NORTH SHORE / HAMILTON | SONO
Bringing the traditional taste of Japan to North Shore, Sono offers both a fine dining experience and the fiery interactive fun that is Teppanyaki. Our favourite? The six course tasting menu with matched wines, before hopping on Brisbane’s Art Boat. Alternatively, continue on your Japanese themed night at Maho Magic Bar. a dazzling pop-up venue featuring master magicians direct from the magic bars of Japan.
SOUTH BRISBANE | FISH LANE
Fish Lane is a food lovers’ paradise just moments from Brisbane Festival’s South Bank heartland. For a chilled beer and a casual vibe, pop into Saccharomyces. Offering up good hearty food, you can’t skip out on the fried chicken bites or the classic reuben sandwich, and plenty of craft beers to choose from. For a more refined experience, visit our friends at Maeve, who’s freshly shucked oysters dressed with Champagne vinaigrette will have you craving another excuse to visit.
NEW FARM | BAR ALTO
We just love the vibe that is Bar Alto – everything from the exposed brick walls, breezy deck, huge pots of steaming mussels, succulent wagyu striploin, and the smoked mash potato, this is one restaurant that will make your favourites list in Brisbane.
Be sure to pay them a visit when at the Powerhouse or New Farm shows and exhibitions. [And you definitely want to try that mash. *drool*]
WEST END | WEST VILLAGE
Not only is West Village the home of Brisbane Festival’s “Museum of the Moon” until September 11, it will also be the home of GAIA, and MARS, the large scale planetary installations by Luke Jerram. These celestial exhibitions are surrounded by the precinct’s many restaurants making a foodie experience extremely convenient [lucky us]. Sit down to enjoy the Mediterranean feasts of Yamas [Greek], Beirut Bazaar [Lebanese], or Italian Street Kitchen [the name speaks for itself]. For a quick and casual meal, you have Betty’s Burgers, Ichiban Sushi, and Cheeky Poke. And for the dessert lovers, savour in the delights of Anita Gelato, or Kurtosh – a Hungarian bakery filled with decadent treats.
WOOLLOONGABBA
Brisbane Festival music fans who are heading to Woolloongabba for a show [or three] have much to look forward to. Another hub of great food, the Gabba keeps foodies satiated with the likes of Italian classic 1889 ENOTECA. Surrounded by bottles of Italian wine, you’ll enjoy your pastas and be enchanted by the restaurant’s charming vibe. Another favourite is Clarence. You’ll only need to glimpse at their instagram to be won over – and the three course “Prix Fixe” option makes it easy to get a taste of the best.
FORTITUDE VALLEY | BIRDS NEST
Looking for delicious Yakitori? This unassuming spot located in the heart of the Fortitude Valley nightlife boasts incredible Japanese cocktails, craft saké, offers exotic contemporary yakitori, and is open until midnight – perfect for an after show snack.
BRISBANE CITY | ROTHWELL’S
Make the most of your Brisbane Festival city experience by visiting Rothwell’s. Warning: set in a historic bar, the atmosphere is designed to delight the “long lunch” or intimate dinner. Give yourself ample time to devour the exquisite food and drinks and immerse yourself in the ambience… (and maybe set a reminder for your Brisbane Festival show because you may not want to leave).
MILTON | CHINA SEA
A Chinese food lover’s favourite, China Sea is a Brisbane institution. From the classics like chilli mud crab and Peking duck, to affordable banquets for the hungry foodie who is pressed for time, there’s a lot to love here. The restaurant also has a bit of a hall of fame going with many celebs visiting the venue, even the likes of John Travolta. And, if it’s good enough for Danny Zuko, it’s good enough for us!
MANLY | BRISBANE SERENADES: TASTE OF MANLY HARBOUR
For the laidback foodie, this official Brisbane Festival 2022 event will have you enjoying a picnic on the foreshore of Manly in Brisbane’s bayside. With live jazz vocalists, Masterchef demonstrations, and seaside activities for young and old, this is sure to be a day enjoyed by the whole family.
Brisbane Festival is one of the best ways to appreciate the sometimes hidden wonders that our city has to offer. May as well not do it on an empty stomach. Bon appetit!
