Want to sit down to a Queensland restaurant meal that would put a smile on a food critics face?
Here’s 50 that you should try.
The critics have spoken and Queensland’s dining scene has been rated from top to toe. The Good Food Guide, The Australian, Delicious Magazine and Gourmet Traveller all have different opinions, their own rating systems and their favourites.
There are many factors which combine in a restaurant experience and it is a real feat when a restaurant can consistently turn out meals that delight. My favourite dining experiences always seem to involve top local produce prepared with just enough technique to enhance the flavours and served in a memorable location. I’m thinking beachside or river views.
It’s different for everyone so I hope you can find a restaurant to try on this list that fits your flavour list.
How do you choose where to dine? This list of Queensland’s top 50 restaurants combines all the hats, stars, awards and top 10 lists into my own rating system.
I’ve been writing about food for more than 20 years, sometimes as a reviewer, but mostly for stories or Eat drink + be Kerry. It’s a long table. Pick your seat below.

Brisbane Restaurants
*******
Esquire
Urbane
*****
Aria
Gauge
Stokehouse Q
****
ecco
Gerard’s Bistro
Goma Restaurant
Otto
***
Tartufo
The Wolf
**
1889 Enotecca
Alchemy
The Euro
*
Bacchus
Blackbird Bar & Gill
Black Hide Steakhouse
Bucci
Il Centro
Moda
Nickel Kitchen & Bar
Public
Sake Restaurant
The Balfour Kitchen
The Survey Co.
Thomson’s Reserve
Regional Queensland Restaurants
*******
Wasabi, Noosa
******
Nu Nu, Palm Cove
****
Harrisons, Port Douglas
Kyomi, Broadbeach
The Long Apron, Maleny
***
Spirit House, Yandina
**
Rick Shores, Burleigh
The Fish House, Burleigh Heads
Ten Japanese, Broadbeach
The Peak, Maryvale
*
Homage, Granchester
Locale, Noosa Heads
Mamasan, Broadbeach
Noosa Waterfront Restaurant & Bar, Noosaville
Ricky’s River Bar & Restaurant, Noosa Heads
Restaurant Fellini, Main Beach
Room 81, Broadbeach
Social Eating House, Broadbeach
The Tamarind, Maleny
Vanitas, Main Beach
What’s your opinion?
Do you think the critics are right?
Is there a restaurant that deserves to be on this list?
Leave your comments below.