SITE PARTNER:

James St, Fortitude Valley

Brisbane's Best Eat Streets

Updated: Jun 30, 2025

One of Brisbane's best and most elegant eat streets, James Street, Fortitude Valley is home to some of Brisbane's finest and most renowned restaurants (including Greek, Thai, Middle Eastern, Italian, steak and seafood) and bars, as well as top notch casual eats. Here's the pick of where to drink and dine:

Fatcow on James St

The top-tier steak and seafood restaurant brings a world of sophistication, timeless glamour and exemplary service

Carmen Tequileria

A chic resort-style Mexican restaurant and boutique tequila bar located on James Street

The Lodge Bar & Dining

Lit-up exterior of Rodd & Gunn's The Lodge Fortitude Valley

An exquisite 2-storey restaurant and bar housed in a stunning heritage-listed Queenslander

sAme sAme

sAme sAme is a stunning contemporary 2-level Thai restaurant and bar in the Valley's chic Ada Lane

SK Steak and Oyster

Vie of dining room from top floor at SK Steak & Oyster

Mad Men meets James Bond at Ada Lane's stunning world class restaurant and bar

Penelope Bistro + Bar

Penelope Bistro & Bar is a glamorous dining, drinking and dancing den which is reminiscent of a chic European supper club

Gemelli James Street

This slick contemporary Italian dining oasis brings delectable Italian cuisine to a prominent Valley corner

Hideki Izakaya

Hideki Izakaya is a chic al fresco Japanese restaurant occupying a covered pavilion-style terrace with a stunning lit up cherry tree

Sunshine Mediterranean Eatery

Sunshine is a unique vegetarian Mediterranean eatery with the option to dine in or take away

Cru Bar

Since the day it first drew open its sheer curtains, Cru Bar and Cellar has been a magnet for drinkers of all ages

At Sixes & Sevens

People drinking outside At Sixes and Sevens Bar in Brisbane's Fortitude Valley

At Sixes and Sevens is a gorgeous public house come gastro pub inhabiting one of the area's oldest surviving buildings

The Green

A Middle Eastern inspired urban oasis serving breakfast and lunch daily from its leafy plant-filled home

Harvey's Bar & Bistro

Harvey's Bistro, Fortitude Valley, James Street, Brisbane

This upmarket bistro in a cool summerhouse style setting has become something of a James Street institution

ēmmē

ēmmē is a stunning light-filled diner dishing up an ever-evolving menu, breathtaking interiors and exceptional brews on James Street

ESSA Restaurant & Bar

Open Kitchen in Essa Restaurant Fortitude Valley

ESSA has opened its doors to a luxe new level of bespoke dining

The Nutcracker

Queensland Ballet returns with its favourite Christmas tradition

Dec 5-13

Home Alone In Concert

Enjoy the quintessential Christmas classic like you’ve never seen (or heard) before

Dec 5-6

Alan Davies: Think Ahead

Alan Davies returns to Australia with brand new show 'Think Ahead'!

Dec 6

Olafur Eliasson: Presence

An expansive exhibition by Icelandic-Danish artist Olafur Eliasson

Dec 6 - Jul 12

Crowd watching characters on stage Christmas Carols Logan

City of Logan Christmas Carols

Get into the festive spirit at City of Logan Christmas Carols

Dec 6

The BIG Handmade Christmas Design Market

Celebrate mindful making, creativity and thoughtful buying this festive season

Dec 7

A Very Naughty Christmas

Australia’s longest running adults-only Christmas comedy is back

Dec 11-21

Sweet Charity

Fall in love with timeless hits, sensational performances and the promise of “hopefully ever after

Dec 11-14

A Cracker Kransky Christmas

A crock pot of cracker hits with The Kransky Sisters

Dec 16-21

Ten Best Restaurants with a View

From sparkling riverfront rooftops to breezy mountain lookouts, Brisbane is home to a host of stunning dining spots where the food is as impressive as the view. Here's 10 of the best

10 Best Restaurants with a View

COMING UP

What's On in December In & Around Brisbane

From festive concerts, classic ballet, Xmas comedy, stunning art exhibition & Christmas dining to a Tony-award winning musical, what's on in December in and around Brisbane:

What's On in December in Brisbane

Reduce your risk

Be SharkSmart

Follow the 6 SHARKS tips and be SharkSmart every time you are on or in the water this summer

7 Must Do Queensland Country Drives

BEST OF BRISBANE

50+ Best Restaurants in Brisbane

Looking for the best restaurants in Brisbane? Then check out this guide for the must-do dining experiences from the city to the suburbs

Best Restaurants in Brisbane

Best Of Brisbane

Brisbane's Best 50 Bars

Whether you're after breezy drinks by the river, a stiff whiskey in an underground bar, a cosy laneway hideaway or a rooftop with views, here's 50 of Brisbane's best bars

Best Bars in Brisbane

Queensland Ballet's favourite festive tradition returns