Over the past few years, Brisbane has quietly claimed its spot as one of Australasia’s most exciting holiday destinations — thanks, in no small part, to its ever-growing lineup of standout restaurants. For design-savvy New Zealanders, The Calile Hotel has become the place to book for a quick escape, and with many of the city’s best eateries just steps away, it’s somewhat of a dream spot for food lovers in search of an elevated escape. Here, we’ve rounded up 10 must-visit spots around Fortitude Valley to bookmark for your next trip — or to give you a very good reason to book one.
SK Steak & Oyster
Location: James Street
Tucked inside The Calile Hotel, SK Steak & Oyster is where old-school glamour meets modern polish. Known for its perfectly cooked steaks, fresh seafood towers, and ice-cold martinis, it’s a spot made for long, leisurely lunches and elegant late-night dinners. The service is sharp, the mood is indulgent, and the menu delivers every time — from oysters and lobster to prime cuts and soufflé to finish. A quintessential Brisbane dining experience, and one that’s hard to top.
Gerard’s
Location: James Street
Carved into a hidden James Street laneway, Gerard’s is Fortitude Valley’s crown jewel of modern Middle Eastern dining. Resurrected after a dramatic redesign inspired by Lebanon’s ancient Baalbek ruins — with rammed earth walls, cinematic lighting, and brass accents — it strikes a perfect balance between rugged elegance and intimate warmth. Under Chef Jimmy Richardson, the menu celebrates Levantine traditions — wood-fired barbari bread, fermented eggplant dips, smoky lamb collar — while utilising top‑tier local produce. Ideal for sharing, the food, wine and cocktails are adventurous yet welcoming. Gerard’s is an immersive, unforgettable dining escape.
Same Same
Location: James Street
Tucked into Ada Lane beside The Calile, Same Same reinvents Thai food through a sleek, contemporary lens. Chef Arté Assavakavinvong works the open kitchen, cooking over coals and blazing woks to deliver bold, layered flavours — from cassava‑dumpling snacks to turmeric curry with Moreton Bay bug. The space hums with energy, anchored by communal tables and a chic upstairs bar pouring tequila, mezcal, cocktails, and a curated wine list. It’s a vibrant, elevated spin on Southeast Asian dining that keeps you coming back.
Penelope Bistro
Location: James Street
Part restaurant, part lounge, and part bar, Penelope blends retro European flair with feel‑good late‑night energy. Descend below street level into velvet-clad banquettes, walnut walls, and a softly glowing bar where DJs spin soul and disco. Chef Evan White serves up elevated bistro classics — think steak frites au poivre, fish-finger sandwiches with pearl perch tartare, duck parfait, and Champagne‑mignonette oysters. With a curated wine list, cocktail-martini menu, and indulgent after‑9.30 pm snacks, it’s equally suited to stylish lunches and all-in nights.
Biànca
Location: James Street
Tucked into Ada Lane off James Street, Biànca brings vibrant trattoria energy with an Italian-Australian twist. The warm, tile-clad interior sets the tone for a menu built around house-made pastas, freshly baked breads, and wood-fired meats and produce. Start with shared antipasti — burrata, calamari fritti, or Cantabrian anchovies — then dive into rotating pasta dishes like paccheri pomodoro or beef-ragu mafalde. The drinks list is equally impressive, pairing Italian and local wines with crafted spritzes and negronis. Laid-back yet buzzing, Biànca is perfect for long lunches or lively dinners with friends in a stylish setting.
Sushi Room
Location: James Street
Step into an elegant subterranean dining sanctuary at Sushi Room at The Calile Hotel, where refined Japanese tradition meets discreet elegance. The striking 9.3‑metre hinoki wood sushi bar — floating above black limestone — anchors a dramatic dining room designed by the experts at Richards & Spence. Head Chef Shimpei Raikuni presents an artful menu focused on nigiri and sashimi — think Hiramasa kingfish, Tasmanian uni and Kagoshima sirloin — served à la carte, as an enkai set, or a bespoke 18‑course omakase. Accompanied by sake, whiskies, yuzu‑infused cocktails, and curated wines, it’s a considered, immersive Japanese fine‑dining affair, and a must-book if you’re in the area.
Agnes
Location: Agnes Street
In a converted brick warehouse on Agnes Street, this three‑level Fortitude Valley venue is a wood‑fire temple. Chef and co-owner Ben Williamson and his team shun gas and electricity — everything is cooked over coals (ironbark, cherry, olive wood) — crafting dishes like Bangalow pork tomahawk, scallop doughnuts, charcoal-roasted duck, or smoked lamb ribs. The atmosphere moves from dim and dramatic in the main dining room to cozy and relaxed in the intimate wine bar and rooftop terrace. Winner of Gourmet Traveller’s Restaurant of the Year 2023, Agnes pairs a truly unique culinary experience with unforgettable hospitality.
Essa Restaurant
Location: Robertson Street
Behind discreet brass doors on Roberston Street, this moody Fortitude Valley hideaway offers wood-fired dining with flair. Chef Phil Marchant builds each plate around seasonal, ethically sourced ingredients — expect raw, pickled, smoked and fire-charred creations with surprising accents like burnt kohlrabi paired alongside wild venison tartare or a signature Jerusalem artichoke cream bun. The three-tiered interior mixes zinc, exposed brick and green marble, softened by warm lighting and a secluded garden setting. With a carefully curated organic wine list and inventive cocktails, Essa is adventurous without pretension.
Fatcow
Location: James St
Fatcow on James St is a contemporary steak and seafood haven, offering a truly refined dining experience. The restaurant features an open kitchen, allowing guests to witness the culinary artistry firsthand, while the menu showcases premium cuts of meat, fresh seafood, and an extensive selection of wines. With its elegant ambiance and exceptional service, this exceptional eatery provides a memorable setting for both casual meals and special occasions alike.
Mosconi
Location: Arthur Street
Housed in a repurposed World War II Nissen hut, Mosconi offers a refined European dining experience in Fortitude Valley. The intimate two-level space features a curved timber bar, marble-topped tables, and a mezzanine dining area beneath a distinctive domed ceiling. Chef Catherine Anders crafts a menu that blends Italian tradition with contemporary creativity, highlighting dishes like duck ragu, Moreton Bay bug ravioli, and Fremantle octopus. Complemented by an extensive Old World wine list, Mosconi provides a sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere for discerning diners.
