Best Brisbane Restaurants to Make an Impression

Located on the ground floor of the Old Mineral House heritage building in Brisbane, Walters Steakhouse is more than just a restaurant, it’s an experience. Overlooking the City Botanic Gardens, it’s perfect for an unhurried evening with someone you want to impress. But it’s not just about the great views. The food is equally as impressive. Walters is famous from serving premium, dry-aged sizzling steak. From the first pour to the final bite, Walter’s makes it easy to look like you have impeccable taste.

Located high above the city in Fortitude Valley, Soko rooftop feels like it was made for showing off, (in the best way). It’s green, open, and full of that soft, golden light that makes everything (and everyone) look better. Perfect for that all important first date. The food’s a mix of Japanese and Peruvian. Picture sharp, and fresh ceviche one-minute, smoky skewers the next. Pair with the sort of cocktails you order just because they look fun and enjoy an evening that you wish will never end.  

If you are aiming to impress La Belle Vie sets the scene perfectly. Its name translates to “the good life” and that is exactly what you get here. In the kitchen, head chef Samuel Perrin draws on his French roots to create dishes that are truly unforgettable. Enjoy pan-seared scallops, Brisbane Valley quail cooked coq au vin style, or classic escargots swimming in garlic and butter. It’s the kind of place where every detail works in your favour, from the view to the last sip of wine. 

If you’re looking for a date they definitely won’t forget anytime soon (for all the right reasons, of course), a day in the vineyards is one to consider. Enjoy a leisurely stroll and a glass of wine before settling in for lunch. The menu highlights fresh, regional produce, letting the seasons dictate what lands on the plate. Pair that with Montalto’s own wines, and you’ve got a setting that subtly shows you’ve gone the extra mile. 

Tucked into the Emporium Hotel in South Brisbane Takashiya feels like stepping into a whole new world. Limited seating gives you front row seats to the action as the chef designs each course in front of your very eyes. Everything is fresh. The fish is cut to order; the rice is warm and perfectly seasoned with every plate arriving looking like it belongs in a gallery. If you’re trying to win over someone who lives for exceptional food, this is definitely the place to visit.

Duckfat is the sort of place you are sure to find yourself talking about long after the last plate has been cleared. Cherry blossom trees cover the ceiling. Classic artwork lines the walls. On the menu? Thin, crisp French pizzas with bubbling cheese and golden edges, pillowy French-style ravioli stuffed with creamy cheese, silky beef tartare dressed just right, and escargot bathed in garlic and parsley butter. You will be left wanting just a little bit more.  

From the moment you enter Byblos Bar and restaurant is sure to impress. The space is warm and inviting. The menu is made for sharing, with mezze plates rolling out one after another, think smoky baba ghanoush, crisp falafel, tender lamb skewers, and pastries dripping with syrup and pistachios. The cocktail list is equally impressive. It’s vibrant, generous, and exactly the kind of place to take someone when you want the night to feel special. 

Mai Gai transports you to paradise without ever catching a plane. Dishes from Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Indonesia and Vietnam right here in Brisbane. The dining room is colourful and full of energy, and the menu is no different. Plates are designed to be shared. Enjoy crisp spring rolls, fragrant curries rich with coconut or grilled meat seasoned perfectly with smoke and lemongrass. Its lively, generous and a sure way to turn any meal into something worth remembering.