Image: Adina Apartment Hotel Brisbane

While you may visit for its sunshine, nightlife, shopping and activities, Brisbane’s food and drinks scene has come of age. Whether it’s a craft beer, rooftop cocktail, Italian feast or long lazy lunch, check out our guide to eating and drinking in the River City. 

Traditional Cantonese at Donna Chang  

BRISBANE CBD: Donna Chang has redefined Chinese cuisine in Brisbane’s CBD. Located on the ground floor of Adina Apartment Hotel Brisbane in what was a former bank, Donna Chang is perfect for a relaxing long lunch or an intimate dinner for two. Chef Jake Nicolson’s menu gives a gentle nod to Sichuan flavours and authentic Cantonese cuisine while the high ceilings, hanging chandeliers and plenty of pastel colours create a picture-perfect setting. 

Insider Tip: After dinner, head downstairs to The Boom Boom Room Izakaya. Inspired by Japanese street food, this basement hidey-hole has a delicious food menu, paired with an innovative cocktail menu. Or make a night of it and stay over in the city. Adina Brisbane offers stunning views of the river and nearby Southbank Parklands. 

A Lazy Long Lunch at the Lobby Bar 

JAMES STREET: An espresso in the morning, a digestif in the evening, and everything in between. If bars could speak, Lobby Bar would say ‘welcome’.  Perfectly poised at the entrance of the Calile Hotel on James Street and spilling into vibrant Ada Lane, Lobby Bar is the ideal spot while away the day. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Head Chef Andrew Gunn heroes local and seasonal produce from regional growers and The Calile’s new roof top garden, growing organic produce. His new French-inspired menu sits comfortably alongside a considered cocktail and wine list. 

Cool Rooftop Vibes at Cielo 

FORTITUDE VALLEY: There's no better way to soak up the Queensland sunshine than by sipping cocktails on a rooftop. Bought to you by award-winning Sydney bar Maybe Sammy, Celio is a ray of sunshine in the heart of Fortitude Valley and arguably one of Brisbane’s best rooftops bars. The menu is an impressive commitment to Italian street food, with porchetta sliders and house-made pizzette. As you’d expect from Maybe Sammy, drinks follow a similar theme - many of them named for the coastal Italian getaways you could almost mistake Cielo for after that first refreshing sip. 

Waterfront Views at Riverbar and Kitchen  

EAGLE STREET PIER: They don’t call it the River City for nothing. Brisbane is home to the longest river in southeast Queensland, making it a popular spot for locals and visitors to socialize over a good feed and well-earned drink. River Bar and Kitchen has a new fit out, a more modern concept and brand-new menus focusing on local produce. It’s the perfect place to sit outside by the waterfront and soak up the Brisbane lifestyle (and sun!)  

The Best Italian at Massimo  

RIVERSIDE CENTRE: Drink in the stunning view of the river and Story Bridge through glass doors along a 35-metre frontage. Massimo is a sophisticated space with a perfect price-point for everyday dining in the heart of Brisbane’s CBD. Here traditional Italian recipes are given a modern twist – from their four types of house-made focaccia to their selection of cured meats, carpaccio, seafood, and oysters. There’s plenty of house-made pasta dishes and a huge range of Italian wines.  

Revel in Craft Beers at Revel Brewing Co. 

BULIMBA & MORNINGSIDE: Just across the river and easily accessible by Brissie’s City Cat ferries, Bulimba’s Oxford Street is home to the popular Revel Brewing Co. You can also find their home in the historic Acetate of Lime Factory in nearby Morningside. No matter which location you visit, expect a huge range of quality craft beer, woodfire pizzas, bar snacks and good vibes. Their range of brews is constantly evolving and encompasses everything from oatmeal stout to crisp cider - all brewed for and inspired by their loving locals.  

Stay  

BRISBANE CITY: Even hedonists need a place to rest. After immersing yourself in Brisbane's lively food scene, rest your head at one of our Adina Apartment Hotels. Adina Apartment Hotel Brisbane offers a combination of new and old, situated in a heritage-listed property centrally located on George Street, it's artfully restored with a classic yet contemporary design.  Over at Anzac Square, directly opposite Brisbane’s Central Railway Station, is Adina Apartment Hotel Brisbane Anzac Square, giving you direct access to the best the city food and drinks the city has to offer. Both hotels offer apartment style living with spacious living areas and kitchen and laundry amenities.