The new hotlist: where to dine in Queensland

From Cairns to Coolangatta, Queensland’s foodie scene just keeps getting better and better. But here’s 10 places you cannot miss.

The openings and festivals reshaping Queensland’s thriving dining scene.

1. Rothwell’s Bar & Grill

Heralding a resurgence in classic Brisbane CBD dining, Rothwell’s combines smooth, old-world European glamour with Brisbane heritage. The bronzed pastry of the eye-catching beef Wellington turns heads, but the perfect slices of pâté, opulent seafood platters and wagyu rump with onion rings will also win your heart. Rothwell’s makes for memorable dining.

Other CBD treats: drinks at Dr Gimlette or City Winery, and dinner at Banc Brasserie & Wine Bar.

Rothwell's Bar and Grill is right in Brisbane City.

2. Biànca

Just off James Street, Ada Lane is a feast of delectable Brisbane dining. For flavour-packed dishes made from fresh, seasonal produce cooked over a flaming wood fire, try Italian-themed restaurant Biànca. Must try: the highly Instagrammable dessert list.

Explore Ada Lane to find Hellenika, sAme sAme, and SK Steak & Oyster.

3. Elska

The table is set for 12 for the 15-course, Nordic-influenced degustation dinners at Brisbane restaurant Elska. It’s an innovative, hyper-seasonal menu designed to take you on a journey full of evocative flavours. An experience not to be missed.

Hooked on degustations? Try Joy Restaurant, Restaurant Dan Arnold, Gerard’s Bistro, and La Cache à Vín.

Elska restaurant’s Bonito with seasonal brassica. Pic Mark Cranitch.

4. Takashiya

Set at the base of Emporium Hotel South Bank in Brisbane, Takashiya Omakase, Japanese Whiskey & Sake Bar is the latest offering from acclaimed chef Takashi Nami. Sample expertly crafted one-bite morsels, katsu sandos, and roasted duck and foie gras fried rice from the à la carte menu in the 24-seat casual dining area, or book one of 12 coveted seats in the omakase room. Omakase roughly translates to “I’ll leave it to you”, and during this unforgettable multi-course experience, the chef chooses what to serve based on the best seasonal produce available.

Also try Asian-inspired fusion omakase at Korean Butterfly.

5. Taste Port Douglas

Immerse yourself in the tropical north at Taste Port Douglas, a food festival that showcases the best of the region. Set in the lush grounds of the five-star Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas, from August 11 to 14, this event serves up a vibrant atmosphere, workshops, demonstrations and dining experiences curated by top talent.

Other festivals include Regional Flavours South Bank, Scenic Rim Eat Local Week, Moreton Bay Food & Wine Festival, the Stanthorpe Apple & Grape Harvest Festival, Kingaroy BaconFest, Hampton Festival, and Hervey Bay Seafood Festival.

Taste Festival Port Douglas. \

6. Iris Rooftop

Swathed in wisteria, dotted with olive trees, and capturing impressive views over Brisbane from its perch atop Hotel X, Iris Rooftop is a Mediterranean-inspired oasis in the heart of Fortitude Valley. Soak up the feeling of a glamorous European holiday in the main restaurant, private dining space or one of the poolside cabanas, cocktail in hand, then work your way through a menu infused with the summery flavours of coastal regions from Spain and Morocco to Turkey and Greece.

Find more new rooftop views at Ooh La La Rooftop Bar at C’est Bon, and Rooftop Brewhouse and Bar at Valley Hops Brewing.

7. Oaks Kitchen & Garden

Set within the lush Tropical North Queensland jungle, Oaks Kitchen & Garden at Oak Beach, founded by chef Benjamin Wallace and gardener Rachael Boon, features Southeast Asian-inspired fare featuring mangoes, Kaffir lime leaves, herbs and vegetables grown on site, and other seasonal local produce. Located about a 15-minute drive from Port Douglas, it’s the perfect place to stop along the Great Barrier Reef Drive from Cairns to Cape Tribulation for a set tasting menu or cooking class.

Other North Queensland favourites: try Nu Nu and Harrisons.

Oaks kitchen and garden cooking school. Picture: Oak Beach

Get your cooking on.

8. Alba by Kuruvita

New from chef Peter Kuruvita, Noosa dining destination Alba draws the crowds back from the beach with a cafe and pizzeria. At night, it transforms into a stylish restaurant and cocktail bar. Look out for its cooking classes.

More new Sunshine Coast dining at Lucio’s Marina, Market Bistro, Giddy Geisha, and Piggyback.

9. Palette

On the Gold Coast, art and modern Australian cuisine combine at Palette, located within the new HOTA (Home of the Arts). Top picks include the high-value Mix Tape tasting menu and the Sunday High Tea.

Also try Uncle Su at The Star, Kurrawa Beach Club, Paloma Wine Bar, and Scott’s Luncheonette & Bar.

10. Essa

A Brisbane date-night favourite, Essa’s seductive long, marble bar is flanked by rustic brick walls and framed by dark wooden beams. Essa is all about unexpected ingredients and seasonal produce in simple, bespoke dishes.

Other new favourites in Fortitude Valley: Agnes, Agnes Bakery, Bisou Bisou, Rosmarino, Kid Curry, and Gemelli James Street.

Visit queensland.com for more ideas to help plan your itinerary.