A lively and bustling riverside city, Brisbane is home to a host of top restaurants, drawing from a number of international influences and cuisines, from delicious Asian to hearty Italian. But that’s not all Brisbane has to offer – it also boasts some of the best views in Australia, whether it’s of the modern city skyline, the towering Mount Coot-tha or the pretty Brisbane River.
The good news is that you can combine both these city highlights by dining in style at these amazing restaurants with a view in Brisbane. Take a look at our favourite viewpoint restaurants in Brisbane City and the nearby surrounds.
Watt
Set right next door to the greenery of New Farm Park and the banks of the river, Watt is a top pick for dinner with a view, thanks to its spectacular vistas over the river and across to Hawthorne on the other side. Whether you’d like to dine inside the chic restaurant, part of the arts and culture venue The Powerhouse, or outside on the wonderful terrace, the views while you tuck into tasty dishes such as prosciutto-wrapped chicken breast with lemon and basil risotto are top-notch.
Bar Spritz
One of Brisbane’s most iconic landmarks is the Kangaroo Point Cliffs, with the climb and the view from the top not to be missed. Savour those cliff-top views from Bar Spritz, which offers a casual menu of dishes including breakfast, schnitzels, pasta and salads. While you dine, take in the views below over the flowing Brisbane River, the sea of sprawling skyscrapers and the lush botanic gardens.
Summit Restaurant & Bar
The towering Mount Coot-tha overlooks the city of Brisbane from the west, and is another peak you need to ascend for truly incredible views over Brisbane. After a tough trek up the winding mountain road, recuperate with a delicious meal at the Summit Restaurant and Bar. Whether you’re after a relaxed lunch or a romantic dinner, this modern restaurant has you covered with their tasty menu offering steaks, pork belly, chicken, salmon and much more. The panoramic views of the city from here are absolutely breath-taking – visit at sunset for truly unforgettable views.
Customs House
With beautiful Victorian architecture, excellent food and gorgeous views over the Brisbane River and across to the iconic Story Bridge, the elegant Customs House has it all. The building’s stunning a la carte restaurant, Patina, is a wonderful place to dine, either indoors or outdoors, by night taking in the views of the twinkling city lights. Highlights of the menu at Patina include pan-fried gnocchi with roasted pine nuts and chargrilled ocean king prawns. You can also visit Customs House for a superb brunch or an extravagant afternoon tea, with beautifully crafted cakes and sandwiches.
Eagle Street Pier
If you’re not quite decided on what you’d like to eat, head to the Eagle Street Pier for a whole variety of restaurants with a view. This stunning waterfront precinct offers panoramic vistas across the river, the Story Bridge and the skyscraper-dominated skyline. Whatever you fancy, you’ll find it here: seafood at Jellyfish, Italian at Il Centro, modern Asian at Madame Wu, steaks at Cha Cha Char and so much more. And for a real show, both inside and outside, try Pony, where everything on your plate is cooked over an open fire.
The Balfour Kitchen
The Balfour Kitchen is one of our favourite Brisbane restaurants with a view, offering endless views of the sprawling Brisbane city landscape. Tucked away in the boutique hotel Spicers Balfour in the residential neighbourhood of New Farm, found just next door to the CBD, The Balfour Kitchen has the feel of a tropical oasis, with its wrap-around veranda and fragrant frangipani trees. This is reflected in its Asian-influenced menu, including dishes such as chilli caramel tofu and chicken spring rolls with lime and coconut sauce. After the meal is over, you can also head to the rooftop bar and soak up even more of the amazing views over New Farm, central Brisbane and the river.
Eat your way around Brisbane
Tick off two amazing experiences in one go and grab a delicious bite to eat at these amazing Brisbane restaurants with a view, taking in landmarks such as the Story Bridge and the Botanic Gardens. With our Australia tour visiting Brisbane, this is all possible as you’re given the freedom to explore and dine in Brisbane as you wish. Discover this amazing modern city and all of the other incredible places you can discover in Australia with our guided tour.
Featured image by John via Flickr
