Brisbane’s dining and nightlife bars scene is about to get even better. A wave of new restaurants and bars is opening across the city in the coming months, many of them in the highly anticipated Queen’s Wharf development. From glamorous champagne bars and Mediterranean-inspired eateries to intimate dining spaces set inside heritage churches, there is something for everyone.
Let us take a closer look at the new venues and what you can expect when they open their doors.
Azteca at Queen’s Wharf
One of the most exciting new additions is Azteca, a 126-seat restaurant that will take pride of place on the fourth-floor Terrace of Queen’s Wharf. The design of Azteca is set to be breathtaking, featuring beautiful fabric and tiled walls, intricate mosaic and Aztec-inspired artwork, lush live greenery, and custom-made brass tables. Guests will also enjoy the comfort and privacy of semi-private circular dining booths, making it the perfect spot for both date nights and special group dinners.
Azteca’s concept will mix bold Latin American flavors with unique Asian spices and ingredients. The cocktail list, in particular, will stand out by pairing Latin American spirits like tequila and rum with Asian herbs, spices, and fruits. Expect drinks that are colorful, vibrant, and full of personality. Whether you are popping in for a quick dinner or celebrating a special occasion, Azteca will bring an element of excitement to every visit.
Stan’s at Howard Smith Wharves
If you love moody lounge bars, Stan’s is about to become a favorite. Located on the upper floor of the much-loved Cantonese restaurant Stanley at Howard Smith Wharves, Stan’s will be an elegant yet cozy bar space.
Designed with rich jewel tones, timber accents, and dark emerald velvet curtains, the atmosphere will feel luxurious and inviting. Antique mirrored wall panels will add a touch of old-world glamour. Stan’s will focus on cocktails, including a signature martini menu, and the bar will be stocked with rare and vintage spirits for those who appreciate a premium drink experience.
Chef and co-owner Louis Tikaram has created a menu of Cantonese-inspired snacks to enjoy alongside your drinks. Add in a vintage JBL sound system and live DJs most nights of the week, and Stan’s is shaping up to be a top spot for Brisbane’s nightlife lovers.
Dark Shepherd at Queen’s Wharf
Opening in late October, Dark Shepherd is the latest project from the busy Tassis Group, which has already opened venues like Longwang and Fat Cow this year. Dark Shepherd will be a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant with a special focus on lamb and seafood. Most dishes will be cooked over a wood fire, creating rich, smoky flavors.
The restaurant will also feature a 150-bottle wine list, with a strong emphasis on Mediterranean wines. The design will include a sunken dining area for an intimate feel, a private dining room for special events, and even a live oyster shucking station for an interactive dining experience. Dark Shepherd aims to combine tradition and sophistication in one memorable setting.
Pompette – French Champagne Bar and Restaurant
Also from Tassis Group is Pompette, a French-inspired champagne bar and restaurant. Pompette will feature interiors reminiscent of Paris, with marble finishes, leafy al fresco spaces, and three private dining rooms for exclusive gatherings.
The menu will be all about modern takes on French classics such as escargot and steak au poivre. Champagne lovers will be in heaven here, as the venue will offer 40–50 bottles of champagne and a French-focused wine list with nearly 300 selections in total.
August in West End
For a more intimate dining experience, keep an eye out for August, which will open inside a beautifully restored 19th-century church on Dornoch Terrace in West End. Created by chef Brad Cooper and his partner Matilda Riek, August will seat just 60 guests, with a small bar in the corner for those who prefer a casual counter-dining experience.
The European-influenced menu will showcase a variety of proteins, including meat, seafood, and offal, prepared with seasonal ingredients. The walls will display works by local artists, adding an extra layer of personality to the venue. Drinks will focus on a short but well-curated wine list of 30–50 bottles and a selection of classic, simple cocktails.
Luc Lac at Queen’s Wharf
Expected to open by the end of the year, Luc Lac is an Indochine-inspired restaurant and bar from the well-known Ghanem Group, the team behind Donna Chang and Blackbird. The 159-seat venue will have a subtropical theme and a lively dining room, with booth seating for up to 58 guests and an additional 46 seats outside.
Luc Lac’s menu will be a flavorful journey through Vietnam, Thailand, and Singapore. Guests can also enjoy counter dining at the bar, which has space for 55 people. Drinks will feature Asian-inspired twists on classic cocktails and a wine list that spans the globe.
Mademoiselle
Another exciting addition at Queen’s Wharf is Mademoiselle, from the team behind Rise Bakery at Portside Wharf. The venue will feature bold colors, striking marble and stone finishes, and ample booth seating, plus a spacious 100-square-metre outdoor dining area.
Mademoiselle’s menu will focus on French cuisine, with an emphasis on rotisserie meats and gourmet salads. The wine list will showcase French selections, including a strong focus on champagne to complement the food.
Cucina Regina
Finally, one of the crown jewels of The Star’s Terrace dining precinct will be Cucina Regina, a sister venue to the much-loved Cucina Vivo on the Gold Coast and Cucina Porto in Sydney. Due to open in November, Cucina Regina will serve elevated Italian comfort food such as antipasto platters, woodfired pizzas, and homemade pasta dishes.
The drinks menu will lean heavily on Italian wines and cocktails. The venue’s design by Tom Mark Henry will be striking, with bold textiles, pops of color, and locally inspired art decorating the walls. With space for 160 guests, Cucina Regina will be ideal for everything from date nights to group celebrations.
Conclusion
With so many exciting openings on the horizon, Brisbane is quickly becoming one of Australia’s premier dining destinations. Whether you are after fine French champagne, modern Italian comfort food, smoky Mediterranean seafood, or bold Asian flavors, the city’s new restaurants and bars promise something for every taste and occasion.
So, start making your reservations now—these venues are bound to be booked out as soon as they open.