Best Restaurants in Newstead: A Culinary Journey

Moreish burgers, woodfired pizzas, fresh rice paper rolls, and the best craft beers in Brisbane. What do these delectable-sounding treats have in common? Okay, we sort of gave it away in the title – they’re all part of the intoxicatingly good Newstead restaurant scene.

Situated right next to our Bowen Hills residence Rambla @ Perry House, Newstead is a glittering gem that draws locals and tourists alike to its banquet of cafés, restaurants, and bars. This city fringe pocket is perched on the Breakfast Creek bank of the Brisbane River and resides close to Perry House’s other neighbour, Fortitude Valley. Surrounded by some of Brisbane’s biggest foodie havens, it’s no wonder Newstead draws so many hungry patrons every day! 

If you’re travelling to Brisbane and on the hunt for some of the best Newstead and Fortitude Valley restaurants to visit, then you’re in luck. We’ve spoken to our people and curated the finest list of tried and true eateries around Perry House. So, grab a knife and fork and dig into this tasty food-lovers guide!

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Dig Into Newstead’s Culinary Scene

Brisbane’s inner north pocket of Newstead has to be one of our favourite hotspots for fresh, flavourful, ambient dining. With the river just moments away and the sparkle of the city dancing on the skyline ahead, Newstead is the perfect combination of laidback Brisbane and vibrant CBD glamour.

Plus, the food is pretty top-notch. Some of our absolute favourites are located right next to our Perry House abode, which is equal parts fabulous and dangerous:

Italian Street Kitchen Newstead

76 Skyring Tce, Newstead (Gasworks Plaza)

Pizza, anyone? Don’t mind if we do. Nestled in the vibrant quarters of Gasworks Plaza and just a few minutes' drive from Perry House, Italian Street Kitchen Newstead brings a little slice (or two) of Rome to the heart of Brisbane.

The food served here pays homage to the basics, and if there's something we can't say no to, it's a classic Pizza Margherita. Alongside the light and crispy slices, Italian Street Kitchen boasts a feast of other must-try meals on its all-day menu, including:

• Ricotta & Nettle Mezzelune Ravioli
• Gnocchi Genovese with basil & pine nut pesto
• Prawn Bucatini with chilli and capers
• Pineapple & Coconut Panna Cotta

The open-plan kitchen provides a visual spectacle as patrons witness the magic of traditional Italian preparation and cooking methods. Think hand-rolling dough, careful pasta shaping, and adding a little artistic flair to each and every dish. 

Momiji

18 Leopold St, Newstead

Got a hankering for sushi? Skip the trains and chains and go straight to Momiji, one of Brisbane’s best authentic Japanese restaurants. Nestled in a corner of Newstead, this unassuming eatery is bursting with flavour beneath its minimalist facade.

Named after the red and orange leaves that surround the Newstead restaurant during autumn, Momiji offers a haven from the bright Brisbane sunshine and bustling city-edge streets with cool, calm, private booths perfect for a sushi-style feast.

Momiji’s dishes are made with fresh fish straight from the market and a traditional Japanese style that fuses beautifully with contemporary Australian cuisine. On the menu, you’ll find fan favourites like:

• Chicken Katsu Curry
• Teriyaki Chicken Don
• Karaage Bento
• Pork and Veggie Gyoza
• Sashimi
• Nigiri and Aburi Sushi
• Yakisoba (stir-fried noodles)

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Located just minutes away from Perry House, this will likely become one of your staples when you stay with us.

Milky Lane

76 Skyring Tce, Newstead (Gasworks Plaza)

Touted to have the best burgers in Newstead, Milky Lane will have you wanting to return mere seconds after you’ve walked out its doors. And when you hear their menu items, you’ll probably agree with us!

For those with a penchant for finger-licking, chomp-worthy meals, the classic Milky Lane burger is your new best friend. Featuring a succulent Wagyu beef patty, double American cheese, lettuce, pickles, onion, and tomato, this feast-on-a-plate has secured itself as a crowd favourite. 

Other notable items (and by notable, we mean out-of-this-world) include:

• The Big Poppa, a pulled brisket burger doused in BBQ sauce
• The Triple Cheese and onion, exactly what it sounds like
• The Mexican burger, a chilli con carne and corn chip concoction
• The Kevin Bacon, featuring a quadruple smashed pattie with crispy maple smoked bacon

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Alongside its array of indulgent burgers, delectable desserts, and tempting sides, Milky Lane is also known for its exclusive assortment of old-school cocktails. From the Lychee and Passionfruit Mojito to the Milky Island Breeze, to the Watermelon Rosé Sangria and the lip-pursing Sour Apple, you’re sure to find your new drink of choice at this impressive establishment.

Milky Lane goes beyond the food, though; its decor is as much a work of art as its dishes. The Newstead restaurant is embellished with a captivating graffiti mural that features hip hop icons such as Cardi B and Kendrick Lamar. It’s a piece of urban charm that begs for photos, and good times.

Santorini Restaurant Grill Bar

1/5 Kyabra St, Newstead (Brother & Co)

Turning away from burgers for a moment (we know, it feels blasphemous to even say, but bear with us), Santorini Restaurant Grill Bar in Newstead is a splendour of authentic Greek delicacies that's well worth a dinner or two.

This renowned Newstead restaurant introduces locals to the splendid Santorini sunset and the island's delightful culinary traditions. The family-run restaurant, owned by George Papaioannou, celebrates Greek cuisine and viticulture. 

Walking inside, you’ll feel transported to the stunning Aegean isle, with images of Santorini adorning the walls and a discerning feel of vibrancy and community that only Greek family food gatherings can bring. 

The menu is a tribute to Greek cuisine, with dishes like zucchini chips, dolmadakia, kefalograviera saganaki, and spicy bougiourdi. It also offers souvlaki, moussaka, seafood options, Santorini specials, and delectable desserts. 

The extensive wine list showcases an impressive 70 Greek labels and 30 Australian wines. The grape menu is curated by George who doubles as a renowned Mediterranean wine importer. Complete your Santorini experience with a glass of wine, a signature cocktail, or Greek beer and revel in the restaurant’s glow.

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Must-Try Eats in Bowen Hills

Did you know that Newstead is next-door neighbours with our own home suburb of Bowen Hills? This buzzing outer-city area is brimful of delicious eateries that surround Rambla @ Perry House.

We’ve managed to narrow down two of our favourite Bowen Hills restaurants just for you:

Mrs Luu’s Vietnamese Canteen

15 Thompson St, Bowen Hills

Light-filled, flavour-infused, and moreishly delicious, Mrs Luu’s Vietnamese Canteen is one of the best Bowen Hills restaurants around. If you’re a fan of fresh, healthy, and more affordable Vietnamese food, this canteen is right up your alley.

While Mrs Luu’s is less of an ambient sit-and-stay kind of place, its flair for takeaway and on-the-go eats secure it as a staple on the Brisbane dining scene. On the menu, you’ll find the best-tasting Bahn Mi, Deluxe Buns, Crispy Chicken Rice Bowls, and Fried Wonton snacks. Grab your order to enjoy at the bar-style outdoor seating or have it delivered straight to your door via DoorDash or UberEats.

With pop-ups in Milton, Southpoint, and the CBD, Mrs Luu’s has established itself as a much-loved Brisbane staple that begs a few visits.

The Golden Pig

38 Ross St, Newstead

Sticking with our favourite Asian flavours, we had to mention The Golden Pig on the fringe of Bowen Hills and Newstead. This trademark Asian Fusion restaurant houses the best of Brisbane’s culinary talents.

Originally started as a cooking school by power chef couple Mark and Katrina Ryan, The Golden Pig opened its doors to restaurant guests a few years back. It’s still a thriving cooking school, offering students the best techniques in what they’ve dubbed ‘pan Asian’ cooking.

The lavish menu is a tantalising mixture of Japanese, Vietnamese, and Chinese, all crafted on the foundations of Thailand-style dishes. Some notable items are the crispy prawn bao with green chilli mayo and pickled daikon and carrot, Sichuan-style salt and pepper tofu, and the timeless pork and chive dumplings. Larger dishes are also available, like the cumin-spiced lamb shank with chilli bean and shallot pancakes.

The wine list primarily features French varieties and lighter wines that complement Asian cuisine. It's accompanied by an Asian-inspired cocktail menu and a range of craft beers that are just the right amount of exotic.

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Dish Up on Fortitude Valley

So long was our list of top Brisbane restaurants that we just had to spill over into nearby Fortitude Valley, a veritable feast of bustling breweries, rooftop meccas, and exquisite food. There’s no shortage of Fortitude Valley restaurants, so to make your search easier, here are two must-tries during your next Brisbane trip:

SOKO Rooftop

470 St Paul’s Tce, Fortitude Valley

If you’re looking for a little decadence in your dining, head up to SOKO Rooftop in Fortitude Valley. This lavishly decorated establishment infuses luxury and sophistication in every bite and decor item, and it’s as much a treat for your camera roll as it is for your taste buds.

The deep green interiors are laced with lush plant life and velvety seating. Panoramic views of the Valley and nearby city add a touch of sparkle to the experience, and the service is nothing short of magical.

The exquisite menu at SOKO is a delectable Peruvian and Japanese fusion, with dishes like Yuquitas Fritas (Cassava grilled on butter), Spicy Tuna on Crispy Rice, Soft Shell Crab Bao Buns, and Ceviche de Chicharron (crispy pork belly).  

Whether you book a table at the a la carte area or on the terrace, a dinner at SOKO is sure to leave a lasting impression.

BrewDog Fortitude Valley

235 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley

Stepping away from the grandeur of rooftop bars for a moment, BrewDog in the Valley is a sprawling haven for every Brisbanite with an appetite for great food and good times. 

This Scottish-born brewery has set up shop in a couple of Brisbane locations, and the Fortitude Valley hub is where you’ll find some of the best meals, craft beers, arcade games, and trivia nights in the city.

Spanning an impressive multi-storey heritage-listed building with 20 taps of craft beer on offer, BrewDog brings the fun into modern-day breweries. Lining the walls you’ll find old-school games like pinball and shuffleboard, and their self-proclaimed ‘farm-to-table junk food’ packs a punch for big meals with big heart.

Pop in for a bite or indulge in one of the many events and offers on the rotating schedule. From weekend Bottomless Brunches to all-you-can-eat wings every Wednesday, to Tuesday night trivia and Wednesday night music bingo, there’s never a dull moment at BrewDog.

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Stay in Foodie Heaven with Rambla @ Perry House

After indulging in Brisbane's culinary delights, you'll need a comfortable and convenient place to call home. Rambla @ Perry House in Bowen Hills is just a stone's throw away from Newstead’s bustling restaurant scene. 

Whether you're a local looking for a staycation or a traveller exploring the city, Rambla’s serviced apartments are your perfect haven.

So, which restaurant adventure will you embark on first? From the culinary delights of Newstead to the vibrant energy of Fortitude Valley, Brisbane has something to satisfy every palate. 

Book direct with Rambla for a tasty 5-10% off and make the most of your foodie journey in the heart of Brisbane.