Tucked at the so-called “Paris end” of Woolloongabba, Ooh-la-la is one of Brisbane’s most intriguing rooftop bars—easy to overlook from street level despite its cheeky red beacon glowing above. Sitting just behind the much-loved French restaurant C’est Bon, this rooftop hideaway blends Brisbane’s evolving bar scene with a whisper of classic French charm.
A Hidden Brisbane Rooftop Bar with French Flair
To find it, you’ll slip down a dimly lit laneway, cross a quiet car park, and step through wrought-iron gates that feel straight out of a European backstreet. Then comes the climb. Ooh-la-la is three flights up, and while those stairs may rule it out for some, they’re also part of the adventure. If you’re the type who loves a rooftop bar that feels fresh, quirky, and a touch unexpected—with standout food and an impressive drinks list—you’ll feel right at home at the top.
When you finally reach the rooftop, you’re rewarded with a cosy bar, open-air ambience, and a well-earned drink under Brisbane’s night sky. It’s surprisingly easy to imagine yourself in the backstreets of Bordeaux rather than across the road from the Mater Hospital. Settle into a bench seat and enjoy sweeping views across Mater Hill and The Gabba—proof that some of Brisbane’s best rooftop moments begin with a little mystery and a lot of stairs.
Welcome and Thank You!
Greetings and welcome to Eat, Drink, and Be Kerry! We’re thrilled to have you join our community of food and travel enthusiasts. Your support means the world to us, and we’re grateful for the time you’ve taken to explore our content. If you’re enjoying what you find here, feel free to leave a comment, give us a “like,” share with friends, and consider subscribing for even more culinary and travel delights! Just a heads up—this page has some affiliate links. If you decide to buy something through one of these links, I might earn a small commission, but don’t worry, it won’t cost you anything extra. Thanks a bunch for your support!
Plan Your Trip to Woolloongabba
Woolloongabba is one of Brisbane’s most intriguing neighbourhoods with an eclectic mix of heritage character, buzzing eateries, and creative small bars threaded through charming old buildings. Best known for The Gabba stadium, this inner-city suburb has evolved into a destination in its own right, with laneways hiding French bistros, rooftop bars, artisan bakeries, and thriving vintage stores. Its walkable streets blend history with modern flair, making it a vibrant pocket where locals gather for pre-game drinks, long lunches, and late-night discoveries. Whether you’re here for the food, the architecture, or the atmosphere, Woolloongabba delivers a uniquely Brisbane experience with plenty of personality.
- Cheap flights
- Savings on accommodation from hotels to luxury hotels
- Affordable sightseeing tours and day trips
- Affordable car rental options
- Great destination touring options
This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.
What’s on the Menu at This Brisbane Rooftop Bar?
Ooh-la-la doesn’t do ordinary bar snacks—there’s not a peanut bowl or soggy hot chip in sight. Instead, this Brisbane rooftop bar leans into luxury with a menu that reads like a love letter to refined French indulgence. Think Siberian or Oscietra caviar, curated fromage and charcuterie boards, and a selection of delicate, chef-driven bites that elevate rooftop dining to something far more memorable.
Seafood lovers are spoiled, with appellation oysters served natural or dressed with a bright green tomato mignonette, elegant blini caviar sets with potato-rye blinis and crème fraîche, Fraser Island crab in a mornay espelette with tarragon, and mussels finished with mouclade, chives, and bottarga.
Executive Chef and Owner Andy Ashby champions local produce and brings a contemporary French sensibility to every plate. His menu glows with refined favourites such as Angus tartare with tomato, cured yolk and tendon, and a delicate kingfish crudo with sorrel, buttermilk and melon.
Whatever you do, don’t miss the duck liver parfait éclairs with prune or the confit suckling pig terrine paired with rhubarb, celeriac, and dill pickles—these are the dishes people come back for.
For groups, the indulgent C’est Bon Fruits de Mer platter is the ultimate showstopper, laden with nduja brown-butter Queensland prawns, local spanner crab, appellation oysters, mussels, kingfish crudo, and blini caviar sets—perfect for sharing under the Brisbane night sky.
Duck Liver Parfait Eclairs
Ooh-la-la Cocktail Menu
The cocktails at Ooh-la-la are as charming as the rooftop itself, with a signature list that leans into tropical warmth and French elegance. Begin with an Ooh La La signature like La Gazelle, a bright blend of rhum, passionfruit and falernum, or the chic Saint-Germain-des-Prés, where gin, cucumber and elderflower come together in a crisp, garden-fresh sip that’s perfect for Brisbane’s balmy evenings.
Prefer wine? Settle in from golden hour to late night with a thoughtful list that spans Queensland favourites and French classics. You’ll find Witches Falls Wild Ferment Chardonnay—a personal favourite—alongside standout drops from Ballandean and Barambah, giving the rooftop a distinctly local twist while still honouring its French heart.
How Did They Fit a Brisbane Rooftop Bar on a Heritage Building?
Creating a modern rooftop bar atop a century-old structure isn’t easy, but Ooh-la-la proves it can be done with finesse. Designed by JDA Co., a boutique Brisbane architecture studio, the rooftop addition was crafted under strict heritage guidelines to ensure the building’s historic character remained front and centre.
JDA Co. Director James Davidson explains that the new structure was intentionally designed to sit lightly on the original 1900s facade. The goal? To introduce fresh energy and contemporary flair without overshadowing the building’s form, detail or heritage significance.
“It’s a gorgeous spot that pays tribute to the building’s history but starts a new story for it. We’re so proud to be a part of its new chapter,” Davidson says.
The result is a rooftop bar that co-exists beautifully with its heritage bones—proof that Brisbane’s evolving bar scene can embrace innovation without losing sight of its past.
More About Ooh-la-la
Ooh-la-la brings a touch of whimsy to Brisbane’s rooftop bar scene, opening from Friday to Sunday, 3 pm until late. Drop in for a laid-back afternoon of wine and French bar snacks, or mix things up with one of their creative workshops—think paint-and-sip sessions or even rooftop yoga with a view. It’s the kind of place that effortlessly shifts from relaxed weekend hangout to chic evening escape.
Finding the entrance feels like part of the adventure. Access is via the car park behind C’est Bon on Annerley Road, where you’ll spot the discreet pathway leading to the stairs. There’s very limited free parking behind the restaurant, and a convenient parking station just 100 metres away offering affordable rates. Being close to the Mater Hospital means street parking can be limited, so arriving a little early pays off—especially if you want to catch that first golden-hour cocktail.
Find out more here.
More Brisbane rooftop bars
Where are more of the best rooftop bars in Brisbane city? Try The Terrace at Emporium Hotel South Bank, Iris at Hotel X in Fortitude Valley, or Fiume at Crystalbook Vincent under the Story Bridge.