As a self-professed gourmand, I pride myself on keeping up to date with the best (and most affordable) culinary delights in Brisvegas…of course, everyone's tastes vary (pun intended).
Luckily enough, Brisbane has a plethora of cuisine options to cater to all budgets and cravings.
The area of South Brisbane (and the nearby suburbs of West End and South Bank) have so many great foodie options, it would be impossible to list them all, so below are a few of our personal tried and true favourites located close to the Pullman Hotel.
With a hilariously-named pizza menu to suit anyone's fancy (try the Bad Mutherfungi or the Cluck Norris), a huge range of bottled craft beers, ciders and alcoholic gingerbeers, this West End favourite is set in an old two-story Queenslander with a penchant for bench seats and dimmed lighting. They get brownie points for also having a great breakfast menu (pizza not included).
Despite being hit by a bus (literally), Punjabi Palace in South Brisbane has come back with a vengeance - due largely to it’s huge fanbase (we still go there for meals despite living 40 minutes away). They have a menu full of Indian favourites, and the added bonus of Home Delivery means you can enjoy a great indian feast in the comfort of your hotel room.
Self-proclaimed as Brisbane's "Worst Vegetarian Restaurant", The Norman is a carnevore's delight, with a menu consisting of 9 different types of steak (of which you can select your own out of the window near the counter) and a variety of other meaty mains. The steaks are design and the serving sizes (including sides) are generous. While not the cheapest place to eat, you definitely get your moneys worth.
If you are definitely not the type of person to enjoy The Norman, Govinda's is a vegetarian's place to be. With over 20 years experience serving prime vegetarian delights for both lunch and dinner, this take-away/eat-in restaurant has two locations in Brisbane. Their signature foods have a decidedly ethnic twist, turning this good food into food good for the soul.
Too many to choose just one!
After recent trips to both Europe and South America, my husband and I decided that all the good coffee in the world must have moved to West End. The same can be said for breakfast fare (our cravings for eggs bennie were too shameful to remember). We are lucky enough to have an enormous variety of coffee and breakfast/brunch locations within stones throw of each other in West End - and more and more seem to be popping up every day. Whether you're after an afternoon coffee (most places close about 3pm unless remaining open to serve dinner), are sick of the hotel buffet breakfast, or are after a hearty breakfast to get you amped for a day full of demonstrations and lectures, you can't go wrong in this area.
One of my personal favourites (aside from The Burrow) is Plenty. This cafe is famous for providing delicious dishes made from locally grown and farmed produce, and their unobtrusive organic fair will set your morning off just right. They also serve a delicious daily range of salads and sandwiches if you're in a hurry.
The Archive is definitely a favourite due to it’s enormous range of draught and bottle beer. Now, we know that beer is not ‘technically’ a food. In our defence, The Archive does do a delightful range of bistro meals. However, everyone in the know in Brisbane knows that the only reason to go to The Archive is for a good beer. Simple.
For more information on food and dining (including Friday night icebreaker dinners), visit the wiki.
