What Food To Try in Brisbane and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Brisbane for 2025.
National currency: Australian Dollar, symbol — A$ (international currency code AUD).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Brisbane cafes and restaurants
$18.3
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $10.63
$99.7
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $53.17
$10
Combo Meal
Starting from $8.97
What to Try in Brisbane
Must-try Dishes
Breakfast Burrito - Brisbane Breakfast Wrap (savory egg roll) - A hearty wrap filled with scrambled eggs, bacon, and avocado, often topped with salsa. Locals usually grab this on the go, especially before work or during weekend brunch.German Sausage Roll - Bratwurst in Pastry (flaky street food) - Juicy bratwurst wrapped in flaky pastry and baked until golden. You’ll find it at street markets and food trucks, perfect for a quick bite while exploring the city.
Fish and Chips - Local Barramundi (crispy seafood) - Freshly battered barramundi fried to a crispy finish, served with thick-cut chips and tartar sauce. Best enjoyed at seaside eateries where you can watch the waves lap against the shore during lunch.
Moreton Bay Bug - Queensland Crustacean (local shellfish specialty) - These succulent bugs are often grilled and served with garlic butter, showcasing their sweet, tender meat. Locals enjoy them fresh at seafood festivals or casual dinners along the coast.
Banh Mi - Vietnamese Sandwich (surprising combination) - A crispy baguette loaded with marinated pork, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs, merging Asian flavors with French influences. Perfect for a quick lunch, you'll see people lining up at local spots for this vibrant dish.
Pea and Ham Soup - Autumn Comfort (seasonal heartiness) - A thick, hearty soup made from split peas and tender ham, perfect for cooler months. Many enjoy this as a filling dinner while catching up with friends at cozy cafés.
Potato Cakes - Brisbane Fried Delights (crispy savory bites) - Made from grated potato and spices, these golden brown treats are often served with sour cream or sweet chili sauce. Perfect for sharing while enjoying a relaxed afternoon at home with family.
Chicken Parmigiana - Chicken Parmi (pub favorite) - Breaded chicken breast topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese, served with chips and salad. A popular dinner item at pubs, where locals enjoy it with a pint after work, it's great value for money!
Desserts & Drinks
Flat White - (rich coffee) - A velvety espresso-based drink with microfoam milk, usually served hot. Locals grab this creamy delight at their favorite café to kickstart the day or during mid-morning breaks, often accompanied by a sweet pastry. Pine Lime Splice - (icy slushy) - A refreshing blend of pineapple and lime juice, blended and frozen into a slushy treat. Perfect for those scorching Brisbane summer days, it's commonly enjoyed at the beach or park, and you'll find it at local ice cream vans or coastal cafés.
Bundaberg Rum - (local spirit) - A distinctively smooth rum produced from sugarcane and aged in barrels, enjoyed neat or in cocktails. You’ll see friends sharing a Bundy during the weekend barbecues, and it's common to mistakenly order it under just 'rum'—the locals will always ask for the brand.
Pavlova - (meringue dessert) - A light and airy meringue shell topped with whipped cream and seasonal fruits like passionfruit and kiwi. Often served at birthday parties or Australia Day celebrations, but locals say it’s best enjoyed on a warm evening when the fruits are fresh and sweet.
Gelato - (creamy frozen dessert) - Rich and smooth, this classic Italian-style ice cream comes with local flavors like wattleseed or macadamia nut. On hot days, locals love to stroll along the South Bank with a cone, especially in summer when the gelato shops ready their seasonal creations.
Food and Groceries in Brisbane
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $2.44 |
| Bananas | $2.54 |
| Oranges | $3.36 |
| Potatoes | $2.39 |
| Apples | $3.18 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $1.81 |
| 0.5L Local Beer | $4.74 |
| Imported Beer | $5.43 |
| Wine Rating >4.0 | $13.29 |
| Milk 1L | $1.57 |
Various Groceries
| Meat (Beef or Pork) | $16.24 |
| Chicken | $8.72 |
| Cigarettes | $26.59 |
| Rice | $2.23 |
| Local Cheese | $10.43 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
Brisbane's food scene pulses with life, particularly around the regular meal times. Locals typically enjoy breakfast between 7 and 10 AM, lunch from 12 to 2 PM, and dinner around 6 to 8 PM. These patterns create a vibrant rhythm, especially in dining hotspots like West End and Fortitude Valley, where successful cafes and eateries buzz with activity. You might find a food truck serving fresh Vietnamese rolls at breakfast, while nearby, a brunch spot offers smashed avo and poached eggs—common staples for morning meals here.
When it comes to pricing, there’s a noticeable variation across districts. In high-end areas like New Farm, expect to pay around AUD 30 for a main dish. Comparatively, you can find a satisfying meal at a casual eatery in the Valley for around AUD 15. Seasonal shifts also play a role; for example, during winter, hearty dishes tend to be more popular, which may increase prices slightly due to demand.
Payment systems in Brisbane are generally straightforward. Most places accept cards, and contactless payments are common. Tipping is less of a norm here than in some other places—rounding up the bill or leaving small change is appreciated but not expected. Oh, and before I forget, always check for service charges, especially in larger establishments.
An interesting local dining custom is the “Happy Hour,” which many bars and pubs observe from around 4 to 6 PM, offering discounts on drinks and casual bites. However, during those peak hours, expect crowds; it can be quite busy, especially at popular spots. Planning ahead can save you frustration—consider making reservations, particularly for dinner.
During the weekends, you might notice a different flow. Brunch culture reigns supreme on Sundays, often resulting in longer wait times. Many locals prefer heading out on Saturday mornings, leading to a slightly quieter Sunday brunch scene.
One common mistake among visitors is assuming the food scene shuts down after dinner. In reality, many bars offer late-night snacks and meals until midnight or later, especially in Fortitude Valley—a vibrant late-night hub.
For anyone looking to dive deeper into Brisbane's culinary landscape, understanding these patterns—where to go, when to eat, how to pay—can make all the difference. As new transport links sprout around the city, this is an exciting time for the local food culture, promising even easier access to diverse offerings along the way.
When it comes to pricing, there’s a noticeable variation across districts. In high-end areas like New Farm, expect to pay around AUD 30 for a main dish. Comparatively, you can find a satisfying meal at a casual eatery in the Valley for around AUD 15. Seasonal shifts also play a role; for example, during winter, hearty dishes tend to be more popular, which may increase prices slightly due to demand.
Payment systems in Brisbane are generally straightforward. Most places accept cards, and contactless payments are common. Tipping is less of a norm here than in some other places—rounding up the bill or leaving small change is appreciated but not expected. Oh, and before I forget, always check for service charges, especially in larger establishments.
An interesting local dining custom is the “Happy Hour,” which many bars and pubs observe from around 4 to 6 PM, offering discounts on drinks and casual bites. However, during those peak hours, expect crowds; it can be quite busy, especially at popular spots. Planning ahead can save you frustration—consider making reservations, particularly for dinner.
During the weekends, you might notice a different flow. Brunch culture reigns supreme on Sundays, often resulting in longer wait times. Many locals prefer heading out on Saturday mornings, leading to a slightly quieter Sunday brunch scene.
One common mistake among visitors is assuming the food scene shuts down after dinner. In reality, many bars offer late-night snacks and meals until midnight or later, especially in Fortitude Valley—a vibrant late-night hub.
For anyone looking to dive deeper into Brisbane's culinary landscape, understanding these patterns—where to go, when to eat, how to pay—can make all the difference. As new transport links sprout around the city, this is an exciting time for the local food culture, promising even easier access to diverse offerings along the way.