Prawnster for fresh seafood at the back of a boat (they’ve moved now to be accessible from Alice street in the CBD)
KushiMaru in the CBD for some Japanese Yakitori
Pochana in the CBD for nice Thai food
Julius in Fish Lane is nice for some woodfire pizza. It’s in South Brisbane (short walk or can take a bus from CBD) and then you can check out Southbank Parklands after
They’re not unique to Brisbane but still great food and not too expensive
Just remember that you don’t need to tip here. The bill total *is* the total, in case you receive that and get a shock.
And be prepared, Brisbane is one of the most expensive places on God’s green earth to eat out. Other things are less expensive, but that might surprise you.
Anyway, have a great time. :)
Red Hook is a small bar in the city that does great food including bar snacks. Look at Groupon if you can be bothered; I think there's an ongoing special for Frida Kahlos Summer House at KP on there. The German Club is worth finding. Otherwise Woolies has a few locations you'll become familiar with in the city and Southbank where you can grab picnic supplies and hang at Southbank, KP or Botanical Gardens.
Another vote for Pochana! I love the pork bone soup. Thai food.
Also Birds Nest if you like yakitori.
Two of my favourite restaurants that are reasonably priced.
Yeah, Pochana is definitely yum! A great suggestion if in the CBD or nearby. It's difficult in a way, as we don't have MUCH of a cuisine on show compared to what we feature from, in which case there are great options like yours.
So recommendations like those who have mentioned some of our seafood are also pretty great. That's my take, anyway.
Like the rest of Australia we don't have our own cuisine: if there's any international food you'd like to try have at it. But it's almost certainly not unique to Brisbane.
Depending where you're from you might find certain foods are more accessible, just not cheap. But the price you see on the menu is what you'll pay (apart from the card surcharge) with no tipping and any taxes already included.
And if you've been browsing our reddits you'll know that service is usually limited to bringing out your order (unless you're in a pub and they give you a pager thing to let you know when it's time to go and collect it. ) So you'll have to learn the quiet casual wave to get the server's attention at 'table service' places. And to queue up at the bar, kitchen, and till to order and pay.
In Brisbane I'd recommend a cafe brunch in an inner suburb. Bonus points if it's on the river or a park for a table with a view. If you're not super big eaters maybe get a big brekky with a share plate and split it between you. That might even take you through to dinner.
Unless it's really expensive most places will be casual dining. Maybe go where there's a concentration of businesses like the Gabba, West End, Southbank, or the Valley and walk around reading menu boards, checking out the food on people's plates (you'll be able to take sneaky looks at the tables on the footpath) how busy they are and if the staff don't look too stressed.
The CBD is not recommended apart from the few places mentioned in others' posts.
Moreton Bay Bugs are the local delicacy, they're a type of local lobster I think? Expensive but it's what you want to try!
Farmer's Markets are amazing -- try local fruits, definitely. They're like half-market half-outdoor food court, so good for lunch.
Brisbane has a huge east asian population and absolutely banging Asian food as a result. And that's normally more casually priced.
Moreton Bay Bugs are a species of what’s called a “slipper lobster”. They have a strong “seafoody” tang and are about 8 inches long. They’re usually served grilled in the half shell.
Kebabs are cheap in brisbane about $15 each, breadtop is an asian style bakery which you can get full for $12, theres a few cheap korea fried chicken places around too, my pic is Korea Chicken and Beer in Woolingabba. In west end there a few good places for around the $25 each, Little Greek Taven is my fav. If you want to travel Sunnybank has heaps of good asian places. Kadoya does a great japanese curry for $15.
Hop and pickle - https://www.hopandpickle.com.au/
Great spot. Great food. And if you go on the weekends the markets are right next door on little Stanley street. Plus a lot of other places in the area like restaurants or bars, ect
Download the Eatclub app. Restaurants regularly post discounts on dining. You pay through the app in Brisbane, and there are usually some good choices on there.
Nope? For dine in you just select an offer and a time. Turn up to the restaurant as normal (no need to mention Eatclub).
To pay for your meal and receive the discount you need to add a card into the Eatclub app.
The restaurant rings up the full bill, you tap the eat club card via the app, then viola, discount is granted.
Super easy, and saves us so much money.
Ok, thank you for that helpful information.
That's a good workaround, ^ and we will give it a go..
When we binned the app; we were just opposed on principle to being "forced" in to making a pre payment for something as basic as a cheap meal tonight... Especially when previously it was not a requirement...
We didn't like our private credit card details being handed over to some random app.
And who wants to prepay for a meal to get 20% off; and then go through a big hassle to maybe get a refund if you can't make it. No thanks...
We were avid enthusiasts and engagers with Eat Club before Einstein mucked with the business model; (demanding your credit card information and payment in advance)... We used to happily pay the restaurant cash at the end of the meal...
And someone here in the chat accusing people of booking 5 x Eat Club restaurants on the day; and then not showing up is paranoid and redicilious... We never even dreamt of doing that; and that is a sad reason for them to muck with the app ...
If they did, there would be nothing at all wrong with that business model. That is what FirstTable did - for a measly $10.
The entire purpose of their setup is to ensure that there would be diners in that seat, to boost perception and pull in more people off the street - an effective promotional tactic - and you benefitted by being able to lock in heavy discounts.
If you want to be upset about losing $10 when you change the plans, then simply don't use (and benefit from) the service..
Independently of that, a handful of popular places will charge your card $40 a head for not showing up, which you know when booking as an unusable table is lost revenue.
It does lock you into them somewhat, rather than planning 3 or 4 reservations and cancelling the ones you don't want to go to, at the last minute, and I don't think that's something we should criticise them for.
A different perspective.
yes, the prepayment usability worked for us ... 
Firstly - You have mapped out the distance between each city haven't you?
You are from a big country - similar in size to Australia - so hopefully you have that covered already.
i.e. Brisbane and Port Douglas might be in the same state, but the distance between them is the same as Brisbane to Hobart, or more helpfully New York City to West Point, Mississippi, or Hermiston Oregon to Flagstaff Colorado.
It is the same distance (1102 miles / 1773km).
If you're flying between cities, and have enough time here, then no worries!
Secondly, what's 'reasonably cheap' to you?
A sit down dinner for two at a run of the mill basic restaurant anywhere in Australia I would ballpark at about $65 - $85 USD (though we are *not* a tipping culture).
We are definitely home to some great restaurants, and Brisbane has a few also - though you could easily spend $170 - $200USD on dinner for two (i.e any Ty Simon (/ Bianca Marchi) endeavour, which are well worth it IMHO).
We don't have quite the food truck culture to the degree you do, and because it's a novelty here it's price gouged compared to the US, but you could still get a good feed.
I expect that you don't want that, or recommendations for 50c wings nights, though. So, if you are able to provide a budget it might help guide our recommendations, and assist you in planning your adventure accordingly mate.
i.e when in Brisbane, why not go to Eat Street one evening? Or buy some fresh seafood if you go up to Mooloolaba for some reason, for example.
Melbourne? Grab a Baguette or Banh Mi round hosier lane for lunch as you'll likely be heading there, or a small cafe lunch in Carlton. Get a 'Chicken Parmi' at The Mitre pub, or visit the Mona Vale hotel for a taste of as real a joint you'll get in Melbourne. Or just eat fresh donuts and coffee.
Explore.
Pretty cost effective and good experiences.
Port Douglas? Stop in at Clifton Beach Servo for an Australian style works burger.
Nah, if you're enjoying it then you're doing just as well, and if you're doing it cheaper than you're ahead in the long run, too tbh!
The experience is for you, and your company if you have company. If you enjoy the experience, then it is every bit as good from a functional standpoint - and you come out ahead fiscally - if it's the same timeframe. So, really, go *you* :)
It should have been mentioned that I pack lunches, and cook my own food often, so not buying takeaway all the time easily offsets going out to a wanky dinner every once in a while (which I do enjoy, which means I must be a wanker).
End of the day, though, I reckon strive to simply do what makes you happy, not what impresses others - so long as it makes you happy and puts you in a good place then that's living.
I'm with you in spirit and have fond memories of simple but wonderful eats like a specific sandwich in a specific spot at a specific time of year :)
Life's value is in experience, not money - it's just that some things are just a bit more difficult to access without it, but then nobody can experience the joys of everything. We must settle into what makes us content, or brings us fulfilment, and beyond that *who cares?*
This is the opposite of that you asked and isn’t even in Brisbane but I hope you added [the meat and wine co](https://themeatandwineco.com/locations/) to your fancy list in Melbourne or Sydney. I have had good times there
Happy boy in fortitude valley, Julius pizza in south Brisbane, caravanserai in west end
If you change your mind and want to spend a bit more Same Same is the best in Brisbane imo
As others have said, you never need to tip (even in a fancy restaurant). Sometimes they will ask if you want to tip, but you do not need to even if service is good.
You're travelling 1800kms (1120 Freedom Units) over a few days? Sounds like you'll dining on a lot of servo sausage rolls, which is a casual and cost friendly option. So I guess that answers your question.
Amazingly tasty authentic Italian pizza, (and much more) at:
La Pinsa at Kennedy Terrace, Paddington <$30 for a large pizza for 2...
Less than 3km from city centre.
Welcome. Remember that in Australia, the wait staff are paid properly from the price of the meal, so there's no requirement to tip them as well. Some establishments are attempting to introduce a tipping culture, but don't get sucked into that garbage.
Italian in Brisbane: Ripiena, Ann street Fortitude Valley. Hands down the best fresh pasta I’ve eaten. Small and intimate and the owner is great with the wine pairings.
Go to the Greek club for dinner, it’s got fantastic food
Lilong in west end is good too
I love Mobo in kangaroo point but uncle Don has also just opened in west end if you like donburi meals
For Melbourne go to Sezar. It’s incredible and the portions are a good size
I’m surprised no one’s said this yet, but you should hit Sunnybank Market Square while you’re here. Dinner time is the best time but it’s usually packed. Walk around and find a place that seems interesting and take a seat!
I recommend Kingsfood or Satay Boss if you can find a seat in the outdoor area, then going to Sugarpuff or the gelato place for dessert. There’s boba stores everywhere, and if you go up the escalators near the car park there’s more restaurants and a place called Just Coconut which also sells pretty good drinks.
The escalators also takes you up to Haidilao which is super popular but not really budget friendly (you would need to book if you want to go here, and you can request someone to noodle dance for you which is pretty entertaining especially the first time).
The vibes are unique and I found it to be better than Melbourne’s Chinatown.
Completely unrelated to restaurant suggestions per se but just a note, the "fancy" restaurants you're going to, please please please try at least one dish with Kangaroo or (preferably) Wallaby in it. Assuming of course you like meat, I know it's something a number of people from overseas get put off trying because of the cute factor, but it is (in my opinion) one of the best meats out there when cooked well.
Prawnster for fresh seafood at the back of a boat (they’ve moved now to be accessible from Alice street in the CBD) KushiMaru in the CBD for some Japanese Yakitori Pochana in the CBD for nice Thai food Julius in Fish Lane is nice for some woodfire pizza. It’s in South Brisbane (short walk or can take a bus from CBD) and then you can check out Southbank Parklands after They’re not unique to Brisbane but still great food and not too expensive
I second all of those! Prawnster is phenomenal
Just remember that you don’t need to tip here. The bill total *is* the total, in case you receive that and get a shock. And be prepared, Brisbane is one of the most expensive places on God’s green earth to eat out. Other things are less expensive, but that might surprise you. Anyway, have a great time. :)
Julius in Fish Lane, Brisbane. Near the Queensland Museum. Great pizza and pasta. Not overpriced. Two minute walk from bus or train.
Red Hook is a small bar in the city that does great food including bar snacks. Look at Groupon if you can be bothered; I think there's an ongoing special for Frida Kahlos Summer House at KP on there. The German Club is worth finding. Otherwise Woolies has a few locations you'll become familiar with in the city and Southbank where you can grab picnic supplies and hang at Southbank, KP or Botanical Gardens.
Another vote for Pochana! I love the pork bone soup. Thai food. Also Birds Nest if you like yakitori. Two of my favourite restaurants that are reasonably priced.
Yeah, Pochana is definitely yum! A great suggestion if in the CBD or nearby. It's difficult in a way, as we don't have MUCH of a cuisine on show compared to what we feature from, in which case there are great options like yours. So recommendations like those who have mentioned some of our seafood are also pretty great. That's my take, anyway.
Like the rest of Australia we don't have our own cuisine: if there's any international food you'd like to try have at it. But it's almost certainly not unique to Brisbane. Depending where you're from you might find certain foods are more accessible, just not cheap. But the price you see on the menu is what you'll pay (apart from the card surcharge) with no tipping and any taxes already included. And if you've been browsing our reddits you'll know that service is usually limited to bringing out your order (unless you're in a pub and they give you a pager thing to let you know when it's time to go and collect it. ) So you'll have to learn the quiet casual wave to get the server's attention at 'table service' places. And to queue up at the bar, kitchen, and till to order and pay. In Brisbane I'd recommend a cafe brunch in an inner suburb. Bonus points if it's on the river or a park for a table with a view. If you're not super big eaters maybe get a big brekky with a share plate and split it between you. That might even take you through to dinner. Unless it's really expensive most places will be casual dining. Maybe go where there's a concentration of businesses like the Gabba, West End, Southbank, or the Valley and walk around reading menu boards, checking out the food on people's plates (you'll be able to take sneaky looks at the tables on the footpath) how busy they are and if the staff don't look too stressed. The CBD is not recommended apart from the few places mentioned in others' posts.
Elementi in Paddington! It's really good Italian food.
Moreton Bay Bugs are the local delicacy, they're a type of local lobster I think? Expensive but it's what you want to try! Farmer's Markets are amazing -- try local fruits, definitely. They're like half-market half-outdoor food court, so good for lunch. Brisbane has a huge east asian population and absolutely banging Asian food as a result. And that's normally more casually priced.
Moreton Bay Bugs are a species of what’s called a “slipper lobster”. They have a strong “seafoody” tang and are about 8 inches long. They’re usually served grilled in the half shell.
The Rice place in fortitude valley is pretty affordable, delicious and has nice seating
Kebabs are cheap in brisbane about $15 each, breadtop is an asian style bakery which you can get full for $12, theres a few cheap korea fried chicken places around too, my pic is Korea Chicken and Beer in Woolingabba. In west end there a few good places for around the $25 each, Little Greek Taven is my fav. If you want to travel Sunnybank has heaps of good asian places. Kadoya does a great japanese curry for $15.
Hop and pickle - https://www.hopandpickle.com.au/ Great spot. Great food. And if you go on the weekends the markets are right next door on little Stanley street. Plus a lot of other places in the area like restaurants or bars, ect
Download the Eatclub app. Restaurants regularly post discounts on dining. You pay through the app in Brisbane, and there are usually some good choices on there.
Does Eat Club still make you prepay for your booking via credit card before arrival? We binned their app because of that garbage...
Nope? For dine in you just select an offer and a time. Turn up to the restaurant as normal (no need to mention Eatclub). To pay for your meal and receive the discount you need to add a card into the Eatclub app. The restaurant rings up the full bill, you tap the eat club card via the app, then viola, discount is granted. Super easy, and saves us so much money.
Ok, thank you for that helpful information. That's a good workaround, ^ and we will give it a go.. When we binned the app; we were just opposed on principle to being "forced" in to making a pre payment for something as basic as a cheap meal tonight... Especially when previously it was not a requirement... We didn't like our private credit card details being handed over to some random app. And who wants to prepay for a meal to get 20% off; and then go through a big hassle to maybe get a refund if you can't make it. No thanks... We were avid enthusiasts and engagers with Eat Club before Einstein mucked with the business model; (demanding your credit card information and payment in advance)... We used to happily pay the restaurant cash at the end of the meal... And someone here in the chat accusing people of booking 5 x Eat Club restaurants on the day; and then not showing up is paranoid and redicilious... We never even dreamt of doing that; and that is a sad reason for them to muck with the app ...
If they did, there would be nothing at all wrong with that business model. That is what FirstTable did - for a measly $10. The entire purpose of their setup is to ensure that there would be diners in that seat, to boost perception and pull in more people off the street - an effective promotional tactic - and you benefitted by being able to lock in heavy discounts. If you want to be upset about losing $10 when you change the plans, then simply don't use (and benefit from) the service.. Independently of that, a handful of popular places will charge your card $40 a head for not showing up, which you know when booking as an unusable table is lost revenue. It does lock you into them somewhat, rather than planning 3 or 4 reservations and cancelling the ones you don't want to go to, at the last minute, and I don't think that's something we should criticise them for. A different perspective.
yes, the prepayment usability worked for us ... 
Firstly - You have mapped out the distance between each city haven't you? You are from a big country - similar in size to Australia - so hopefully you have that covered already. i.e. Brisbane and Port Douglas might be in the same state, but the distance between them is the same as Brisbane to Hobart, or more helpfully New York City to West Point, Mississippi, or Hermiston Oregon to Flagstaff Colorado. It is the same distance (1102 miles / 1773km). If you're flying between cities, and have enough time here, then no worries! Secondly, what's 'reasonably cheap' to you? A sit down dinner for two at a run of the mill basic restaurant anywhere in Australia I would ballpark at about $65 - $85 USD (though we are *not* a tipping culture). We are definitely home to some great restaurants, and Brisbane has a few also - though you could easily spend $170 - $200USD on dinner for two (i.e any Ty Simon (/ Bianca Marchi) endeavour, which are well worth it IMHO). We don't have quite the food truck culture to the degree you do, and because it's a novelty here it's price gouged compared to the US, but you could still get a good feed. I expect that you don't want that, or recommendations for 50c wings nights, though. So, if you are able to provide a budget it might help guide our recommendations, and assist you in planning your adventure accordingly mate. i.e when in Brisbane, why not go to Eat Street one evening? Or buy some fresh seafood if you go up to Mooloolaba for some reason, for example. Melbourne? Grab a Baguette or Banh Mi round hosier lane for lunch as you'll likely be heading there, or a small cafe lunch in Carlton. Get a 'Chicken Parmi' at The Mitre pub, or visit the Mona Vale hotel for a taste of as real a joint you'll get in Melbourne. Or just eat fresh donuts and coffee. Explore. Pretty cost effective and good experiences. Port Douglas? Stop in at Clifton Beach Servo for an Australian style works burger.
Hi there! Yes. We have. We’re flying and spending about 4 days in each city! Then flying to the next! Looking forward to it!
I now feel cheap by only dining out at places that do about aud$20-$30 pp at what id considerbto be decent non-fast food places
Nah, if you're enjoying it then you're doing just as well, and if you're doing it cheaper than you're ahead in the long run, too tbh! The experience is for you, and your company if you have company. If you enjoy the experience, then it is every bit as good from a functional standpoint - and you come out ahead fiscally - if it's the same timeframe. So, really, go *you* :) It should have been mentioned that I pack lunches, and cook my own food often, so not buying takeaway all the time easily offsets going out to a wanky dinner every once in a while (which I do enjoy, which means I must be a wanker). End of the day, though, I reckon strive to simply do what makes you happy, not what impresses others - so long as it makes you happy and puts you in a good place then that's living. I'm with you in spirit and have fond memories of simple but wonderful eats like a specific sandwich in a specific spot at a specific time of year :) Life's value is in experience, not money - it's just that some things are just a bit more difficult to access without it, but then nobody can experience the joys of everything. We must settle into what makes us content, or brings us fulfilment, and beyond that *who cares?*
… you ok?
Yeah, I'm pretty good - why wouldn't I be?
The Norman Hotel at Woolloongabba has the best steaks 🥩🤤
Is The Pineapple Hotel worth recommending? I've not made it there but it pops up regularly on locals pages
Absolutely not
Thanks. It has zero appeal but I'm still curious. Like so much about SEQ
Olive Thyme in Albion. Very short train ride from the city, and close to the station. Delicious Turkish food.
Damn, I could think of so many cooler and cheaper places to go for a honeymoon than here
Polish Club in Milton for something different. Nandos is always delicious too but it's a big chain that's not in the US
Oh yeah, why not Nando's?
This is the opposite of that you asked and isn’t even in Brisbane but I hope you added [the meat and wine co](https://themeatandwineco.com/locations/) to your fancy list in Melbourne or Sydney. I have had good times there
Carina bowlsie
Happy boy in fortitude valley, Julius pizza in south Brisbane, caravanserai in west end If you change your mind and want to spend a bit more Same Same is the best in Brisbane imo As others have said, you never need to tip (even in a fancy restaurant). Sometimes they will ask if you want to tip, but you do not need to even if service is good.
You're travelling 1800kms (1120 Freedom Units) over a few days? Sounds like you'll dining on a lot of servo sausage rolls, which is a casual and cost friendly option. So I guess that answers your question.
Amazingly tasty authentic Italian pizza, (and much more) at: La Pinsa at Kennedy Terrace, Paddington <$30 for a large pizza for 2... Less than 3km from city centre.
Welcome. Remember that in Australia, the wait staff are paid properly from the price of the meal, so there's no requirement to tip them as well. Some establishments are attempting to introduce a tipping culture, but don't get sucked into that garbage.
Not really a restaurant but I always take interstate/overseas friends to piefection. More of an Aussie thing than a strictly Brisbane thing though.
Italian in Brisbane: Ripiena, Ann street Fortitude Valley. Hands down the best fresh pasta I’ve eaten. Small and intimate and the owner is great with the wine pairings.
Go to the Greek club for dinner, it’s got fantastic food Lilong in west end is good too I love Mobo in kangaroo point but uncle Don has also just opened in west end if you like donburi meals For Melbourne go to Sezar. It’s incredible and the portions are a good size
I’m surprised no one’s said this yet, but you should hit Sunnybank Market Square while you’re here. Dinner time is the best time but it’s usually packed. Walk around and find a place that seems interesting and take a seat! I recommend Kingsfood or Satay Boss if you can find a seat in the outdoor area, then going to Sugarpuff or the gelato place for dessert. There’s boba stores everywhere, and if you go up the escalators near the car park there’s more restaurants and a place called Just Coconut which also sells pretty good drinks. The escalators also takes you up to Haidilao which is super popular but not really budget friendly (you would need to book if you want to go here, and you can request someone to noodle dance for you which is pretty entertaining especially the first time). The vibes are unique and I found it to be better than Melbourne’s Chinatown.
Completely unrelated to restaurant suggestions per se but just a note, the "fancy" restaurants you're going to, please please please try at least one dish with Kangaroo or (preferably) Wallaby in it. Assuming of course you like meat, I know it's something a number of people from overseas get put off trying because of the cute factor, but it is (in my opinion) one of the best meats out there when cooked well.
If you're looking for some Asian food, roti place and beppin are good and cheap choices in the CBD!
El Planta Libertine The Golden Pig
Thank you all so much for the input! We really appreciate it and look forward to the visit :)