Treat your dad this Father’s Day and take him for a scrumptious lunch at these Brisbane and Gold Coast hot spots.
It might just be us, but there’s just something about dads and food, so why not give him what he loves this Father’s Day and spoil him with some grub from one of Brisbane’s bests? Whether you’re in the city or on the Gold Coast, we’ve found a bunch of restaurants, bistros, bars and grills that are sure to be Father’s Day wins. Just remember to book early to make sure you get a table.
Brisbane City
Kingsley’s Steak & Crabhouse
According to The Urban List, Kingsley’s Steak & Crabhouse is home to one of Brisbane’s best steaks – always a winning dish for dad on his special day. He can choose from a range of cuts, from the classic Angus rump to the gluttonous Wagyu rib-eye with a marble score of 7–8. Aside from the food, the riverside restaurant boasts stellar views of Story Bridge.
Address: Riparian Plaza, 71 Eagle Street, Brisbane
Website: Kingsley’s Steak & Crabhouse
The Eatery at Four Points by Sheraton, Brisbane
Everyone loves a hotel breakfast buffet. Consider scrapping the traditional lunch, and go for brunch at a CBD hotel. Indulge your dad with all the bacon, sausage, eggs, pastries and cereals he can cram in.
Address: 99 Mary Street, Brisbane
Website: The Eatery
George’s Paragon, Brisbane
Known for serving up some of the freshest Mediterranean-style seafood, George’s Paragon dishes up mouth-watering Greek cuisine on the banks of Brisbane River. The restaurant offers set three-course lunches. If you’re looking to get outside of the city, there are five locations along the Queensland coast.
Address: Eagle Street Pier, 1 Eagle Street, Brisbane
Website: George’s Paragon
Customs House, Brisbane
One of Brisbane’s heritage icons, Customs House features an award-winning restaurant with both indoor and outdoor seating. There are a range of menus to choose from, including a Sunday breakfast and a signature two-course lunch, alongside the traditional restaurant menu. If you’re looking to treat dad to a more formal dining experience in the city, Customs House is a great pick.
Address: 399 Queen Street, Brisbane
Website: Customs House
Saké, Brisbane
Try something a little different than mod-Aus, and go Japanese for Father’s Day. Saké has been awarded a Queensland Good Food Guide Chef’s hat every year since it opened. The Eagle Pier restaurant offers both an a la carte and set menu for Father’s Day, which can be enjoyed in the main restaurant, at traditional Japanese sunken tables or in one of the restaurant’s five private dining rooms.
Address: Level 1, 45 Eagle Street, Brisbane
Website: Saké Restaurant
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Southbank & South Brisbane
GoMA Restaurant, Southbank
Make Father’s Day a cultural experience and head to the Gallery of Modern Art. After browsing the gallery, you can dine at the multi-award winning GoMA Restaurant. The venue received two 2016 Brisbane Times Good Food Guide Chef’s Hats and chef Josue Lopez was named 2016 Citi Chef of the Year. If that’s not enough to convince you, we’re not sure what will.
Address: Stanley Place, Southbank
Website: GoMA Restaurant
Popolo Italian Kitchen, Southbank
Overlooking the city skyline from Southbank, Popolo Italian Kitchen dishes up share plates and fresh pizzas. If you or dad are a fan of the drop, the restaurant boasts a drinks menu longer than its food menu. It’s packed with Italian wines. Looking to treat tuo padre to a proper Italian feast? Consider Popolo’s six-course, chef selected menu.
Address: River Quay, 3 Sidon Street, Southbank
Website: Popolo Italian Kitchen
South Bank Surf Club, South Brisbane
Situated on the banks of the Brisbane River, within easy reach of Streets Beach is the South Bank Surf Club. It’s a great spot to treat pops to a casual lunch complete with pub classics like fish and chips, burgers and steak and a selection of cold beers on tap.
Address: 30aa Stanley Street Plaza, South Bank Parklands, South Brisbane
Website: South Bank Surf Club
The Charming Squire, South Brisbane
Which dad doesn’t like beer? That’s why we think taking dad to a brewery is a winning option for Father’s Day. The Charming Squire is a working James Squire brewery with dining available in plain sight of the brewing process. There’s a restaurant, bar and brewer’s pantry menu, each packed with options like gourmet pizza, salads, steaks and fish. And, of course, there are plenty of craft beers to choose from.
Address: 133 Grey Street, South Brisbane
Website: The Charming Squire
Fortitude Valley and New Farm
Gerard’s Bar, Fortitude Valley
While it may not be ideal for large groups, if it’s just you and dad looking for a damn good burger, this is a great pick. Goodfood.com.au dubs Gerard’s Bar one of the top 10 burger bars in Brisbane. The idea of a double Wagyu and bacon pattie topped with tomato relish, cheese, mustard and pickles already has our mouths watering.
Address: 13a, 23 James Street, Fortitude Valley
Website: Gerard’s Bar
The Purple Olive, Fortitude Valley
From homemade gnocchi to fresh bread, The Purple Olive serves up Italian food prepared in-house. Scrumptious options include Mooloolaba prawn risotto, Nonna’s meatballs with polenta, hand-made pizzas, and veal scallopini. In other words, it’s the kind of eatery that hits the nail right on the head for a hearty Father’s Day meal.
Address: 79 James Street, Fortitude Valley
Website: The Purple Olive
Gerard’s Bistro, Fortitude Valley
Located just down the street from Gerard’s Bar, Gerard’s Bistro offers a more sophisticated dining experience more suited to a bigger party. The restaurant serves up a twist on North African and Southern European cuisine and was scored 15.5/20 by the Good Food Guide.
Address: 14/15 James Street, Fortitude Valley
Website: Gerard’s Bistro
The Smoke BBQ, New Farm (Formerly Blue Smoke)
Dads and barbecues go hand-in-hand, so treat him to a proper Southern-style barbecue. We’re talking sticky ribs, pulled pork and crispy chicken wings. You can choose to eat in or take away at this New Farm joint, which The Urban List says is home to some of Brisbane’s best ribs.
Address: 85 Merthyr Road, New Farm
Website: The Smoke BBQ
Spicers Balfour Hotel
You are in Queensland, after all, so why not treat your dad to an alfresco lunch on a classic Queenslander verandah? The Balfour Kitchen offers just that. Plus, the New Farm restaurant offers live music Sunday afternoons, which adds atmosphere to a Father’s Day lunch. Part of a boutique hotel, the restaurant sits below a rooftop bar which offers great views of the city.
Address: 37 Balfour Street, Newfarm
Website: The Balfour Kitchen
Gold Coast
Galaxy Seafood, Southport
Juicy lobster, barbecued bugs, smoked salmon… alright, we’ll stop drooling now. There’s nothing quite like fresh seafood when you’re on the coast, and this restaurant dishes up just that.
Address: Shop 6, 50 Marine Parade, Southport
Website: Galaxy Seafood
Courtesy of OurDeal, dine on a seafood platter for two full of lobster, grilled fish, BBQ bugs and more plus salads and fries for just $49.
Aura Restaurant, Broadbeach
Do something a little different this Father’s Day and treat your papi to an array of Spanish tapas. Dig into all your favourite small dishes (including some with an Asian twist) including grilled chorizo, grilled halloumi and jalapeño poppers.
Address: Shop 1, Sonata Building, Surf Parade, Broadbeach
Website: Aura Restaurant
Blue Owl Café & Restaurant
The people of TripAdvisor have spoken and ranked this cafe/restaurant as the top spot to dine in Tweed Heads. We’re inclined to agree as the idea of treating dad to an eye fillet, lamb shank or a bucket of wings on Father’s Day sounds just about perfect.
Address: 129 Wharf Street, Tweed Heads
Website: Blue Owl Café
Indulge your dad in a bucket full of 1kg of wings and four Coronas with this offer from OurDeal for $29. Upgrade to 2kg of wings and eight Coronas for $49.
Glass Dining & Lounge Bar, Main Beach
Go all out this Father’s Day and indulge you dad with some waterside dining complete with “multi-million dollar views” (www.agfg.com.au). The AGFG-hatted restaurant serves chargrilled king prawns, seared lamb, grass-fed beef cheeks and crispy skin barramundi. The Main Beach restaurant also offers set multi-course meals.
Address: 27/74 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
Website: Glass Dining & Lounge Bar
Hurricane’s Grill & Bar, Surfers Paradise
You can never go wrong with BBQ, and with options of steaks up to a ‘Goliath’ one kilogram T-bone or rump, Hurricane’s is no exception. The popular chain’s Gold Coast location is just off Cavill Avenue and is a short stroll from the beach.
Address: 1/4-14 The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
Website: Hurricane’s Grill & Bar
Father’s Day gift ideas
While lunch might seem like it’s a present enough, it comes as standard that you should never arrive to the party empty handed. Here are a few Father’s Day gift ideas to bring with you.
