Where our top chefs really go to eat
From suburban takeaway joints to superhero-themed bars, our top chefs reveal their favourite venues to dine and drink at when they’re not working.
Lifestyle
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Looking for restaurant recommendations? They don’t come much better than those from some of Queensland’s top chefs.
So to help you decide where to dine out these holidays and beyond, we asked some of our most high-profile and talented chefs, including Philip Johnson of Newstead’s E’cco Bistro and Kelvin Andrews from SK Steak & Oyster, Fortitude Valley, for their ultimate places to eat and drink across the state.
From unassuming suburban takeaways to 24-hour coffee haunts and superhero-themed bars, here are some of the state’s best chefs’ top picks:
NATHAN DUNNELL
Chef/owner at Elska, New Farm
Favourite cafe
Morning After in West End is definitely a top contender. The seasonal menu is always great and consistent, with some clever interpretations of old classics which keeps things interesting.
Favourite coffee haunt
Death Before Decaf in New Farm because it’s true to what it is, it’s open 24/7, which is perfect for my early morning starts and late night finishes, and the coffee has a strong, intensity which I certainly value when after a pick-me-up.
Favourite restaurant
At this current point, Agnes in Fortitude Valley is probably at the top of the list. The moody vibes, open kitchen and theatre is definitely an enticement as a chef. Then the consistency, execution and flavours of the dishes is what I appreciate and come back for.
Favourite bar
Snack Man in Fortitude Valley is hands down my favourite bar in Queensland. The food is amazing and the wine list is interesting and extensive, with clear attention to detail made in its curation.
Favourite takeaway place
Fritzenburger simply because it does chicken wings and burgers – my two favourites for takeaway. After a long week there is nothing better than a quick, tasty meal that hits the spot. Go to order is 12 wings with extra sauces, chicken burger, beef burger and a loaded frites.
DARIO MANCA
Chef at Rosmarino, Fortitude Valley
Favourite cafe
I love to go down to my friends at Bellissimo in Bulimba. I love it for the people. I know everyone and it feels like home, plus the new remodelling is sick! I order the brekkie burger and a double shot latte and I am sweet.
Favourite coffee haunt
I love Campos and Bellissimo. I usually stick with both depending which day of the week and also on my schedule. They are both great, the people are lovely and the coffee is great.
Favourite restaurant
When I have the chance to get to Noosaville, I always go to 250 Grammi. It is a great authentic Italian and it really reminds me of the Italian food I used to enjoy in Italy. Plus the decor is nice and warm just like at home. You must order the panzerotti/zeppola, which is a traditional stuffed, fried pizza. It is just to die for. Also order the pizza gola. It’s my favourite one topped with smoked scamorza, mascarpone, porcini and speck.
Favourite bar
Definitely Savile Row in Fortitude Valley.
It’s dark, intimate, classy/retro. The staff is very kind and knowledgeable, especially when you want to ask for something different, but I usually stick to my old-school negroni all the time.
Favourite takeaway
I don’t order takeaway much. I usually cook myself something healthy and not too amazing when I am at home as I’m trying to get back to being fit. But if I am going to order something, I’d probably get a mix meat platter and pita from the barbecue section at Downtown Istanbul in Hawthorne. It is tasty, spiced and healthy.
PHIL MARCHANT
Chef/co-owner Essa, Fortitude Valley
Favourite cafe
Florence Cafe in Camp Hill. It’s my local. The food is interesting, creative and delicious. Service is warm and welcoming and Brad’s Sunday lunches are the perfect spot for a long lunch with mates.
Favourite coffee haunt
Light Coffee in East Brisbane. It’s meditative for me. I go for a filter coffee, watch the world go by through the window and recharge. The coffee is so great because Eva and Jason do everything. They roast, brew and serve themselves.
Favourite restaurant
Gerard’s Bistro, Fortitude Valley. I really like Adam Wolfers’ cooking. It appears simple but has a lot of hidden technique. The food is full of flavour and cooked really well over the fire. Don’t leave without eating every bread on the menu.
Favourite takeaway place
The Green, Fortitude Valley. Delicious dine-in or grab-and-go food. I’m there every week usually for a salad and falafel or a Lebanese sausage muffin.
KELVIN ANDREWS
Executive chef and co-owner SK Steak & Oyster, Fortitude Valley
Favourite cafe
Cafe O-mai in Annerley for the pho, banh mi and springrolls. I prefer this for breakfast/brunch than bacon and eggs. So many more flavours!
Favourite coffee haunt
The Lobby Bar at the base of The Calile Hotel in Fortitude Valley. They serve Fortitude Roasters. I need a coffee to start my day and they have a unique blend that’s dark, rich and bold.
Favourite restaurant
Otto at South Bank. Will Cowper is an incredible chef and the whole dining experience is always great. Not a bad view either. Order the vitello tonnato. It’s a classic dish with Will’s modern touch that is superlative.
Favourite bar
The Scottish Prince in Palm Beach. It has a huge whisky selection, live music and always a great vibe. Order the Laphroaig Triple Wood neat or an Old Fashioned.
Favourite takeaway place
Super Bowl Chinese in Fortitude Valley. It’s the best little family owned Chinese in the Valley. Try one of their amazing laksas. When the lobster laksa is on the menu definitely order it, or the Szechuan fried chicken.
PHILIP JOHNSON
Owner/chef E’cco Bistro, Newstead
Favourite cafe
Little Genovese in Coorparoo. I love the owners Kylie and Sarah and their awesome coffee and great brekkies. Hospitality is all about how you make people feel, and I always leave feeling uplifted.
Favourite coffee haunt
Coffee Commune, Bowen Hills. Anything Phil Di Bella does, he does well. Also like Merlo on McLachlan St in Fortitude Valley and Little Genovese, Coorparoo. All three care about what they do and have great staff.
Favourite restaurant
For a big city feel, it’s hard to go past SK Steak & Oyster in James St, Fortitude Valley. This restaurant has such a grand feel. For a moment in time you could be anywhere in the world. I love their sweet corn agnolotti with burnt butter and sage. My wife loves the pan-fried tomato, olives and capers. We also love La Cache a Vin in Spring Hill. Chef/owner Thierry Galichet’s “Souffle a l’oignon et gruyère” is an example of elegant simplicity that many restaurants talk about but seldom succeed at.
Favourite bar
Savile Row, Fortitude Valley. It’s hard to go past a classic negroni or martini, but the bar staff will make you anything with their amazing back bar. It’s a hidden gem.
Favourite takeaway
We don’t do a lot of takeaway but we have always enjoyed Little G Pizzeria in Woolloongabba. My pick is the pear, gorgonzola, Gary’s honey, prosciutto pizza.
LYNDON TYERS
Chef at Donna Chang, Brisbane City
Favourite cafe
Marche Du Macaron in Gordon Park. It’s super festive at this time of the year – they really get into the spirit of things! The macarons are amazing but there are some other terrific sweet and savoury snacks on offer. They hand make everything in house and it’s all 100 per cent gluten-free.
Favourite coffee haunt
Frisky Goat Espresso tucked away in a little corner of the Adina Apartment Hotel Brisbane on George St in the CBD. They always have some new, interesting roasts on rotation from various places, (plus) skilful and friendly baristas make for the perfect start to the morning.
Favourite restaurant
Bisou Bisou at the new Hotel X in Fortitude Valley. The express lunch menu is great value and perfect for my family and I to enjoy some freshly shucked oysters, a glass of wine and some lovely cheese on a Monday lunch.
Favourite bar
You have to check out the newly opened 1st Edition cocktail bar in Fortitude Valley. I’m a bit of a comic book/superhero fan so I was pretty excited when this place opened up in the Valley. I love the cauliflower popcorn and The Ninja Turtle Negroni is cowabunga.
Favourite takeaway
Cafe O-mai in Annerley. It’s a bit of an institution and they do authentic Vietnamese very, very well. It gets super busy but there is a little takeaway window on the side. Order the house-made crackling pork banh mi, load it up with extra salad and chilli if you like it hot.
DAN ARNOLD
Chef/owner of Restaurant Dan Arnold, Fortitude Valley
Favourite cafe
Bare Bones Society, Jindalee. I have respected (ex-Urbane, Brisbane chef) Kym Machin and his food for many years, and at Bare Bones it is no different. The service is warm and friendly – exactly what you want for an early morning breakfast; the food is always spot on, and it’s always a good laugh to catch up with Kym.
Favourite coffee haunt
Denim & Co, South Brisbane. Service is great, all the coffees are fantastic!
Favourite restaurant
Tocco Italiano, Chelmer. Almost every Sunday we go here and it feels like a home-cooked meal. Either we go with my wife and two kids, or we go with my parents, or we go with our close friends. It’s now even become a favourite to many of them. Arturo welcomes us like family, and we love the restaurant as much for this as anything else. My go-to dishes are the Ravello pizza and the tiramisu.
Favourite bar
Snack Man, Fortitude Valley. This one speaks for itself. A well-oiled machine, solid food offering, and Cameron and Antoine never disappoint with a suggestion on what to drink.
Favourite takeaway
Jao Jorm Thai, Moorooka. It’s close to home, the food is tasty, and they are a really hard working family restaurant who have survived a tough 18 months. Go to is the Silky Piggy Green Curry.
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