Food & Restaurants 2026

Wondering where to eat in Brisbane?

From street food markets to hidden laneway cafés, this city’s dining scene in 2026 is full of flavor.

I lived in Brisbane for nearly six years, and trust me, I ate my way through more dumplings, flat whites, and gourmet burgers than I’d like to admit.

Whether you’re in the mood for casual bites, foodie adventures, or something a little more upscale, this guide covers the best places to eat in Brisbane in 2026.

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Eat Street Northshore

Eat Street Northshore is Brisbane’s foodie superstar. Picture rows of shipping containers transformed into stalls serving global dishes—wood-fired pizza, bao buns, dumplings, doughnuts, churros…the list goes on.

With fairy lights overhead, live music, and buzzing crowds, it’s not just about the food—it’s an atmosphere you’ll want to soak in.

Pro Tips for Visiting

• Bring cash and stretchy pants.
• Don’t eat dinner beforehand—you’ll want to try as much as possible.
• Arrive early for parking or, better yet, avoid the hassle altogether.

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Laneway Cafés & Restaurants

Brisbane’s laneways are where the real food magic happens.

Tucked away behind main streets, you’ll find artisan coffee shops, trendy wine bars, and restaurants that pack serious flavor into tiny spaces.

Fish Lane

A hub for modern dining and nightlife—expect everything from sleek wine bars to contemporary Aussie cuisine.

Burnett Lane

A quirky mix of cozy cafés and hidden bars. Perfect if you like a side of history with your flat white (it’s one of Brisbane’s oldest laneways).

Bakery Lane

Small but full of character. The kind of spot where you sip coffee, eat cake, and feel like you’ve found Brisbane’s best-kept secret.

👉 Don’t want to miss the hidden gems? Join a Brisbane laneway food tour.

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Howard Smith Wharves

Nestled under the Story Bridge, Howard Smith Wharves is where locals go for riverside dining with a view.

From craft beers at Felons Brewing Co. to fine dining experiences, there’s something for every foodie.

At night, the Story Bridge lights up, turning the whole scene into a glowing postcard. Grab dinner, a drink, and let the river views do the rest.

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Riverside Bars & Dining

For another foodie experience, head to Brisbane’s riverside restaurants and bars. Scenic views + great food = the perfect evening.

Top picks include:

• Riverbar & Kitchen – cocktails with Story Bridge views.
• Byblós – Mediterranean-style plates by the water.
• Mary Mae’s – New Orleans-inspired eats in a riverside setting.

For a casual version, hop on the CityCat ferry and create your own foodie crawl along the river.

A Perfect Foodie Day in Brisbane

If you’re short on time and want to pack Brisbane’s best eats into one day, here’s how I’d do it:

Morning: Start in one of the laneway cafés. Grab a flat white (Brisbane does coffee well) and linger over a proper Aussie brunch—think avo toast, eggs, and maybe a cheeky pastry.

Afternoon: Head to the river. Take the CityCat ferry for the views, then stop at Howard Smith Wharves for a long lunch or relaxed drinks while the Story Bridge looms overhead.

Evening: Make your way to Eat Street Northshore. Wander the stalls, sample something sweet, and enjoy live music under the fairy lights.

Don’t fight it—you’ll probably end up trying more dishes than you planned (I always did).

This way, you’ll taste Brisbane’s foodie scene in one perfectly balanced day: local café culture, riverside dining, and an all-out street food feast.

Brisbane Foodie Quick Guide

If you’re trying to narrow down Brisbane’s foodie scene, here’s a quick guide to help you choose where to go:

• Best for Families: Eat Street Northshore — kids love the fairy lights, live music, and endless sweet treats (hello, churros!).
• Best for Couples: Howard Smith Wharves at sunset — cocktails, riverside views, and the Story Bridge lighting up in the background set the mood.
• Best for Solo Travelers: Laneway cafés — grab a flat white, tuck into brunch, and blend right in with the locals.
• Best on a Budget: Riverside bars or Burnett Lane cafés — plenty of wallet-friendly bites without skimping on flavor.
• Best Splurge: Fine dining at Howard Smith Wharves — if you’re going all out, this is where Brisbane shines.

No matter your style, Brisbane has something delicious waiting for you.

Wrap-Up: Where to Eat in Brisbane in 2026

Brisbane’s food culture is about more than what’s on the plate—it’s about the atmosphere, the hidden gems, and the mix of global flavors that give the city its edge.

From grabbing a bao bun at Eat Street to sipping cocktails under the Story Bridge, these are the foodie stops that belong on your 2026 itinerary.

Pack your appetite—you’re going to need it. Happy travels!

👉 Hungry for more? Check out my full guide: Is Brisbane Worth Visiting? 15 Best Reasons to Go in 2026.