Brisbane loves their Asian dumplings and for a western-style venue located in the home of Chinatown, The Brunswick Social in Fortitude Valley does well.

Descend into the dimmed lighting and find an intimate, modern atmosphere. Although giving off a first impression of the ultimate date-night destination (low mood lighting and tucked away tables) The Brunswick Social is also perfect for group outings. There’s plenty of space to pull the tables together. Open areas counter the perception of a closed-in, underground venue and carefully placed ferns and greenery give a  relaxed, natural feel to a potentially straight, narrow, clean-lined venue. The furnishings are a combination of raw wood and loungey cushions.  Turn left for high bar-stool’ed tables or turn right and dine at normal-height.

The menu is fairly sizeable, covering your regular pork, beef, chicken and prawn. The food comes out almost all at once in traditional-looking bamboo baskets. Dumplings are steamed, a decent size, filling and moreish. The portions, quality and taste are also consistent across all the dumplings. The buns aren’t soggy on the bottom and come in chicken and pork. Pescatarians are catered for (prawn dumplings, crab claws and fish cakes) while vegetarians have limited options. Dessert is limited, covering ice cream sandwiches and custard buns. Dining is casual and relaxed, making it an easy after-work choice.

The service is standard with the waiters and waitresses doing their job just well enough. A tricky layout with various tables tucked away in shielded corners, you run the risk of being unnoticed however, when asked, the staff are ready and happy to help. 

The Brunswick Social would be great for a first date – dumplings are relatively mess-free, the lighting is moody and the place is intimate enough without sitting on top of each other. The layout also allows for both hidden romance and hidden escapes, depending on how your date is faring.

The Specifics
My food will cost: $8-$8.50 per basket of 3-4 dumplings
My beverages will cost: cocktails $18-$20 / beer $8.50-$10 / wines $7-$11 per glass, bottles available
Good for: dates and group catch-ups
Yum: everything. It’s all very consistent.

Useful Stuff
w: http://www.thebrunswicksocial.com/
fb: /brunswicksocial
p: +61 3252 3234
a: Lot 11, 367 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley (below Zuri, left of Empire, across from Shlix)
ot: wed-thu 01700-1200; fri-sat 1700-0300; sun 1800-2345

Date of Visit: Thursday 28/03/2012
Written: Monday 29/04/2012

Suburban cafes, bars and restaurants are spreading out of the centre, making it more convenient for those looking for the inner-city experience but in their local area. If you’re a south-sider looking for an uncomplicated morning consider Leaf Espresso, a little suburban cafe in Wellers Hill near Tarragindi.  

Leaf’s breakfast menu is simple and covers the basics with a range of light options and heartier dishes mixed with a few interesting variations. Try their newest additions – the savoury mince with poached eggs, pea and feta garnish and ciabatta is a delicious option while the pumpkin sage and parmesan omelette is something a little different.

Once a fortnight on a Thursday, Leaf Espresso holds a themed night with live music and food. With a changing single-night dinner menu, the food could be a little hit or miss. Stick with breakfast, otherwise consider coming along with the family for dinner coupled with live entertainment. This place is child-friendly.

Leaf has a forestry feel with wooden interiors, tree branched light fittings, outdoor seating and large open windows along the length of the café facing a tree-lined street. It mixes modern with a humble suburban feel, matching its unpretentious surroundings while incorporating a contemporary design-element.

Service is standard and can be a little slow in the mornings due to the rush of take away coffees. Expect a simple suburban experience from this simple suburban café.

The Specifics
My food will cost: something light $5-$11 / hearty delights $11-$19 / sides $4 //dinner around $20
Good for:  a coffee on the way to work, a decent café breakfast without having to travel into the city if you live on the south side

Useful Stuff
fb: Leafespresso
p: +61 7 3172 7667
a: 8 Denham Terrace, Wellers Hill
ot: mon-fri 0600-1500 / sat-sun 0600-1400

Date of Visit: Thursday 21/03/2013 (dinner)
Thursday 18.04.2013 (breakfast)
Written: Thursday 025/04/2013

* FMNBrisbane was a guest at Leaf for breakfast

When asked about fine dining in Brisbane, Montrachet is guaranteed to be on any knowledgeable foodie’s list. Veiled from the bustling sounds of the street on Given Tce in Paddington, this home of French fare is nicely camouflaged, discouraging wanderers while keeping those foodie informed on their toes.

The Montrachet menu is split into traditional French courses – select an amuse bouche to start followed by an entrée, principaux (main) and finish off with a dessert or fromage, and a coffee or cognac. However, don’t feel obliged to follow this structure. The food is a representation of French cuisine of the 1970s with fewer ingredients that compliment each other, leading to purer tastes. Make no faux pax with the confit de saumon with pea mash, or the soufflé aux crabe et gruyére for those with a cheesy desire. The sauces and herbs compliment simply, rather than over power the main piece of the dish. Depending on your hunger pangs, feel free to choose only a main or order two entrees instead.

The service are professional but down to earth, taking orders and topping up your water in a timely fashion. Expect light banter with your waiter or waitress as well as a keen eye; if on a date, they are sure to be aware of those romantic moments and leave you and your loved one to it.

The restaurant itself is quite small with limited seating both inside and out. Suitable for groups and pairs, take your place at a carefully set table, or settle at the bar. The décor is reminiscent of an open 90’s living room with soft royal red cushioned seats, polished timber furnishings and amber lighting. French papers are framed on the walls maintaining that cultural feel without feeling like you’ve stepped back through centuries.

Bookings for dinner are ideal with two sittings at 6pm and 8:30pm. Note that tables of 8+ are subject to an 8% service charge.

The Specifics
My food will cost: amuse bouche 8 / entree 12-26 / main 42 / dessert 9.90 / cheese 10.50 // degustation $95 pp
Show me the menu
My beverages will cost: view the wine list
Good for: romantic dinners and very special occasions

Useful Stuff
w: montrachet.com.au
p: +61 7 3367 0030
a: 224 Given Tce, Paddington 4064
ot: Lunch mon-fri from 12noon
Dinner mon-thur from 6pm

Date of Visit: Wed 24/10/2012
Written: Thur 25/10/2012

There are some great Italian places in Brisbane’s suburbs and Red Hill have just had their local revamped. Last September, Colle Rosso Restaurante Italiano took over Biagio on Musgrave Road and its owners (two couples - David and Laura, Marco and Lisa) have turned it into a new haven for our favourite carb-laden cuisine.

The food is fresh (pasta made in-house), tasty and just a little different from your every day Italian flavours found around Brisbane. Go for the Ravioli Di Ossobuco with a creamy Saffron sauce or for a spicy kick, order the Gnocci Con Gamberi e Zucchine. The menu is extensive so if in doubt, ask your waitress (Laura or Lisa) to pick you the best or opt for the special. This place is really one for fat pants – the servings are generous, the toppings are full and flavoursome and the pastas are filling.  Always save room for dessert – the tiramisu made from an original Italian recipe is big enough to share and a must.

There’s something about suburban restaurants – the easy, open spaces and contemporary feel mixed with a bistro-esque ambience. The tomato red walls are an open family photo album of black and white prints from the couples’ own collection with everything from nonno devouring a bowl of pasta, to group shots with the kids on the farm. Poems and quotes painted on tiles in Italian remind you of something in nonna’s living room and add another family touch. The lighting is dimmed but not too moody. The space is open (nobody eavesdropping on your conversation) and perfect for both large family celebrations and weeknight date night.

The service is personable with a family touch. Lisa and Laura treat you like guests at a family gathering, explaining the menu in depth, including the origins of each of your dishes. They are consistent, bringing every table the same level of service showing just how passionate they are about where they come from and what they deliver, rather than just ploking a meal down in front of you. The team have obviously put a lot of thought into their menu to deliver Brisbane a list of dishes that are unique to their hometowns of Rome and Sardinia, introducing us to a world beyond your usual selections. So don’t think you have to trek through the inner city precincts to find great Italian – the suburbs are doing us just as well.

The Specifics
My food will cost: starters 6-12 / antipasti 16-23 / pasta 20-25 / pizza 16-24 / secondi 28-33 / dessert 10-18 / kids menu 10-12
Show me the menu

My beverages will cost: beer and wine 6.5-11.5 / coffee & tea 3.5-4 / cocktail 14 / spirits, liquers, digestives also available
Show me the drinks menu

Good for: large family celebrations, weeknight date night, takeaway, cravings for real Italian food

Useful Stuff
w: http://www.collerosso.com.au/
fb: /ColleRossoRistoranteItaliano
p: +61 7 3369 7417
a: 191 Musgrave Road, Red Hill 4059
ot: mon – thur 1700-2200; fri-sun 1200-2200

Date of Visit: Thursday 20/12/2012
Written: Sunday 23/12/2012

* FMNBrisbane was a guest at Colle Rosso

People rave about Sake on Eagle Street Pier. Now I know why. This is yet another one of only a handful of restaurants in Brisbane that ticks all three boxes in food, service and atmosphere. This place is fantastic for a classy evening without the pretentiousness – both from the staff and the clientele. Combined with riverside views and a ride on the ferry – you’re set for an incredible evening.

Sake’s menu is set up for a share-plate style dining experience and how much you should order depends on what you order. Begin with three starters and two mains between two people. Add on sides or more starters as you go – the wait time short. Naturally, there is sushi, sashimi and tempura on the menu but you’ll also find seafood and other meats to cover every palate. Can’t decide? Set banquet menus makes your choice easy ($70-$135). No matter what you choose, the ingredients are fresh, the flavours are moreish and textures are perfect.

Expect everything from a fine dining restaurant and then some with 5 star service; be greeted with a smile and a welcoming, traditional, ‘irishaimase’ from the all the chefs in the kitchen as you are seated at your table, making you feel more at home in this schmick riverside restaurant. The service continues to be just as warm as the welcome with your waiter/waitress patiently explaining Sake’s dining style and allowing time to make your choices. Not sure what to order because it all sounds so good? Get your waiter/waitress to bring you their favourites which are guaranteed to be the best.

Riverside dinner dining can be daunting for some – you want that stylish environment without feeling stifled. Sake is the perfect blend between sophisticated and relaxed. The views are brilliant with a wall-to-wall window overlooking the river and lights. The interior is all wood and low-lighting with a feature wall of sake barrels creating an authentic, refined atmosphere. The large open kitchen allows you a sneak peak into what’s going on. There are long wooden benches for larger groups and the smaller tables are of a decent size with ample space, fully accommodating the shared-plate style of dining.

The Specifics
My food will cost: starters $6-$30 / mains $24-35 / sushi maki, nigiri + sashimi $5-$32
Show me the menu
My beverages will cost: cocktails $14-$20 / spirits $8.50-$42 / beer $8.50-$12.50 / wine (g) $9-$16 / sake, shoehu, chu-hiu & uhmeshu also available
Good for: pretty much anything – big celebrations (big & small), business, romance. Private dining rooms are also available, as well as seating at the sushi bar for a more relaxed experience.

Useful Stuff
w: sakerestaurant.com.au
fb: /SakeRestaurant
p: +61 7 3015 0557
a: Level 1, 45 Eagle Street, Eagle Street Pier
ot: Lunch mon-sun 1200-1500
Dinner mon-thur 1800-2230 / fri 1800-0000 / sat 1730-2330 / sun 1700-2200

Date of Visit: Thursday 30/08/2012
Written: Monday 03/09/2012

Friday 24^th August saw the launch of Scrumptious Reads’ permanent store open on James Street with a morning tea to mark the occasion. Starting out as a pop-up store on South Bank’s Grey Street just over a year ago, owners Julie Tjiandra and Reyna Portillo have been providing Brisbanites with exactly that – scrumptious reads. This little store serves up pages on food and drink, from boutique cookbooks to Bibles on tea and cupcakes. Homewares, tablewares and servingwear are also available to complete your foodie splurge.

Morning tea was supplied by the lovely Christina Chitra who has just started her own catering company, making the day’s tasty treats by hand in her own home kitchen. Amazing and incredibly moreish. Mini salmon & cream cheese piklets, gorgonzola, pear & cranberry pastries, and mini chocolate & raspberry tarts were only some of the offerings but everything was plentiful with a delicious balance between sweet and savoury. For the moment, you can contact Scrumptious Reads for more info on Christina’s creations!

Sugar Jar Café, also owned by Julie and her business partner Aneta, is conveniently located across from the store so pick up a book, order a coffee and have a scrumptious read in James Street’s newest little laneway.

The Specifics (Sugar Jar Café)
My food will cost: under $10
My beverages will cost: coffee $3.20-$3.60
Good for: a peaceful read and a coffee

Useful Stuff
a: 19 James Street, Fortitude Valley (look for the little Laneway)

w: scrumptiousreads.com
fb: /ScrumptiousReads
p: +61 7 3871 0199
ot: mon-wed, sat 1000-1700 / thur-fri 1000-1800 / sun 1100-1700

fb: /SugarJarCafe
p: 0433 473 009
to: mon-fri 0630- 1600

Date of Visit: Friday 24/08/2012
Written: Friday 24/08/2012

The Hamptons is pleasantly deceiving; from the outside it looks like a little boutique homewares shop full of expensive whites and woods, but walk through the  open doors and see what The Hamptons Home Living is hiding from the rest of Paddington – a stunning view over one of Brisbane’s favourite suburbs.

Whether you go for breakfast or lunch, The Hamptons is tasty and satisfying. The menu is what you would expect when hearing ‘The Hamptons’ from French toast, poached rhubarb, coconut crumble and coulis ($14) to a full breakfast with double smoked bacon, eggs, rosti, portobello mushroom, roma tomato and leavain sourdough ($22). Lunch runs from noon til 3pm every day with a range of meaty meals sandwiches. Try the panini with field mushrooms, or the double smoked bacon ($15 ea). Delish. You’ll also find ‘loin of pork’ or ‘confit duck leg’. Too fancy? Don’t worry. There’s a beef burger on there too ($22) complete with fries and all are delicious. Takeaway is also on offer – check out the board behind the counter to see what they have on that day.

The service is fairly quick and easy going. Despite looking like they’ve stepped out of a trendy Hamptons Home Living catalogue, the staff are down to earth and don’t really take on a hierarchal customer-waitress role.

The decor matches its role as a home living store so expect some gorgeous white wood furnishings and country home pieces on the walls. But the best bit about the Hamptons is their outside balcony. Sit out the back and admire the beauty of a peaceful view over one of Brisbane’s most loved suburbs. It’s incredibly tranquil so go with your bed head, big sunnies and oversized cardigan, or take your gucci bag and maxi dress. Feel free to bring along your grandma – you’d fit in either way.

The Specifics
My food will cost: breakfast $9-$22 / lunch $15-$24
I want to see their Menu
Good for: dates with mum or gran; peace and serenity; ladies a-lunching

Useful Stuff
w: hamptonshomeliving.com.au
p: +61 7 3367 2002
a: 180 Latrobe Tce, Paddington
ot: mon-fri 0615 – 1530; sat 0700-1300

Date of Visit: Saturday 23/06/2012
Written: Tuesday 31/07/2012

Making a weekend reservation for Bucci is impossible unless done 3 weeks in advance so when the opportunity arose for a Thursday night dinner for three, I jumped at the opportunity to book a table at this modern Italian haven on James Street.

The menu is more than substantial with plenty to choose from. Have a four course extravaganza should your belly allow it with starters, entrees, salads, mains and dessert on offer . The food is simple, fancy and delicious. Order a starter, followed by an entree-sized pasta as opposed to a main-sized pasta as the food is heavy and you’ll want to leave room for dessert. Try the spaghetti with clams or the crab. Check out the specials board for the risotto of the day. Order the dessert platter for two ($14 pp) – a great way to taste a bit of everything. Otherwise order the cannelloni or the chocolate cake. Everything is rich but moreish and should not be skipped – sharing is encouraged.

Service is professional, quick, friendly and extremely helpful – from the phone when you make your booking, to the floor. Bucci gets incredibly busy so make sure you do book and don’t be surprised should you have to wait at the bar. Don’t worry – order a cocktail from their extensive list and have it ready and waiting on your table.

The atmosphere is busy and a little noisy – don’t make a reservation here if you’re looking for a quiet, romantic evening. The decor is clean and modern, and the dimmed lighting sets the tone for an upmarket  but intimate evening. Come with a small group of friends and celebrate the end of the week, that much deserved pay rise or handing in that mother -of-an-assignment, or just as an excuse for a fabulous fat night out.

Tips: Book in advance and don’t wear tight pants!

The Specifics

My (dinner) food will cost: salads $18.50-$19.50 / pasta entree size $21-$26 / pasta main size $29-$33 / mains $32-$46 / sides $9 / desserts $15-$20
I want to see the dinner menu
Good for: smaller groups; lunch; dinner; celebrations

Useful Stuff
w: buccijamesstreet.com.au 
fb: /BucciRestaurants
p: +61 7 3852 3323
a: 15 James Street, Fortitude Valley
ot: mon-sun 1200-1500 / 1730-late

Date of Visit: Thursday 12/07/2012
Written: Friday 13/07/2012

What started off as an idea posed by their eldest son, Harold and Christine Fleming have turned into a full fledged foodie cult triggering bun addictions around Brisbane. The Bun Mobile, located wherever their hearts take them, is open for lunch and dinner (and sometimes breakfast if you’re lucky), offering people quick and delicious Asian-inspired morsels. After hearing the idea, Harold and Christine began researching food-trucks in Australia and around the world, deciding to open up Brisbane’s first ever gourmet food truck in March this year.

Offering chicken, pork and waygu beef options ($8 each) in a freshly steamed bun, TBM also has ever-changing daily specials ($10). If you’re lucky, confit duck sausage and crispy pork belly (that’s in one bun ladies and gents, not two!) will be on offer. Using locally sourced produce, these buns are fresh and tasty. Vegetarian? Never fear – they will have something for you whether it be haloumi, mushroom or a tasty tofu variant. Have a gluten-free friend? Harold makes a mean san choy bow, replacing the bun with lettuce leaves. Those with a sweet tooth can also opt for a dessert bun. Pop in see what they have that day (or check out their Facebook). Those of you who are dubious – banana, caramel & salted praline on a bun is surprisingly delish.

Run by Harold and Christine themselves, don’t be shy to say hello or stick around for a chat (although it can get crazy busy). Expect a neighbourly smile from Christine herself and a wave from Harold and his spatula. This couple are friendly and accommodating so don’t be afraid to ask them questions or express your dietary requirements.

TBM parks itself in various places around Brisbane so make sure you check their website to see where they’re scheduled. Timetables are up about a week in advance however, TBM are always around for lunch on Tuesdays and Thursdays on Edmondstone Street, West End by Loading Dock Espresso (1100-1400). Grab a bun, a coffee and a seat and chow down. Watch out – these buns can get addictive. Don’t be surprised should you find yourself ordering two.

The Specifics
My food will cost: $8-$10
Good for: A quick, tasty lunch
Yum: You can’t go wrong with any bun

Useful Stuff
w: http://www.thebunmobile.com
fb: www.facebook.com/thebunmobile 
p: + 61 (0) 401 420 922
a: check out their website to see where they are today!
ot: Lunch is usually around 1100-1400; dinner from around 1800-2000 but you’re best to check their website to make sure! 

The Bun Mobile are also available for catering.

Date of Visit: Tuesday 10/07/2012
Written: Tuesday 10/07/2012

Another dumpling haven, Happy Little Dumplings is a take on Yum Cha rather than gyoza and has recently opened up shop on James Street, sistering their Bulimba eatery. A small place with bench-long seating inside for singles and pairs, and tables outside for groups, this particular HLD shop is set up to serve the business precinct or walk-by shopper.

Purchase a pork, chicken, or duck dumpling for $2 a pop, or six for $11 (from the gourmet or vego menu only). Try a special seafood variant for $2.50 and add a BBQ pork steamed bum for $3. Vegetarians are catered for with three options on offer – mushroom, tofu and an interesting pumpkin & sweet potato creation. Soup is available (but not for takeaway) for $6.50 and comes with 3 dumplings afloat. Want something a bit more refreshing? Order some Vietnamese rice paper rolls ($7.50 for two) – only available weekdays. Of course, a meal is not complete without something sweet and HLD have that covered with a mango pancake or black sticky rice pudding ($4.50 each). Have a seat and pour yourself a free Jasmine tea or pick a cold thirst-quencher from the fridge ($3-$4.50).

This HLD is quite small with only two staff members but the service is fantastic. The staff match the ethos of their shop – happy, smiling and chatty – and are willing to do that little bit extra to add to your likely-to-be-short-lived experience, but making you come back for more. Expect lunch times to be busy – there may be a bit of a wait. Call ahead and see if you can pre-order your dumplings for the whole office.

HLD is all about being happy with notes of positivity dotted about the walls. The decor is warm with red accents, spot lighting and (fake) grass, making the most of such a small space. Its modern and inviting atmosphere makes it a great, little midday getaway from the office gloom.

TIP: Flash your Good Guide V.I.Pigeon Pass and score yourself a free pork bun.

The Specifics
My food will cost: dumplings $2 ea. (6 for $11) / $2.50 seafood dumpling / pork bun $3 / soup $6.50 / Vietnamese rice paper rolls $7.50 for two / dessert $4.50
My beverages will cost: $3 – $4.50 / hot jasmine tea is FREE!
Good for: lunch or a quick snack

Useful Stuff
w: http://www.littledumplings.com.au/ 
p: +61 7 3854 0741
a: Shop 10, 65 James Street, Fortitude Valley
ot: mon-sun 1000-16000
Street parking available 

Date of Visit: Monday 25/06/2012
Written: Thursday 05/07/2012