The Best Fortitude Valley Restaurants on Ann Street

Get ready to head north, where the restaurants are fresh, the craft beer is cold and new spots open regularly. Brisbane has long been a Mecca for restaurateurs opening their sophomore restaurant, cafe or bar after success down south. Anything innovative is welcome in this neck of the woods. As long as it’s delicious and there’s friendly folk running the show, Brissie will lap it up. This week, the spotlight is on the Fortitude Valley restaurants along Ann Street.

The Valley is one of the hottest food areas in Brisbane, and the main drag of Ann Street is full of top eating spots. The restaurants are a constant hubbub of diners keen to fill up before a night dancing in a nearby bar or heading to one of the city’s elegant wine bars. The food scene here is diverse, eclectic and award-winning. Whether it’s celebrating your birthday in Chinatown, charming Valentine's Day dinner, after-work drinks near the city or a stylish girls night near James Street, Ann Street restaurants have got you covered.

Ann Street is just a short stroll from the beautiful Brisbane River \[…\]

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The 5 best Fortitude Valley restaurants on Ann Street

1. Umami Asian Tapas

Inspired by umami, meaning a pleasant savoury taste, Umami is a hidden gem. This Asian-inspired Ann Street restaurant blends the very best of Japanese, Thai, Chinese and more. Nestled in the heart of the Chinatown Mall, Umami is helmed by Joran Huang and Minh Le – so you know it’s going to be exceptional. The restaurant is unassuming until you walk inside to find an intimate yet contemporary space with a menu designed to be shared. This is the kind of restaurant perfect for (very) long evenings with lots of food and lots of cocktails or wine. A much needed addition to the Ann Street restaurant scene, Umami is a firm favourite we have a major crush on.

Must-try: Free range truffled chicken with black truffle and wild mushrooms.

2/ 624 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley

Tues to Thurs, 5 – 10pm; Fri to Sat, 5pm – 11pmClosed Sunday & Monday

2. Boroughs of New York Pizza

New York-style pizza is famous around the world. And in Brisbane – all Italian restaurants aside –there’s only one place worth thinking about when it comes to cheesy, mouthwatering slices… Boroughs. Owners of this Ann Street restaurant, Jay and Anu, have pizza in their veins – and boy, are we thankful! It’s relaxed New York dining down to a tee and the atmosphere is buzzing. You’ll find non-pizza items on the menu as well as gluten-free bases and vegan cheese. This is the perfect spot to fill your boots before a night out on the dancefloor and a much-loved part of the Ann Street restaurant crew and The Valley. Big thumbs up here.

Must-try: The Manhattan topped with Parma ham prosciutto, fresh rocket, fior di latte mozzarella and the secret pizza sauce.

757 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane 4006

Lunch: Tues to Fri, 11am – 3pm__Dinner: Mon to Thurs, 6 – 9pm; Fri to Sat, 6pm til late; Sun, 6pm – 9pm

3. Eterna Dining

Not many streets in Brisbane can claim a top Italian restaurant like Eterna – so Ann Street, count yourselves lucky! This romantic late-night spot brings a big piece of Rome’s soul to Fortitude Valley’s restaurant scene, delivering plates that are simple yet complex with layer upon layer of flavour. Inspired by Roman cuisine, expect seasonal dishes that include everything from traditional street food like Suppli Al Telefono (fried rice croquettes) to the quintessential Rigatoni alla Carbonara (no translation needed for that one). The food is perfectly matched with local drops as well as top quality Italian wine – featuring many imported from Tuscany and Piedmont. Dreamy, huh?

Must-try: Porchetta Di Ariccia – slowly roasted pork belly roll, seasoned with fresh garlic & rosemary

610 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley

Tues to Thurs, 5pm – midnight; Friday & Saturday, 5pm – 1am

4. X Cargo

While not technically on Ann Street (just one over on McLachlan Street), X Cargo is way too fun not to mention. Definitely one of the best Fortitude Valley restaurants to enjoy casual weekend drinks with your mates, the hip beer garden has plenty of nooks for you to sip the afternoon away. The repurposed shipping containers and street art adds a colourful and playful feel to the establishment. Come for the flavour-packed bar food (the burgers are heavenly) and stay for the cocktail jugs.

Must-try: Peruvian grilled chicken burger with avocado, coriander and a zingy lime mayo paired with a jug of Pimm’s.

37 McLachlan Street, Fortitude Valley

Sun, Wed & Thurs, 12pm – 12am; Friday & Saturday, 12pm – 3am

5. Savile Row

It’s about to get a little fancy up in here. Swing open the orange door on Ann Street and say hello to a London-inspired drinking experience like no other. Illuminated in candles and chandeliers, Savile Row is as charming as cocktail bars come. Every evening of every day, the bartenders are on the frontline, pouring drinks with the utmost care and attention. With a floor to ceiling bar stocked with glistening bottles, you’re really spoilt for choice. Seriously though – we’re talking 900 spirits, 20 rotating wines, beer, sherry, amaro… The full works.

Must-try: Simply tell the bartender what your heart desires.

667 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley

Monday to Sunday, 5pm – 3am