Inside Brisbane’s bougie hotspots for the rich and famous
Brisbane’s elite have their favourites — discover the hotspots where the city’s wealthiest wine, dine and unwind. SEE THE MAP
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Brisbane is shedding its laid-back image for a glitzier, more glamorous persona, and the city’s top brass are leading the charge.
From corporate titans to Hollywood royalty like Julia Roberts and Matt Damon, the River City is fast becoming Australia’s unexpected hub for the rich and famous.
Whether it’s power lunches at the Wharves or late-nights in the Valley, Brisbane’s elite are painting the town red - and gold.
Here’s the ultimate insider’s guide to Brisbane’s bougiest hotspots >>>
Howard Smith Wharves
It’s no secret Howard Smith Wharves draws a well-heeled crowd. Tucked beneath the Story Bridge along the Brisbane River, it’s a big drawcard for visiting celebrities – Owen Wilson was recently spotted here while in town filming Runner. With more than a dozen venues, including the popular Felons Brewing Co. and the upscale Crystalbrook Vincent hotel, it’s a constant hive of activity for Brisbane’s well-to-do.
Mr Percival’s (Howard Smith Wharves)
Perhaps the most iconic spot on the Wharves, is Mr Percival’s overwater bar – a favourite for the rich and recognisable. With bold, Euro-inspired interiors, it oozes Euro beach club energy with spritzes on tap and front-row views of the sunset and Story Bridge. It’s Brisbane at its bougiest and a go-to for A-listers. Margot Robbie was seen here in 2023.
Penelope Bistro (James St Precinct)
Occupying the old Bar Tano and Bucci site, Penelope’s is the latest addition to James Street’s luxe dining scene and is where mid-century supper club nostalgia meets modern-day glam. Think velvet booths, moody lighting and Euro-style bites that stretch from long lunches to late-night hangs. It’s certainly turning heads – Owen Wilson was spotted dining here during his recent Brisbane visit and it’s where diners come to be on show.
TAMA Supper Club (Fortitude Valley)
TAMA Supper Club, the after-dark evolution of TAMA, is Brisbane’s nod to a moody NYC jazz bar – and has quickly become a secret favourite. The fine-diner has earned a Chef Hat and was once crowned Gourmet Traveller’s Best New Restaurant. Drake’s been. So have a few recognisable OnlyFans faces. Early seatings have crab bisque linguine, blue eye cod, and wagyu scotch fillet. Later, the lights dim, the live saxophone kicks in, and it feels less like dinner and more like a scene.
The Tax Office (GPO Precinct, Fortitude Valley)
The Tax Office has carved out its place as Fortitude Valley’s go-to for late-night glamour, known for hosting everything from private parties to celebrity-heavy nights. Set inside the heritage-listed GPO building, it’s got plush booths, an eye-popping infinity bar, and a dance floor lit by giant disco balls. It shifts effortlessly from dinners to big nights out, with DJs spinning until 3am on weekends. Drake even hosted his now-famous afterparty here while in Brisbane, and the MAFS crowd has made appearances too.
Eclipse Nightclub (Fortitude Valley)
US rapper Travis Scott kicked things off with a surprise visit in 2024 after his ‘Circus Maximus Tour’ at Suncorp Stadium, and the nightclub has been drawing a steady stream of big names ever since. The 1500-person venue – tucked inside Fortitude Valley’s bustling party precinct – offers full sensory overload with 100 metres of wraparound LED visuals, an elevator-turned photo booth, and a Sky Lounge that overlooks the chaos below.
Lina Rooftop (South Brisbane)
With a poolside bar, Mediterranean menu and sweeping 180 degree skyline views, Lina Rooftop has fast become one of the city’s most in-demand venues with international cred. Perched above South Brisbane, it’s where big names and bold launches happen: NAS and other US rappers have partied here, the South Africa national rugby union team – the Springboks – dropped in post-match during their Brisbane tour, and it’s hosted major influencer and VIP events including fashion brand Petal & Pup’s new collection launch with the Hembrow sisters.
Dicki’s (Ascot and New Farm venues)
It might look like your local plant-based brunch spot, and it is, but Dicki’s has also quietly become a favourite for touring celebs. Billie Eilish and her entourage dropped in for lunch at the New Farm location during her Brisbane visit in February, while Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker were spotted at the Ascot café earlier this year. Known for its creative vegan twists on brekkie classics, Dicki’s dishes up everything from tofu breakfast burritos to buckwheat waffles and cult-favourite smoothies.
The Calile Hotel (James Street Precinct)
Tucked into the Valley’s James Street precinct, The Calile has become the go-to stay for visiting influencers and A-listers. It’s where George Clooney and Julia Roberts were spotted during Ticket to Paradise filming and the rib-eye sets you back $75. It’s also not unusual to see well-known influencers sunning poolside with a spritz in hand. It’s got minimalist brutalist architecture, pastel tones, and one of the best hotel pools in the country. It also ranked among the top 15 hotels in the world in 2023 and 2024.
Hellenika (The Calile)
The popular Greek eatery made its name on the Gold Coast before moving to The Calile in Brisbane in 2018, where it’s become a mainstay for well-travelled diners and visiting celebrities (it’s rumoured to be a quiet favourite of Liam Hemsworth among them). With the white stone fit-out and a menu rooted in classic Greek dishes – think baked lamb, moussaka, saganaki, and chargrilled octopus – it’s known for doing the basics well and is a peak summer retreat for Brisbane’s stylish set.
SK Steak & Oyster (inside The Calile)
The opulent steakhouse tucked inside Brisbane’s fanciest hotel is a go-to among discerning diners (including Matt Damon) for perfectly-cooked steaks, fresh seafood and polished atmosphere. The menu offers champagne oysters, lobster linguine, and $90 eye-fillet. It’s even got a dedicated potato menu, which has mash (but make it fancy options) like their ‘bug and lobster’ take.
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