No booze, no problem – here’s a list of the best spots for an alcohol-free sip in Brisbane
Brisbane isn’t short on incredible eateries and bars, with bartenders crafting drinks to suit every taste. But while one of us took a break from alcohol last month, we started to wonder – where in Brisbane truly caters to sober sippers? There are now more options than ever for those who still want a beautifully crafted drink without the all-too-familiar next-day headache. We’ve curated a list of Brisbane’s best restaurants and bars with standout non-alcoholic offerings.
Joy Restaurant, Fortitude Valley: Everyone knows that a visit to Sarah Baldwin’s restaurant, Joy, is about more than just a standard meal – it’s about the entire dining experience. Tucked away on Bakery Lane in Fortitude Valley, the intimate restaurant seats just ten guests at a time, with Sarah pouring creativity, passion and a sense of fun into the ever-changing menu. Sommelier Loren curates Joy’s non-alcoholic pairings, thoughtfully designed to complement seasonal ingredients. Her current favourites on the drinks list include the Citrus Bitter – an intricate blend of various citrus, salt and sugar – and the Peach Sherbet, featuring caramelised peaches, cardamom syrup, Earl Grey tea, rose and vanilla. Each drink is carefully paired with Joy’s signature dishes, including spanner crab and the goat’s cheese dessert. Joy Restaurant also features NON wine and other non-alcoholic options on the menu. For more information and to book a seat, click here.
Venner, West End: Opening in the latter half of February 2026, West End’s Nordic-inspired restaurant Venner has quickly established a reputation for non-alcoholic offerings. For just $65 per person, the restaurant has an exclusive non-alcoholic pairing menu on offer in partnership with Never Never Distilling Co. in South Australia. Sip your way through five alcohol-free cocktails with interesting ingredients including Queen Garnet plum, Granny Smith apple and a water-based passion fruit and apricot kefir thoughtfully paired with dessert. Not in the mood for a full pairing? Each drink is available to purchase seperately, including a range of other non-alcoholic drinks including Sobah’s 0.5 percent tropical ale from Queensland, Four Pillar’s Bandwagon non-alcoholic ‘gin’ and a range of delicious Stangelove soda’s.
Exhibition Restaurant, Brisbane City: Located in what used to be the stables of the Metro Arts Theatre, Tim Scott’s 24-seat subterranean restaurant Exhibition is a go-to spot for foodies seeking an omakase-style escape. The Exhibition team offer a sober pairing option to go alongside carefully ever-changing dishes. The pairing is described as a highly considered non-alcoholic option that utilises Exhibition’s access to exceptional produce and a library of ingredients preserved from past menus.
Milquetoast, Brisbane City: Milquetoast wine bar and dining room in Brisbane CBD serves their own spin on zero-proof beverages. Aidan Perkins (formerly of Exhibition, Hôntô and Agnes) has curated a range of house-made wines for sober customers to enjoy. Paying homage to the Milquetoast drinks menu, they look and are served like wine to immerse guests in the bar’s atmosphere. Seasonal produce and advanced techniques create the drinks’ unique aroma, texture and flavour. Though the wines take significantly more time and effort to create in comparison to alcoholic cocktails, Aidan says that the team are “thrilled to see them recognised” as more people seek out alcoholic-free options.
Maya Mexican, Fortitude Valley: Designed to transport guests to the sun-kissed shores of Tulum Mexico, The Villa by MAYA is currently serving a range of delicious non-alcoholic Aqua Fresca’s. The drinks are inspired by Mexican and Central American street markets where vendors blend fresh fruit, ice and water to create a simple yet extremely refreshing beverage. The current flavours in rotation are Aqua De Sonora (watermelon juice, coconut water, agave and lime), Agua De Sinaloa (hibiscus, lime, vanilla and pineapple) and Agua De Jalisco (coconut milk, sparkling coconut water and lime zest) – and honestly they all sound worthy of a try. All Agua Frescas can be made without alcohol on request.
Wine & Larder, Ashgrove: Located on Waterworks Road in Ashgrove, this cosy wine bar and restaurant proudly stocks over 100 wines, with 30 by the glass alongside local craft beer on tap. Sober sippers will be delighted to find a page on the menu dedicated to alcohol-free beverages. The main highlights include a Sauvignon blanc by Altina, three fun flavours from NON wines (including toasted cinnamon and yuzu) and selections from HOPR which incorporate adaptogens and nootropics instead of alcohol. If wine isn’t your sip of choice – the bar also stocks non-alcoholic Erdinger lager from Germany and Bridge Road ‘Free Time’ pale ale from Victoria.
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Sono Japanese Restaurant, Hamilton: For an extensive mocktail menu like no other, head over to Sono in Hamilton. The Japanese-inspired restaurant boasts an extensive mocktail collection featuring ten beverages to match its ten-course Zen Degustation or for individual consumption. Flavours bounce from the Tropical Geisha (strawberry, cloudy apple, grapefruit and genmaicha) and Spice Garden (dil, verjuice and edible flowers) to Synergy (orange, vanilla, coffee and cream) and the unique Beetroot Shrub with beetroot and tonic. Sono also proudly stocks three Saicho Sparkling Tea’s including Darjeeling, Hōjicha and Jasmin. Beer and cider drinkers are also considered with alcohol-free Kirin Ichi Zero and low-alcohol Lychee Gold Cider from Canberra available.
Penelope Bistro & Bar, Fortitude Valley: Though smaller in offering, European-inspired bistro, bar and supper club, Penelope holds a short but sweet list of alcohol-free options. Serving up Peroni Zero, NON wines and two fun mocktails made with Lyer’s premium Italian spritz.
Lobby Bar at The Calile Hotel, Fortitude Valley: Known as the ideal spot for The Calile Hotel guests and James Street visitors to soak up the sun with a morning espresso, the Lobby Bar comes alive in the afternoon as the wines begin to pour. For those opting for alcohol-free options, the bar offers eight non-alcoholic cocktails, providing plenty of variety. Classics like the Virgin Daiquiri and Nogroni sit alongside house creations such as the Zero Summer, made with passionfruit, white cane, coconut and lime. All cocktails can also be made vegan on request. The Lobby Bar also stocks three NON wines behind the bar. For more information on the menu, click here.
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