A Foodie's Guide to Fortitude Valley

Bursting at the seams with rooftop bars, refined fine dining establishments, and quirky late-night eateries, Fortitude Valley offers the full spectrum when it comes to eating and drinking. Plus, with a consistently growing number of places popping up all the time, as The Valley continues to transform itself, whatever you're feeling you're sure to stumble across it in The Valley.

For all the other must-try foodie spots in Brisbane beyond Fortitude Valley:

For accommodation in Fortitude Valley read about my stay at The Calile Hotel and Hotel X Fortitude Valley

MAYA MEXICAN | ann street

Taking its namesake and inspiration from the Maya region of Mexico, Maya is a sophisticated Mexican restaurant and rooftop bar which celebrates the best of Queensland. Following a significant makeover, the space which once occupied Eleven Rooftop Bar has been completely transformed, now possessing a striking, all-white palette blended with stone, marble and timber, fringed with lush greenery and desert cactus galore, all designed to transport guests to the balmy coastal regions of Mexico.

With a greater focus on sit-down dining and a share-style menu which features contemporary renditions of traditional Mexican street fare using the freshest Australian produce, Maya is undoubtedly a dining destination in it’s own right. Though with a handpicked selection of highland tequilas, artisanal mezcals and innovative cocktails as well as live performances by musicians and DJ’s when the sunsets, Maya is still a place to drink and party too.

For the best places to drink sky high in Brisbane view Brisbane’s Best Rooftop Bars

View Maya’s food menu and drinks menu.

757 Ann St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006

Open 5 Days Wednesday - Sunday Midday - Late

WHAT WAS ORDERED:

ESQUITES Spiced corn croquettes, cotija cheese, chipotle and lime creme.

PORK BELLY Twice cooked, spiced arbol corn puree, pickled radish, apple, fennel.

CALAMARI Chargrilled squid, pickled kolhrabi, jalapeno and lime aioli.

AL PASTOR Braised pork shoulder, pineapple, pickled red onion, cilantro, crackling.

MAYA MARGARITA CAKE Tequila lime creme, candied almonds, chilli salt and vanilla ice cream.

NUEVA VIDA Beefeater gin, peach, lemon myrtle agave, mandarin, guava, lime and bitters.

LOST IN TRANSLATION Kaffiffir Lime Infused Vodka, Peach, White Vermouth, Lemon Myrtle, Agave, Soda

MAMACITA Beefeater Gin, Crème De Cassis, Morita, Juniper, Strawberry, Vanilla, Lemon, Whites.

SAme same | james street

Stroll down Ada Lane, across the road from The Calile Hotel and you’ll find sAme sAme restaurant, a stunning, minimalist 90-seat Thai restaurant. Previously known as ‘Longtime’, which is now exclusively available for functions, sAme sAme opened its doors in early November 2019. An elegant take on street-inspired Thai food is what you can expect from the restaurant’s food menu and you can enjoy it at a stool by the window whilst people watching, at one of the long communal tables, or rather by the open kitchen.

View sAme sAme’s menu.

46 James St, Fortitude Valley QLD

Open 7 Days 5.30pm - 10.00pm (Friday - Sunday open from 12-3pm also)

WHAT WAS ORDERED:

LONGTIME CHICKEN BURGER with house smoked sriracha and crispy garlic.

BETEL LEAF with grilled chilli pork, coconut relish, watermelon, peanuts.

SOFT SHELL CRAB BAO ROLL with chilli tamarind, coriander, spring onion and mayo.

CURRY Coconut and turmeric curry of QLD king prawns, kaffir lime leaf.

ONE IN A MELON Beefeater gin, sAme sAme liqueur, watermelon, lemon, soda.

THAI THAI’S MARGARITA Olmeca Plata Tequila, lime, agave, green chilli and kampot pepper.

LONG BOAT, LITTLE MAN Absolut vodka, strawberry, rhubarb, Thai basil, lime and soda.

agnes | agnes street

Situated in an old brick warehouse in an undiscovered corner of Fortitude Valley, Agnes was arguably Brisbane’s hottest, most anticipated new opening of 2020. As ever since opening in August, Agnes has been practically booked out every single night. One reason for this is its uniqueness as a restaurant. As a wood-fired bistro, the restaurant uses no electricity, no gas, only fire to cook all its food, and with an open kitchen, every diner has a front-row seat to the drama and spectacle which happens when cooking over fire. If like me you haven’t yet been able to secure a table in the main restaurant or you’re simply looking for a drink and bite to eat, I recommend heading up to Agnes’ open-air terrace which is for walk-ins only.

View Agnes’ sample menu.

22 Agnes St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006

Open 5 Days Tuesday - Saturday 5.00pm - 10.00pm (Friday & Saturday opens 12.00pm-3.00pm)

WHAT WAS ORDERED:

MALTED SOURDOUGH with smoked cultured butter.

SCARLET PRAWN DOUGHNUT with Vietnamese mint and sorrel.

FRANCESCA’S SPRITZ Poor toms strawberry gin, strawberry, thyme, lemon, soda.

savile row | ann street

Although located on bustling Ann Street, in the beating heart of Fortitude Valley, you would never know Savile Row exists if you weren’t looking - I’ve walked past it literally hundreds of times before! Hiding in plain sight, with no signage at all, keep a lookout for the orange door as what lays behind it is simply extraordinary. Inspired by the style and class of the famous strip of central London in which the bar is named after, immediately obvious by its grand surrounds, particularly the incredible chandelier which glows above the bar, Savile Row is the perfect place to begin your night out with some fine tailored drinking.

Take your pick from 20 different carefully crafted cocktails, or if you’d like something more customised, simply let one of the bartenders know - Savile Row strong believes in catering to everyone’s needs, and with a staggering 900 spirits on offer (as well as 20 rotating wines, draft beer and a full bridge of sherries and amaro), and a little guidance you’re sure to find something to your liking! Savile Row offers intimate seating for couples, large booths suited for groups and casual standing areas for more social gatherings and with corners of the venue providing great views of the bar’s staggering spirit selection and skilled bartenders working fervently behind the classic wide-scape bar.

667 Ann St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006

Open 7 Days 5.00pm - 3.00am

WHAT WAS ORDERED:

A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE Spearmint Infused Ciroc Vodka, Strawberry and Rose, Citrus, Vermouth.

DIRTY SULTAN | constance street

A splendid Turkish-inspired rooftop bar atop Tryp Hotel, featuring day beds, exotic cocktails, delicious Middle Eastern mezze, and a secret shisha lounge, Dirty Sultan is the latest rooftop bar to open in Brisbane. Having visited the space before (previously occupied by Up on Constance) and distinctively remembering leaving disappointed, my expectations were low, though was pleasantly surprised and impressed with the new offering. Whilst still quite a small area, the space has been completely transformed to make you feel as if you’ve just arrived in Turkey. The cocktail selection is vast and all feature Middle Eastern-inspired flavours and the Turkish street food menu has been designed for sharing.

For the best places to drink sky high in Brisbane view Brisbane’s Best Rooftop Bars

View Dirty Sultan’s food menu and cocktail menu.

18 Constance St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006

Open 7 Days 7.00am - 10.00am (Thursday - Sunday also open from 2.00pm- 1.00am)

WHAT WAS ORDERED:

SANA Bombay Sapphire, Joesph Cartron lychee, Luxardo Maraschino, Turkish cherry nectar, lemon and topped with Turkish soda.

THREE CHEESE CIGAR BOREK (Turkish Spring Roll ) Mozzarella, feta and cheddar cheese, filo pastry and lemon aioli.

Bianca | james street

From the masterminds behind some of the city’s best, most popular restaurants (sAme sAme, Honto, Agnes), Bianca was made out of a desire to bring the captivating and enrapturing effervescence of a classic Italian trattoria to Brisbane. With a focus on perfecting simple, classic Italian dishes with a nod to the Australian climate and dining sphere, you can expect dishes which hero the freshest, in-season produce. Plus, creating their own pastas, breads and cheeses, all in house, it really doesn’t get any fresher.

View Bianca’s menu.

46 James St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006

Open 7 Days 5.00pm - 10.00pm (Friday - Sunday open from Midday)

WHAT WAS ORDERED:

GAMBERI with burnt butter, caper, parsley.

PORCHETTA ALLA ROMANA

PAPPARDELLE LAMB RAGÙ

BOMBOLINI stuffed with pistachio gelato.

SI…ER CORRECTO Malty Originale Gin, Apricot, Rosemary, Lemon, Whites

SK STEAK & OYSTER | JAMES STREET

Situated on the ground floor of The Calile Hotel, SK Steak & Oyster, as its name suggests, is all about top-notch steak and quality, fresh seafood. Beginning the meal with a glass complimentary champagne - a pleasant surprise and the restaurant’s way of welcoming back diners following their reopening - followed by a cocktail titled ‘La La Land’, a delicious and indulgent lobster risotto, and finally concluding the meal with the restaurant’s signature strawberry cake; it was the perfect way to celebrate another university semester coming to an end. Beyond the food, the restaurant’s interior is also stunning, with high ceilings, intimate booths, an open-plan kitchen, an oyster-shucking station, a curved bar, a large open cabinet displaying hanging dry-aged beef and duck, and even a baby grand piano.

For overnight accommodation read about my stay at The Calile Hotel

View SK Steak & Oyster’s food menu and bar menu.

48 James St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006

Open 5 Days Tuesday - Saturday 5.30pm - Midnight (Friday open for lunch as well from Midday - 3.00pm)

WHAT WAS ORDERED:

LOBSTER RISOTTO Southern Tasmanian Rock lobster with crustacean bisque.

SK STRAWBERRY CAKE

LA LA LAND White rum, Maraschino, pineapple and grenadine.

iris | BRUNSWICK street

Ride the elevator to the top of Hotel X and you’ll not only find the property’s pool, but Iris, a gorgeous rooftop bar and restaurant that offers breathtaking views of Brisbane’s skyline. Whereas the property’s signature restaurant downstairs (Bisou Bisou) is all about France, Iris is Mediterranean-inspired - the coast from Beirut to Barcelona - with its food and drinks menu and decor reflective of this, with standout dishes including barbecue pork rib pinchos, red claw crayfish tails with smoked chorizo butter and spiced toothfish tacos.

For the best places to drink sky high in Brisbane view Brisbane’s Best Rooftop Bars

For overnight accommodation read about my stay at Hotel X Fortitude Valley

View Iris’ menu.

458 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley

Open 7 Days 11.30am - Midnight (Friday & Saturday open till 3.00am)

WHAT WAS ORDERED:

CROQUETTES Serrano Jamon and manchego.

TOFFEE APPLE CHURROS TART with Fior di latte ice cream.

PINK PINA COLADA Coconut, Pineapple, Bacardi Carta Blanca, Aperol, Pink Grapefruit.

BEATRIX | BRUNSWICK street

Hiding behind an unassuming red door in California Lane, you’ll find Beatrix, a Tarantino-inspired bar and kitchen offering a delicious selection of share-style Japanese-Mexican eats and a range of OTT cocktails. Seating only 19 diners at any one time, Beatrix is a moody, intimate space ideal for couples.

View Beatrix’s menu.

356 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006

Open 5 Days Wednesday - Sunday 5.00pm - Midnight

WHAT WAS ORDERED:

CHARLIE BROWN POPCORN CAULI Cauliflower Popcorn, Spiced Miso, Sesame, Soy Mayo.

BOSS TANAKA POTSTICKERS Hand Made Brisket Potstickers, Seared, Ponzu Sauce, Micro-Coriander.

BEATRIX: 4 YEARS ON ICE “What’s her condition? Comatose.” Peach Liqueur, Vodka, Strawberry Puree, Lime, Simple Syrup, Light Bulb, Fresh Mint, Mist.

AMARETTO SOUR

Mr Mista | ANN street

Despite its location on busy Ann Street in the Valley, you’d be forgiven for walking straight past Mr. Mista - chances are you already have on multiple occasions - as the minimal amount of signage, lack of windows, and overall nondescript entrance means it does an excellent job of camouflaging itself. Upon entering you’ll find a surprisingly large, moody, dimly lit space. During the day and early evening, Mr. Mista is a place to come to ‘chow down, drink up’, as the pink neon-lit sign reads as you enter, which means, specifically, sip L.A. inspired cocktails, all named after A-List Hollywood stars, and enjoy pan-Asian-style share plates. Once the sun has well and truly set and the moon is high in the sky (around 10pm) the tables and chairs are cleared from the main dining area, the disco lights come on, the DJ turns it up and Mr. Mista, in a blink of an eye transforms into a pumping nightclub.

View Mr Mista’s food menu and cocktail menu.

757 Ann St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006

Open 5 Days Tuesday - Saturday 11.30am - Midnight (Friday & Saturday open till 3.00am)

WHAT WAS ORDERED:

A4 TROPICAL BAO SLIDER Chicken karaage, caramelised pineapple, coriander, sriracha mayo.

PRINCE Belvedere vodka pure, blue curacao, cranberry, pineapple. Shaken, served long strained over ice.

X Cargo | mclachlan street

A relatively recent addition to Brisbane’s ever-evolving bar and nightlife scene, X Cargo is a multi-purpose and multi-level entertainment venue unlike any other. As its name suggests, this expansive al fresco rooftop bar is made from shipping containers and features individually designed bars, outdoor dining, and an open-air beer garden. X Cargo is open all day and all night, seven days a week, so, whether you’re grabbing a bite to eat for lunch mid-week or planning to party hard with mates on a Saturday night, X Cargo is the place. However, saying this, X Cargo really comes alive at night - you simply cannot beat the atmosphere late on a Friday or Saturday night.

View X Cargo’s menu.

37 McLachlan St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4005

Open 7 Days 7.30am - 10.00pm (Friday & Saturday open till 1.00am)

oche | constance street

Named after the term used to denote the line which throwing players must stand behind in the game of darts, Oche - pronounced ‘ockey’ - represents Brisbane’s, and in fact Australia’s first dedicated darts bar. Housed within the 115-year-old, heritage-listed Old Flour Mill Building, Oche has effectively brought the old-age game of darts into the 21st century, with all of Oche’s 14 booths equipped with an electronic version of a traditional dartboard with automatically keeps score. You can reserve a booth for a total of 85 minutes at a time, during which you can play a range of different types of games which cater to all skill levels - beginners, intermediate and advanced dart players - and best of all drink and eat delicious food. All the food on Oche’s menu has been designed to be able to be eaten without cutlery, so you can have a dart in one hand, and a Chilli Peanut Chicken Bun (my personal favourite) in the other!

View Oche’s menu.

111 Constance St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006

Open 7 Days Midday - Midnight

WHAT WAS ORDERED:

CHILLI PEANUT CHICKEN BUNS House peanut butter, lettuce, fermented chilli, lemongrass.

TACOS Wagyu tartare, roasted chilli, confit onion, huitlacoche; pan-seared Queensland scallop, guacamole, lime; Thai chicken, kaffir lime, coconut cream; smoked eggplant, labne, mint.

HUMMUS with Turkish red butter, pita chips, fermented chilli.

FRIED SCHOOL PRAWNS with tom yum dust.

HUMMUS Chickpeas, tahini, garlic, olive oil, fresh garlic bread.

CRISPY SQUID Crispy squid, kewpie mayonnaise, lemon myrtle.

PEPPERONI PIZZA Mozzarella, n’juda, pepperoni.

PORNSTAR MARTINI Belvedere Vodka, passoa, lime, passionfruit, bubbles.

RASPBERRY SOUR Tanqueray Gin, raspberry syrup, lemon, aquafaba.

eterna | ann street

Tucked down a laneway at the very top of Ann Street, you’ll find Eterna. Opening in July 2020, Eterna has brought traditional roman cuisine to the heart of Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley. Honouring the quintessential Roman experience, Eterna’s food, inspired and drawn from the history of Testaccio Market - one of Rome’s oldest, most loved foodie markets - balances simplicity and complexity. One glance at Eterna’s menu and it becomes clear it is all about simple food, done well, with Italian classics like Carbonara, Gnocchi, Ciaccio e Pepe, Arrabbiata, Amatriciana, Porchetta and Tiramisu all featuring.

View Eterna’s menu.

610 Ann St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006

Open 5 Days Tuesday - Saturday 5.00pm - Midnight (Friday & Saturday open till 1.00am)

WHAT WAS ORDERED:

SUPPLI AL TELEFONO Fried rice croquettes dressed with tomato sauce and a heart of melted mozzarella cheese.

GNOCCHI ALLA VACCINARA Homemade potato gnocchi tossed with slow cooked braised oxtail ragu.

PACCHERO DI GRAGNANO PASTA sauteed with Moreton Bay bugs and clams, dressed with a chilli seafood bisque.

bisou bisou | BRUNSWICK street

Sitting on the ground floor of Hotel X, Bisou Bisou - French for kiss kiss - is the latest addition to the Ghanem Group, the brains behind Blackbird, Byblos, Donna Chang, Boom Boom Room Izakaya, and Fortitude Valley’s newest French brasserie and aperitivo bar. With a French-inspired menu, stunning, luxurious decor and revolutionary cocktails, Bisou Bisou has been designed to evoke the sensation that Paris inspires… and it does!

For overnight accomodation read about my stay at Hotel X Fortitude Valley

View Bisou Bisou’s menus.

458 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley

Open 7 Days 6.30am - Late

WHAT WAS ORDERED:

SMOKED SALMON served on potato rosti with horseradish crème fraîche.

LING LINGs | BRUNSWICK street

Inspired by the hustle and bustle of South Asia, Ling Ling’s is Brisbane’s home of late-night Asian, located on the basement level of the building which much-loved Heya Bar use to occupy, along busy Brunswick Street. Opening at the beginning of 2020, Ling Ling’s is the one-stop shop to satisfy your senses with an abundance of contemporary pan Asian street food, soup bowl cocktails, craft beers and more. Ling Ling’s kitchen is open until late so you can indulge in a spread of dim sum and Asian goodness until the wee hours of the morning. In terms of food, one can expect street food delicacies just like Ma’ used to make, with the bar’s contemporary, pan-Asian menu, designed for sharing, reminiscent of the street food hawker markets found throughout Asia made with fresh, local produce. To drink, there is both classic favourites and unique originals - premium wines and beer towers to soup bowl cocktails and teapot delights.

View Ling Ling’s food menu and drinks menu.

351 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006

Open 5 Days Wednesday - Sunday 6.00pm - Late (Sunday opens at 4.30pm)

WHAT WAS ORDERED:

EMPEROR’S TOAST King prawn toast with black garlic mayonnaise.

Hellenika | james street

Hellenika, the signature poolside restaurant at The Calile Hotel on James Street offers some of the best authentic Greek cuisine in town. The poolside restaurant offers indoor and al fresco dining – you even have the option of dining in a poolside cabana - as the restaurant spills out to overlook the glistening waters of The Calile’s resort-style pool. Featuring a menu that encourages sharing means you’re able to order and try multiple of the mouth-watering dishes on offer, which is great because there are many! A personal favourite would have to be the Greek classic, the Spanakopita, however, you cannot go past the Eggplant Moussaka either.

For overnight accommodation read about my stay at The Calile Hotel

View Hellenika’s restaurant menu and breakfast menu.

48 James St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006

Open 7 Days 6.30am - Late

WHAT WAS ORDERED:

BACON & EGGS Streaky bacon, olive oil fried eggs with toast.

HAPPY BOY | EAST STREET

After hearing only good things about Happy Boy for a while I was excited to finally visit and sample a selection of their food. Making it just in time before they closed, we ordered the pork belly, roast duck, and ‘little burger’, which was Taiwanese fried chicken in a milk bun, as well as spring rolls. Overall, all the food we had was average, lacklustre, and certainly nothing to rave about or make us want to return anytime soon, as the meat was quite dry and each of the accompanying dipping sauces really didn’t complement the respective dishes.

View Happy Boy’s menu.

East St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006

Open 6 Days Tuesday - Sunday 11.30am - 2.00pm & 5:30pm - 8:30pm (Thursday - Saturday open till 9:30pm)