It's a beautiful day! Where can you go and dine in the warm sun with a view that you'll never want to leave?
Here are ten top places in and around Brisbane to while away a lunch hour or a whole afternoon when the weather is warm and the skies are blue .
River Quay, South Bank
South Bank’s River Quay precinct has plenty of opportunities to relax in the sunshine and just about any restaurant at River Quay will offer a great spot for a winter lunch with a large, grassed lawn rolling down to the river bank. You can even lie in the sun if you so desire.
Stop for champagne, oysters and more at Cove Bar and Dining, enjoy French provincial food at Aquitaine Brasserie, take in the river view from a Balinese daybed while you tuck into the contemporary menu at The Jetty, feast on Italian cuisine at Popolo or sip a long drink on the riverside deck of Stokehouse Q where the menu draws on local produce combined with bold flavours from the Mediterranean.
River Quay is the spot for Sunday afternoon relaxation with live music, lawn games and funky seating from 2pm.
Eagle Street Pier, CBD
On the other side of the river, Eagle Street Pier is home to some of Brisbane’s best restaurants and best views. For a seat in the winter sun, head to Pony Bar and Dining where their balcony offers postcard views of the Brisbane River and Story Bridge. If you feel like beer and wiener schnitzel, Bavarian Bier Café also has dining on their long verandah and the views are superb.
GOMA Café Bistro, South Bank
Nestled under GOMA’s ‘verandah’, the GOMA café has an enviable view of the river shaded by giant gum trees. It’s a great stop post an exhibition visit and there’s a passing parade of cyclists and walkers to entertain until your meal arrives.
The Jetty Oxford, Bulimba
Just as the name implies, The Jetty is indeed located right on the Brisbane River next to the jetty at Oxford Street. The views at sunset over the river to the city are spectacular but it’s gorgeous any time of the day.
The Cliffs Café, Kangaroo Point
Perched high atop the Kangaroo Point Cliffs with a bird’s eye view over the Brisbane River and cityscape, The Cliffs Café is relaxed, café-style open dining with plenty of space for everyone. There’s also a great gelato bar where little and big kids can indulge with a sweet treat.
Victoria Park Bar & Bistro, Kelvin Grove
You don’t have to play or even like golf to enjoy the views from the Bistro at Victoria Park Golf Club. The menu is seasonal and draws heavily from local produce.Northshore Riverside Café, Hamilton
Head past Portside at Hamilton to find Northshore Riverside Café. Set on the bank of the Brisbane River with a sandy stretch of beach in front, 2.5 ha of parkland around it and with a city skyline backdrop, the café offers relaxed dining that’s perfect for all the family.
Morgans Seafood Restaurant, Redcliffe - now Tempest Seafood Restaurant
Feel like a sea view? At Morgans it comes straight from the trawler to you. Sit on their deck and gaze out over Scarborough Boat Harbour’s luxury yachts and trawlers while you tuck in to freshly shucked oysters, try their teppanyaki or feast on take away fish and chips.
Note: Morgans has closed. The new restaurant on the same premises in Tempest Seafood Restaurant & Teppanyaki Room. They are offering the same menu.
Kooroomba Vineyard and Lavender Farm
You’ll have to drive about an hour from Brisbane to find Kooroomba Vineyard and Lavender Farm near Boonah but the reward is magnificent views of the Scenic Rim mountains. The fields of lavender surrounding the restaurant and winery are reminiscent of southern France and provide plenty of lavender products to take home. You’ll also leave with a bottle of Kooroomba wine after you’ve sampled some with your lunch.
Ocean View Estate Winery & Restaurant
About 45 minutes north-west from Brisbane, Ocean View Estate will wow you with their food, wines and views. Settle down on their wide verandah, sip one of their classic drops and enjoy their extensive menu. There's a cellar door so you can take wine home too.Disclaimer: Simply sharing food love here.