SEQ’s top 16 foodie hotspots worth queuing for revealed
If you haven’t heard of this Brisbane buttercakes hotspot, you have been living under a rock. We found out why it’s constantly busy, the owner’s big announcement and plans for a second site.
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It’s no secret that the hospitality industry is facing a difficult time, with the cost of living crisis impacting overheads. But some savvy venues are flipping the narrative on its head, and are now some of the most in-demand eats in southeast Queensland.
Be it Brooki Bakehouse’s cult-fave chunky cookies, or Buttery Boy’s drool-worthy buttercakes, we know their offerings are top-notch, but what is it about these foodie hotspots that make them worth long queues and regular sellouts?
Brand Rebellion Founder and Managing Director Bryden Campbell said that these small venues, who may be implementing a ‘social proof’ strategy, often come out on top.
“Keeping a shop small not only helps to reduce overhead costs but also acts as an effective ‘social proof’ strategy,” she said.
“When people see a line outside a venue, it creates a perception that what’s inside is worth waiting for. This taps into human behaviour, where we tend to trust the choices of others and assume that a crowded place must offer something special.”
Social proof can only take a venue so far, Campbell said, and the proof is in the pudding for these venues, who have consistently, some for several years, seen long lines and dedicated customers.
“If customers line up and their expectations are met or exceeded, they’re likely to return and even tell others about their experience. However, if the product or experience falls short, they may not bother to queue again,” she said.
“For this strategy to be successful in the long run, it’s crucial that the experience consistently meets or exceeds customer expectations.”
Buttery Boy
31 Duncan St, Fortitude Valley
If you haven’t heard of Buttery Boy’s buttercakes and ‘boujee’ hot chocolates, you have been living under a rock.
Part of Chinatown Mall’s Mr Duncan Collective, Buttery Boy’s unique specialty of thick, fluffy pancakes and a variety of different types of butter, like blackberry or espresso butters, has Brisbanites always coming back for more.
Combine that with their hot chocolates, topped with torched meringue and cream, and even a shot of Baileys for those partial to it, it’s no surprise that they are constantly busy.
In fact, the venue has so far out done the hopes that owner Vince Mōefa’auo had for it - there are now plans in place to permanently move into the larger Mr Duncan’s space next door, after having used it as overflow since their opening five months ago.
Those wanting something a little less sweet can also opt for their other extensive breakfast options like a range of ‘big bens’ (eggs bene on a muffin), and the team has slipped that there is a new menu launching soon, with more savoury options alongside all their favourites.
Gold Coast brunch-lovers can also rejoice, with a second Buttery Boy venue expected to open down south before the end of the year.
Sunshine Eatery
39 James St, Fortitude Valley
Developed by Brisbane restaurant powerhouse Simon Gloftis, Sunshine Mediterranean Eatery offers a dining experience unlike any other in the James Street precinct.
The eatery offers 25 varied Mediterranean dishes, served deli-style, and purchased by weight, giving customers total control of their dining experience.
Signalled to passers-by by its bright yellow facade and umbrellas, Sunshine is inviting from the outside in, and diners can expect the same level of quality Gloftis offers in his other venues, including Hellenika and SK Steak and Oyster.
Also on offer is a range of sweet treats and beverages, and now, even a cheeky marg.
The queues come in hot each week when Gloftis announces a 50% off special, nicknamed the ‘Hour of Power’.
Bella and Tortie
240 Stafford Rd, Stafford
Named after owner Suzi Unwin’s beloved cats, Bella and Tortie, had humble beginnings.
The bakery, which specialises in caneles and other mouth-watering sweet treats, started as a simple market stall, but quickly grew into something of a cult favourite for Brisbane northsiders.
Unwin opened her first storefront in Grange in 2019, and went from strength to strength, but after a challenging time for the hospitality industry, closed the doors in late 2022.
Unwin then opened the doors to her Stafford bakery in June 2023, where she now opens for just two days a week as a market-style walk in.
The venue routinely opens to a long queue each Friday and Saturday morning, and the stunning bites are worth every second of waiting.
Brooki Bakehouse
15 Marshall St, Fortitude Valley
Social media sensation Brooki Bakehouse is another one of those spots that has cracked the code on their offerings, and their marketing strategy, keeping lines of excited legging-clad buyers queuing down the street most days.
Owner Brooke Bellamy started Brooki as more of a general bakery, only offering one of her now signature chunky cookies along with macarons, cakes and brownies, but it was the cookie which helped launch their success.
Now the bakehouse offers a rotating menu of 10 flavours of cookie, which can be ordered online for delivery or pick-up, or purchased in store, as well as a newly launched limited edition cookie in partnership with Nespresso, only available in Nespresso boutiques, which have also seen long lines for the sweet treat.
Bellamy started posting ‘day in the life’ videos on TikTok in 2022, showing the behind the scenes of her life in the bakery, and it was this personal touch that skyrocketed the business to the level of popularity it sees today.
RiceBoi
123, The Wharf Mooloolaba, Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba
Part of the Tony Kelly Restaurant Group, which includes Sunshine Coast favourites Giddy Geisha and Spero Greek, RiceBoi is one not to be missed.
Conveniently located in The Wharf Precinct, opposite the Sealife Aquarium, RiceBoi is one of the busiest restaurants in the region, offering modern Asian street food.
The upstairs space hosts a Japanese dive bar inspired space where guests can enjoy their full menu and live music and DJs.
Christian Jacques
8 Baildon St, Kangaroo Point
Tucked away beneath the Story Bridge in Kangaroo Point, authentic French bakery Christian Jacques is by no means overlooked.
Sharing his name with his bakery, the owner and passionate baker behind the store has poured his heart and soul into it, which is clear as hordes queue for a taste.
Jacques specialises in beautifully handcrafted sourdough and pure butter pastries and croissants.
Lune
10/79 Adelaide St, Brisbane City and 15 Manning St, South Brisbane
Melbourne cult-classic Lune Croissanterie opened its first Brisbane store in South Brisbane in 2021, much to the delight of local pastry-lovers.
Setting itself apart from other croissanteries (Brisbane has some incredible spots) Lune focuses on innovation, drawing on founder Kate Reid’s background in aerospace engineering.
Lune has its standard offering of classics like pain au croissant and the lemon curd cruffin (croissant meets muffin) and monthly specials, like August’s hazelnut pudding and party pop cruffin.
Agnes Bakery
85 James St, Fortitude Valley
While the old Queenslander storefront in Fortitude Valley may be simple in appearance and function, there is nothing simple about the tastes that await guests inside.
Agnes Bakery first popped onto the city’s bakery scene as a pop-up at wood-fired restaurant Agnes during lockdown, and quickly took on a life of its own.
The bakery is one of a string of critically acclaimed Valley dining destinations crafted by hospitality group Anyday, and produces a range of wood-fired sourdough and stunning pastries and cakes.
Messina
48 James Street, Fortitude Valley and 1/109 Melbourne Street, South Brisbane
Opening in Sydney in 2002 and now boasting over 30 stores nationwide, its crazy to think that Gelato Messina stores are still one destination that people queue for.
From Perth to Canberra to our very own Brisbane stores, everybody loves a Messina ice cream and its not hard to understand why.
With weekly flavour specials and all special additions (pastries, brownies, cakes etc) that make up those specials dreamt up and made in-house, Messina offers a distinct point of difference.
Beyond that, the company now owns its very own Messina Dairy, which produces the high-quality jersey milk used to make their ice-cream.
Farmhouse
9 Somerset Road, Kedron
Farmhouse is one of those venues that truly embodies the community spirit that equally keeps it jam-packed with loyal customers.
The bustling cafe honours former Kedron community produce store, Farmer Joe’s, who were forced to close in 2009 due to road developments, but after its closure in 2009. Owners Amanda and John decided to honour the space in their future offerings, now aiming to provide as much to farm-to-plate produce as they can, and it is clearly a hit.
The venue is regularly booked out and locals and visitors alike flock for coffee and their infamous Farmhouse Potato Cake.
Julius Pizzeria
77 Grey St, South Brisbane
Sibling restaurant to Tenerife’s ever-popular Beccofino, Julius Pizzeria offers some truly spectacular authentic Italian fare.
From wood-fired pizzas to gingerbread pudding and everything in between, this Fish Lane favourite is a go-to for southsiders.
They prioritise walk-ins, and wait times can be lengthy, but the casually authentic menu is worth every second of waiting.
Paddock Bakery
20 Hibiscus Haven, Burleigh Heads
An old, relocated, 1970s Queenslander-style home has been magically converted into a stunning multi-level bakery and cafe in Burleigh Heads.
Boasting indoor seating in their cottage, loft and barn spaces, and outdoor throughout the garden, Paddock prides itself on offering delicious coffees and treats, centred around their antique red-brick wood-fired oven.
This venue, like many of these uber-popular spots, is walk in only.
The Fruit Shop
5 James St, Burleigh Heads
This cute little spot might not offer “eats” as such, but their juices have awarded them their crazy popularity.
Most well known on Instagram for their fruit-stack topped, freshly made juices and acai bowls, The Fruit Shop is packed most days.
Popular with dog-walkers, beachgoers and fitness- fanatics alike, the website even updates you on their wait times and always pre-order to help ease those queues they know they are going to have.
Kenilworth Bakery
8 Elizabeth St, Kenilworth
Despite being a little off the beaten track, Kenilworth Bakery is a must-travel to spot.
Setting themselves apart from any other small-town bakery, Kenilworth offers a 1kg donut challenge, featuring a classic ‘long-john’ jam, nutella or chocolate covered donut, a 1kg sausage roll and Australia’s first coffee served in a donut.
Besides these quirky delights, this bakery has also aced classic country bakery favourites.
Both their flagship store in Kenilworth and their Wharf store in Mooloolaba regularly sport hordes of hungry customers desperate for a taste.
Terrific Noodles
Shop 6/341 Mains Rd, Sunnybank
Even midweek, this biang biang noodle hotspot is regularly jam-packed with people after a taste of some authentic Xi’An cuisine.
With a menu offering everything from the aforementioned noodles to their Chinese Puff Burger, the restaurant has been a regular feature across Brisbane foodie TikTok.
It helps that the Sunnybank store is open every day of the year from 11am to 9pm, and service is speedy, without sacrificing quality.
Landmark
101/358 Mains Rd, Sunnybank
Landmark Restaurant in Sunnybank is perhaps one of the most well-known and loved, yum-cha spots across Brisbane, and for good reason.
Inside the restaurant diners will find trolleys piled with steaming buns, dim sum, dumpling and many classic Chinese dishes, but to get there, you’ll have to wait, with long queues most of the time.
Aside from the traditional Chinese brunch option, Landmark also offers a la carte dining and banquets for events.
Cerin Pasticceria
29 Logan Rd, Woolloongabba
Cerin Pasticceria is a newcomer to Brisbane’s foodie scene, having only opened in June of this year.
But that hasn’t stopped the little slice of Italy in Woolloongabba from becoming a firm favourite.
The patisserie describes its fare as being innovatively Italian, drawing inspiration and building on it.
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