Fortitude Valley is home to Brisbane's finest food, and here's proof (2023)

With several new restaurants added both before and during the pandemic, Fortitude Valley has quietly become a go-to hub for Brisbane local foodies. The inner city suburbs are now home to a number of award-winning restaurants that blend exotic menus with thoughtful design touches for the ultimate dining experience. Think high vaulted ceilings, wicker chairs and muted tones, and the best of Middle Eastern, Asian and Italian cuisine. Cue that hunger pang, here are our top picks for Fortitude Valley restaurants.

bianca

One of the newest additions to the James Street restaurant empire,biancaA peachy stunner inspired by the Mediterranean. The staff behind it will take youAgnes,each other each otherAndpity, this beautiful Italian spot is completely decked out in terracotta tiles, while rows of wine bottles along the ceiling are covered with metal grilles (pink, of course). The best seats in the house are undoubtedly at the salumi bar, where you can watch the kitchen team at work as they artfully prepare plates of mortadella, prosciutto, salam and more. Add all that to an Inglourious Basterds themed cocktail menu, and you've got yourself a great night.

baja

Forget about tacos at home, because here is modern Mexican foodbajaThis unassuming restaurant in the heart of Brisbane exudes Southern Californian vibes with fresh, savory flavours. Their menu offers a variety of delicious tacos, authentic appetizers, and platters that you won't want to share with others. Why share marinated pork belly when you can have it all to yourself?

Agnes

If you haven't heard, you've been living under a rockAgnes- but actually making reservations at a restaurant in Fortitude Valley is another story. If you find a table, you'll be treated to a feast cooked entirely over the fire, from snacks like red prawn donuts to heartier favorites like smoked neck of lamb with anchovies, garlic yoghurt and flatbread. Enjoy dessert on the rooftop terrace instead, as the moody industrial restaurant doesn't look too cosy.

Gerald's taverne

Transport yourself to the coast of Morocco, where walls are lined with beautiful tiles and bricksGerald's taverneThe eclectic decor pays homage to the restaurant's vibrant menu, which combines Middle Eastern influences with prominent flavors from African cuisine. Diners will be delighted as the bistro serves traditional dishes using only the freshest local produce. We recommend ordering from the sharing menu to get a diverse selection of the flavors on offer.

each other each other

Located on Ada Lane next to The Calile,each other each otherIt's an airy, minimalist space perfect for your next date night. The restaurant offers a modern twist on a traditional Thai menu, with a host of classics: betel leaf snacks, soft crab rolls and grilled pork belly. We'll see them all on our list of drool-worthy foods to order on our next visit. The centerpiece of the place is the long shared table, which sits under a high vaulted ceiling, giving it an elegant and sophisticated look. Enjoy a boozy lunch and discover Same Same's 140-bottle wine list (not to mention the Thai-inspired cocktail suite) for yourself.

happy boy

find out whyhappy boyHe ate at Fortitude Valley, which earned him such a loyal following. The minimalist design puts food first, so you can focus on sautéing smoky flavors. Think Traditional Cuisine, featuring premium Asian fusion, with authentic dishes reminiscent of provincial regions of China, while also being super-flexible for gluten-free and vegan customers. Complementing the menu is an impressive selection of drinks from Spoken Wine, a proponent of small batch Australian wine, as well as a range of boutique beers from some of the best local and national breweries. Enjoy a cold drink on the outdoor patio under fairy lights and you're sure to be a regular at Happy Boy again.

cheerful restaurant

With reservations often made up to four months in advance, plan ahead if you want to experience the culinary extravaganza to comecheerful restaurant.But trust us, the wait will be worth it. The intimate venue can accommodate just 10 diners, with seating for two each night. You'll be served a mysterious set menu that won't be revealed until your plate is in front of you, so maybe leave the picky eaters at home. If planning ahead isn't your style, bewareHi Instagram de JoyFor any last minute cancellations so you can book early.

Greek

Located atop the deck of The Calile,GreekThis is our favorite place to hang out in the summer and enjoy cocktails by the pool. With its lush olive trees and crisp white curtains, the restaurant exudes a serious Greek island vibe and is the perfect place to unwind after a hectic week at work. Dine on fresh oysters and marinated octopus in the comfort of your cabin, or head inside for a feast fit for a Greek Olympian.

what's wrong with him

After a successful transition to a new vegetarian menu,what's wrong with himThey offer an impressive selection of Middle Eastern dishes, so plentiful that it's easy to forget they're meatless. Inspired by Lebanon, Turkey, Morocco and Israel, everything on the menu is tasted, tested and perfected over weeks, made from scratch. Start with a few small bites before moving on to bigger dishes like pumpkin dumplings and cauliflower schwarma. But be warned: once you've tasted their charred chili butter, there's no going back: you'll be hooked for life.

That

Although it only opened in August this year,ThatIt has become famous for being one of the best places to decorate the James Street dining area. The restaurant combines rustic textures with deep, moody hues to create a uniquely elegant atmosphere, perfect for late-night hangouts and after-work drinks. Specializing in all things raw, cured, smoked and wood-fired, Essa showcases local farmers and suppliers, turning seasonal produce into simple dishes with a variety of flavors. As for drinks, enjoy the well-curated wine list or indulge in decadent cocktails like the Love Bird for dessert.

blowflies

Two words: duck ragout. Need I say more?blowfliesIt's Silicon Valley's answer to elegant, sophisticated European cuisine without the expense of expensive international flights. Tucked away in James St, this intimate restaurant makes the most of the space on either side, with a mezzanine above and bar seats perfect for a quick Aperol spritz (or three). Upgrade to a full Italian feast and enjoy Moreton Bay bug ravioli, or our favorite Brisbane Valley quail with beetroot and Gorgonzola carpaccio. Or browse the extensive wine list your way.

Italian Gemini

After becoming a Gold Coast institution,Italian GeminiHe's finally in Brisbane with his Nutella bomb dessert. With its coveted location on James Street, the restaurant has transformed its split-level space into the ultimate gourmand destination, thanks to delicious mushroom arancini and fried ricotta cheese Decadent treats like zucchini blossoms. And that's just the beginning: enjoy slow-cooked oxtail and pork ragout in a delicious wood-fired pizza bowl as an appetizer. Not only does this mean you have more food, but it also prevents water from being wasted during cleaning. It's a win-win in our book.

curry boy

The Happy Boys team has done it again,brand new restaurantDedicated to serving a changing menu of spicy and delicious curries from around the world. What started as a virtual venue is now a physical restaurant on Strand, serving a variety of Thai, Indian, Malaysian and Indonesian flavours. Seafood lovers will love the sembharachi kodi, a spicy dish from Goa, India, filled with fried prawns and green chillies. I do not eat meat? Take it easy: vegetarian curries are a regular part of the rotation. Delicious and inclusive? This is our confirmation.

where

Do you remember your last trip to Paris? We have good news -whereYou've landed on Brunswick Street in the Valley and have a lot to say hello to. Bisou Bisou, which means 'kiss' in French, comes from the team behind Donna Chang and Boom Boom Izakaya, so it's safe to set the bar high. The menu offers a modern twist on traditional French dishes, so get ready for classics like seafood bouillabaisse, duck breast and crispy roast chicken. To top it off, there are some other-level interiors, with plush marble tables, floral lounges, and beautiful Art Deco mosaics. A sunny terrace at the rear completes the picture, where you dine at a typical Parisian coffee table, perfect for a morning espresso or a cheeky afternoon sip.

truffle

Rich cuisines, attentive service, dishes full of charm.truffleAs one of the most distinctive Italian restaurants in Fortitude Valley. With a strong focus on local produce, his dishes take you on a culinary journey through Italy, paying homage to the scents and flavors of Umbria, Tuscany, Naples and more. But a truly authentic Italian dining experience requires more than a plate of food - you also need a glass of wine to go with it. Fortunately, Tartufo's wine list includes over 200 labels, most of them from Australian vineyards, so you get the full range.

Sala de sushi

Transport your taste buds from the comfort of Japan to Japan with the help of Fortitude Valley's Calile HotelSala de sushiNeo-futuristic Japanese haute cuisine reaches new heights in a space described by the architects as "a haven of Bond villains". With sushi, sashimi and tempura on the à la carte menu, as well as chef cooking and roasting experiences, there is something for everyone.

Romero

However, visitRomero? Step off the rock you've been standing on and book a table now. Rosmarino is located behind a fully restored brick wall in the historic Stewart and Hemmant Building, inside and out. Take a seat at the bar and choose from a long list of cheeses, accompanied by freshly baked bread and a generous glass of wine. Better yet, head to the main dining room for the restaurant's signature culurgiones cacio nduja: stuffed tortellini-shaped pasta stuffed with potatoes and pecorino cheese and topped with burnt butter and nduja-infused oil. Beautiful!

shame

Called by some the best Japanese restaurant in town,shameIt's well worth the hype. The dark and moody room features an all-black dining room, an elusive cocktail lounge, and a sampler-style menu from which to create your own custom meals. Do you like to share? Treat yourself (and your friends) to a Japanese meal, with exquisite dishes sure to tickle your taste buds. Thanks to Grilled Prawns for satisfying our garlic cravings in the most delicious way.

Mr. Conceit

If dim lighting, exposed brick walls and European-inspired restaurants are your thing, chic street restaurants are the place for youMr. ConceitThe inviting space is adorned with rustic chains and leather sofas, complemented by a simple yet sophisticated menu. Chef Tim Young takes inspiration from the French bistro movement to feast on seasonal dishes using locally sourced ingredients. Tasmanian lamb chops with chickpea miso and onion sauce, anyone?

SK Steak and Oysters

You know you're in for a good time when the first thing you see on a restaurant's website is "place for a great lunch and some extra martinis." That is itSK Steak and Oystersdelivery. Located in the Calile (isn't all well in Hotel Calile?), this spacious restaurant serves perfectly cooked steaks and fresh oysters for your culinary delight. Who guessed that? But if mouth-watering steak and seafood isn't your cup of tea, don't worry, there are plenty of other options on their menu.

from berg Etna

While the phrase "pizza in the valley" may conjure up images of greasy slices drunk in an alley at 2 a.m.,from berg EtnaIsn't that one of those pizzerias in the valley? Established by the founders of Rosmarino, this pizzeria offers a menu of classic and modern pizzas, along with dishes such as duck croquettes, pasta and anchovies. The pizza base is made with a 6 year old sourdough starter and fermented for 48 hours before reaching the stomach. Beware, they hate the crust as they can change color after one bite.

Yakitori Vogelnest

After great success at the first location,Vogelnest YakitoriAnn Street is proud to open a second location in River City, making it even easier for you to get your hands on their legendary cock. The dimly lit venue comes alive with an energetic atmosphere that transports you straight to the back streets of Japan. Our top pick? A tsukune hot dog consisting of chicken balls, melted cheese, fresh cabbage and mayonnaise on Japanese bread. Heaven!

Looking for more great food in the center? Check out the best restaurants in the CBD on the righthere.

Image credit: Grace Elizabeth Smith and NIRACreative