But don’t be fooled, this little inner-city suburb is packed with waistband stretching options.
Two Wheels and a Handlebar
Not just popular of those who can balance on a bicycle (we stick to what we’re good at…eating), Two Wheels and a Handlebar is one of Milton’s best kept secrets. The quirky café is housed in a converted garage and is known for its daily breakfast specials. The menu changes daily but past dishes include fare like crispy skin pork belly sandwich and Moroccan spiced chicken with quinoa. On Friday evenings the venue transforms into The Third Wheel serving pizza until 9pm. Hot tip? Grab a couple to takeaway and head to Milton institution – The Scratch.
The Scratch Bar
No pretentious bar staff, no dress code, no bullshit. Located in the shadow of Milton castle (the XXXX brewery), Scratch is known for its rotating draught and bottled craft beer menu. The bar has nine taps on rotation, as well as spirits and wines. Take advantage of their BYO food policy, or order a cheeseboard to enjoy alongside your board games. YATZE!
La Stazione
Entering La Stazione is like coming home to a big Italian family, serving up authentic pizza and pasta, the menu is designed to be shared, just like Nona would have wanted. Choose from tasty plates of stuffed zucchini flowers, calamari fritti and arancini or feast on homemade gnocchi, pasta and hand stretched pizza.
China Sea
As unassuming as it is delicious, China Sea has won as many awards as it has dishes. With the menu stretching from steamed pork dumplings, Peking duck, crackling roast pork and lobster – if you can’t find something you like on the menu there’s no hope for you. Too much variety stressing you out? Ready your chopsticks, choose from one of the four banquet options and get ready to (egg) roll.
The Fishery
Nothing screams like summer in Queensland like fresh, crunchy, salty chips, a fresh piece of fish, potato scallops and a pile of calamari. Living in the city doesn’t mean missing out on a sea change – The Fishery has all the ingredients to transport you to the beach. Battered, crumbed, steamed or baked – no matter your preference sail on down Baroona Rd for your fishy fix.
Aether Brewery
Only open since late 2016, this hidden gem has gained a reputation for delicious food, and interesting beers. Graze on fried karaage chicken, Korean BBQ pork ribs and onion rings whilst you enjoy beers like the Event Horizon Stout with a spiced rum and vanilla kick, or the summery, clean Pitchfork Saison. Not just booze and food (not that we would ever complain) Aether also plays host to trivia and horror movie nights for those who like their schooner with a side of screams.
Cribb Street Social
From leisurely weekend brunches to decadent dinners and everything in between, Cribb Street Social lives up to its name as the perfect spot for your next social gathering. Famous for their charcuterie selection the team encourage you to design your own boards (hello power trip!) with an extensive selection of meats and cheeses – there’s even vegan cheese and terrine on the menu. The drink menu features shared cocktail jugs, craft beers and SOFI spritz on tap – we’re in heaven!
Milton Markets
With over 120 stalls featuring South East Queensland’s growers, farmers, butchers, bakers – and even a couple of candlestick makers – the Milton Markets are the produce hub of dreams. Held each Sunday with live music, artisanal stalls and entertainment for kids (and big kids) the markets are the perfect weekend outing – no matter your taste.
Fromage the Cow
80. Types. Of. Cheese. Need we go on? Brisbane’s first licensed fromagerie is a vegan’s nightmare, and a cheese lover’s dream with a full-service restaurant with all offerings based around – you guessed it – cheese. Think cheese flights, cheese toasties and of course – a cheese room. We don’t mean to sound, but we don’t think you’ll disa-brie when we insist you go and check it out.
And for those times when you’re time poor, chasing a cheeky bite or just got a hankering for something simple? For the perfect lunchtime drive-by lunch we recommend swinging by IGA, grabbing a chicken sandwich from the deli and then cruising by Togninis for a milkshake.
YOU’RE WELCOME.
Time to set the GPS for a detour: Milton’s got the goods, and these Park Road restaurants barely add to your CBD commute.
