Pavement Whispers: Volume 540 January 13
From news of Comuna Cantina’s new location to a must-attend matcha-infused dinner, The Weekend Edition is always on the search for the latest food news in Brisbane, dedicated to ensuring its readers are in the know. When we put our ears to the pavement this week, this is what we found out …
Comuna Cantina Newstead
Following on from a scorching-hot 2025, Newstead’s dining scene continues to sizzle in 2026 with the news that beloved Mexican-inspired eatery and bar Comuna Cantina has tabbed the suburb for its next location. This March, Comuna Cantina will open its third outpost on Cunningham Street, taking over the ground-level tenancy previously home to The Lazy Dog, overlooking Waterfront Park. Work is underway on the restaurant’s build, which will look to create a seamless connection between interior and outdoor spaces, while also implementing an earthy design scheme inspired by hacienda-style architecture. “Newstead was a location our guests kept asking for,” says Comuna founder Tim Johnson of the move. “But more than that, it felt right for our brand. The river, the parklands and the openness of the area naturally invite people to slow down, gather and stay awhile. That’s exactly what Comuna is about.” Though details on the menu are being kept under wraps for now, we’re sure to find the same flavour packed mixture of Mexican-style street eats (think tacos, quesadillas and burritos) and colourful cocktails on offer. Stay tuned for more info on this opening over the coming weeks.
Vertigo
Love enjoying dinner with a view? Well, the views don’t get much better than those at Vertigo, Brisbane Powerhouse’s rooftop restaurant. The elevated eatery has revamped its offering and relaunched for 2026, adding a few tasty additions to its pulse-raising experience. Guests can now enjoy a relaxed shared charcuterie menu curated by Wine & Dine’m, with two options available. A standard grazing box will include a number of delicious nibbles, including an assortment of gourmet cheeses and meats, as well as olives, pickled chillies, quince and fruit. Plant-based diners can opt for a vegan box, which includes vegan cheeses and chargrilled vegetables. Grazing packages also include one alcoholic drink per person and unlimited soft drinks, as well as a 17-metre leap down the side of Brisbane Powerhouse, to finish. Bookings for Vertigo are now open for 2026, with limited spots remaining for January and February. Head to Vertigo’s website to reserve a table.
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Soju Tasting Dinner at Marble Korean Steakhouse
Marble Korean Steakhouse at Portstide Wharf is hosting an exclusive, one-night-only Soju Tasting Dinner on Wednesday January 14, offering guests an intimate and immersive exploration of Korea’s most iconic spirit through a refined contemporary dining experience. The guided evening will feature eight hand-selected sojus served as 15-ml tastings, each thoughtfully paired with a bespoke Korean dish designed to complement the spirit’s character, showcasing styles ranging from traditional heritage expressions to modern interpretations. The curated selection includes rare pours such as Bekseju 100 Year Soju, Yangchon Chungju, Jinmaek 100 Percent Organic Wheat Soju, Hwayo 41X Oak Soju and Won Mae Plum and Honey Soju, alongside distinctive rice and citrus wines. The dinner will explore the history, production and cultural significance of soju while demonstrating its place in a premium dining context – get your tickets here.
和 (Wa) Night at Nonda
Two beloved Japanese-inspired brands will be collaborating on an ultra-special banquet that is a must-attend for any matcha fans. Wa (和) Night will see Newstead restaurant Nonda linking up with Brisbane City-based Shiro for an evening of matcha-infused flavours, tea tastings and decadent dessert on Sunday January 25. Guests will be treated to an eight-course banquet with Shiro’s premium ceremonial-grade matcha as the star ingredient, with sweet and savoury dishes including charcoal-grilled octopus with matcha pistachio cream, nori matcha salt zucchini tempura and crispy potato matcha. The night will also include a guided tea ceremony and tasting, plus the chance to win venue vouchers at both Shiro and Nonda. If you’re keen to indulge in a night of culinary innovation and matcha magic, click here to snag your tickets.
If you’ve heard something that’s worth mentioning in The Weekend Edition’s Pavement Whispers, email [email protected].