Planning your next holiday? The glorious Queensland weather whispering ‘pick me, pick me’? Pop Brisbane city on that agenda and give yourself permission to explore the wharfs, roof tops, gritty lanes, shipping containers, holes in the walls and underground spots dishing up boujee cocktail and intimate wine bars and a plethora of reknowned restaurants. Biancas, Honto, Greca, SameSame, Agnes, Hellenika and more. And…if you’re a serious foodie hankering for exquisitely delectable tiny morsels that sing to your superior taste buds, you’ll be wanting to add a degustation or two into the mix.
From Japanese flavour bombs and clever Australian twists to traditional French fare, I’ve just made your life easy by rounding up 10 of our best degustation destinations worth your holiday dollars, starting with my absolute fave…
Rogue Bistro
NEWSTEAD
A block away from my home, the bolt hole for celebrations, the dark and brooding atmosphere at Rogue Bistro livens the senses to the culinary experience ahead. Immersed in their six-meal degustation menu that rotates monthly, features the freshest local and seasonal produce and epitomises perfect simplicity, and I’m in heaven. I also love that the menu caters to all dietary requirements, ensuring no one misses out.
Deer Duck Bistro
AUCHENFLOWER
Deep in the heart of Auchenflower you’ll find Deer Duck Bistro – this French Renaissance-inspired spot delivering a fine dining experience of delectable culinary delights.
Featuring five modern Australian and European degustation menus, there is something for every foodie (yes, including vegetarians). A quirky and artistic vibe, Deer Duck Bistro promises a renaissance of sound, sight, and taste! Oh yum!
Montrachet
BOWEN HILLS
Scratch that Parisian itch at Montrachet, one of our most acclaimed French restaurants offering a seasonal French menu both traditional and contemporary. Foie gras, lobster tartare anyone? Pair this with Beluga caviar and your favourite French wine. Montrachet’s tasting menu features a six-course meal, where you’ll enjoy flavourful yet delicate French cuisine from start to finish. Yet to experience this one as I just can’t move past their famous double baked crab and cheese souffle, however that caviar coupled with a delectable french wine is beckoning!
Exhibition Restaurant
BRISBANE CITY
Nestled under the streets of Brisbane City, Exhibition is an intimate 24-seat restaurant dishing up a rare multi-sensory dining experience. Exhibition takes inspiration from Japanese-style omakase and the highlight here is in the details – from the handmade cutlery to ceramics from Japanese artists, and cooking artefacts. Staying true to an ethos of simplicity and sustainability, the six-course degustation is as thoughtful as it is mind-blowing.
Joy Restaurant
FORTITUDE VALLEY
Joy epitomises the degustation menu, proving that great things really do come in small packages. The compact 10-seat restaurant holds a six-star culinary experience in its intimate omakase-style offering, lovingly served up by founding chefs Tim and Sarah Scott. Whereas other degustations are served under dim lighting with a moody ambience it’s all in the name here at Joy – a unique degustation experience that’s more quirky than imposing.
MOBILE
Fitted out to resemble Brisbane’s historic trams, this 12-seater restaurant welcomes passengers aboard at revolving locations around the city to a first-class dining carriage experience. Da Biuso serves Mediterranean-inspired fare, with a paired wine option curated from a glorious list of Italian drops – some of which are exclusively sourced for Da Biuso. The menu changes with the seasons, so expect the likes of oysters all’onda, a spritz cocktail with Australian scampi, and Tasmanian lamb in a balsamic bone reduction.
Bacchus
SOUTH BANK
Bacchus boasts opulence and timelessness with a venue and menu that are equally as divine as each other. Beloved by foodies Brisbane wide, this is impressive degustation dining.
A thoughtfully considered 11-course degustation menu, Bacchus will impress with its high-quality ingredients leaving you bursting at the seams after completing your journey of flavour and delight.
Takashiya
SOUTH BANK
Want to impress your guests? Takashiya’s omakase VIP room will definitely do the trick. Anintimate 12-person Japanese dining experience, Takashiya offers the best-of-the-best Japanese degustation with fish and wagyu coming all the way from the motherland. Omakase is a Japanese phrase referring to the trust between the chef and the customers – oh yes, you can trust revered chef Takashi Nami to treat you to a culinary adventure.
C’est Bon
WOOLLOONGABBA
The chef’s tasting menu at this heritage French institution guarantees you an experiencebursting with passion, dedication, and discovery. Whether you opt for the five-course or eight-course spread, each dish is imbued with a sense of sincerity sparked by a modern flair. Of course, the menu offers the perfect wine pairings to complement each flavour and take it to the next level.
IN HOUSE…
Ok, so you’d prefer to treat your travel buddies at your Air B&B? Make your next dinner party one to remember with an exquisite degustation thanks to the brilliant chefs at Cuisine on Cue. Course after course of high culinary art that scintillates the senses, each dish carefully selected and prepared to create a bespoke and memorable catering experience. A dedicated staff on hand to ensure your event is hassle-free. Enjoy!
As you know, I’m passionate about exploring the world and love to showcase the hidden gems on this blog. Well! Scratching an itchy foot while lamenting to my travel bud Jen about the drought between trips, the woman said, ‘Hon! You live in a city full of action, yet you don’t share any of those adventures?’ A Sydneysider having FOMO about the vibrancy of my hometown Brisbane? Unusual. She’s right, though.
