The recap: the best new Brisbane restaurants, bars and cafes in May
As we hurtle towards the mid-year mark, Brisbane’s food scene is starting to come alive. From laneway cocktail bars and fiery breweries to produce-driven restaurants and pink-hued bakeries, May brought us plenty of new openings to marvel at. Here are five of our favourites …
Dark Blue, Fortitude Valley: Since opening its doors in 2022, Dark Red has become a beloved fixture in Brisbane’s wine-bar scene. Known for its ever-changing Italian wine list and for the warm, personal touch of owner Hannah Wagner (and her furry sidekick Daisy), Dark Red is the welcoming port in the heart of the storm known as Fortitude Valley. This month, Hannah expanded her footprint in the nightlife precinct, opening Dark Blue – a more refined yet still approachable bar located in the heritage-listed Shannon’s Building at the entrance to Winn Lane. Boasting a moody, romantic aesthetic with a New York loft-style vibe, Dark Blue leans more heavily into cocktails, with a Mediterranean-inspired list curated by Charlie Hunter (formerly of Savile Row), offering inventive twists like the Med Martini and Caramel Carajillo. Wine remains a key focus, but this time Hannah is spotlighting Portuguese, Argentinian and Chilean varieties. Throw in some conservas and snacks, and Dark Blue is set to be just as cherished as its sibling.
Evra, Newstead: Though most restaurants claim that produce is key to its offering, few eateries go to the same lengths as Evra to prove it. Following the success of its coastal- and rural-inspired grocer and deli, Evra is building on its ethos of locality and quality with a refined yet approachable dining experience that showcases produce sourced from across Queensland – including its own rooftop farm. Executive chef Kelvin Andrews has crafted a share-style modern Australian menu boasting French techniques and Italian and Vietnamese influences, featuring standout dishes like South Australian marron risotto, Wombeyan Caves Aylesbury duck, and a decadent mud-crab lasagne. Premium proteins from suppliers like CopperTree Farms and BlueReef underscore the restaurant’s strong ties to regional producers, while Evra’s beverage program includes a globe-spanning wine list and a curated cocktail menu with inventive sips like the Day Spa and Americano Perfecto, rounding out a polished yet welcoming neighbourhood dining destination.
BoscoNero, Mitchelton: After Miss Kay’s closed its Mitchelton outpost last year, locals quickly rallied to ensure the vacant Blackwood Street space wouldn’t sit empty. This month, BoscoNero debuted as a vibrant new addition to the dining strip. Striking a balance between relaxed family-friendly atmosphere and elevated date-night vibes, a five-week transformation – guided by Ryan Creative, The Art of Space and Shopbuilders – swapped the grungy look of its predecessor for a more contemporary yet warm interior. The menu embraces classic Italian trattoria charm, with snacks like rosemary focaccia and arancini leading into heartier options such as lamb ragu, risottos and woodfired pizzas, plus standout mains like porchetta and barramundi with house-made caponata. Meanwhile, the bar serves up effervescent spritzes, Italian wines and refreshing concoctions like the Molise Margarita or Livorno Limoncello Lemonade.
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Pippa’s Pantry, Camp Hill: Pippa Blatch, the self-made force behind the cult-favourite vegan bakery Pippa’s Pantry, took the next step in her baking journey this month, transforming her nomadic business into a bricks-and-mortar destination in Camp Hill. Her shop, though compact, houses a larger production kitchen where she bakes throughout the week, with storefront hours on Fridays and Saturdays. Here, Pippa is crafting an array of creative vegan treats, from her viral cupcakes and loaded cookies to lamington croissants and savoury focaccias. The immediate success of Pippa’s Pantry’s new shopfront reflects years of grit, adaptability and a deep connection with customers who return not just for the sweets, but for the woman who makes them.
Fuel Brewing Co., Bulimba: Fuel Brewing Co., the new brewpub on Oxford Street in Bulimba, marks a heartfelt return for founder Jay Neven, who previously launched and grew Revel Brewing Co. in the same location several years back. After stepping away from Revel, Jay was drawn back to the industry by the opportunity to reclaim the original site and return to small-batch, community-focused brewing. Fuel retains much of the former venue’s charm, with refreshed interiors, a familiar shaded beer garden and plans to reinstall Jay’s original brewing kit for an updated lineup of core and experimental beers. The brewpub launched with a collaborative Kickstart IPA – made with Hudson Brewing – and also offers spritzes, wines and a standout food menu of woodfired pizzas and share plates like pesto burrata and buttermilk squid.
Many more restaurants, cafes and bars opened this month. You can have a browse through the latest foodie happenings by clicking here.