Posted by The heart of Brisbane’s nightlife scene, the once seedy Fortitude Valley has proudly gentrified and is now home to a collection of hip cocktail bars, fancy rooftop bars and eclectic live music venues, plus some fabulously creative and fashionable dining venues – renowned local hospitality group Anyday operates five fabulous venues here alone.
The heart of the scene revolves around stylish James Street, where you’ll find the swish Calile Hotel, some of the city’s best boutiques and the enticing James Street Market. Adjoining the valley but more residential and relaxed, New Farm is an elegant and slower paced riverside suburb with leafy streets, easy-to-navigate walking paths (including the must-do Brisbane Riverwalk), the expansive New Farm Park and Brisbane Powerhouse, plus some intimate bars and eateries.
Together, Fortitude Valley and New Farm offer a delectable slice of local Brisbane life.
This Guide to Fortitude Valley was updated in December 2025.
Just Coffee..
Reverends Fine Coffee | 372 Brunswick St
A cosy brick walled café with a deck at the rear, awesome coffee (choose from their standard or guests roasts) plus bagels and an all day breakfast menu. Reverends Fine Coffee
Bellissimo Coffee | 30 Wandoo St
If it weren’t for the constant crowds hanging around out front, you could easily bypass this unassuming coffee spot behind James Street Market. But the many fans of Bellissimo are testament to the fact that they produce some of the best coffee in town. Bellissimo Coffee
Bear Bones Coffee | 2/66 McLachlan St
Housed in a small commercial complex in the heart of the valley, this unassuming coffee roaster draws an eclectic crowd of fans who are all here for the excellent coffee, including a range of house blends and an evolving selection of single origin coffees. Bear Bones Coffee
Death Before Decaf | 3/760-766 Brunswick St, New Farm
Yes, Brisbane has a 24 hour coffee shop, and the coffee is seriously good. They tell it like it is here, so if you want non-dairy milk, you’ll be ordering from their ‘wanky milk’ menu, and if the midnight munchies strike, the seriously delectable Butterboy cookies are hard to go past. So matter what time of the day you need your caffeine fix, this grungy skater-boy/girl coffee den is your saviour. Death Before Decaf
James & Antler | 65 James St
A small, no-fuss kiosk in the heart of James Street. Serving good coffee, frappes, and four croque varieties, it offers breezy alfresco seating, making it a relaxed spot for a casual bite or quick coffee fix. James & Antler
Picolo by Her | Suite A, 887 Ann St
Picolo By Her is a chilled, retro-inspired coffee spot with 70s-style furniture and serving Campos coffee. Discreetly accessed from a doorway off Wandoo Street, it offers a cabinet of wraps and rolls if you’re hungry and opens onto a relaxed back porch area.
Breakfast & Brunch…
Harvey’s Bar & Bistro | 4/31 James St
One of Brisbane’s perennial treasures, Harvey’s is at its best during the day, with a cool pared-back dining room supplemented by an airy patio. The Modern Australian bistro fare is consistently excellent, the breakfast menu is small but sufficient with a choice of inspired sweet and savory dishes and plenty of sides to build your own breaky if you so wish. The wine list will not disappoint either (if it’s past midday of course!) Harvey’s Bar & Bistro
The Green | G1/27 James St
A very contemporary menu of Lebanese brunch fare is the drawcard at The Green, with a selection of both familiar and less well known dishes to sample, all prepared with intricate attention to detail. The indoor / outdoor setting is as modern and slick as the menu, with the leafy patio area evocative of an oasis. As morning gives way to midday, there’s a more extensive and equally as delicious lunch menu to enjoy. The Green
Industry Beans | 18 Proe St, Newstead
Born in Melbourne, Industry Beans has now brought their excellent coffee and immersive cafes to Sydney and Brisbane, with this Newstead outpost perfectly designed for its location – divided into two spacious dining areas, the décor is mostly white and very bright, with sun shining through the glass pergola-like roof in the front section. Whilst they pride themselves on the quality of the coffee beans, the food is given just as much attention with a menu that elevates a simple brunch to a special occasion. There’s a lot more than just the classics on offer here, for example your muesli might come with a Wattleseed panna cotta, and like any good brunch spot, cocktails and wine are available too. Industry Beans
Blue Bear Coffeehouse | 92 James St, New Farm
An unassuming neighbourhood café serving Bear Bones coffee with a relaxed, chilled vibe. An extensive modern brunch menu covers waffles, crumpets, chilli scramble eggs and burgers, with big servings and daily specials keeping regulars happy. Low-key tunes set the mood, windows open to the street, and most seating spills onto the sidewalk under a generous veranda. An easygoing and quietly dependable spot to start your day. Blue Bear Coffeehouse
Idle | 84 Merthyr Rd, New Farm
The new evolution of much-loved Agnes Bakery, Idle offers slick, modern premises while keeping the original magic alive. A long display case tempts with delectable, albeit pricey, pastries and baked goods. Alfresco-style seating stretches down a long, thin courtyard, perfect for lingering over favourites like the omelette, burgers, sandwiches, and other treats. Popular and bustling, expect to wait for a table at this must-visit brunch spot. Idle
Hey Mr. | 76 Moray St, New Farm
This is a relaxed, laidback breakfast spot tucked on a quiet residential street, popular with locals. Pavement seating under a shady verandah complements a slightly exotic international menu, featuring huevos rancheros, cheesy potato waffles, soft shell crab omelette, and nasi goreng amongst the selection. Perfect for an easygoing morning meal with a touch of global flair. Hey Mr.
Salt Coffee Roasters | 60a Doggett St, Newstead
A laid-back corner spot on the Valley-Newstead border serving up superb coffee (with a unique pea-based plant milk for those who can’t or won’t do dairy). The indoor-outdoor vibe is perfect for a quick breakfast of toasties, avo toast, or a standout chili scramble. And don’t miss the thick homemade crumpets with espresso butter – they are delicious and quite morish! Salt Coffee Roasters
Lunch & Dinner…
Same Same | Ada Lane, 46 James St
The founders of Longtime closed their popular eatery in late 2019 and re-birthed it as Same Same in the Calile Hotel complex. An architectural gem, the new digs are sexy, sleek and contemporary, though the extensive use of concrete does mean the noise levels can verge on unbearable. The modern Thai food is better than ever, with a charcoal firepit in the kitchen put to good use, turning out arguably Brisbane’s best Asian dining experience. The service is as good as the food, and Los, their bar upstairs is ideal for a refreshing drink after your meal. Same Same
Agnes | 22 Agnes St
With Same Same, Honto, Bianca and others in their portfolio, the team behind Agnes know how to create dining magic, but Agnes is their undisputed flagship. In a lovingly restored brick warehouse on the Northern edge of the valley, Agnes has set the city’s restaurant scene alight, and not just because of its wood fired ethos, where electricity and gas play no part in the cooking process. The menu is helpfully divided into snacks, starters and mains, it’s inventive, enticing and frankly difficult to choose from, as everything seems to deserve a taste – though there’s a set menu for those that simply can’t choose for themselves. The dining room is rustic yet sassy, romantic yet theatrical (thanks in part to the open kitchen), and welcoming enough that there’s no occasion it doesn’t lend itself to. Agnes
Cru Bar & Cellar | 1/22 James St
Dripping with Queensland style, Cru Bar’s recent refurbishment has transformed it from a bar with good food to a top-notch dining destination that’s also perfect for drinks. High ceilings and open-air windows bring an airy feel, with a dazzling chandelier adding a touch of sparkle. The encyclopedic wine list complements delicious share plates and hearty mains. It’s always lively and quite the place to be seen, with the mood adapting beautifully throughout the day from a languid lunchtime vibe to a late-night buzz. Cru Bar & Cellar
Bianca | Shop AM5, 46 James St
This buzzy and stylish trattoria delivers perfectly on its promise to deliver classic Italian fare with exquisite attention to detail and using the best possible ingredients. The food menu starts with a long antipasti list, followed by a smaller choice of handmade pasta and secondi dishes. The wine list features Italian varietals and the service team have plenty of Italian flare too. An all round winner! Bianca
Gerard’s Bistro | 14/15 James St
This stalwart of the Brisbane dining scene has been revigorated after an early 2024 refurbishment – the contemporary dining room is now quite minimalist, with rammed earth wall panels around the perimeter and bespoke timber tables that are the perfect backdrop for the attractive dishes that land on them. The menu spans numerous Middle Eastern cuisines, and it’s neatly divided into breads & dips, raw & fermented, and seafood & meat sections – each dish is intricately prepared and presented, yet perfectly pared-back. The wine list is extensive and multi-layered, with Australian, European and even Middle Eastern wines all represented. There’s a small but cracking cocktail list too. Gerard’s Bistro
Hellenika | Level 1/48 James St
For many years one of the Gold Coast’s hottest restaurants, Hellenika upped and moved to the big city, diving with aplomb into their new home poolside at the swish Calile Hotel. The extensive menu of mod-Greek food is exceptional and whilst anytime of the day is good for a Hellenika fix, when the sun is shining and the poolside is buzzing is when you really want to be here. Hellenika
Emme | 22 James St
Emme opened in the James St Market complex in May 2024 and was seemingly a hit from day one. The modest size dining room is slick and just a little bit sexy, but the semi-alfresco dining section in the market atrium is just as pleasant and comes with a buzzier vibe. The Northern African and Middle Eastern style menu is not overly large, offering less than twenty options in total, but they nail every dish with intricately nuanced flavour combinations and presentation that’s both simple and polished at the same time. The portions are on the smaller side, so it’s easy to order up and try lots of their tasty dishes, and the wine list offers a variety of international drops that pair quite well with the food. Emme
Short Grain | 15 Marshall St
Chef Martin Boetz is well known for introducing Sydney-siders to modern Thai fare at Longrain in the early 2000’s, so his fans will be well pleased that he’s opened a sequel to Longrain in his hometown. A warehouse style space with high ceilings and large windows has been transformed into a contemporary yet understated dining room where the attention is on the food more than the decor. The menu features some of Boetz’s famed Longrain hits, as well as some new creations that are just as wonderful – take note that you’ll be relishing everything on the menu here, so take a group of friends so you can order liberally and try as much of the fabulous fare as possible. Short Grain
Honto | Alden St
With no signage and just a single door on a barren street, entering Honto you’ll be delighted to discover a buzzing restaurant that serves some of the best modern Japanese fare Travis has tasted. Go with the share menu so you get to try all the highlight dishes. The room is spacious but the dark interiors and variety of antique chandeliers makes it feel more intimate than it is. Honto
Ben’s Burgers | 5 Winn Lane
Sometimes you just need a dirty burger right? The premise is simple here… big, juicy, decadent, delicious, melt-in-the-mouth burgers. The burgers are simply the BEST at Ben’s, and the fries and homemade ginger beer ain’t half bad either. The hipper-than-thou Wynn Lane location doesn’t hurt Ben’s street-cred either. Ben’s Burgers
Drinks…
Penelope | 15 James St
Penelope is a swish James Street wine bar combining Queensland casual with luxe interiors. Casual elegance reigns with a marble bar top, leather banquettes, and open street-facing windows. Sip on house cocktails, six martini variations, or European wines by the glass while enjoying bite-sized snacks like plump oysters, a fish finger sanga and pan con tomate. Open late, it’s perfect for a vibey supper club experience. Penelope
Lobby Bar | The Calile Hotel, 48 James St
The luxe Calile Hotel’s Lobby Bar far exceeds its simple name, offering much more than your average hotel bar. The horseshoe-shaped central bar invites you to soak in the light buzz, with the décor defined by low lighting, natural tones and Palm Springs–inspired style. A lovely snack menu features ingredients from their rooftop-garden and seafood dishes are a highlight, paired with a well-curated wine list, craft beers, and popular cocktails, perfect for pre- or post-dinner drinks. Lobby Bar
At Sixes & Sevens | 67 James St
At Sixes & Sevens is a refreshingly friendly bar in the heart of the James St precinct. With cosy indoor seating and an expansive and breezy alfresco area, this stylish but just-so-relaxed drinking venue always has a fun atmosphere from after-work drinks through to late night. There’s a large choice of easy-drinking cocktails, including in larger sizes to share, a more than respectable wine list and an interesting selection of upmarket ‘pub-grub’ to dine on. At Sixes & Sevens
Gerries’s Bar | 13A/23 James St
Originally conceived as Gerard’s Bar, a sibling venue to the eternally popular namesake Bistro, the bar was passed onto new owners in early 2024 and rebranded as Gerrie’s, with a new, somewhat younger outlook. The long and narrow interior has a classic industrial-chic look, plus there’s an alfresco seating area that’s pleasant to linger in for most of the year. Their cocktail game is strong here, with climate appropriate concoctions featuring plenty of tropical flourishes, and they also offer three non-alcoholic cocktails. The craft beer options are extensive, though the wine list is more concise. The short snack menu revolves around oysters, charcuterie and cheese, with a few other tasty bites thrown into the mix. Gerries’s Bar
MAYA Mexican | Rooftop, 757 Ann St
One of the first to ride Brisbane’s recent wave of rooftop venues, MAYA dishes up stunning views along with crowd-pleasing Mexican fare that’s perfect for snacking on as you lubricate with your choice of sophisticated beverages! Entering through an office building lobby, it’s a pleasant surprise to exit the lift and find a large and perfectly stylish terrace with a coastal vibe. Whilst only eleven stories up, MAYA has sweeping views of the city skyline and the Story Bridge, it’s an ideal venue from lunch through to dinner and beyond, and its oversized booths are ideal for a group catch up. And yes, MAYA is technically a restaurant, but we think it’s much more fun to consider it as a bar with good food! MAYA Mexican
Savile Row | 667 Ann St
Hidden in plain sight in the heart of the valley, a unmarked orange door leads you into this very serious old-school drinking den, where an eye-catching display of over 750 bottles of premium spirits anchors the bar. The story-book cocktail list features around 20 concoctions, with inventive and sometimes whimsical flavour combinations surprising and delighting. The decor is eclectic, with dark vintage elements mixed in with hunting lodge style artworks and a grand twinkling chandelier. There are a variety of sitting spaces including a loft level, so the space feels cosier than it actually is. This is a sister venue to West End’s long standing favourite, Cobbler, and it’s equally as spectacular. Savile Row
The Nixon Room | 3/181 Robertson St
The Nixen Room is an intimate, elegant cocktail bar adjoining Essa Restaurant, with its entry tucked away in a discreet alley. Its luxe décor, with walnut walls, marble, and leather accents, is a nod to timeless style. Seating is limited to two large communal booths, encouraging mingling. The cocktail menu, inspired by iconic females (the current menu is named after female singers through the ages), features six unique creations and a selection of six martini variations. The wine list is succinct, and retro bar snacks like caviar-topped potato gems complete this charmingly refined experience. The Nixon Room
Gertie’s Bar | 699 Brunswick Street, New Farm
Sadly, after 32 years of operation, Gertie’s Bar will be closing at the end of February 2026!
Gertie’s is the local bar everyone should have in their neighbourhood. An old time favourite with warm, friendly service from a mainly Latino crew (and the comfort food comes with a Latin American slant too) and that laid-back kind of atmosphere that makes it very easy to have just one too many drinks! Owner and chief bartender Edwin spent 15 years working in New York bars, so the range and quality of his cocktail list is fabulous, and it’s well priced too. Sit at the large open windows and watch the world, Brisvegas-style, go by. There’s live music on Friday & Saturday nights too. Gertie’s Bar
Must Do…
Brisbane Powerhouse | 119 Lamington St, New Farm
This former working powerhouse has been beautifully restored and converted into a multi-purpose venue that in many ways has become Brisbane’s cultural hub. With a variety of groovy performance & exhibition spaces, plus a fabulous Italian restaurant and a lively riverside bar, not to mention the views of the Brisbane River, there is something here to please everyone. Especially fun on a sunny weekend afternoon! Brisbane Powerhouse
Where to Stay…
There are more than a handful of hotels to choose from in the valley these days, with the big bland hotels happily outnumbered by more boutique, lifestyle bolt-holes with a touch of character. The Calile on James St is many visitors first choice, though its price tag reflects its popularity, so we’ve also offered a few more affordable options to consider. And for a more intimate and refined experience, Spicers Balfour Hotel shouldn’t be overlooked.
Hotel X | 458 Brunswick St
This is the location and hotel for those wanting to make the most of the valley’s vibrant nightlife, Hotel X offers a striking facade and a dash of devilishly contemporary style in rooms that are very comfortable but not necessarily designed for spending too much time in! The rooftop bar, Iris, adds to the fun factor of this very ‘now’ hotel. Hotel X
The Calile Hotel | 48 James St
A Palm Springs meets Miami design vibe has been achieved perfectly at Australia’s first ‘urban resort’. The rooms are cool, uncluttered and spacious, whilst the sexy pool deck is the place to see and be seen. The fabulous array of restaurants in the complex and its location right in the heart of vibrant James Street adds to the appeal, making The Calile an easy contender for Brisbane’s best digs. The Calile Hotel
Sage Hotel James Street | 70 James St
If The Calile is out of your budget, this understated mid-range hotel is a pleasant surprise – the lead-in rooms are compact but well designed, with bigger than expected bathrooms and a great shower. If you want some extra space and fresh air, upgrade to one of the superior rooms with a terrace, which are perfect for enjoying that Brisbane sunshine. Sage Hotel James Street
Spicers Balfour Hotel | 37 Balfour St, New Farm
This under-the-radar luxe bolt-hole on a quiet residential street offers two options; choose from one of nine rooms in a converted Queenslander home with contemporary European style or opt for one of the eight spacious Balfour Suite’s just down the street in the elegant art deco Simla building. Whichever accommodation you choose you’ll still receive intimate personal service and enjoy sumptuous breezy breakfasts on the classic Queenslander verandah. Spicers Balfour Hotel
Featured Photo: ‘One More Please’ – Saville Row, Fortitude Valley
Travis. 