Where Chefs Eat: The Calile’s New Chef Raul Hinkson Can’t Get Enough of This Brisbane Bakery

Raul Hinkson was named as the new executive chef of The Calile Hotel in June 2026. It’s a hot gig that involves curating the menus for the hotel’s Lobby Bar, on-site bakery, room service and events offerings.

Hinkson has 30 years of experience. He worked in UK restaurants between 1994 and 2009, including two years as chef de partie at London’s Michelin-starred The Savoy Grill. He came to Brisbane in 2009, working at Bar Alto and a function venue. He was back in the UK between December 2014 and October 2015 to work as chef de partie at Michelin-starred The Peat Inn in Fife, Scotland.

He shares his favourite venues in Brisbane and his go-to orders.

Your favourite dish at The Calile

“It’d have to be the Black Angus brisket. It’s a breakfast dish, using Sea Forest’s Sea Feed beef. With the cooler snap we’ve had across Queensland lately, there’s something really satisfying about a dish that’s hearty and warming first thing in the morning. It’s the kind of plate that makes you want to slow down over your coffee.”

Best dining experience you’ve had in Brisbane this year
“The omakase at Komeyui in Spring Hill. I love how adventurous and modern the approach is. Sitting at the sushi counter, watching the chefs work right in front of you and eating each course as it’s made, makes this one of the best dining experiences in Brisbane right now.”

Bucket list restaurant (anywhere in the world)
“Asador Etxebarri in Spain. The way they cook everything over fire, with that level of precision and restraint, is something I’d love to experience in person one day.”

Top Brisbane bakery
“I love Bella & Tortie. It’s my local, so I’m there often, but that’s not the only reason I rate it. The team is turning out genuinely great, handcrafted pastries and savoury items. The menu changes constantly, so there’s always something new to try. Fair warning though, get in early, because things sell out fast.”

A gem that deserves more hype
“Layla in West End. It doesn’t get talked about nearly as much as it should.”

Best burger
“Soul Brothers in Nundah. Great burgers, and the loaded fries are just as good.”

Favourite gelato
“La Macelleria Gelateria in Teneriffe. I drop in every time I’m in the area. It’s become a bit of a habit. Pistachio and hazelnut are the two flavours I always come back to.”