Dining alone? A guide to solo dining in Brisbane

Come for the culture but stay for the food! If you’re an art lover or maybe art-house movie lover, you probably already know Brisbane’s GOMA. When you’ve finished trekking through the gallery, slip into GOMA Bistro. It’s open from 9am till 3pm so it offers morning snacks and lunchtime fare.

The menu is well curated: there are three or four light dishes and several more substantial mains. The dessert board might tempt those seeking an afternoon tea treat. The menu changes seasonally, and if you’d like a tipple then the (largely Australian) wine choices will provide you with a glass over which you can enjoy the river views.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Poached chicken, wombok, bean sprouts, coriander, peanut and coconut dressing ($22)

Modern Chinese eatery Donna Chang is known for its fabulous food, but probably not known so much for its ambiance. The meals are served quickly and there are tons of ‘intimate’ (aka two person) tables that work well for just one!

What we particularly likes is the friendly wait staff who are on-to-it. Your glass of water, jasmine tea or flute of wine is on the table before you can blink.

The mains are hearty, so for a light-ish lunch, we’d opt for two starters – okay, maybe three. Seriously, two are plenty! Mind you, the Sichuan steak tartare with taro chips (cold starter) was enough for this diner. Don’t be afraid to ‘over’ order, they will pack up what’s left on your plate. If the 27-page wine list doesn’t have something for you – shook! Elegant surroundings, delicious food, leave work behind and take the opportunity to recharge.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Moreton Bay bug dumplings ($22)

The best thing about La Lune Wine Co is that you get two experiences – a wine bar and a restaurant – in the same venue. The wine list, as you can imagine, is impressive. So, settle back, relax, and let the knowledgeable staff do the hard work: pairings. This is great for solo diners: you don’t have to look busy on your mobile, instead you get to talk food and wine and possibly learn something.

The food is contemporary Australian with a European influence and goes perfectly with wine. The La Lune food menu is small but significantly curated; it offers two plate sizes and ignore the sides at your peril. But don’t let us tell you the options – there’s someone behind the bar smiling at you ready to engage in some serious foodie talk.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Braised oxtail pudding, caramelised swede, chestnut mushroom ($32)

The first choice you face at Saké is where to sit: at the bar and watch the chefs (who doesn’t like watching someone else work?), at a table overlooking the Brisbane River, or outside and enjoy the fresh air? Our choice: go the bar! Like many Japanese restaurants, sitting at the bar watching masters slice fish is entertainment.

Now to the food – the Chef’s New Classics offers eight items so it’s definitely for the hungry. But if you’re hankering for something specific then try a Sashimi Combo which come in two sizes: small (eight) and large (eighteen pieces).

If your taste buds need tickling, try some of the “Small” items: Wagyu gyoza, Karaage bao, and maybe a little Vegetable tempura? And definitely order the brussel sprouts; yes, we know the world is divided into those who will and those who won’t do sprouts, but Sake’s version … well, just try them. Remember to leave a little space to finish with rice.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Hiramasa kingfish ($12)

Look up! On the first floor of the Embassy Hotel in Brisbane’s CBD you’ll find Jumbo Thai – a restaurant that gives you great food in a people-watching space.

Sit at the ‘bar’ by the huge windows and watch the rest of the world scurrying below you. Smirk, because you’ve sorted the food. A bit of a recluse? Turn away from the windows and sit at the chef’s bar and watch them work, hard, to prepare your food. How hungry are you: mains hungry? Perhaps it’s Thai curry time – but yellow (Southern style) or traditional green or dry or creamy and spicy? Maybe it’s an entrees-selection hungry: bao buns, dumplings, pancake, soups and skewers are all available. Oh no, there’s a second page that has stir frys, noodles and rice dishes.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Butterfly pea dumplings ($4)