You know the drill. Put your bag on the conveyer belt to be X-rayed and walk through a metal detector.  But this is not an airport – rather it’s one of Brisbane’s most secretive restaurants.  

Open to the public for almost four years, this upmarket CBD dining spot remains largely unknown, even to locals. 

Deep in the historic heart of Queensland’s Parliament House, Strangers Restaurant,  (the name referencing the definition that any person visiting Parliament who is not a member of the Legislative Assembly are considered “strangers”) was once a male-only domain known as “Members Dining Room.” Then in 1966, feisty female member, Ellen “Vi,” Jordan, only the second woman elected to the Queensland Parliament, successfully lobbied for her right,  and that of women to follow,  to dine there.

In the 1970s, it opened up to also allow members’ guests to dine, then in 2006, occasional afternoon teas for the public. In 2019, Strangers’ quietly opened its doors to lunch and dinner for all, but has continued to fly under the radar. 

But now, the restaurant, which retains many of its original late-19th century features, including parquet floors, decorative ceilings and period furnishings is keen to showcase its contemporary Australian menu, (arguably the best-value menu of this calibre in the city) and its unique location to a broader public.

Head chef is Anthony Naylor, who originally hails from Ireland and is classically trained, in Michelin-starred restaurants in Ireland and the UK. He has cooked for luminaries such as Robert De Niro, Bono, Sean Penn and Woody Harrelson. 

His aim, is to “honour the heritage setting with traditional dishes, but with contemporary elements.”

“I like to take inspiration from produce native to Queensland and Australia and allow those ingredients to be the focus by keeping it simple,” says Naylor. 

The menu includes ingredients such as Noosa figs and native rosellas, Mooloolaba prawns, Bundaberg peppers and Darling Down’s wagyu.

Quail, juicy and, tender is sourced from Brisbane Valley Quail near Lake Wivenhoe, lacquered with a citrus glaze, served with black barley, pomegranate, white soy cream and orange gel.

Coral trout from near Cairns is pan-fried with a crisp, layered cube of saffron potato, pickled mussels, buttermilk cream, chive oil and chorizo crumb, while the honey in a pistachio mille feuille with chocolate crème diplomat and praline comes from Parliament House’s own native hives.

The gardens also provide the restaurant with eggs from their own chickens, vegetables, fruit and herbs. 

Strangers’ menu is offered as a choice of two ($59) or three courses, ($79) or as a five-course tasting menu for $99. Queensland and Australian wines, can be matched to menu choice.

Diners are also able to have a drink, including cocktails and spirits such as Parliament House’s own specially commissioned Speaker’s Gin in the historic Lucinda Bar next to the restaurant. Built in 1890, its curved wooden bar was salvaged from The Lucinda, a decommissioned government paddle steamer, once used to deliver mail and service lighthouses along the coast. 

With an ultra-contemporary menu served in a formal, historical space, it’s a unique dining experience now welcoming all, something of which Queensland’s first lady member would be proud. 

Strangers’ Restaurant
Queensland Parliament
Cnr George and, Alice St, Brisbane City
Wed – Fri 12pm – 2pm and Fri 6pm – 9pm
07 3553 6377
Bookings: qldparliamentdining.com.au

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