Where Chefs Eat: 16 Chefs on the Most Underrated Restaurants in Queensland

Some restaurants make a splash. They pop up across headlines and book out months in advance. Then there are the hidden gems. The sort of restaurants you go back to again and again, but that you’re tempted to gatekeep.

We asked local chefs to shout out the venues they think deserve wider recognition.  

Oscar Holgado, Kin Kin Hotel

“The team at Samila Gaeng is doing amazing things. It’s the best Thai food I’ve had in Queensland, hands down.”

Palita Cai, Time & Temp

“West End Coffee House for authentic Thai street food and drinks. My favourite is khao tom talay, seafood rice porridge with a poached egg.”

Benny Lam, Southside and Central

“Ru Yi Dim Sum in Sunnybank Hills. It’s a bit of a trek, but worth every kilometre. The flavour, the traditional recipes and the bustling atmosphere make it feel like you’ve stepped straight into Hong Kong.”

Alana Lowes, Masterchef

“A place not too many people know about, but should, is Ach in Hamilton. It’s Middle Eastern-inspired, which is my absolute go-to for flavours, and it’s all cooked over a custom hearth. I jumped into the kitchen with the guys just before we started filming Masterchef [Back to Win] for some last-minute training. The boys are really pushing out creative and innovative food you won’t get anywhere else in the city.

“Another place I love going to but don’t get to visit nearly enough is Nug General Store. It offers super cosy, date-night-worthy Italian. Ben Veldhuijzen and his wife, alongside front-of-house manager Ruxi Petrisor, are delightful. It’s tucked away on Bakery Lane, the cutest lane in the Valley.”

Jason Barratt, Supernormal and Bar Miette

“The Peking duck at Billy’s Pine and Bamboo in Cannon Hill. I’m still new to Brisbane, but this place has been a standout.”

Meek Brikshavana, So What Stereo

“Pattie’s Crepe, which is a Thai-style crispy crepe spot right behind So What Stereo.”

Manning Young, Time & Temp

“General Coffee, which is a little shop just off Brunswick Street with rotating guest single [origins] and friendly owner-operators!”

Dario Manca, Attimi by Dario Manca

“Scugnizzi. It’s one of the best pizzas in Brisbane for sure!”

Alex Yu, Sokyo Brisbane

“Shunsai  in East Brisbane. It’s owned by Shun [Mori], who is an acclaimed Japanese chef. It’s an intimate Japanese restaurant seating 18 guests. Some of the best omakase is served here, offering authentic dishes that are reminiscent of Japan. The menu rotates seasonally and Shun and his wife provide first-class service matched with a first-class experience. It is a must-visit when in Brisbane.”

Lars Kollrepp, Lars Bar & Grill

“This is not underrated but it’s definitely a hidden gem: Little Itoshin in Miami, Queensland. They have the best cocktails and raw fish on the Gold Coast.”

George Curtis, Milquetoast, Before & After and Venner

“It’s not so much hidden, but somewhere that deserves more attention is Clarence. They’re in the top three for dining in Brisbane for me. I’m always blown away by how well executed and tasty the food is. They did a duck dish at one point that absolutely sent me.” (Since this interview, Clarence has moved to a new location on Fish Lane.)

Jianne Jeoung and Leaham Claydon, Snug, Bar Cooper and Jane’s Deli

“Ripiena in Fortitude Valley is consistently great even though we don’t make it there often enough. The kitchen team makes hand-rolling pasta look effortless, and their dishes are always really well layered with flavour.”

Daniel “Dobbers” Dobra, Peli’s Noosa

“Namory Eatery in Cotton Tree does some of the freshest Asian food on the coast. It’s truly awesome.”

Julianna Butteri, The Calile Hotel

“If I say Sushi Room, people will think I’m just saying it to pick something inside the hotel, but Sushi Room here is so good. I don’t think people realise just how impressive it is, all the effort they put in, all the ingredients and all the techniques. It’s just amazing. I can eat everything there.”

Alessandro Pizzolato

“Taro’s Ramen! So underrated but [it has] the best ramen in Brisbane.”