Hottest New Openings of 2020 In Brisbane
Photo by Jarred Reinke
We’re nearly at the end of 2020 (thank god!), and what a year it has been! It’s fairly safe to say 2020 certainly hasn’t been the year any of us were expecting when we rang in the New Year only a few months ago - it feels like an eternity. Though reflecting back on the year, there is at least one silver lining, as despite the chaos and uncertainty of much of the year, that didn’t stop incredible new restaurants and bars continuing to pop up all around Brisbane – here are a few you may have missed!
Ping Pong | Newstead
A cool, fun, super instagrammable modern Thai restaurant; it’s not just the food (or drinks) that makes Ping Pong a must-visit, as its striking all-pink décor is equally impressive. When you’re finally finished taking photos of all the quirky design elements that occupy the space (e.g. multi-coloured globe lights reminiscent of ping pong balls floating above the entire venue), looking at the menu you’ll notice a mix of both familiar and creative dishes – authentic Thai with a 2020 twist – as well as a tempting array of cocktails to sip on, inclusive of seasonal Thai-inspired alcoholic slushies.
Hot Tip: Make sure before you leave you wander down to the back of the restaurant to discover an out-of-sight, all-green secret room inspired by the Thai jungle.
Will & Flow | Brisbane City
Named after the nearby Goodwill Bridge which it overlooks and the flow of the Brisbane River which it sits directly above, Will & Flow is an impressive overwater bar and restaurant which represents the Treasury’s first off-property venue. Open from morning to night (Thurs-Sun), Will & Flow is ideal for light breakfasts, long lunches, and afterwork drinks and with stunning riverfront views guaranteed where else would you rather be?!
Felons Barrel Hall | Howard Smith Wharves
Taking over the massive space once exclusively reserved for large-scale functions (pre-COVID), Felons Barrel Hall is a modern Australian interpretation of the rowdy beer halls found all over Germany. Walk in anytime, without a booking and enjoy delicious bold food inspired by Southeast Asian street food, all designed to be shared and eaten without cutlery…and washed down with a Felons beer. Plus, visit on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday you’ll be treated to live music also.
Maya | Fortitude Valley
Mexico is now only one short elevator ride away, with much-loved Eleven Rooftop Bar transforming into Maya earlier within the year, a sophisticated Mexican restaurant and bar. Designed to transport guests to the balmy coastal regions of Mexico, Maya is a space for eating, drinking and relaxing alongside some of the best panoramic views of Brisbane. By night Maya transforms into a bustling bar with live performances by musicians and DJ’s - it’s always a party at Maya!
Prawnster | Kangaroo Point
A 50-foot vintage prawn trawler permanently docked on the Brisbane River in Kangaroo Point, Prawnster promises seafood lovers a unique, memorable dining experience. With only 14 seats onboard, Prawnster offers a concise dine-in menu which is strictly seafood based, including fresh Mooloolaba king prawns, Coffin Bay oysters, Moreton Bay Bugs, Tasmanian salmon sashimi and mud crabs (in season). Prawnster is also BYO, so feel free to bring along your favourite bottle of wine or a couple of beers to enjoy with the fresh catch of the day.
Emily Yeoh Restaurant | Paddington
A contestant on the sixth season of MasterChef Australia back in 2014, Emily Yeoh finally opened her own namesake restaurant earlier within the year in Paddington. With a pan-Asian-inspired menu influenced by Emily’s own heritage, you can expect delicious dumplings, Malaysian-style fragrant beef brisket curry, Emily’s mother’s own secret Hainanese chicken, and the signature boneless duck and lychee red curry – an absolute must-try!
Agnes | Fortitude Valley
Ever since opening back in August, Agnes has been practically booked out every single night. The main reason for this is likely due to its unique concept, where all the food is cooked using the restaurant’s two charcoal pits – no electricity or gas is used, only fire! So, although you’ll likely have to wait (possibly months) to get in, the smoke and woodfired fare is well worth it! Though, in the meantime you can head up to Agnes’ open-air terrace which allows for walk-ins and enjoy an aperitif or digestive.
Boom Boom Izakaya | Brisbane City
Found underground, occupying the space which used to house The Boom Boom Room, below Donna Chang in the heritage building’s original bank vault, Boom Boom Izakaya is a dark and moody Japanese-inspired restaurant and bar. On the menu you can expect to find an extensive list of bites designed to be shared – think miso-glazed toothfish yakitori with bonito mayo, barramundi katsu bao burgers, and wild scampi with scampi caviar gunkan. Plus, there is plenty of innovative cocktails to quench your thirst.
Joey’s | Kangaroo Point
An airy, coastal vibe, with interiors inspired by European summers, Joey’s is the newly opened light and bright café which calls the Kangaroo Point Cliffs home. Taking over from Bar Spritz, this cliffside café offers something for everyone, no matter the time of the day, from sweetcorn fritters or buttermilk pancakes in the morning to wood-fired pizzas or crab linguini paired with a cocktail in the afternoon. No matter when you visit or what you order, the stunning, unobstructed city views are sure to impress.
Honourable Mentions
Naga Thai, Brisbane City
Mei Wei Dumplings, Brisbane City
The Maillard Project, Brisbane City
Eterna, Fortitude Valley
Kid Curry, Fortitude Valley
Kiddo, Fortitude Valley
Uh Oh Spaghettio, Fortitude Valley
Ling Lings, Fortitude Valley
Joedy’s Café, New Farm
MICA Brasserie, Newstead
Siffredi’s Spaghetti Bar, Teneriffe
Potato Boy, Bowen Hills
Bar Brutus, South Brisbane
Southside, South Brisbane
KiKi, South Brisbane
Superthing, West End
Pasta Club, West End
Mac From Way Back, Woollongabba
Plentiful, Graceville
Written by Jarred Reinke