One of our favourite ways to keep it fresh in warmer weather is to sink our teeth into some raw dishes. From finely sliced fish to delicately diced beef, we’ve rounded up Brisbane’s best raw plates to tempt your palates this summer.
La Lune Wine Co. | South Brisbane
Wander down Fish Lane on a warm day to discover the European-inspired wine bar La Lune Wine Co. As well as a selection of thoughtfully-devised and beautifully plated dishes, get amongst the kangaroo carpaccio with wattle seed, butternut, and coffee. Did we mention that during November you can kick back with a carpaccio and glass of red for just $19? Save a bite for us!
Little Valley | Fortitude Valley
This mod Valley spot serves up a range of contemporary Asian bites, and the tartare of wagyu with pickled veggies and Sichuan mayonnaise is a must-try from their menu. Mild palates be warned – it’s a spicy delight.
Bacchus | South Bank
Continually impressing with their unbelievably beautiful dishes, Bacchus’ latest raw additions are no exception! Give the Ora King salmon (cured in brown sugar and salt and served with sour cream and dill caviar) a go, or opt for Rangers Valley beef carpaccio with aged parmesan and a lemon and mustard dressing. Our tip? Just get both.
Otto | CBD
For a fancy summer meal, you can’t look past Otto! Perched above the river on Eagle Street, this Italian joint’s food is some of the best in town, and their Crudo di Pesce del Giorno, featuring raw market fish, rockmelon, cucumber, lime and crème fraiche is a standout.
Hello Please | Fish Lane
Breezy outdoor location? Fabulous drinks list? Amazing menu featuring raw bites? That’s us sorted for summer! Hello Please serves up some absolute bangers, like their mean Yellowfin tuna tartare with taro, rice crisps and salted egg yolk. Throw it down with a rum coconut, and you’re cruising.
Hôntô | Fortitude Valley
Once you find this contemporary Japanese gem in the back streets of the Valley, head straight for the raw section of their menu and order (at least) one of their signature Hôntô drumstick – a mini charcoal cone filled with fresh tuna and creamy avocado. Grab a cocktail, enjoy the dark, moody setting, and totally forget about the climbing temperatures outside.
Julius | South Brisbane
This Fish Lane staple has a menu that makes choosing hard, but when it comes to an entree, you can’t go past the Carpaccio di Pesce – a carpaccio of kingfish with blood orange, fennel, red onion, and capers. Vibrant, fresh, and absolutely delish, it’s the perfect pre-pizza nibble.
Cheeky Poke | Newstead and West End
It doesn’t get much more raw-some than decked out poké bowls, and Cheeky Poké certainly delivers! Across their Newstead and Garden Pantry locations, enjoy bowls (or unique seaweed or wonton wrapper tacos) stuffed with raw tuna, salmon, kingfish, scallops, or prawns and your choice of veggies, sauces, crunch and seasoning!
Mr Chester | Fortitude Valley
While they might be known for their perfect wood-fired pizzas, don’t neglect the rest of the menu at this Valley wine staple! The Korean beef tartare with glistening egg yolk (we’re team egg yolk), lotus crisps, sesame, and Asian pear is one flavour excursion you won’t want to pass on.
While some resort to copious amounts of ice cream to keep cool, we recommend branching out and staying balanced with some fresh, raw protein this summer.
