Brisbane’s best end-of-year dining establishments

Invitations to end-of-year celebrations are rolling in and I’m still getting my head around the fact we’ve hit November. Where did 2023 go? 

For Ray White The Collective, it’s been a year of memorable moments, inspiring conversations, record numbers and solidifying already rock-solid relationships. 

It’s now time for us to embrace the 12 months that was and enjoy some downtime with our favourite people. 

Where do we go for a relaxed Christmas drink or end-of-year long lunch? I’ll be honest and admit I’m not the man to point you in the right direction.

Don’t get me wrong, I love a social occasion as much as the next person, yet this year has been about family and work, and little else in between.

In the spirit of the festive season, I’ve done an office poll and can let you in on Brisbane’s best five venues to embrace those end-of-year vibes.

This first option is in my backyard and the lads by far do the best pizza in town (they also host a stellar Melbourne Cup day if anyone’s looking for a venue next year). Beccofino in Teneriffe serves up all sorts of woodfire goodness in the most accommodating of family-friendly atmospheres. It’d be lazy of me not to recommend their duck ragu.

After an impressive makeover, Fortitude Valley favourite Gerard’s Bistro is firing again on all cylinders. New executive chef Jimmy Richardson is bringing fresh flavours to this James Street stalwart, so expect authentic, sustainably sourced dishes honouring age-old recipes with a contemporary twist. 

If you’re one for eating while immersed in a beautiful, intimate surrounding then book yourself a seat at Sushi Room. Not far from Gerard’s, at the base of the The Calile Hotel, is this cosy minimalist Richards & Spence-designed space offering a memorable dining experience. Sushi Room is owned and operated by STK Group (Hellenika, SK Steak & Oyster, and Sunshine) so its success is expected. 

I’m being a bit cheeky here by lumping in several venues under the one ‘Anyday’ umbrella. This Brisbane-based group of restaurants features some of the city’s most admired establishments – Agnes, sAme sAme, and hôntô to name a select few.

Finally, you’ve got to try the duck fat potatoes at Mosconi. With an exuisite food menu and a lengthy selection of impressive wines, you can indulge in some of the best food and wine in Brisbane right here in New Farm. Mark and his team are the real deal and it’s worth a visit for any occasion.  

Now I know there are some crackers missing from the above but what this list highlights is how fortunate we are to have a multitude of highly acclaimed choices, and the astounding growth of Brisbane’s culinary scene. I’ll toast to that!

I hope you enjoy the read.

Matt Lancashire