Must-see restaurants in Queensland

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    Strauss

    Brisbane

    Strauss shrugs off its corporate surrounds with low-key, Brooklyn-esque cool and a neighbourly vibe. Head in for quick-fix banana bread, or settle in for…

  • Watt riverview

    Mary Mae's

    Brisbane

    Squint and the Brisbane River becomes the Mississippi at this airy waterfront eatery. Pine for NOLA over lighter versions of buttermilk fried chicken,…

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    Super Bowl

    Fortitude Valley

    Not only is Super Bowl a Valley institution, it's a retro paradise, a place where wood panels, televised sports and the odd Lazy Susan conjure a Gen-X…

  • Ben's Burgers exterior

    Ben's Burgers

    Fortitude Valley

    Top-notch ingredients drive Ben's, a tiny bolthole in a laneway off Ann St. The menu is an uncomplicated affair: three brioche-bun burgers, among them a…

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    Little Loco

    Brisbane

    This little New Farm local keeps peeps healthy with dishes such as the Green Bowl, a tasty, feel-great combo of kale, spinach, broccolini, feta,…

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    Miel Container

    Brisbane

    Miel flips delicious, rustic burgers from its red shipping-container locale. Options span the globe, with everything from tandoori-chicken and mozzarella…

  • The Smoke BBQ patio

    Smoke BBQ

    Brisbane

    The smell of hickory hangs heavy in the air at this US-style BBQ joint. Lust over tender short ribs, pulled pork, brisket, chicken and lamb, all smoked…

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    Chouquette

    Brisbane

    The best patisserie this side of Toulouse? Something to think about as you grab a coffee and a bag of the namesake chouquettes (small choux pastries…

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    Paddock Bakery

    Gold Coast

    An antique wood-fired oven sits in the heart of this beautiful old weatherboard cottage and turns out wonderful bread, croissants and pastries. The semi…

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    Beach Burrito Company

    Fortitude Valley

    An open-fronted, shack-style Mexican chain pumping out all the street-food standards, from tacos, chimichangas and quesadillas, to burritos and churros…

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    Moo Moo the Wine Bar & Grill

    Gold Coast

    Moo Moo’s winning steaks include lots of grain-fed Wagyu, a 400g, 50-day dry-aged rib eye on the bone, and a pasture-grazed local Angus. There’s also…

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    Rick Shores

    Gold Coast

    This acclaimed modern Asian restaurant offers beachfront dining at its most beachy, with windows that open out to let in the breeze and the sound of the…

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    Siam Square Thai

    Brisbane

    Straight-up Thai classics in a prominent corner location in New Farm. Watch the eclectic local parade of gay guys, shuffling winos and the odd Italian…

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    Vue

    Brisbane

    Equal parts cafe, bistro and burger joint, Vue covers a lot of bases well. Start the day on a tropical note with mango and coconut chia pudding, live a…

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    Cardamom Pod

    Gold Coast

    Vegetarians and vegans rejoice! This meat-free place has a counter full of salads and warmer-tray curries, vegan lasagne and cheesy bakes. Finish off with…

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    Borough Barista

    Gold Coast

    It's all cool tunes and friendly vibes at this little open-walled espresso shack across from the beach. Join local surfers for their dawn espresso or cold…

  • Cairns night market and the popular food hall inside.

    Night Markets

    Cairns

    The Night Markets have a cheap, busy Asian-style food court; despite the name, the eateries here are open all day.

  • Varias

    Brisbane & Around

    Stanthorpe's finest restaurant by a country mile, Varias sees student chefs from the adjunct Queensland College of Wine Tourism (QCWT) hone their culinary…

  • Sofra

    Brisbane & Around

    Toowoomba's favourite Turk draws the crowds with its cosy, homely vibe and gorgeous Ottoman flavours. Feast on generous mezze-style peynirli sigara böreği…

  • Maleny Food Co.

    Sunshine Coast

    Covering the likes of ricotta pancakes to sweet potato and zucchini fritters, the short, all-day menu at this casual cafe focuses on quality. The gelato (…

  • Phatburgers

    Brisbane & Around

    Using local, grass-fed beef, chipper Phat plates up brilliant, juicy burgers like the Morning Glory, packed with 110g of succulent rump, bacon, egg,…

  • Tinderbox

    Fortitude Valley

    Straddling a leafy laneway by the Palace Centro cinemas, this smart-casual bistro puts its wood-fired oven to good use, charring pizzas with a style…

  • Sandstone Point Hotel

    Sunshine Coast

    The best place to eat round here is on the mainland side of the bridge. This sprawling, modern waterfront pub is divided into numerous bars and dining…

  • La Macelleria

    Brisbane

    After opening their first gelateria in an old butcher's shop in Bologna (La Macelleria means 'The Butchery'), Italians Matteo Zini and Matteo Casone…

  • Denmans Beer Cafe

    Airlie Beach

    Regular live music and a convivial mood are found in this bar, which stocks more craft beers than the rest of town combined. The food – such as a shared…

  • E'cco

    Brisbane

    Years on, E’cco remains one of the state's gastronomic highlights. Polished yet personable staff deliver beautifully balanced, visually arresting dishes,…

  • Rocco

    Cairns

    Perched up the top of the 12-storey glass tower that is Riley (one of Cairns' three Crystalbrook Collection hotels), this smart, eco-conscious restaurant…

  • Cafe Dbar

    Gold Coast

    This lovely spot is perched above the cliffs of Point Danger, at the easternmost point covered by two states, almost on top of the NSW–Queensland border…

  • Il Posto

    Brisbane

    Plot your next Italian adventure at this neighbourhood stalwart, known for its soulful pasta dishes and thin-crust pizzas. Pizzas come either rosse or…

  • Tide Wine Bar

    Brisbane & Around

    Right over the water, modern, breezy Tide will have you sipping lattes, vino, beer or a peach Bellini while gazing out at envy-inducing yachts. Food…

  • Beau's

    Sunshine Coast

    White and aqua tiles keep things fresh at Beau's, one of the best cafes on the Sunny Coast. Almost everything here is made from scratch, with a short,…

  • Byblós

    Brisbane

    A slice of contemporary Beirut by the Brisbane River, Byblós specialises in Lebanese and Mediterranean edibles. While service can be a little hit-and-miss…

  • Felix for Goodness

    Brisbane

    Spruced-up Felix channels Melbourne with its laneway locale, industrial fit-out and effortlessly cool vibe. Produce-driven, all-day-brunch dishes might…

  • Enzo's on the Beach

    Hervey Bay

    With a deck opening onto the beach, this sleek and inviting cafe-restaurant offers different pleasures throughout the day: breakfast might be eggs…

  • Kings Beach Bar

    Sunshine Coast

    This chilled, Kings Beach–front cafe serves tasty cafe fare and good coffee. Morning options might include poached peaches with berry labneh, gluten-free…

  • Imperial Hotel

    Sunshine Coast

    An atmospheric, colonial-style pub with kooky bohemian touches, the Imperial is much-loved for its beer garden and live music acts. The tasty menu covers…

  • Double Shot

    Brisbane

    With its button-cute porch and manicured hedge, laid-back Double Shot is a hit with the locals. Join the New Farm crew for good coffee, homemade coconut…

  • Lefkas Taverna

    Brisbane

    Sage Brisbanites snub Brisbane's hipper, pricier Greek hotspots for this suburban stalwart. Light-filled and refreshingly unpretentious, its classic…

  • Jochheims Pies

    The Whitsundays

    Jochheims has been keeping Bowen bellies full of homemade pies and other baked treats since 1963. Pies, including innovative varieties such as prawn in…

  • Apollonian Hotel

    Sunshine Coast

    Framed by palms, jacarandas and quandong trees, this atmospheric pub – complete with shady verandahs and a beautifully preserved interior – dates back to…