Foodie News: What’s Happening on Brisbane’s Dining Scene

Hunting for the hot goss on the foodie scene? Look no further, because this is the official Sitchu scoop on what’s happening in Brisbane’s food and drink scene. Our little river city has been working overtime to catch up with its arguably more cosmopolitan counterparts, and we’re well and truly in the running now.

From the impending launch of the multi-billion new Star Brisbane precinct and all the new dining options it promises to the new menu launches of your tried and true favourites, this is the place to stay up to date on what’s happening on the foodie scene here in Brisbane.

Sokyo

Brisbane’s culinary scene is soaring to new heights this year, with an exciting announcement from the new Star Brisbane precinct in the CBD. One of Australia’s most iconic Japanese restaurants, Sokyo,  will open its doors later this year to serve locals and visitors with sumptuous sashimi bouquets and ornate dishes. 

Chef Alex Yu will lead the kitchen, after beginning his career at Sokyo Sydney, before then assuming the role of Head Chef at Yugen Melbourne and earning two hats within one month of opening. Often referred to as the ‘sashimi florist’, we’re champing at the bit to get a reservation at this stunning new restaurant in Brisbane.

33 William Street, Brisbane

Breakfast Launches at Carmen Tequileria

James Street’s pared-back and fresh-faced Mexican restaurant and tequileria has just launched a brand new breakfast offering, which is happy news for us, because this is one restaurant we can’t get enough of! Every weekend between 8am and 11am, you can enjoy the fresh flavours of Mexico, through sustainable sourced local produce. From a breakfast burrito topped with scrambled eggs and feta, to a huevos rancheros with spicy chorizo, goats cheese and arepa, this breakfast is sure to satisfy. Head down to Carmen this weekend for brekkie with a bang!

70 James Street, Fortitude Valley

Sustainable Seafood & Secret Codewords at Citrique

The JW Marriott Resort & Spa’s signature restaurant is no stranger to rolling out exciting new menus, and this month is no different. This May, they’ve partnered with fish providore Umar Nguyen to offer a six-course degustation that showcases Australia’s most unique and sustainable seafood, that will hero underutilised species and produce. Sample blue wild Scampi caviar or a dish that uses every part of the Fraser Isle spanner crab and take your taste buds on a culinary journey like never before.

If you’re craving modern Australian, crafted with a nod to Asian flavours, you might prefer to dine à la carte from Citrique’s new menu. You can also unlock a secret dish by using a code word found on their Instagram account. This mystery plate rotates seasonally and adds a theatrical and decadent element to your dining experience.

JW Marriott Resort & Spa, 158 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Fatcow Announces Open Date

Carnivores rejoice, because Fatcow has reopened its doors in a brand-new location. Finding itself in excellent company within the delightful James Street precinct, this steak & seafood restaurant favourite from Michael Tassis’ repertoire will be welcomed back with open arms after closing its doors 18 months ago, to make way for the redevelopment of Eagle Street Pier.

Taking this opportunity to perform a little glow-up, Fatcow returns with a fresh new look and offering, to elevate their experience and delight new and returning diners alike. Part of this fresh new focus is a live oyster tank - the only one in Brisbane! The oysters make it from trawler to plate in under 24 hours - now that's what we call fresh. 

Fatcow has just reopened its doors, so now's the time to make a reservation to enjoy this new restaurant in Brisbane. 

10 James Street, Fortitude Valley

New Lina Rooftop Brunch Menu

The restaurant with South Brisbane’s best sunset views has unveiled a brand new brunch menu. Featuring six courses to delight in, from live shucked oysters, brioche and burrata, olive tapenade, slow-roasted lamb shoulder, local free-range chicken and white chocolate creme brulee, you’re nothing short of spoiled for choice!

Upgrade your brunch with a house beverage package and sip on bubbles, spritzes or beer as you take in the stunning view from this rooftop restaurant.

74-80 Tribune Street, South Brisbane

New Autumn Menu at The Lex

Try a taste of New York at The Lex this month! Unveiling their new Autumn menu earlier this season, Chef Pawel draws on New York’s diverse flavours to inform his creativity, before adding a modern twist to delight Brisbane’s tastebuds.

Each dish is crafted from locally sourced ingredients, from the bourbon-glazed pork belly to the roasted baby beets. If you’re looking for one of the hearty dishes The Lex is so well known for, opt for the dry-aged Warwick MB3+ tomahawk steak, meticulously aged in-house for 21-45 days and then grilled to melt-in-your-mouth perfection.

Sitchu Tip: The Caesar salad is a must-try dining experience, as it’s made freshly and tossed by your table from the cart! We also adore the tater tot entrees, topped with avruga caviar.

Level Three at W Brisbane, 81 North Quay, Brisbane

New Menu at Comuna Cantina

Brisbane’s chic little pink and white Mexican joint is dishing up a fresh new menu, although we must admit we’re having trouble getting past how cute this cocktail bag is! On the menu, you’ll discover healthy new salad bowls, tasty starters (think grilled corn, chicken bites, cauliflower bites, wings and more) and a long list of tacos, nachos, quesadillas, burritos and fajitas with options for vegans and gluten-free folk.

1/791 Stafford Road, Everton Park

Yo-Chi & Pistachio Papi Collab

If you haven’t heard of Pistachio Papi before, let us introduce you! This tasty, nutty Italian spread is made in Italy from pistachios, blended to creamy perfection and bottled for your snacking pleasure.

Now you enjoy this flavour sensation drizzled across Australia’s favourite frozen yoghurt sensation, Yo-Chi! Combine your favourite flavour of frozen yoghurt with a hearty drizzle of pistachio bliss, along with any other toppings that take your fancy.

Multiple locations

Pour for Paws

The only thing that could make a bottle of City Winery’s finest taste any better, is knowing that proceeds go towards helping homeless pets in need. The “Pours For Paws” fundraising initiative donates proceeds towards the Animal Welfare League Queensland to support the tireless work of their employees, volunteers and patrons in rescuing and rehabilitating dogs, cats, birds and farm animals. City Winery’s general manager Doug Gilmour reflects: “As animal lovers, we believe in the power of collective action, and through this fundraiser, we invite our patrons to join us in making a positive impact on the lives of those who cannot speak for themselves."

Helping puppies & kittens? Cheers to that!

Shop online

Sunday Oyster Odyssey at Citrique

The Gold Coast’s most well-known seafood buffet destination have something brand-new in store for you! Citrique Restaurant at the JW Marriott Resort and Spa have launched a brand new Sunday offering, serving bottomless oysters from all around Australia.

With a selection of Port Lincoln, Albany Rock, Coffin Bay, Port Douglas and New Zealand’s freshest oysters on offer, you’ll in absolute heaven as you enjoy the bountiful seafood buffet at this beloved Gold Coast restaurant.

From $129 per person

Sundays, 12:00pm to 2:30pm

Citrique, JW Marriott Resort & Spa, 158 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Now that you’re up to date on the freshest foodie news in Brisbane, check out our guide to the best new cafes in Brisbane, or book a night out at one of the city’s newest restaurants.