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Thanks to the best Portside Wharf restaurants in Brisbane, I’ve never wined and dined more exquisitely!
There’s something about the water that makes food taste more delicious and the ambiance more elegant. It’s something I discovered when I trooped down with some co-workers to the Portside Wharf commercial hub in Brisbane.
Being people, we got hungry fast after all the walking, and it’s a decently sized place. The hardest part for us was picking where to eat with all the dizzying options assaulting our senses.
So if you’re planning to go down the same route, know that we’ve done most of the walking for you. We’ve listed down the best restaurants in Portside Wharf to shorten your search for the best riverside dining experience this side of Brisbane.
Sono Japanese Restaurant
Media Credit: sono_restaurant
Website: https://sonorestaurant.com.au/
Address: 39 Hercules St, Hamilton QLD 4007, Australia
Contact details: +61 7 3268 6655
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday, 5:30–9:30 PM
- Friday to Sunday, 12–2:30 PM, 5:30–10 PM
Pricing: $$
Quite possibly the most atmospheric and romantic spot in Portside Wharf, Sono Japanese Restaurant is one for the books. It takes advantage of the fact that its side of the Brisbane River is pristine.
As you can expect, they serve all manners of masterful Japanese cuisine here from sushi to sashimi. Don’t be afraid to ask for instructions on how to eat particular plates if it’s your first time; they’ll happily teach you.
The presentation here is top-notch and this is where you go for the most special occasions– assuming that special occasions call for Japanese cuisine.
The Teppanyaki grill is something to behold, and I was also surprised that they have a gluten-free and vegetarian menu. I definitely recommend the grilled eel as it’s not something you get to eat every day.
In any case, you’ll find no seafood fresher and more expertly prepared than the ones in Sono Japanese Restaurant.
Additionally, if you have a big group, Sono can hold an event with seating for up to 150 people and up to 200 overall guests. Banquet options at that point can get pricey, however, so make sure to ask thoroughly.
Pro tip:
Their parking slots are only free for two hours. If you want better free parking, look for other street spots around Portside Wharf.
Fosh Bar & Restaurant
Media Credit: fosh.portside
Website: https://www.foshportside.com.au/
Address: 39 Hercules St, Hamilton QLD 4007, Australia
Contact details: +61 7 3211 8111
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday, 11 AM–9 PM
Pricing: $$
For more familiar Western cuisine cravings, Fosh Bar & Restaurant has everything from steaks to soup. They might have the majestic yet minimalist views of Sono Japanese Restaurant but they also serve seafood such as oysters.
They apparently catch their seafood and serve it within 24 hours, so don’t let that effort and production line go to waste. Try out the sturgeon caviar for sure to sample the freshness.
If you want something less exotic, then the Mooloolaba King Prawns are to die for. Also, don’t worry as they also serve spaghetti and even Wagyu Burger if you have certain considerations or cravings.
The ambiance is more casual here and not likely to intimidate visitors who are just looking for something less complicated. At the same time, the restaurant can still pass for a fine dining experience. It’s like having the best of both worlds.
As for the food, it’s hard to pick favorites. I daresay you ought to try them all, meaning you might want to keep coming back to sample every single dish on the menu. It’s that good. A little pricey, of course.
If you’re coming in as a couple, I suggest the Three Kings Banquet as it’s a good course sampler. Meanwhile, if you bring over your family, don’t be afraid to ask for Private Rooms or seaside tables, they also host parties.
Pro tip:
You might want to pre-order the seafood on their website so it arrives faster once you’re there.
Byblós
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Website: http://www.byblosbar.com.au/brisbane
Address: 39 Hercules St, Hamilton QLD 4007, Australia
Contact details: +61 7 3268 1998
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday, 11:30 AM–10:30 PM
- Friday to Sunday, 11:30 AM–11 PM
Pricing: $$
If there’s one thing the Greeks and Italians know well, it’s dining along waterfronts. The Mediterranean Sea prepared them for that. And if you want to experience that kind of comfort, Byblós is here to accommodate you.
Their specialty, of course, is Mediterranean cuisine– mostly Greek food. There’s a healthy selection here of salads, grilled meats, bread, and yogurt, as expected.
You might as well order the rarest type of meat you can find, and for me, it is the Kibbeh Nayeh, which is raw lamb. Surprisingly, the raw lamb was tastier than I thought.
Byblós has normal cooked food, of course, such as chicken wings. I just felt a little more adventurous back then.
Truth be told, Byblós is one of the few places in Portside Wharf where you can pig out but still feel healthy with how balanced the meals are. They’re presented beautifully as well, with lots of greens, reds, and browns. Everything looks natural yet familiar.
Make sure to sit in the outdoor dining areas to complete the whole Greek Isles lunch vibe. As for the event packages, Byblós can accommodate up to 220 seated guests and 300 if some of them are content with standing.
Pro tip:
They might occasionally change their menus so always check their website before planning a visit.
H Cafe & Bar
Media Credit: hcafeandbar
Website: https://hcafeandbar.com.au/
Address: Shop 2/35A Hercules St, Hamilton QLD 4007, Australia
Contact details: +61 434 090 789
Operating hours: Monday to Saturday, Open 24/7
Pricing: $
It’s not fancy or complex, but the H Cafe & Bar feels like home. They have simple food, from breakfast sausages and eggs to burgers. However, I find that it’s easy to crave their stuff while you’re nursing a mild hangover.
Everything they serve feels like a spoonful of home cooking. Lots of fried stuff, by the way, so not ideal for anyone too health-conscious.
In fact, H Cafe and Bar even has its extra menu allowing you to create your own dish, which you can probably record for convenience the next time you’re around.
Now, since I’m a fan of fresh seafood, I will recommend the Fergus Granville or their salmon dish. However, more standard comfort foods like scrambled eggs with bacon and chorizo, which they aptly call Zen, are also available.
Sadly, the place isn’t that big for parties or events, so you might want to take your group to some other place bigger for a special occasion.
Still, with the serving portions and the pricing, it’s one of the more appealing restaurants in Portside Wharf. Since it’s a bar, you can also drink here and order their food afterward to saturate all the alcohol in your system.
Pro tip:
There’s a flower store outside in case you want someone to think you’re a spontaneous romantic.
Aamaya Indian Restaurant
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Website: https://aamaya.com.au/
Address: 11/39 Hercules St, Hamilton QLD 4007, Australia
Contact details: +61 7 3268 6787
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday, 5–9:30 PM
Pricing: $
Aamaya Indian Restaurant further reinforces what’s beautiful in Portside Wharf. The diversity of cultures here practically makes it a melting pot of human experiences and stories. This is Indian food at its finest in the commercial hub.
They have no shortage of vegan options and the pricing is highly thoughtful and affordable, do try out their Paneer Tikka Masala for a nice substitute. If you’re brave enough, you might want to try some of the more stable curries and spicy dishes.
Even Aamaya’s standard Butter Chicken will have you coming back for seconds. Pair the curry with their signature Coconut Rice and you have yourself a simple yet lovely dish that you likely won’t tire of.
You will have to ask them for specific promotions, events, and parties because the place isn’t that big though it looks spacious enough for a decent-sized extended family.
If you’re not familiar with Indian cuisine, you will be after electing to eat here because of how welcoming everyone is. It’s by far the best Indian restaurant in Portside bar naan.
Pro tip:
Their parking is free for 3 hours. Also, make sure to check in during Mondays or Wednesdays for specials and themed discounts.
Rise Bakery Portside Wharf
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Website: http://www.risebakery.com.au/
Address: Shop 7.01F/39 Hercules St, Hamilton QLD 4007, Australia
Contact details: +61 434 132 995
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday, 7 AM–4 PM
Pricing: $
If you prefer your food lighter and fluffier, Rise Bakery Portside Wharf is what we recommend. Don’t be fooled by the bakery tag, they have meat pies, sandwiches, and other nutritionally complete pastries that count as lunches or even dinners.
Don’t sleep on their Chicken Pie if you want a light yet savory meal. Afterward, you can try out the cake, of course. Rise Bakery is also quite prominent for its Chocolate and Cheese Croissant for a small bite of Paris.
For beverages, you can try their highly harmonic coffee which goes well with all the bread and surprisingly, they have wine.
It’s a more quiet environment filled with morning people and those who want a casual and friendly chat. This one’s situated away from the Brisbane River, so don’t expect waterfront lunch or dining.
Moreover, the place is a patisserie first and foremost, so the events and private gatherings are considered on a case-to-case basis. You will have to contact them for additional information.
Pro tip:
They currently don’t offer vegan options or gluten-free options, but it’s something they’re considering for the future. Keep that in mind.
Mademoiselle Restaurant
Media Credit: mademoiselle.restaurant
Website: https://mademoisellerestaurant.com.au/
Address: shop 9.5/39 Hercules St, Hamilton QLD 4007, Australia
Contact details: +61 466 801 777
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday, 11:30 AM–3 PM, 5–9:30 PM’
- Friday to Saturday, 11:30 AM–3 PM, 5–10 PM
Pricing: $$
But of course, what kind of waterfront dining enthusiasts would we be if we ignored French cuisine? Croissant and baguettes on the riverside is a Parisian staple, after all, and Mademoiselle Restaurant promises that and more.
The French restaurant chain has since found its way to Brisbane and is in a prime location nonetheless.
To get a full view of just how masterful their chefs are (or the chaos and drama of the kitchen), you can actually request to be seated in front of the kitchen pass.
The Steak Frites and the octopus dishes are some of their best, but I wouldn’t ignore the sardines dish. You’ll be surprised by how much they turned bland fish into something worthy of a Michelin star.
Mademoiselle Restaurant’s French tag isn’t just for pageantry. Apart from the usual stereotypical French food, they also have some of the more obscure dishes that only those waist-deep in the culture will know. That’s how authentic they are.
I couldn’t even pronounce the name of some of the food I was eating. Still, the more important part is that everything I ordered here was delicious because I sure as heck won’t be able to pronounce or remember their names perfectly.
I recommend checking their website and booking reservations, however, as walk-ins might not be ideal.
Pro tip:
They offer private dining rooms for special occasions or if you’re too conscious of your fine dining etiquette.
Burrito Bar Portside
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Website: https://burritobar.com.au/
Address: Portside Wharf 9, 4 9/39 Hercules St, Hamilton QLD 4007, Australia
Contact details: +61 7 3638 8652
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday, 10 AM–9 PM
- Sunday to Saturday, 11 AM–9 PM
Pricing: $
Fancy a Mexican feast? Well, we did say Portside Wharf is a melting pot, right? Burrito Bar Portside is where you sate that kind of craving.
I usually start off with Taquitos, maybe some Guacamole & Corn Chips if I’m having a cheat meal. Then, always pick one of the wrapped items on the menu, like the Rollitos or Enchiladas.
They have authentic tacos at the very least, with soft shells, so no need to worry. Burrito Bar isn’t just a fancy Taco Bell. At the same time, Burrito Bar also serves some experimental food such as cheese fries and buffalo wings with their special glaze.
To keep that spicy and tangy food company, you can even try out some of the Mexican liquor they have at the bar. You can worry about your stomach later, it’s not often you get a taste of Mexico on a riverside.
Make sure to go on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays if you’re looking for big discounts. Some menu items like the Taco on Mondays can go for as low as $2.95 and come with a drink.
Now, if you find yourself eating here often, go ahead and ask for the Burrito Bar Loyalty program where each individual can be rewarded for picking the restaurant often enough.
Pro tip:
Ask about their loyalty reward and accompanying phone app to receive discounts and gifts.
Uncle Wang Chinese
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Website: https://unclewangchinese.com.au/
Address: T2, The Barracks Shopping Centre, 61 Petrie Terrace, QLD 4000, Australia
Contact details: +61 7 3220 1445
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday, 11:30 AM–2:30 PM, 5–8:30 PM
- Friday to Saturday, 11:30 AM–2:30 PM, 5–9 PM
- Sunday, 5–8:30 PM
Pricing: $$
Uncle Wang Chinese specializes in giving you some of the most commonly eaten dishes of the Orient. It’s a relatively new and hidden gem in Portside Wharf, but the reviews are stellar and the food will make any Chinese grandmother proud.
It will also amaze anyone who’s more into fine dining as the restaurant’s setup looks alluringly comfy. It’s a balanced fusion of traditional and modern Chinese interiors.
The food is just about everything you like in Chinese cuisine from Xiao Long Bao to their own take on the Char Siu pork belly. The restaurant also serves some of the more traditional Chinese dishes like Peking Duck and even tofu for vegans.
You’re in luck if you want a party because Uncle Wang loves hosting events and parties. Just make a phone call and don’t forget to ask about guest capacity. The restaurant can accommodate all manners of special occasions.
Additionally, if you bring a small family or at least three other guests, make sure to do so on Sunday, Monday, or Tuesday because they have the Early Week banquet program. The 4-person banquet only costs $35, which is a steal if you ask me.
Pro tip:
If you have a group of four, you can ask for the Early Week Banquet Special which runs from Sunday to Tuesday.
Gusto da Gianni
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Website: http://www.gustodagianni.com/
Address: Portside Wharf Remora Road Hamilton, Hamilton QLD 4007, Australia
Contact details: +61 7 3868 2011
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday, 11:30 AM–9:30 PM
- Sunday, 11:30 AM–8:30 PM
Pricing: $$
Last but not least, here’s our obligatory Italian option for Portside Wharf. Gusto da Gianni is among some of the most decorated restaurants in the area and you’ll want to go here for the pasta and the pizza.
The Italian restaurant has a dizzying variety of pasta and the pizza is more or less authentic, mind you. Though they do have some of the more American-Italian combinations for the more modern palate. Quite versatile if you ask me.
Now, while pizzas and pastas are the main attraction, I wouldn’t recommend skipping the pork belly and other deli meats. They’re all savory and not dry at all.
Functions and wedding hostings are also available in Gusto da Gianni and the place is spacious enough for large events.
Apart from offering you a good view of the Brisbane River, Gusto da Gianni also has dancers and entertainers during certain dinner nights to make the atmosphere more lively.
Pro tip:
Ask about the Cocktail and Beverage Food Packages, those can come in handy if you bring a large group.
