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10 Best Rooftop Bars in Brisbane for Sky-High Chilling
When we went on a vacation in Singapore, we stumbled upon a rooftop bar at a high-rise hotel. The view was mesmerizing and I knew then that I’d been missing out on Brisbane’s own rooftop bars. Why I’d never gone to one, I didn’t know!
Since then, I’ve spent some time locating the best rooftop bars in the city. Now I’m sharing my favorites, Brisbane’s best rooftop bars, with you.
Brisbane’s Best Rooftop Bars for Amazing Views
Valley Hops
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Address: Rooftop Brewery, 641 Ann St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006, Australia- See Map
Contact details: (07) 3114 7447
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday to Thursday – 12:00 PM- 3:00 PM; 5:00 PM- 9:00 PM
- Friday to Sunday- 12:00 PM- 9:00 PM
Price range: Average $40-60 per person
A cruisy rooftop oasis for years with lovely garden ornamentals. The place also has some stunning features like the metal arbours, a massive fire pit (for winter), and a fabulous lattice stained glass bar.
Aside from the spectacular view, the food here is superb. The wood-fired pizza has the perfect puffed crust and the onion dip is smoky. The burgers are also good, with moist beef patties and soft sesame-topped buns.
There’s a reasonable wine and spirit selection too!
| Pro tip: We recommend booking ahead if visiting on the weekend, especially during peak hours, because the rooftop fills up fast! |
Cicada Blu
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Address: Queens Wharf, 33 William St, Brisbane City QLD 4000, Australia- See Map
Website: Cicada Blu
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 3:00 PM- 10:00 PM
- Friday to Sunday- 12:00 PM- 12:00 AM
Price range: Average $20-40 per person
Cicada Blu’s open-air bar has the most unbeatable view stretching across Brisbane. Standing 100 meters above the ground, this bar is the highest I’ve been to.
To pair with this captivating view are their exotic cocktails, crafted with bold botanical infusions. We like their signature Mandarin Butterfly, which is a mix of Ron Zacapa, Napoleon mandarin liquor, lemon, balanced by the sweetness of honey. Also try their Sky High Fizz, which has a citrusy burst of yuzushu, peach, and the floral taste of rose water.
When the sun sets, the vibe shifts here. Enigmatic lighting installations start to pulse and glow, mimicking cloud formations and electrifying summer storms.
| Pro tip: Expect large crowds during peak hours. We suggest getting there earlier to avoid the long wait and secure a prime spot with the best views. |
Fiume
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Address: Level 3/5 Boundary St, Brisbane City QLD 4000, Australia- See Map
Contact details: (07) 3515 0700
Website: Fiume Rooftop Bar
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday to Thursday- 4:00 PM- 9:00 PM
- Friday- 4:00 PM- 10:00 PM
- Saturday to Sunday- 12:00 PM- 10:00 PM
Price range: Average $40 per person
The Fiume offers a spectacular view of the Howard Smith Wharves and the stunning architecture of the Story Bridge.
This urban oasis is one of my new favorite spots in Brisbane; very cosy, has a chic rooftop bar with an LA resort vibe, and an amazing selection of wine and cocktails. We tried the Pineapple Verde and Spiced Sunset when we went — both were unique and offered a perfect sip while watching the sun set over Brisbane.
I suggest you order a couple of light bites while sitting in the lounge next to the infinity pool. They have shucked oysters with lemon and mignonette sauce, calamari with Cajun seasoning, and fried pasta cannoli with espresso mascarpone and salted caramel.
The service staff are also amazing and do a fantastic job catering to your needs.
| Pro tip: Try their bottomless brunch, which is available only every Sunday. This includes a “Feed Me” banquet featuring some of their signature dishes and a 2-hour bottomless drink package. This costs $85 per person. |
Brisbane’s Best Rooftop Bars for Food and Drinks
Lina Rooftop
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Address: 80 Tribune St, South Brisbane QLD 4101, Australia- See Map
Contact details: 0439 999 870
Operating Hours:
Wednesday to Thursday- 11:00 AM- 10:00 PM
Friday to Sunday- 11:00 AM- 12:00 AM
Seating Capacity: 128
Price range: Average $40 per person
From casual dining to grand rooftop soirées, Lina Rooftop never fails to provide unforgettable experiences. It offers panoramic skyline views, tailored menus, and elevated service like no other.
This rooftop restaurant and pool bar takes inspiration from the Mediterranean coast and its beach clubs. Try their pool area and their cocktail creations when you want to chill a bit.
When you get hungry, go inside and experience the pavilion-style restaurant. The menu showcases the flavours of the ocean with fresh seafood options and seasonal ingredients.
Signature cocktails, quality wines, and premium spirits are also available in the bar, with each drink crafted to complement the venue’s elegant atmosphere.
| Pro tip: If you love live music and partying, this Rooftop paradise brings the smooth sound of live saxophone performances and DJs’ energetic beats every weekend. |
The Balfour Kitchen & Bar
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Address: 37 Balfour St, New Farm QLD 4005, Australia- See Map
Contact details: 07 3358 8888
Website: The Balfour Kitchen & Bar
Operating Hours:
Monday to Sunday- 7:00 AM- 9:00 PM
Tuesday to Saturday (Lunch & Dinner)
Price range: Average $100 per person
Regardless of how busy it gets, Balfour Kitchen & Bar is always very inviting and classy. It’s the place to go for a Vietnamese-inspired menu in a chic outdoor dining space and a rooftop bar with the friendliest and attentive staff.
When we went, we were able to sit in the courtyard, under the blossoming frangipani trees with illuminating fairy lights. The space had a relaxing atmosphere, and the food was absolutely delicious.
On their a la carte menu, we went with the Shark Bay scallop, elevated with a spicy and tangy tom yum emulsion. The pho-spiced lamb ribs were falling off the bone and paired with a fresh herb coconut yogurt.
To add a bit of crunch, we ordered the ginger and lime prawn crackers, which were seasoned well and fried to golden perfection.
For drinks, we popped by the rooftop bar where we had a fantastic view of the Story Bridge. We loved the Garden of Simla and Limoncello Spritz, by the way.
| Pro tip: There are only a few spots available for parking on site, so coming early will spare you the trouble of finding a nearby space to park in the streets, which can be difficult during peak hours. |
Best Rooftop Bars for Vibes and Atmosphere
Maya Mexican
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Address: 757 Ann St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006, Australia- See Map
Contact details: (07) 3067 7447
Website: MAYA
Operating Hours:
Wednesday to Sunday- 12:00 PM- 12:00 AM
Price range: Average $50 per person
Maya is probably one of my favorite dining spots and bars in the entirety of Brisbane now. It has the most insane view of the dazzling Central Business District.
Plus, its Mexican-inspired motif, with neutral tones and desert cacti displays, sets the vibe for a stunning dining and drinking experience.
The food here is top-notch, with elevated renditions of classic Mexican street food like the Carne Asada made from Ranger’s Valley rump cap. There’s also the Pez Braza, which is a moist, fresh grilled market fish.
Oh, and I can’t forget the Pincho de Camaron—an irresistible chargrilled tiger prawn coated with a spicy habanero glaze and prawn salt.
After grabbing a drink at the bar, go and relax in their oversized lounges at the lush rooftop courtyard. You can get classic Margaritas… but I actually recommend their Frozen Paloma. It’s Patron Silver, Pampelle, grapefruit, agave, and a hint of lime.
| Pro tip: This place offers a thoughtfully curated selection of drinks, including non-alcoholic cocktails. We recommend their Watermelon Aperitivo, Coconut Spicy, and Ammaretti Sour. For wine enthusiasts, there’s also a good selection from Australian wineries and international pours. |
The Terrace
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Address: Emporium Hotel South Bank, Level 21/267 Grey St, South Brisbane QLD 4101, Australia- See Map
Contact details: (07) 3556 3333
Website: The Terrace
Operating Hours:
Monday to Sunday- 6:30 AM- 12:00 AM
Price range: Average $75 per person
Located on the 21st floor of the Emporium Hotel, the Terrace offered us an amazing place to spend one late afternoon viewing the Brisbane skyline during the golden hour. We even had a clear view of Moreton Island!
Aside from the stunning sky-high views, this place also features a retractable ceiling with a glass roof, and an infinity pool, where we spent a few hours sightseeing the Brisbane River.
The all-day menu offers an à la carte option, available to hotel guests and the public. Everything that landed at our table was delicious, with standouts like the Miso Salmon Skewers, panko-crumbed squid with a zesty yuzu mayo, and the Korean marinated pork belly with a spicy daikon salad.
The carefully crafted signature cocktails were equally good. Make sure you order the French Martini and the Pavlova Fizz, which is a pavlova-inspired cocktail— a twist on the classic dessert.
| Pro tip: If you love to party, dance the night away at the Terrace Rooftop Bar on weekends. With live music and DJs, it’s the perfect spot to party with a cocktail or a chilled glass of French Champagne. |
Sunsets
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Address: 95 Linton St, Kangaroo Point QLD 4169, Australia- See Map
Contact details: 0475 229 525
Website: Sunsets
Operating Hours:
Thursday to Saturday- 1:00 PM- 10:00 PM
Sunday- 12:00 PM- 8:30 PM
Price range: Average $40-60 per person
Perched 17 floors up with a panoramic view like no other, Sunsets Rooftop takes you to a desert-inspired Mediterranean oasis. This rooftop bar is adorned with intricately woven tapestries and earthy tones that mirror the desert’s natural palette.
You can have delicious Mediterranean bites under the open sky while soaking in the breathtaking sunset. They do a lot of small plates and tapas.
We recommend the delectable Sunsets Portuguese tarts, which have a perfect contrast between the crispy exterior and the creamy filling. Also try the Crispy Baby Calamari.
They’ve also got a killer drinks list. We had their Desert Rose, a vibrant pink drink with a refreshing blend of tartness and sweetness. The Casa Paloma was also a hit, with the perfect concoction of bittersweet and a hint of fruity crispness.
| Pro tip: During game days at the Gabba, this place is usually super busy. The neighboring streets are also crowded, and almost all street parking spaces are occupied. We suggest riding public transport instead of driving. |
Brisbane’s Best Rooftop Bars for an Instagram-Worthy Experience
Iris Rooftop
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Address: Atop Hotel X, 458 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006, Australia- See Map
Contact details: (07) 3131 8999
Website: Iris Rooftop
Operating Hours:
Tuesday- 4:00 PM- late
Wednesday to Sunday- 11:30 AM- late
Price range: Average $80 per person
From sunset to starlight, Iris is the place to be. We’ve had a couple of lunches at this place now and the view with the Story Bridge in the background has always been spectacular.
It can get a bit warm in the summer, but you can opt for the covered area of the restaurant, which offers comfortable shade without obstructing the skyline view.
They do Mediterranean-inspired dishes with beautiful presentation and depth of flavor. One of my favorites is the Bistec en Salsa, a beef bachelor MBS3 sirloin with salsa escabeche and beef fat vinaigrette.
The Seafood Paella is also a must-try dish loaded with seafood flavor and the largest prawns I have ever eaten.
For the drinks, we recommend the “Champagne-elevated” twists on the classics like the Champagne Mojito and Rich Hugo Spritz.
| Pro tip: If you’re looking for a substantial meal to go along with your cocktails, we recommend going here every Sunday for the Sun Club Bottomless Brunch. |
Soko Rooftop
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Address: Level 14/7 Symes St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006, Australia- See Map
Contact details: 0412 648 597
Website: Soko Rooftop
Operating Hours:
Monday to Tuesday- 12:00 PM- 3:00 PM
Wednesday to Thursday- 12:00 PM- 3:00 PM; 5:00 PM- 12:00 AM
Friday to Sunday- 11:00 AM- 12:00 AM
Price range: Average $60-80 per person
Perched high above Fortitude Valley is this lush, Amazonian-inspired escape atop the stunning glass tower that once housed the historic Jubilee Hotel.
The space itself is striking, living up to the buzz as Brisbane’s premier rooftop dining spot. The open terrace surrounded by garden beds has a spectacular view, and the greenhouse-style pavilion adds a touch of jungle drama and sophistication to our dining experience.
Their menu is a creative fusion of Peruvian and Japanese cuisines. From the crispy, Garlic-laced Calamari Nanban Age to the juicy Karaage Chicken with yuzu mayo, every bite is packed with flavor. The ceviche lima is also a showstopper, with fresh kingfish.
The Mango Togarashi Margarita and the Machu Picchu are the must-try cocktails, by the way.
| Pro tip: SOKO boasts a lineup of over 40 Pisco Sours that you’ve got to try. The main ingredient is the Pisco, which is a Peruvian spirit made by distilling fermented grape juice. We recommend the passionfruit version, made with Barsol Acholado, fresh lime juice, and aquafaba. |
