Joanna James
A cutting-edge cosmopolis full of the sparkling down-to-earth charm of the countryside, Brisbane's eclectic art galleries, diverse nature-kissed wonders, and addictive food scene lure in visitors from far and wide. Here are 5 epicurean paragons in the River City you need to experience!
While Sydney is known to be sparklingly laidback, it takes its food culture very seriously, serving up only the dishes crafted with love, consideration, and creativity at every stage. If you have a soft spot for the subtle grace and stirring whimsicality of Heritage-listed buildings, as well as a deep-rooted appreciation for vibrantly fresh and ethically sourced ingredients layered to create complex flavour profiles, look no further than the rustic waterfront Customs House on Queen's Street. Here, you will find exquisitely wholesome concoctions of seasonal favourites, from hand-rolled zucchini flower gnocchi and Jalapeno-infused grilled prawns to fresh scallops with tropical fruit relish and Crème brûlée with luscious berries and almond biscotti.
Whether you're most drawn to art-spattered enclaves, exhilarating treks, theatrical history tours, or cosy wildlife sanctuaries, this beautifully eccentric River City, with its vintage glamour and modern artistry, has something to thrill every brand of traveller. For those enraptured by art, nature, and the magic they weave together, the riverside Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art are full of stunningly meaningful and moving exhibits, architecture, programmes, and interactions that enrich your character as you feast your eyes. Once you're done, you can visit its award-winning restaurant with fellow art and culture lovers, discussing new perspectives while enjoying delectable dishes like truffle chips coated in parmesan and spiced tomato, vintage cheddar and leek croquets, and spiced chicken ribs with mango jam and raita.
From brunch bars whipping up gourmet banana brûlée hotcakes drizzled in salted caramel sauce with a side of lemon mascarpone to café counters sporting oven-hot coconut loaves topped with ricotta and baked fig and brown-butter black garlic bread served with burnt vanilla, Sydney's eateries are constantly on the lookout for the most authentic and flamboyant flavour combos to tantalise your taste buds! Fish Lane is richly endowed with all things that scream art, entertainment, and eats, and Gauge is a delicately atmospheric all-day brunch spot for not-so-subtle flavour explosions. Whether it's their quince, rhubarb, and gooseberry pie paired with a fried apple, peach ice cream infused with almond, fig, and rosemary, or octopus served with fennel and orange, for a Saturday lunch, this is one dining experiment you won't regret!
For dreamy old-world waterfront dining, safe in the hands of world-class chefs and culinary visionaries, Eagle Street is an idyllic nature-kissed promenade snugly fitted with luxe eateries. If you're craving some Italian-inspired indulgence to roll across your palate, the airy Amalfi-themed restaurant of Comma Spuntino should be your go-to. Affording exquisite river views and a charming rattan-lit ambience, you can sit back in your cushy booth and fall in love with fan favourites like the kale and walnut gnocchi, Fraser Island spanner crab linguine, and scallops served with apple and prosciutto. If you're looking for sophisticated hotel accommodation in Brisbane CBD, venture no further than Oaks Brisbane Festival Suites.
If you're in the mood for some nostalgic art deco combined with a wide range of mouthwatering dishes, Malt's rustic flair and the innovative menu will have you hooked from the get-go. Here, you can treat your taste buds to fresh oysters slathered with cayenne and watermelon hot sauce, Brisbane Valley quail accompanied by curried peanut and smoky lychee, and pistachio malt brownies shot through with punchy tones of mandarin.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
