Today marks 3 weeks since we arrived in Australia, and after a month of eating like kings in Asia we realised we'd have to eventually start cutting back on our spendings and start cooking. However, there are so many delicious places that we've already come across that we've decided to take it in turns to pick where we eat out each week. As I did with eating around Gibraltar, here is a short review of all the restaurants we'll be visiting during our time in Brisbane, Australia.
1. Eat Street Northshore
Where: 221D Macarthur Ave, Hamilton, Brisbane Qld Australia 4007
What: Everything, literally everything.
When: Friday and Saturday (4pm - 10pm) Sunday (12pm - 8pm)
Yum Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
We thought we'd kick off our weekend with an evening at Eat Street markets - where you can choose from over 100 food stalls. I went there craving mac n cheese, and of course with that many stalls I came across an American one had that mac n cheese topped with bacon and mushrooms - que bueno. This place also has boutique shops, live music and a good selection of new and wonderful dessert options; including kinder bueno churros. On my last visit I had an Argentinian mixed meat platter and my god it was delicious. Followed by some fruit and marshmallow dipped in chocolate fondue.
2. The Pancake Manor
Where: 18 Charlotte St, Brisbane City QLD 4000
What: Pancakes, salads, and a range of brunch type of food.
Yum Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
When better to visit this place than pancake day? Which is exactly what we did. There were over 15 pancake options on the menu as well as vegan and gluten free options (which kept two of my friends happy). The ambience in here was cool as it used to be a cathedral and I got Harry Potter 'great hall' vibes whilst I was in here too. I opted for a banana and maple syrup combo whereas my friend went all out with blueberries and blueberry sauce.
3. Bourbon Street
Where: 184 Grey Street, South Brisbane, QLD 4101
What: New Orlean Cuisine
Yum Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
I had high expectations for this place because I'm slightly obsessed with NOLA (even though I've never been) and it had been a hot minute since I last had gumbo. I was left slightly disappointed as I found it was too liquidy and the ratio of meat : rice : soup wasn't quite right. Nevertheless I still ate it all, as it was still a warm and hearty dish. Just didn't compare to the previous ones I've had. My friend had the jambalaya and also said it was average as it was lacking flavour and was simply spicy AF.
4. Mado Turkish Restaurant
Where: 1-3/15 Tribune St, South Brisbane QLD 4101
What: Turkish
Yum Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
We're all a bit hummus obsessed in my group, so we decided to head here for my friends birthday on Monday. We had hummus dip and homemade pita to start, and then I had the mixed grill platter as my main and boy was this plate filling. It game with a char grill lamb shish, chicken shish and kofte izgara served with rice, salad and freshly baked turkish bread. I could have probably stopped eating after 1/4 of the plate but I'm not one to leave food on my plate (and then complain about my bloating later).
5. Spaghetti House
Where: Little Stanley St & Grey Street, South Brisbane QLD 4101
What: Italian
Yum Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
I love Italian food, I could probably go to an Italian restaurant every day for two weeks and be able to order different things on the menu that I liked. My problem is, I also like snacking so I find it very hard to go from lunch to dinner without eating anything in between and then when it comes to dinner I'm not hungry enough to fully enjoy my meal. Either way, I was in the mood for pasta so ordered the cannelloni with spinach and ricotta. I have to say it wasn't the best one I've tried, I feel like there wasn't a lot of flavour or tomato sauce and you couldn't taste the cheese much. My friend said her carbonara was ok but not the best she'd had either, but my vegan friend was very happy with her pesto gnocchi. Therefore I give this place a fair 3/5 stars.
6. Mucho Mexicano
Where: Shop 15, Little Stanley St, QLD 4101
What: Mexican
Yum Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I probably eat Mexican food twice a year, and I can't remember the last time I ate tacos. When I saw Mucho Mexicano had an 'all you can eat in 2 hours' Taco Tuesday offer for 25 dollars I jumped on board. There were 5 soft taco options available: pulled pork, chicken, fish, sweet potato and halloumi and a black bean, mushroom and tomato salsa one. Surprisingly the fish tacos were quite nice and the sweet potato and halloumi were also up there as my favourite. I managed to eat a total of 6, which was a decent job on my part.
My issue with the chicken tacos (and my friends fajitas) is that they use chicken thigh so they were a bit...chewier than expected. I think you do get your moneys worth if you have a big appetite or like a variety, as they are essentially mini fajitas but you get 5 options instead of one. I'll have to try the margaritas next time I go.
My issue with the chicken tacos (and my friends fajitas) is that they use chicken thigh so they were a bit...chewier than expected. I think you do get your moneys worth if you have a big appetite or like a variety, as they are essentially mini fajitas but you get 5 options instead of one. I'll have to try the margaritas next time I go.
7. Zeus
Where: 13/14 Little Stanley St, Brisbane City QLD 4101
What: Greek
Yum Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I thoroughly enjoyed this. I made the smart decision this time of not eating after lunch so I could really appreciate and enjoy my dinner. You order at the counter here and my meal was brought to me within 15 minutes. I opted for the 'Zeus pita wrap ($13.50)' which was filled with lamb shoulder, slaw, parsley, house-made mustard mayo and eggplant dip and it was delicious, I could have eaten another one. The only reason I haven't given this place 5 stars is because the halloumi fries were a bit bland in flavour (and before you hit me with 'halloumi is bland' I've had much better ones). They also have a gluten free and vegan menu.
8. Pineapple Express Cafe
Where: 9 Portside Wharf, Hamilton QLD 4007
What: Superfood cafe
Yum Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
We thought for this weeks food outing we'd pick something slightly healthier since I just got a new gym membership and don't want to start the week by pigging out on a three course meal. Luckily, Pineapple Express was just around the corner from our apartment and have a very unique and delicious looking menu. They have pulled jackfruit nachos and burgers for the vegans, acai bowls and smoothies, protein based meals for the gym buffs, and if you just fancy an english breakfast (with a twist) they do that too. I went for the Black Bowl ($16) which uses activated charcoal amongst other fruit for the blended base, and then is topped with coconut yoghurt (this was delicious), goji berries, kiwi and other fruit. I think I'd definitely like to come back and try some of the other items on their menu.
9. Guzman y Gomez
Where: All over Brisbane
What: Mexican
Yum Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
So last week we planned to go out for a fancy dinner, but then found the place we were planning on going to was shut down permanently. So instead, we ended up next door at Guzman y Gomez - a fast food chain. Nevertheless, their burritos and enchiladas are the sh*t so I wasn't complaining. They're so full of flavour, and this time I tried to cut out a few hundred calories by taking the wrap out with a burrito bowl, and it was still tasty and filling.
10. Kiss The Berry
Where: 187 Melbourne Street (but there's several around the city)
What: Acai bowls and smoothies
Yum Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
When I leave Australia I think I will probably miss acai bowls the most (and bubble tea) because neither of these things have been established in Gibraltar yet. Kiss The Berry is one of the most popular acai cafes in Brisbane. I got a medium acai bowl of peanut butter & jelly (Blend: açaí, banana, strawberries, peanut butter, raw cacao powder, coconut milk. Toppings: choc buckinis, banana, coconut yoghurt, peanut butter, raspberry bits, cacao nibs.) I could have probably eaten 5 bowls of it because it was delicious. I'd love to go back and try their apple crumble bowl whilst the winter menu is still on!
11. Cactus Republic
Where: Shop 30BB/153 Little Stanley St, South Brisbane QLD 4101
What: Mexican
Yum Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
For someone who usually doesn't eat a lot of Mexican food, it's funny how this is the third mexican restaurant on this list lol, maybe I am a changed woman. We used the EatClub app (finds you local discounts) and saw that Cactus Republic had a 20% off discount at the restaurant, so we chose to have dinner here. Me and my friend got confused when ordering so I ended up leaving this place very full and barely walking. I thought we were sharing nachos, but she got tortilla chips so I ended up with a whole plate of them for myself, and ordered 3 soft tacos on top of that. I wasn't that impressed to be honest. I prefer melted cheese to the 'squirty' american cheese they use on the nachos, and the tacos weren't very full and lacked flavour. Mucho Mexicano still take the top spot for tacos.
Where: 182 Grey Street - South Brisbane
12. Suki
What: poke bowls
Yum Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Poke bowls are everywhere in Brisbane, yet after living here for 6 months this is the first time I'd actually had one. If you're on a health kick or just eat pretty clean in general, then Suki is a great choice. For $10-$15 you get a bowl that you can either customise yourself by choosing your base (rice, quinoa, salad) and then your protein (vegan options too!) and sauce. I went with the '3's a crowd' bowl which came with tuna, salmon and a whole lot of veg and then added some Kimchi to it. I was still hungry, so probably should have gone for the katsu chicken. Nevertheless still tasty and affordable.
13. Beach House Bar & Grill
Where: Corner of Elizabeth & Albert Street
What: Australian/Pub food
Yum Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
After 6 months of living in Australia, I finally got round to almost trying a parmy (chicken parmigiana). As I opted for the Hawaiian chicken schnitzel so replaced the napolitana sauce for pineapple. I didn't love Beach House, but I didn't hate it either. The portions were very big and the prices were decent, but I did find the food lacked flavour and oomf.
Where: 11a/455 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006
14. VeganBurgz
What: vegan burgers (duh)
Yum Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I have nothing against vegan food, I actually like going to places that are catered for vegans because they're a lot more creative with their menus. As the name suggests, VeganBurgz is dedicated to meat free burgers. I got the 'cheesy B' burger where the patty was made out of kidney beans and boy was it filling. I think I'd like to go back and try the 'sweet kale-roline' burger where the patty is made out of sweet potato and topped with kale and onion rings. I love that their buns are made out of matcha too. If you followed my Japan travels you'll know I was having matcha everything. We also got a medium size portion of chips to share and it was more than enough! The only downside to this place was that there is no indoor seating, and it was a rare chilly night in Brisbane when we went.
Where: 14/1 Eagle St, Brisbane City QLD 4000
15. Jade Buddha
What: Asian fusion
Yum Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I'd been to Jade Buddha before for drinks and a boogie, and it has great views of Brisbane as it's just along the river. Even during the day the views are great, and as expected the place was full of business professionals on their lunch breaks, as it's located in the CBD and they offer $10 lunch specials. I only recently discovered San Choy Bow (great for your low carb days) so when I saw they had this on the menu I decided on that. Although admittedly I should have noted the fact it was listed under 'lighter meals' because I'd skipped breakfast so could have done with ordering the Buddha Bowl like my friend did. Even though it was a light lunch on my part, and if you think about it was essentially lettuce with a bit of protein, it certainly didn't lack in flavour. You could tell it was good quality duck and there was no fatty bits! They also have an interesting selection of cocktails - my friend chose the classic Espresso Martini whilst I had an elderflower based one. I'd love to go back another day and have their Balinese Style Lamb, don't know why I didn't order it in the first place!
* We were invited to Jade Buddha for a complimentary meal and drink for this blog post.
Where: Shop 8/57 Vulture St, West End QLD 4101
* We were invited to Jade Buddha for a complimentary meal and drink for this blog post.
16. Buddha Brothers
What: Breakfast/Brunch
Yum Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Brisbane has no shortage of healthy cafes and 'instagram worthy' breakfast spots. I came across Buddha Brothers on Instagram and was instantly drawn to their very aesthetically pleasing plates of food. Tucked away in West End, this small cafe is the perfect stop for a healthy breakfast, lunch or afternoon treat. Before arriving I already knew what I was going to order - the snickers nice cream bowl. Trust us to go for the 'unhealthiest' option on the menu! I think this is the first time in my life that I haven't been able to finish a dessert. Simply because it was such a big portion, but does anyone else find it hard to stop eating when they're full when something tastes so good? The bowl was a blend of peanut butter and banana, and topped with chocolate granola, cacao nibs, banana, peanut butter and buckini. In hindsight we could have probably shared one and shared a buddha bowl too as they looked delicious - I think I'll have to go back and have the lamb shoulder bowl. The only thing stopping me from giving them 5 stars is that they're not offering coffee yet (they did have iced coffee cartons though!). Other than that, the portions were great value for money and full of flavour.
* We were invited to Buddha Brothers for a complimentary meal for this blog post.
Where: 100 Edward St, Brisbane City QLD 4000
* We were invited to Buddha Brothers for a complimentary meal for this blog post.
17. Raw Energy
What: Breakfast to Lunch
Yum Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I'd past by this place so many times and finally got round to sitting down! As the name suggests Raw Energy's menu is filled with nutritious meals, superfood extras and at a very reasonable price. I told myself I was going to get something other than an energy bowl and had my eyes set on the zucchini and corn fritters, but I passed by a table and saw how nice the dragon bowl ($13.90) looked and alas, I ordered that. For an extra 2 dollars you get a superfood mix of goji berries, chia seeds, L.S.A, sunflower seeds and cacao nibs. It definitely added to the deliciousness of the bowl as otherwise I think it would have been missing that bit of crunch. Nevertheless it was delicious and refreshing. My friend ordered the quinoa, sweet potato & kale burger ($13.90) and said it was good but surprisingly she was still hungry afterwards. If you work in the city it's in a great location to stop by for lunch and the service is fairly quick.
* I received a complimentary meal from Raw Energy for this blog post.
* I received a complimentary meal from Raw Energy for this blog post.
18. Byblos
Where: Portside Wharf, Hamilton, QLD 4007
What: Mediterranean
Yum Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
What I ordered: Lamb shoulder, pumpkin kebbi, rekakat, mixed leaf salad.
What I ordered: Lamb shoulder, pumpkin kebbi, rekakat, mixed leaf salad.
I used to live in Hamilton and I always passed by this place but by the look of the place I thought it would be out of my 'backpacker budget'. In my 8 months in Brisbane I haven't really gone for an expensive dinner out so I thought, why not? Byblos has a lot of Lebanese and Turkish options on the menu and to be honest, I could have probably ordered anything and liked it. We shared 4 plates between 3 of us and to be honest I could have probably eaten the slow cooked lamb shoulder all by myself, it was heavenly. The rekakat were also my favourite (pastries filled with feta and mozzarella). The restaurant has outdoor and indoor seating as well as a lounge area if you just fancy a few drinks and smaller plates. In total we paid $35 each for the 4 plates and a glass of wine.
19. Stones Throw Corner Cafe
Where: 1/371 Logan Rd, Stones Corner QLD 4120
What: Breakfast to Lunch
Yum Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What I ordered: pumpkin & chocolate pancakes and an iced coffee.
What I ordered: pumpkin & chocolate pancakes and an iced coffee.
Stones Throw cafe offers a range of breakfast and lunch options and luckily for us, the breakfast options were served all day! It's located on Logan Road and there are a nice couple of vintage and charity shops along the street too. As always, I usually eye up the menu before arriving and I was torn between the mac daddy breakfast burger (it comes with a mac & cheese patty!) or the spiced pumpkin & chocolate pancakes. In the end I settled for the latter, as always I end up going for the sweet option on the menu. At first I wasn't sure how pumpkin would taste in pancakes but to be honest they tasted perfectly normal and delicious. It was such a hot day too so the home-made lemon & lime sorbet was the icing on the cake (or the topping on the pancakes hehe). There's a lot of seating available and they even have a little patio at the back of the cafe with a very aesthetically pleasing wall full of plants, the bathroom was pretty cool too.
* I received 50% off my order from Stones Throw Cafe for this blog post.
Where is your favourite place to eat in Brisbane? Would love more recommendations!
G
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