30 restaurants in Brisbane’s top tourist precinct reopen

After weeks of takeaways and deliveries only, dozens of restaurants in Brisbane’s popular South Bank precinct are set to swing the doors open this weekend. We look at where you can eat.

MORE than 30 restaurants and cafes are open in South Bank from tomorrow after weeks of being allowed to only deliver takeaways.

Many will still continue with pick-up or home deliveries and some are also offering specially designed takeaway menus, tailored hampers and even takeaway cocktails.

South Bank Corporation, which was one of the first organisations in Australia to offer rent waivers — right at the start of the lockdown — said it hoped people would come and enjoy the precinct this weekend, but cautioned that alcohol could not be consumed in the parklands.

Westside, southwest restaurants opening from this weekend

Social distancing rules would be enforced by security guards and police, with extra cleaning throughout the precinct and car parks.

Ahmets manager Jason Turner said as soon as the news got out about allowing 10 people to dine out their phones had been running hot.

“We had to put a Facebook message out telling people to order online as our phones have been so busy with our patrons wanting to return,’’ Mr Turner said.

“It’s been pretty dark in the past few months and given us hope that things will get back to normal.’’

Ole, Mister Paganini and Mucho Mexicano owner Erso Isik said Ole was hardest hit as the tapas takeaway menu did not work well.

“We continued to trade with Mister Paganini with Campos coffee and we have been trading

great as everyone needs their coffee hit,’’ he said.

“It was still 80-90 per cent down, but still did good trade considering the times.

“Mucho has been OK, Mexican is comfort food so people loved it.

“So that we’re fair to our loyal customers we are having different seating times of up to two hours. You can book unlimited but you have to ring and book.’’

Papa Rossi owner Chris Maggacis said the rent relief was a “business-saving lifeline’’. “Without it I could not have continued,’’ he said.

“South Bank Corporation have been absolutely fantastic the way they have dealt with the coronavirus around rents and recognised they had to do something early to support business and did so.

“We’ve continued to trade doing takeaway. It’s been really tough as we’re not a known destination for takeaway so it’s been hard to get the message out.

“But in the last few weeks we’ve seen an upturn in the takeaway orders and it’s helped keep the staff and myself positive about the future.

“The future starts on Saturday. It’s disappointing it’s only 10 because of the start-up costs to reopen dining.”

For more information on food options visit: https://www.eatsouthbank.com.au/stories/your-

takeaway-options-summarised/

WHO’S REOPENING FOR SIT-DOWN MEALS

Viet De Lites cafe.

Viet De Lites

They do the freshest Vietnamese fare, ready on-the-go when needed. Limited seating,

bookings encouraged. Call 3073 9595 or email [e-mail]

Papa Rossi

Delicious Italian fare. Limited seating available, bookings encouraged. To book, call 3073 9548

Lost Bean

A breakfast institution, serving up epic food and coffee to match. Limited walk-in seating available. Call 3073 9573

Baba Ganouj

These guys dish up your favourite Lebanese bites. Limited seating, bookings a must.

Call 3073 9508 or email [e-mail]

Hop & Pickle

Delectable pub-inspired feasts. Limited seating, bookings encouraged. Call 3073 9564 or email

[e-mail]

Mucho Mexicano reopens this weekend, but you better book. Picture: Mark Calleja

Mucho Mexicano

The home of epic Mexican, they have all your guac-loving needs in the bag. Limited

seating, bookings encouraged. Call 3073 9543 or email [e-mail]

Ole

Dish out legendary Spanish fare (hello, mouth-watering paella). Limited seating, bookings encouraged. Call 3073 9581 or [e-mail]

Mister Paganini.

Mister Paganini

Does Italian, extremely well. Limited seating, bookings encouraged. Call 3073 9571 or email [e-mail]

Denim Co.

They know a thing or two about an Insta-worthy brunch and dessert. Limited seating, bookings encouraged. Call 3073 9549

Zeus owner Costa Anastiadis. Picture: Anthony Weate

Zeus

Your go-to for pitas, feta fries and basically any delicious Greek combination you can think of. Limited seating, bookings encouraged. Call 3073 9596

Barbossa Bar & Bottle Shop

Equal parts delicious food and delicious booze. Limited seating, bookings encouraged. Call 3073 9561

The Sangria Bar

Inspires and delights with an epic range of sangrias and tapas. Limited seating, bookings encouraged. Call 3073 9581

Southbank manager Ivy Lin, executive chef Matt Fosker and Gold Coast head chef Yoshiki Sadahisa at Harajuku Gyoza. Picture: Tara Croser

Harajuku Gyoza

A hub of great gyoza and Japanese-inspired eats. Limited seating, bookings encouraged. Call 3073 9562

Ahmet’s Turkish Restaurant

Will have you thinking you’re at the Mediterranean yourself, with authentic Turkish fare. Limited seating, bookings encouraged. Call 3073 9506 or email [e-mail]

Tippler’s Tap

The answer for every craft beer lover seeking a new local haunt. Limited seating, bookings encouraged. Email [e-mail]