Explore Dining Delights in Paddington & Rosalie: Cafes, Restaurants, and Bars
Quintessential Queenslander homes dot the hills and streets of Paddington and Rosalie. Most of the wooden stilt houses are residential, but along the main shopping strips of Given and Latrobe Terraces in Paddington and in Rosalie Village expect to find cafes, restaurants and bars cooking up a feast from within quaint and historic structures.
Cute cafes
Paddington has one of Brisbane’s best cafe cultures. For a Middle Eastern twist and epic views to the west, request a table in the back of Naim. The avo toast with Persian feta, dukkah, pomegranate gel and poached eggs steps it up from the rest. Nearby Chapter IV Espresso is also in a cute Queenslander home with wrap-around verandas and gorgeous views – ask for a table out back and prepare for a hearty, modern feast.
Dogs are welcome outside at most cafes, but Atticus Finch is will treat your pooch like a queen, while nearby quirky Sassafras is a classic spot along the street with a leafy backyard and wholesome menu. If waffles and bloody marys is what you want, Kettle & Tin is what you need. A cafe filled with character, the space turns into a bar by night. Across the road, Paddington classic Anouk serves a brilliant restaurant-quality all-day breakfast.
In Rosalie, Salt is a top cafe with a changing menu that weaves in Mediterranean and Asian flavours, while Eightysix cafe serves Vietnamese eats and coffee in a cafe environment.
Coffee time
Beyond an epic cafe culture, Paddington has coffee shops to top up on caffeine. Try Tall Short Espresso for a flat white to go, or Java Lounge for a coffee meeting or catch up with a light snack.
Restaurants
Starting with the finer dining end, authentic Italian spot Grappino Trattoria serves delicious, home-style fare with Italian wine in a charming retro dining room. For a trendy rustic Italian dining experience, Il Posto is a friendly spot for wood-fired pizzas and pasta dishes with an Aperol spritz. For a giant-bowls-of-carbonara Italian meal, try Marinara with the red-and-white check tablecloths and murals of Tuscany. Paddington Social is the place to be if you're looking for great coffee, a delicious lunch menu and a Thai pop-up kitchen with creative dishes.
For a delicate modern European share plate menu, pop into Nota. Darling & Co is a chic mega-venue great for breakfast, lunch, dinner and or drinks after a game at Suncorp Stadium.
In Rosalie, Il Locale serves wood-fired pizzas and rustic Italian cuisine in the village. Keep an eye out for pasta making workshops with the chef and lunch specials. Head to Moga for excellent Japanese cuisine and specialty Japanese beers.
Already mentioned cafes Naim, Kettle & Tin and Salt also open for dinner.
Cheap eats
Sometimes all you need is a quick, cheap eat to takeaway or eat in. Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers serves bowls of – you guessed it – gnocchi with around five different sauces, plus a simple salad or tiramisu. Hai Hai serves ramen and bao buns to the hungry masses. Pair your meal with a boutique vino or craft beer for a great evening.
At noon Remy’s switches from breakfast to a menu of burgers plus a couple of salads. Keep an eye out for day-of-the-week specials and take it in to enjoy a beer and great vibes. Khot Thai is a classic Thai restaurant and takeaway spot that does a fabulous curry.
Bars and pubs
Paddington and Rosalie’s bar have a distinctly neighbourhood vibe. Get the chance to meet the locals over a beer, cocktail, chicken parmy or round of trivia.
Hope & Anchor is Paddington’s local gastropub set in a historic late-1800s cottage. The menu gives a nod to British settlers with a snapper pot pie, fish finger sandwich and Berkshire pork terrine to name a few. For another cosy vibe try King Tea – it’s housed in a 100-year-old building that once provided tea, tobacco and sandwiches to tram workers. Nowadays, under the same name it serves modern Chinese fusion food. Kettle and Tin also opens at night, and Remy’s pumps tunes as a neighbourhood hangout in the evening.
For a classic, all Aussie pub head to the Paddington Tavern. The Paddo, as it is known by locals, features multiple bars, a gaming room, a casual-dining restaurant and the popular Sit Down Comedy Club. Both the Paddo and Darling & Co are close to Suncorp Stadium, making the big venues popular for post-game drinks.
Rosalie’s local gastropub, The Brass Barrel serves the classics you want with a twist. Think chicken parmy, fish and chips and burgers paired with good drinks – you bring the company. Little Social is located near Suncorp Stadium and is your home away from home for good booze, food and company. Nearby Bungalow Bar is a casual neighbourhood tapas and cocktail bar and steak restaurant. Some nights you can even win a meat tray – the dream!
Cinema with food
Blue Room Cinebar is a Brisbane gem and local favourite. The luxury, boutique twin cinema in the heart of popular Rosalie Village screens art-house, independent and big blockbuster films and you can enjoy a glass of wine or premium beer, appetisers and light meals while kicking back by the big screen.
