The Summit

The Summit Restaurant, perched on top of Mt Coot-tha with unparallelled views of Brisbane, has been reimagined as a world-class dining destination, with esteemed chef Kym Machin at the helm.

A must-visit for residents and visitors, The Summit Restaurant is the quintessential Brisbane dining experience, encapsulating historical charm, nature, spectacular vistas and a sensational food menu that incorporates native flavours.

Perched high above the Brisbane skyline and surrounded by natural bushland, The Summit Restaurant makes the most of its beloved mountaintop destination with three distinctive experiences: a refined dining room nestled within the heritage building, a vibrant stylish public bar, and an expansive verandah offering panoramic views across Brisbane and out to Moreton Bay.

The fit-out draws inspiration from the site’s natural surrounds, blending heritage art deco charm with contemporary elegance, from polished timber finishes to open-air outlooks that frame the spectacular views at every turn.

Diners can book a seat inside or on the spacious al fresco terrace, which is partly covered and divided into bar and restaurant areas. Here the tables are lit at night by golden table lamps.

The massive main dining room, which is steeped in old world charm, yet with modern firnishings, features ceiling to floor windows and raised area at the rear, maxmizing the views for all patrons.

Showcasing Modern Australian cuisine with a distinctly Queensland heart, the menu embraces sustainability, locality and seasonality, with fresh produce sourced from across the state – including Elliott Heads spanner crab, Daintree barramundi and Longreach organic lamb – alongside ingredients grown on-site in The Summit’s own edible gardens and beehives.

The result is a menu that invites exploration and sharing, encouraging diners to journey through themed sections titled ‘Sea’, ‘Air’, ‘Land’, ‘Earth’ and ‘Garden’.

Highlights include Goldband Snapper with wild garlic and native ginger, roast duck smoked over paperbark, almond-fed pork with pickled apples, and pumpkin agnolotti with candied shoots.

Those who prefer to let the kitchen take the lead can choose from two chef-curated tasting menus ($79 and $99) providing a guided culinary experience. The latter is particularly recommended because there is nowhere else in Brisbane where you can enjoy a ten-course menu of such high calibre food for under $100.

There is also a separate stunning bar section, including an elegant lounge and outdoor terrace seating, perfect for a pre-dinner tipple or simply some tapas and drinks. Must-try are the signature cocktails, with a native Australiana flavour, such as Bush Tukka Tommy's (mountain pepper-infused Espolon blanco, chilli, agave, lime, saltbush); Bunyip Blood (strawberry gum & Geraldton wax-infused Captain Morgan spiced rum, Davidson plum, elderflower, pomegranate, lemon, egg white); and Girri Girri Iced Tea (fig gin, lemon myrtle liqueur, orgeat, mint, lemon, native lime leaf, Jilungin bush tea).

Meanwhile the Bar Share menu is designed to match perfectly with a drink and the view, featuring elevated bites like Rocky Point cobia with buttermilk dressing, goats cheese puffs, lamb tacos and beef and beetroot tartare.

Good to know - The opening of The Summit Restaurant marks the first step in Mantle Group’s broader vision for the Mt Coot-tha summit, which includes concepts for a two-level Pavilion venue, a boutique gin distillery and a cultural tourism experience that honours the mountain’s rich history and significance.

Need to know - There is a car park adjacent to The Summit Cafe (with ramp leading from there to the restaurant) and a car park below the restaurant on the other side.