Skip the supermarkets – here’s a list of Brisbane’s best independent grocers, delis and fresh food markets
Handmade pasta, backyard-harvested herbs and local honey straight from the hive –Brisbane’s best food isn’t hiding in supermarket aisles. Across the city, independent grocers are championing fresh, local and organic produce that you won’t find on supermarket shelves. If you care about quality, freshness and supporting local, here are the neighbourhood grocers worth filling your basket at.
Good Things Grocer, Tarragindi
Head south of the river to find the neighbourhood favourite Good Things Grocer in Tarragindi, where food and community come together in a sunny gourmet deli open from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm daily. Stocking everything from locally milled flour and seasonal flowers from nearby farms to fresh produce still warm from the sun, Good Things Grocer has built a formidable reputation from the ground up. Owners Kym and Sarah’s wealth of knowledge is integral to Good Things Grocer’s success, with more than 15 years’ experience of bringing people together through food, from starting Apples in Salisbury and Flock in the Northern Rivers region. Additionally, Kym’s mum has been selling family grown produce at Jan Powers Farmers Market for more than 20 years, while her dad is hard at work on the family farm, bringing the freshest produce to GTG’s shelves, not to mention Melbourne-born Sarah brings over three decades of hospitality know-how. With such deep-rooted histories in the foodie scene, the two have forged strong connections and partnerships with local farmers and producers, creating a heart-warming sense of community in store. With a range of ready-to-go meals, boutique cheeses, handmade pastas and coffee made exclusively with Allpress Espresso beans, Good Things Grocer makes sure this is a shopping trip you actually want to go on.
Rosalie Gourmet Market, Paddington
Located in the quaint Rosalie Village, sits a family-run deli and food hall that has been operating since 1997. Rosalie Gourmet Market was opened by Brisbane locals Norris and Marcia Lewis 28 years ago after being inspired by L.A.’s organic grocers. When the two decided to enjoy their retirement in 2016, the Lewis’ handed the reins over to Rae Gough, another Brisban-ite who had spent time abroad in London, becoming inspired by the likes of Borough market before returning home with her husband, young family and a beloved neighbourhood grocer to make her own. With strong European and London influences, Rosalie Gourmet Market has since doubled in size – expanding into the space next door to house more than 3000 products, making it Brisbane’s one-stop shop for an impromptu dinner party. Once the doors open at 6:30 am every morning, shoppers can find all the staples like fresh fruits and vegetables, daily baked bread and locally and internationally grown flowers. More than 100 artisanal cheeses from across the world can also be found across the shelves, including Roquefort, Le Conquerant camembert and Bleu D’Affinois. Find cured meats, pickled products, bespoke kitchenware, edible flowers, specialty flour and a wide range of sweets, pastries and cakes plus catering for all dietary requirements, online grocery shopping for pick-up and delivery, and tailored hampers.
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Yiayia’s Pantry, Toowong
Located on Morley Street in Toowong is a locally owned and operated delicatessen with strong Greek roots and European influences. Toula Manias opened Yiayia’s Pantry earlier this year with her wealth of experience from running her own restaurants in Greece and extensive knowledge about authentic food inherited from her own Yiayia. The store – which was also blessed by Toula’s priest – is always stocked with traditional ingredients, pantry staples, fine oils, artisan cheeses, cured meats, local baked goods and imported olives from Europe – alongside Toula’s very own secret marinated olives. Here, customers can also find a stellar spice and dry goods section, stocking everything from Greek oregano, cinnamon sticks, rice and flour to that one essential but elusive herb that you can never find at Woolworths. While you’re popping in, don’t forget to check out the walk-in cold room where you can find marinated goods and a range of Greek cheeses, including haloumi, kasseri and kefalograviera plus ready-to-eat Greek specialties like spanakopita, moussaka, pastitsio, baklava, souvlaki and more. With shelves teaming with mediterranean goods, this neighbourhood European deli with Greek heart has become a go-to spot for authentic flavours.
Neighbourhood Market Co., Everton Park
Everton Park Plaza’s family-owned greengrocer, Neighbourhood Market Co. is backed by more than 38 years and three generations’ worth of experience in the food industry. The green grocer’s family team has obtained a trusted network within the Rocklea markets, meaning produce is hand-picked every morning and selected based off quality, freshness and taste. With its dedication to specialty groceries and international delicacies, shoppers can find traditional Italian and European cheeses and colourful displays of fresh produce and flowers alongside a display of special meat and seafood offerings, featuring marinated baby octopus and pure pork salami. Since opening in 2018, Neighbourhood Market Co. has cemented its reputation as a trusted supplier of quality produce in Brisbane.
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The Bardon Shed, Bardon
The Bardon Shed is a cherished fresh food escape in Brisbane with a focus on healthy living. Locally owned and operated, The Bardon Shed brings a bit of everything to the area, from its bakery to the delicatessen – shoppers can find everything they need with shelves always stocked with fresh produce, meat, seafood, dairy, eggs and prepared foods. At The Bardon Shed, not only do they believe that fresh food is essential for a healthy lifestyle – they put it into action too. Through a variety of educational programs and events teaching about the importance of healthy living, The Bardon Shed champions the idea that strong community starts with a strong food system. By supporting local farmers, producers and businesses to create a more sustainable and equitable food system, this locally owned grocer puts its passion for community first. The café out the front makes the shed a Sunday morning favourite, allowing for a much-needed coffee and bite before doing the week’s groceries.
Evra Marketplace, Newstead
In 2024, Long Island Brisbane welcomed a coastal and rural-inspired bodega with sustainability and community at its core. Evra Marketplace’s philosophy goes beyond showcasing fresh food – it nurtures sustainable living with a focus on seasonal and locally-sourced ingredients from small, independent producers. Reflecting this dedication to ethical sourcing, shoppers can even find zero-kilometre produce from Evra’s rooftop farm which cultivates chemical-free fruits, vegetables and herbs while being a home to bees and chickens. Inside the market, find premium organic produce, pantry essentials and ethically-sourced meats. A rotating menu of hot and cold meals include easy ready-to-eat buffalo cauliflower and pesto pasta, to health-focused longevity smoothies which are made fresh in store. Evra Marketplace encourages shoppers to rethink their relationship with food and embrace ancient farming techniques within a rustic yet modern atmosphere.
Mumbleberry, Wilston and Brisbane City
In the havoc of 2020, a lot of ambitious ideas were born, but among the best was Lucy George’s family-run providore Mumbleberry, located in leafy Wilston. The idea to celebrate Australian independent artisans and producers with a local-focused gourmet grocer was born over an isolation wine and zoom charcuterie board that Lucy had made from local produce. Bringing her passion for paddock to plate and local produce from the English countryside to Australia, Lucy fell in love with the Brisbane foodie scene and the passion behind Australia’s artisan producers. The result was Mumbleberry, named after Wye Valley farmer, Ginny George’s famous crumble which contains a mishmash of all the different berries she grows. The Wilston store was followed by a Heritage Lanes location, both of which have built a strong reputation for its dedication to kitchen and home, gourmet delights and premium bespoke gift hampers. Shoppers can find everything from jams and cheeses to alcohol and coffee, all sourced from local farms, producers and artisans.
All My Friends, Highgate Hill
It’s all in the name at All My Friends grocer in Highgate Hill. With a farm-to-face philosophy, All My Friends has built its stellar reputation over the last four years by establishing strong relationships with farmers and producers across Brisbane. Their friends list includes Mount Cotton Organic Farm, Neighbourhood Farm, Little Acre Gourmet Mushrooms, LOOP Growers, Piggy In The Middle Farm, Manorina Farm, Sandy Creek Organics, Fairgame Wild Venison and Riser, who deliver fresh bread to the store every day. Prioritising seasonal produce over the same stock every week, All My Friends takes its cues from farmers to stock what is available at the time, from fruit and vegetables to eggs and meat. To showcase its seasonal leanings, All My Friends also offers weekly produce boxes with a medley of local and organic fruit, vegetables and herbs plus seasonal staples and fun treats straight from farms. After the groceries have been secured, visit the Lucky Duck Kitchen & Bar for Reuban Hills coffee, sustainable wines, craft beer and dishes made from local produce.
Tetra Grocer, Market Square
Tetra isn’t your standard neighbourhood grocer. Nestled in Market Square, Tetra has been crafted as a love letter to the flavours, rhythms and colours of Asia, blending heritage, quality produce and community stories. It’s the kind of place where you can shop for your everyday needs while sparking a sense of discovery in the form of an exotic varietal you’ve never tasted before. From fresh fruit and vegetables, to ready-made meals and everyday essentials, everything placed on the shelves has been selected based on colour and freshness, to reflect Tetra’s philosophy of quiet beauty, patience, time and care. By selecting produce with growers in mind, Tetra offers an elevated interpretation of an Asian grocer while preserving the earnestness and familiarity of a local store. Owned by a local Vietnamese family and in collaboration with House of Borhan, responsible for the interior and brand design, Tetra has been crafted as a space for daily shopping, thoughtful eating and genuine care where fresh produce is treated with a diamond-like reverence. Tetra also offers recipes and tastings crafted by a private in-house chef to create a sensory experience that is both thoughtful and magical.
Pennisi Cuisine Distributors, Woolloongabba
In 1977, Kata and John Pennisi started their own delicatessen, which in 1982 expanded into a wholesale grocer. Today, Pennisi Cuisine Distributors has more than 45 years experience in Brisbane and Queensland’s food scene. Stocking products sourced both locally and abroad from small businesses and families across Southeast Queensland, Pennisi offers a culinary trip around the world. fers a culinary trip around the world.On the shelves are more than 4000 products from Spain, Italy, Germany, East Europe, Middle East, Brazil, Columbia, Mexico, Argentina, Chile and United States – with everything from escargot and Sicilian anchovies to fresh gnocchi and international cheeses. Stocking a little bit of everything from everywhere, Pennisi Cuisine brings the rest of the world to the heart of Brisbane.