Top 10 Restaurants In Brisbane's South Bank Australia

South Bank continues to flourish as Brisbane’s cultural epicenter, home to many of the city’s galleries, museums, and world-class entertainment precincts. While you’re visiting this area of the Australian city, be sure to treat yourself to a meal at any of these top 10 restaurants.

1. Cowch Dessert Cocktail Bar

Bar, Cocktail Bar, Ice Cream Parlour, Restaurant, Dessert Shop, Contemporary, Dessert

Cowch blends all things liquor and sweet to produce a menu that is like no other. It is filled with chocolate, ice cream, whipped cream, and a selection of fine liquors, wines, and beers. Created by a husband and wife team, she who wanted dessert and he who wanted a drink, Cowch is the perfect place to introduce your palate to many a delectable combination. As a bonus, this place is guaranteed to keep everyone in your group more than satisfied. Try a ‘ Milk Choclatini’, a blend of Mozart gold, crème de cacao, and Absolut vanilla; or a ‘Lychee Sour’, with Johnnie Walker Black, Paraiso Lychee Liqueur, lemons, egg whites, and agave syrup. Dessert pizzas are in no short supply, and the delicious frozen yogurt is also a popular choice.

2. Viet de Lites

Restaurant, Vietnamese

A bowl of beef brisket pho, a popular Vietnamese noodle soup.

As its name suggests, Viet de Lites prides itself on providing the freshest, lightest, and healthiest Vietnamese cuisine. Healthy, but also delightfully tasty, Viet de Lites offers a communal dining experience in a stylish yet comfortably casual space. Diners won’t be disappointed with this slice of Vietnam located in the heart of South Bank’s dining precinct. Prices are below the norm for the area. The menu features various dishes that are either grilled, pan-fried and stir-fried, using quality beef, chicken, duck, pork, seafood or vegetables.

3. Hop & Pickle Pub

Bar, Pub, Pub Grub, Australian

Hop on down to the Hop & Pickle Pub, the newest addition to South Bank’s burgeoning bar scene. Staying true to the South Bank ethos, The Hop & Pickle is frothing with style in its chic and modern design. Meanwhile, it retains the warmth and comfort of the casual pub experience we all enjoy. The menu is ever-changing, but is consistent with modern ingredients and healthy combinations – all at an affordable price. Finger-licking snacks such as ham hock croquettes with aioli, and grilled haloumi with lemon cheek and crusty bread, will satisfy those smaller cravings. For something heartier, try the buffalo beef brisket with blue cheese dip.

4. Mado Turkish Restaurant

Restaurant, Turkish, Mediterranean

Traditional Turkish cuisine is at its best at Mado’s vibrant venue. Sample a variety of tastes, flavors, and textures from dishes that have been handed down through generations, in an atmosphere embellished with traditional Turkish design. Adorned with Turkish rugs, scattered pillows, walls heavy with Turkish artefacts and knick-knacks, the space creates an authentic and thrilling atmosphere to complement the authentic fare on offer. Popular dishes include the lamb shish, marinated tender diced lamb fillets served with freshly baked Turkish bread, with sides of hummus, carrot, cacik, eggplant or beetroot dip.

5. Julius Pizzeria

Restaurant, Italian

Head to Julius Pizzeria for authentic Italian wood-fired pizza. The contemporary, warehouse-style design of the restaurant is softened by large brick archways, reminiscent of Italy’s rustic charm. Diners are at no want for choice, with a broad range of premium, wood-fired oven pizzas, as well as pasta and antipasti. Try the Gorgonzola pizza, tomato, mozzarella, capo collo, eggplant, and Gorgonzola cheese. Alternatively, go for the Salsiccia, tomato, chili, mozzarella, provolone, pork, fennel sausage and mushrooms. Antipasti highlights include the foccacia with burata, fried eggplant, cherry tomatoes and basil. The pasta ranges from duck to lamb to lentils.

6. Gallery of Modern Art Restaurant

Restaurant, Coffee, Austrian, Vegetarian

Go from marveling at art to marveling at food at the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) restaurant. This award-winning, fine-dining establishment is proud to exhibit a menu that showcases the best of local produce. Its dishes are inspired by the art on display, which is sure to complement the artistic experience. Be prepared to pay for the high quality of your meal. However, each purchase supports the gallery. Plus, the elegant and contemporary setting in which you indulge in your delicious dish, overlooking the beautiful Brisbane River, is more than worth it.

7. Olé Spanish Restaurant

Restaurant, Spanish, Vegetarian, Vegan

Olé brings to the cultural dining palate of South Bank the delicious zest of Spain. Enjoy a variety of flavourful tapas dishes while soaking in the colourful Spanish decor, which perfectly represents the vibrant and energetic atmosphere that is Spain’s eating and drinking culture. In Spanish culture, a meal is not only something to be eaten, but an experience to be enjoyed in the great company of relatives, friends, even strangers. Thus, in Olé, conversation and laughter bubbles with more vigour than does the sangria that is brought to tables in mass quantities. Add to this the beautiful South Bank parkland views, and this restaurant is one you don’t want to miss.

8. Bacchus

Bar, Restaurant, Australian, Mexican

Bacchus is one of Brisbane’s most prestigious restaurants, winning awards and dazzling guests since its opening in 2012. Guests come for the sophistication and glamour of the cosmopolitan restaurant and poolside bar. They come back for the food, attesting to the several accolades the restaurant has received for its cuisine. The menu features upscale modern Australian dishes and cocktails.

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