Best Bites: Toowong’s top cafes and restaurants

Toowong in Brisbane’s inner-west offers a melting pot of cuisines at all price points. From hole-in-the-wall eateries to fine diners, here’s the best the area has to offer.

CORNER STORE CAFE

With a menu that’s always changing and evolving, this relaxed, breezy, indoor-outdoor spot offers something for the true foodie, as well as those who just like good food. Go for breakfast and expect creative feeds like pad krapow gal - a chicken mince stir-fry topped with a fried egg, beef and pork bolognese hash, or banoffee waffles with almond praline ice cream. While at lunch some of the options overlap, but are joined by sandwiches and salads, burgers and a special of the day.

113 Sylvan Rd

Corner Store Cafe, Toowong. Picture: Mark Cranitch

GENKOTSU RAMEN

A sister venue to its highly popular Runcorn outlet, this hole-in-the-wall style ramen venue delivers some of Brisbane’s best Japanese noodles. Pull up a timber pew in the no-frills eatery and slurp your way through their four ramen styles - shio, shoyu, miso and fish. With all dishes under $15, this has become a hot spot with local students, but is great for anyone wanting a cheap and cheerful feed.

51 Sherwood Rd, Toowong

85 MISKIN ST

The work of owner/chef Brent Farrell, this old Queensland cottage continues to be a favourite among locals for its refined mod Oz cuisine. While the timber-accented dining room is looking a little tired, the food remains fresh with everything from crispy confit chicken wings with kimchi powder for entree to pork belly with boudin noir, quince, and an apple and seeded mustard ice cream for main. They also run a degustation menu and special breakfast dego at weekends.

85 Miskin St

85 Miskin St owner and chef Brent Farrell. Picture: Annette Dew

REGATTA HOTEL

Whether you’re simply after chips and a beer with a view of the Brisbane River or one of Brisbane’s best steaks, this historic hotel delivers. Main restaurant The Boatshed uses some of the country’s finest beef from the likes of Diamantina and Nolans, served up alongside mains such as lamb rack and pumpkin risotto. While the cafe dishes out pub faves such as bangers and mash, parmigiana and burgers. With a generous range of beers on tap and some solid whiskies behind the bar, it’s an easy choice for a relaxed meal.

Boatshed at The Regatta. Picture: Anthony Weate

BIRDS NEST ON THE RUN

A more fast-casual version of its South Brisbane and Fortitude Valley restaurants, this relative newcomer to the suburb serves up some of the city’s tastiest Japanese. Whether you’re eating at one of the communal tables or benches, or looking for a meal to take away, you’ll find delicious rice bowls topped with everything from karaage to bincho grilled veg, alongside Japanese-style hot dogs and their signature shaken fries.

Toowong Village, 9 Sherwood Rd