There are two Brisbanes: the one that you see on the postcards with pictures of the Story Bridge and the Howard Smith Wharves and then there’s the Brisbane that only Brisbanites know. Both versions of the city are beautiful in their own ways, but we’ve got a thing for the hidden gems that make Brisbane truly unique.

We asked fifteen local chefs and creatives about their favourite underrated spot in Brisbane. This is what they said.

“Shunsai in East Brisbane. It’s owned by Shun [Mori] who is an acclaimed Japanese chef. It’s an intimate Japanese restaurant seating 18-guests. Some of the best omakase is served here, offering authentic dishes that are reminiscent of Japan. The menu rotates seasonally and Shun and his wife provide first-class service matched with a first-class experience. It is a must-visit when in Brisbane.”
–Alex Yu, chef Sokyo Brisbane

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“For me, Fluffy has just been a Sunday night institution for decades. I just love Harry K, who is the promoter. He always throws such great events. They’ve always been so fun and I love going. And whenever I perform there, I just love doing the performance and I love getting on stage and just partying with everybody.”
– Courtney Act, drag queen, singer and performer

“Ripiena in Fortitude Valley is consistently great even though we don’t make it there often enough. The kitchen team makes hand-rolling pasta look effortless and their dishes are always really well layered with flavour.”
– Leaham Claydon and Jianne Jeoung, chefs and owners, Snug

“Taro’s Ramen! So underrated but [it has] the best ramen in Brisbane.”
– Alessandro Pizzolato, chef Supernormal Brisbane

“It’s not all that hidden, but Bar Francine. It’s tucked away in West End and it’s bloody delicious! Brad is a bit of a wizard!”
– Phil Marchant, chef Essa and The Nixon Room

“Yatala Drive-In cinema for a cute date night. Chambers Flat strawberry farm for strawberry picking with the kids in your life. The farmers markets in the city for the range of fresh produce. The picnic spots at the base of the Kangaroo Point cliffs, because they’re less busy than other spots close to the water.”
– Michelle Law, writer and actor

“I don’t know how underrated they are, and credit I haven’t been a regular for a while, but The Junk Bar, and Scout Cafe in Petrie Terrace are hard to beat.” Editor's note: The Junk Bar has moved to New Farm.
–Thomas Weatherall, actor

“Balfour Hotel, New Farm. This is a really cosy restaurant in a converted Queenslander that speaks to the history of the city. It has an awesome view of the skyline and its Asian-influenced menu is exceptionally flavoured.”
– Nick Alba, chef, Wooden Horse

“If I say Sushi Room, people will think I’m just saying it to pick something inside the hotel, but Sushi Room here is so good. I don’t think people realise just how impressive it is, all the effort they put in, all the ingredients and all the techniques. It’s just amazing. I can eat everything there.”
–Juliana Butteri, pastry chef, The Calile Hotel

“Mount Gravatt Lookout. People always choose Mount Coot-tha, but if you want a view where you can actually see the city, this is the best. Both lookouts are great, and if you enjoy a hike you can do that too.”
– Jaguar Jonze, singer and songwriter

“Fiddle Leaf cafe in Bulimba! Often, I feel like something completely different for breakfast on a Sunday with the family and the menu at Fiddle Leaf is exactly that; the food has a strong Mediterranean/Middle Eastern influence with so many items that are completely new to me, like sujuk.” Editor’s note: Fiddle Leaf is temporarily closed.
– Louis Tikaram, chef Stanley

“Westfield Chermside? Just kidding. Whenever we have family or friends visiting, we like to take them on the Citycat for a tour of Brisbane. You get a front-row seat to admire the skyline and all the landmarks. We like to go around twilight time; it is one of the most gorgeous ways to take in the beauty of Brisbane.”
–Jo Gowda, comedian

“Roma Street Parklands. If you know me, I will have at least once inflicted my “why is every picnic in New Farm?” rant upon you. Ring Road is a mirage and it’s not easy to park there! Roma Street has beautiful gardens, fun events and is surrounded by public transport and deceptively available street parking.”
–Sophie Banister, comedian

This article was originally published on June 19, 2024. It has been updated to reflect new information and remove out-of-date details.