James Street Food & Drink Guide: Best Spots to Eat, Drink & Enjoy
From activewear brunches to late-night hideaway bars, James St is the scene to be seen at.
Whether you’re planning a shopping trip with lunch, need to celebrate over dinner, or want to meet friends at a cool bar – James St has just the place.
Breakfast and brunch
Harvey’s
An institution, Harvey’s is the leafy spot to meet girlfriends for brunch and while away the morning over poached eggs and coffee until the shops open. Be daring and swap coffee for a cocktail.
King Arthur
This petite loft warehouse hidden just off James on Arthur St is a superb secret breakfast spot. The kitchen works with local suppliers and Food Connect to deliver seasonal menus using ingredients from within a 180km radius.
Chow House
If it’s variety you desire, Chow House is the place. Located next to the cinema, this cafe fuses east and west in its jumbo morning menu.
Coffee hit
Jamie’s Espresso
A graffiti laneway and hole-in-the-wall coffee shop combine to create this uber-cool caffeinated hangout. Bring your pup along.
Bellissimo
Not on James St, but just across the road from Pottery Barn, drop by Bellissimo for locally roasted specialty coffee and Italian treats.
Campos
You’ve found it! Campos HQ is tucked behind the James Street Markets and serves a seasonal menu alongside its specialty coffee. This is where the magic happens.
Casual dining
Gerard’s Bistro
One must tick this venue off any dining bucket list in Brisbane. Head chef Ben Williamson celebrates Middle Eastern and North African cuisine with a European influence. Take friends, it’s a share concept and you’ll want to order lots of dishes.
Bucci
Say ciao to Bucci, an Italian restaurant in the heart of the shopping strip. Executive chef Shaun Malone uses fresh, organic and locally sourced produce wherever possible in a light, seasonal menu. Don’t miss the to-die-for rich and velvety chocolate cake.
Tinderbox Kitchen
Straight from the roaring Beech wood-fired oven to your plate – Tinderbox Kitchen serves up pizzas and modern Italian cuisine. Drop by for a casual lunch, dinner catch-up or birthday celebration.
The Purple Olive
Further towards New Farm, The Purple Olive is an underrated classic and rustic Italian restaurant. The family-run operation makes its own pasta and gelato from scratch.
Cheap and easy
Fresh Sushi Co
Hidden within the James Street Markets, head to the far end to find this BYO sushi counter for a fresh sashimi hit.
Ribs & Burgers
The name says it all really, pop by the casual eatery to dine on slow cooked ribs, gourmet burgers, chicken wings and more for lunch or dinner.
The Yiros Shop
You’ll likely spot this tiny, hidden store first by the crowd milling outside. Fill your yiros pita with lamb, chicken or pork, ripe tomatoes, red onion, parsley, tzatziki and chips.
Sweet treats
Jocelyn’s Provisions
Need a cake? Go to Jocelyn’s. The artisan bakery is known for its exquisite and high-quality cakes, bread and sweet treats. You won’t walk out empty-handed.
Scrumptious Reads
Australia’s first Sinmei Tea Room is hidden within this foodie bookshop. Drop in for green tea and a matcha brownie.
Dello Mano
Brisbane’s famous brownies – it’s said Ashton Kutcher once requested them for his birthday. These rich, luxury little foil-wrapped squares are a must eat. The Dello Mano shopfront on Doggett St also houses a full service cafe.
Chester Street Bakery
For cakes by the slice, boozy brunch and late-night dessert – Chester Street is the place. Two blocks back from James St, we know you’ll walk for a sugar hit.
NoDo Donuts
In nearby Chester St, NoDo technically isn’t on James St either but the walk is worth it for these gluten-free doughnuts that are baked, not fried. That makes them healthy, right?
Bars and late-night eats
Sixes & Sevens
This hip bar packs out on weekends and is particularly popular for a Sunday afternoon session when the venue takes over the neighbouring paved area. Drop in for a drink in the old Queenslander and nibble on gastropub eats.
Gerard’s Bar
The industrial-chic Gerard’s Bar specialises in chacuterie and late-night eats. Drop by for a cocktail of your fancy paired with gourmet share plates or the renowned cheeseburger – chefs flame grill it before your eyes.
Cru Bar
Lounge around with the cool cats catching a breeze and sipping champagne at Cru Bar. The bar boasts a Coravin system that keeps the cork in the bottle and the wine free from oxidisation – meaning it can offer more bottles by the glass.
Farrier
Come across James St late at night while hungry? Well, you’re in the right place. Farrier Supper Club has the kitchen open until 2am every single night, with a short menu of dishes to satisfy.
