Brisbane has a sophisticated dining scene. Stylish bistros and cafes line the riverfront at South Bank; cute cafes are plentiful in Paddington; Asian eateries are a good choice in West End; and in Fortitude Valley, you’ll find Chinatown. A street full of upscale but laid-back restaurants, many with a Mediterranean flavor, sits under the kitschy replica Eiffel Tower on Park Road in Milton, and in the city center you can find slick waterfront restaurants at Eagle Street Pier and Riverside. The intersection of Albert and Charlotte streets buzzes with inexpensive, good-quality cafes.

A teahouse of some kind has been on top of Mount Coot-tha for more than a century. Part 19th-century Queenslander house and part modern extension, the Summit restaurant has wraparound covered decks with views of the city and Moreton Bay. A changing menu features local produce and wines. The sunset dinner menu—A$40 for three courses if you finish by 7pm—is available starting at 5pm. After your meal, spend some time on the observation deck—the city lights provide a glittering panorama. On Sundays, high tea is served from 3 to 5pm (A$35 per person).