Shop, dine stay in the heart of Brisbane city. The city is an evolving destination that attracts a mix of local and international tourists alike. The place is home to numerous iconic landmarks sprawling shopping destinations like Queen Street Mall.

In a dining room with a vintage parquetry floor, Boucher serves Gallic classics like bouillabaisse and chateaubriand paired with a well-curated wine list. Plant-based friends are catered for too with an extensive menu of vegetarian dishes. Here are some of the most popular restaurants in the city that offer exotic dinner menu to visitors.

OTTO

After a year of Covid-related disruption, it might seem like a bold move to relocate an established restaurant, but when the opportunity presents itself to upgrade to one of Brisbane’s most prized waterside spots, you take it. And that’s exactly what happened to celebrated inner-city Italian spot OTTO, which has jumped across the river into the South Bank space formerly home to Stokehouse Q.

The result is a vibrant, glamorous venue that celebrates people, place and la dolce vita. Located on the absolute riverfront at South Bank, striking river and cityscape views meet colourful interiors and warm and assured service. The menu takes its inspiration from modern Italy, while highlighting top quality Australian produce and focusing on seasonality. It’s helmed by Head Chef Will Cowper and offers Antipasti (Sydney rock oysters, salt and pepper calamari, house-made mini focaccias, baccala croquettes) alongside pastas, salads and larger plates (such as the signature Spaghetti cacio e pepe).

The beverage list is similarly strong, with a decisive line up of classic and esoteric Italian varietals. There are also a selection of desserts including Ananas (coconut, mascarpone, salted pistachio, pineapple and tarragon) and a variety of artisan Formaggi.

Boom Boom Room Izakaya

A lavish sandstone basement restaurant and bar that was once home to a bank is back, and it’s slinging fusion eats and Japanese whiskies. The menu was curated by executive chef Jake Nicolson and is designed to blend both cuisines seamlessly. The yakitori and sashimi dishes are sure to please. There are also some bold dishes that will make your tastebuds explode, including the miso-glazed toothfish and shichimi pepper, the Barramundi Katsu bao burger with bacon, Kewpie tartare, pickled jalapeno and sriracha, and Yarra Valley salmon roe gunkan.

The Ghanem Group’s renovations largely left the space as it was, with the exception of the addition of new furniture and some classy velvet drapes for private rooms. Guests can still descend the stairs and be greeted by the decadent bank vaults that now house luxurious booths.

The new fit-out is a nod to both old and new with a palette of deep reds, blues and blacks. It has a feel that is inspired by everything from the inside of a Bentley to tall trees and rivers. The music is a mix of 80s and disco hits, while the drink list has a strong focus on Japanese whiskies and cocktails.

Los Felix

In the same location as Julius, this sleek 35-seater offers an upscale wine bar atmosphere and a concise menu of Italian-inspired plates and pasta. Aiming to elevate the experience, the team here has engaged San Miguel de Allende-born chef Aldo Lara on recipe formulation.

The team behind Brisbane's beloved Miss Jones cafe has opened a sibling restaurant in Hawthorne - and they've brought their trademark picturesque breakfasts with them. Located under Hotel X on Brunswick Street, the spot serves breakfast, lunch and dinner plus lobby snacks.

Taking its cues from the classic neighbourhood bars of NYC, this modern deli is the ultimate ode to a quality sandwich. Think NYC-style corned beef, smoked turkey and mustard on rye, or a Cuban smothered in pork, cheese, pickles and chimichurri.

With moody decor accented in black, gold and red, Short Grain is the perfect escape from a hectic day in Fortitude Valley. The restaurant serves up an enticing selection of yum cha and modern East Asian dishes. From crispy chicken skin wafers to smoked trout with green mango relish, aromatic grass-fed beef yellow curry and duck egg caramel custard tart – there's plenty here for foodies to savour.

Allonda

Brisbane might not have the carousel of high-profile new openings that Melbourne or Sydney have, but this city has some pretty exceptional restaurants that deserve a closer look. There are the likes of Julius in Gasworks, where the crowd-pleasing wood fired pizzas and boozy cocktails are worth the line up; or Los Felix, a hole-in-the-wall spot slinging street-style tacos with chicken tinga, lamb barbacoa, and fish.

Allonda is the latest to join the fold, a laneway restaurant at Longland Street that seats 90 and favours modern European-style fare alongside an impressive wine list. It’s the brainchild of hospitality entrepreneurs Sebastiaan de Korte, Yanika Sittisuntorn and Kevin Docherty, who made their name with Nota, a hailed wine bar in Paddington.

They’ve brought the same minimal aesthetic to Allonda, backed by local architects Twohill James and commercial construction crew LPS Group. The two-level space is defined by an alfresco laneway, main dining floor (bracketed on one side by a burrata and raw bar), and a mezzanine that feels airy and modern. The kitchen is helmed by Sam Todd (who’s held posts at Stanley and Qualia on Hamilton Island) who’s worked with the team to craft a menu that’s broad European in scope but shaped by choice Australian produce.

Alchemy

Located at the riverside with breathtaking views of Story Bridge and Brisbane city, Alchemy is a portrait of sophistication. Its casual elegance is accentuated by a Murano glass chandelier and an exquisite selection of wines. Its menu is a culinary journey with unique textures and curious cuisines. Start with Sicilian pork salami with dark chocolate and cornichons before you move on to the main course of Grimaud NSW duck breast with confit duck pastry, parsnip puree and chocolate coffee foam. For dessert, try the frozen orange chocolate with honeycomb.

The origin of the word alchemy is unclear. It could be derived from the Arabic word alkimia or from the Greek word chyma, which means to fuse or cast metal. Alchemy was a scientific and philosophical tradition that sought to transform base metal into gold, turn water into wine, and create an elixir of life.

Located on the north end of 5th Avenue in Park Slope, this low-key restaurant has a small but creative menu and excellent beer and wine. The cosy interior, dark wood and refurbished antique bar set the stage for a relaxing meal.