If globetrotting is on the budgetary backburner, but you still want to get your fill of international cuisine, travel the world without leaving the 4000s by hitting up these international faves.
MIDDLE EASTERN | MECCA BAH | FORTITUDE VALLEY
Travel to the Middle East (or at least to the Fortitude Valley) to snack on spicy lamb and pine nut boreks, hummus mezze platters of olives, flatbreads, artichokes, and pastrami before moving onto preserved lemon lamb tagine with mountains of couscous, marinated grilled octopus and refreshing cocktails.
ITALIAN | LA FAMIGLIA | WOOLLOONGABBA
Mama Mia! If you want to live la vita è bella, head to Trafalgar Lane and take a seat at Ristorante La Famiglia, famous for fluffy pillows of gnocchi, rich ragus, and decadent dessert platters. Just don’t tell us we add too much parmesan, we don’t need that kind of negativity.
FRENCH | LE CACHE À VIN | SPRING HILL
As you descend the stairs into the new Spring Hill restaurant you could be forgiven for thinking you’re actually in gay Paris. With a name that roughly translates to “stash of wine”, you know you’re going to be served some seriously smooth drops, alongside confit duck leg, veal chops with sautéed apple and all the fromage you could ever want.
SPANISH | PEASANT | PETRIE TERRACE
One spicy senorita, Peasant has been serving us up Spanish lovin’ for years now. Devour traditional chargrilled chorizo, pork belly chicharrones, and seafood zarzuela alongside broccolini in lemon oil with shaved manchego. Sip on wines from La Rioja, or indulge in an Estrella or two.
CHINESE | LITTLE VALLEY | FORTITUDE VALLEY
Pig out on roast pork neck, get in a flap over the twice-cooked duck, and get your greens with a side of dry-fried beans. Want (dim) sum more? Devour trays of plump xiao long bao, and stuff your face with truffle and prawn dumplings. Accompanied by a wine list that would make Dionysius weep – this is Valley Chinese, with a twist.
ETHIOPIAN | MADE IN AFRICA | MOOROOKA
Brisbanites travel far and wide to visit the Moorooka favourite, with its traditional, mouth-watering Ethiopian cuisine and warm, welcoming hospitality. Gather your friends and order up big, this food is made to be shared – though you won’t want to. Get stuck into mild and spicy beef, chicken, and lamb alongside split pea stew and injera (Ethiopian sourdough). You can’t leave without also trying freshly-ground Ethiopian coffee.
GREEK | LEFKAS | WEST END
Two words: lemon potatoes. Stuff your face with all things stuffed at West End fave Lefkas. Gorge yourself on tender lamb, slow-cooked eggplant and capsicum and salty, creamy halloumi and feta. Best of all? BYO, baby, so grab a cheeky bottle of red to help wash it all down.
JAPANESE | HONTO | FORTITUDE VALLEY
Dig your chopsticks into grilled Hervey Bay scallops with nori butter and bonito flakes, a lobster katsu sando, or shichimi-spiced lamb shoulder with yuzu dashi yoghurt and flatbread at this super schmick Japanese joint. Say kanpai over smooth Japanese whiskey and enjoy a cheeky signature cocktail – this Fortitude Valley restaurant and bar is turning heads for all the right reasons.
MEXICAN |PEPES | NEWMARKET
Newmarket institution Pepes has been slinging tacos and burritos since we were in nappies, and it’s one hot tamale! Whether you’re looking to sizzle over fajitas or get some slow cooked pulled pork cochinita pibul, make sure you enjoy a frozen margs on the side – as is tradition.
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Keeping the G&G up to date with tasty tidbits requires a lot of lattes and espresso martinis, so we occasionally need to give out some sponsored love. Rest assured that we only work with businesses that we think are really nifty, as the sponsor for this post is!
