We Unearth THREE Hidden Gems Around Brisbane

The moment you step inside Ahmets you are transported from the heart of Southbank to the multi-sensory souks of Istanbul. The vibrant restaurant is a Rich tapestry of colourful fabrics, traditional Turkish rugs, twinkling lanterns and that instantly recognisable chime, chink, chink of Turkish music.

Epitomising the true meaning of Turkish delight, Ahmets offers freshly prepared authentic Turkish dishes, homemade Turkish bread and friendly warm service. For those who love a bit of dinner and a show action or an exotic night out there is live belly dancing on Friday and Saturday nights from 6:30pm.

Riverbar and Kitchen is pretty much a Bris Vegas institution. It’s a relaxed riverside oasis amongst the gleaming corporate backdrop of Eagle Street and the Brisbane CBD. Situated within the Eagle Street Pier precinct on the waterfront with 180-degree sweeping views of the Brisbane River, Storey Bridge and beyond. It is impossible to walk along Eagle Street Pier on a Friday afternoon and miss the heaving after-work drinks crowd that pack Riverbar and Kitchen, celebrating the fact that it is Fri Yay and the weekend is upon them. You can’t beat them, so join them.

The location, views and great food make River Bar and Kitchen a go-to for locals and tourists. Outdoor tables are the best in the house. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner every day, the modern Australian menu showcases fresh, seasonal produce. Riverbars chefs aim to showcase some of the best flavours in Queensland. With four dedicated function spaces, whether you are celebrating a birthday, holding a corporate catch-up or throwing a hens party, Riverbar and Kitchen is the perfect space.

Wooden Horse Restaurant and Bar is a true foodie gem. Hidden in the inner northern suburb of Clayfield in a converted general store where rustic wooden floorboards, leadlight windows and dark wood furniture create a slightly moody vibe with undertones of old-world charm. Chefs, owners and Brothers Dane and Morgan Hoey share a passion for excellent food. “Using the freshest local produce, we have the space to give classic dishes a modern twist without compromising quality and that unmistakable flavour we all came to love in the first place.” The 12-hour Pig belly is a testament to this, one of the hero dishes, served with braised and charred sugarloaf cabbage, grainy mustard, golden raisins.

After a Hard Days Night, nothing goes down like a cocktail from Wooden Horses Beatles inspired cocktail menu. We like the sound of the gin-based Dizzy Miss Lizzy and Norwegian Wood featuring gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth. Sustainability and social responsibility are high on the agenda, Wooden Horse Restaurant & Bar proudly features solely Australian wines as their way to support and celebrate local wineries and reduce their carbon footprint. Tap beers are hand-selected and sourced from local Queensland breweries. This one is well worth a trip to suburbia where the young and personable team promises to make your night something special.