If the sign of a successful restaurant is planning your return before you even leave, Hellenika at The Calile is unquestionably a star. Boasting a warmth, generosity of spirit and generally upbeat vibe within its white-bricked walls, diners are welcomed in like family by a team of pink-jacketed, buoyant, knowledgeable staff, who charismatically balance personality with professionalism. Book a table outside to experience a taste of the Aegean – think moussaka, spanakopita, with a side of horiatiki – with the sophisticated taverna overlooking The Calile Hotel’s pool. Level 1, The Calile Hotel, 48 James Street, Fortitude Valley; st-albans.com.au/venues/hellenika

There was a lot of buzz when chef Andrew McConnell’s renowned Melbourne eatery, Supernormal, launched a sister restaurant in Brisbane – but over the years the new spin-off started to feel like it had always been there. While you can enjoy some of the same Asian-inspired dishes that made the Melbourne location famous – such as the beloved lobster roll and the salt-cured, spiced, and twice-cooked crispy duck – the Brisbane menu also features now-signature local specialties, such as Moreton Bay bug toast. Don’t forget to factor in a visit to the European-inspired Bar Miette upstairs for a delightful pre- or post-meal drink. 443 Queen St, Brisbane City; brisbane.supernormal.net.au

After seven years working in Michelin-star restaurants in France, Dan Arnold returned to Fortitude Valley to open his own venture. Guests at the 45-seat dining room choosing from three ($132) or five ($198) course menus or a chef’s selection ($240). Word has spread of his exemplary classical, technique-driven, flavour-first line-up of dishes (maybe an entree of The Falls Farm tomato with a plump scallop and crescents of nectarine, or a pearlescent fillet of toothfish with vin jaune, with a delicate dessert featuring Queensland buffalo milk yoghurt to finish) and there’s nothing else like it around. Service is on the ball and the wine list broad. 959 Ann St, Fortitude Valley; restaurantdanarnold.com

Owner and chef Ben Williamson’s restaurant and wine bar Agnes is an ode to fire and flames with its tasty woodfired fare. Be tempted by wood-roasted duck with muscat grapes, burnt honey and bitter greens or roast Berkshire pork with kanzuri, beer mustard and jus gras. Even the desserts have a lick of flame – burnt meringue comes with mango sorbet, smoked yoghurt cremeux and candlenut. Be warned, this one requires booking early – often months in advance. 22 Agnes Street, Fortitude Valley; agnesrestaurant.com.au

This riverside restaurant at Brisbane’s bustling Howard Smith Wharves delivers traditional Cantonese cuisine with a twist. Working with local farmers, fishers and suppliers, top chef Louis Tikaram brings the best of Australian produce to even the simplest of dishes, such as sweet, plump Moreton Bay bug meat that comes packed inside spring rolls, or the Urban Valley mushrooms battered and fried salt and pepper-style. Dim sum arrives as a mixed signature platter of steamed bites, while the Peking duck is a favourite among regulars for its lustrous crisp skin and moist meat. It’s also the venue for those who want to show off, with whole steamed southern rock lobster served in a ginger, shallot and coriander broth; or slabs of wagyu cooked over coals. Just be prepared to pay for the privilege. And if you plan to make it a night for the ages, there’s always Stan’s Lounge waiting upstairs afterwards. 5 Boundary St, Brisbane City; stanleyrestaurant.com.au.

Channelling the frenetic fun of Tokyo’s laneway eateries and karaoke bars, izakaya Yoko Dining brings the good times to Brisbane’s Howard Smith Wharves. The heritage-listed space has been given a retro-futuristic fit-out by go-to studio George Livissianis. The ’60s-inspired palette combines concrete and oak timbers with pops of neon pink and yolk-hued yellow. Head upstairs and you’ll find a cheeky vinyl bar spinning Tokyo tunes. Better yet, the sake-soaking menu, prepared over the kitchen’s hibachi charcoal grill, has loads to tempt, from grilled prawns with kombu and tomato to a Japanese-inspired version of charcoal chicken. 2/5 Boundary Street, Brisbane; yokodining.com.au

With its soaring ceilings, yellow and blue colour palette, and uninterrupted water views from the banks of the Brisbane River, OTTO channels all the glamour of the Italian Riviera. Pepper-crusted yellowfin tuna is just right to begin, with the earthiness of spiced eggplant and pine nuts; before for the venue’s signature champagne lobster spaghettini available as an entree or main. The generous twirl of pasta and crustacean in a plate-scraping butter sauce epitomises the entire venue – understated luxury. For the cashed-up, this is a restaurant made to impress. Shop 1, River Quay, Sidon St, South Brisbane QLD. ottoristorante.com.au

Looking just as much at home under the Story Bridge as it would on Mykonos, Greca reminds you of the sun-drenched Greek island’s party vibe. And, on a long, hot Brisbane afternoon or in the heat of the night that Karpouzi Spritz is a cool start. Greca takes Greek comfort food and elevates it with oomph. Saganaki certainly sizzles, and charcoal-grilled coral trout cuts through. But the spoon-tender lamb shoulder with yoghurt and garlicky potatoes makes carnivores’ hearts sing. When there’s no room left, sliced watermelon with ouzo is the best thing this side of Athens. Howard Smith Wharf Precinct, 3/5 Boundary St, Brisbane City; greca.com.au.

Restaurant impresario Simon Glottis and Chef Kelvin Andrews confidently call SK a “place for a long lunch and a few too many martinis”. White jacketed staff welcome you into the bright Richards & Spence designed space as a pianist tickles the grand centrepiece’s ivories. Start with oysters naturally served Natural, or with Champagne mignonette. Or one of four seafood cocktails, raw bar classics or something from the designer pasta and risotto list. There’s a separate potato menu with life-changing bug and lobster mash. Yes, the sides are extra. And the wine list splurge-worthy. Save up and go all out for that next very special occasion. The Calile Hotel, G.12/48 James St, Fortitude Valley; sk-so.com

Honest, genuine, passionate service may just be the secret recipe to Bianca’s success. In the glamorous Calile Hotel precinct, this cosy, modern trattoria brings together the sleek, sophisticated style for which Italy is known with the charm and hospitality it is synonymous with. The menu is designed to be shared: antipasti to be teamed with the standout puffy, woodfired bread; a clutch of pastas and a quartet of oversized mains. This is an upscale trattoria made approachable and welcoming. Shop AM5, 46 James St, Fortitude Valley QLD. biancarestaurant.com.au

Among the bars and eateries of Fish Lane, shaded by the tropical greenery of its Town Square hub, expressive pan-Asian cuisine is served alongside a lengthy wine list at Southside. Housed in a seriously stunning architectural design, and neighboured by its sibling Kiki Kiosk, Southside honours Chinese tradition in sophisticated style. Sample from the full banquet or take things into your own hands a la carte – but whatever you do, try the barbecue pork steamed bun and the potato and truffle spring rolls. You’ll thank us later. 63 Melbourne Street, South Brisbane; southside-restaurant.com.au

The interior of Boom Boom Room is plush, the staff attentive and the drinks list carefully crafted. The menu has fun with Japanese flavours, adding European technique in parts across the share-style menu. Order the edamame while you drink a cocktail and ponder the menu. You won’t regret it. Lacquered in a salty, spicy, umami-rich fermented chilli paste, it’s frighteningly addictive. Move on to smoky baby eggplant with saikyo miso, sesame tofu and fried enoki mushrooms, then plenty more delicious meaty and fishy things. Unforgettable for dessert is the salty and not-too-sweet nitrogen-frozen miso chocolate mousse with dulce de leche atop blueberries and mini malt balls that arrives at the table under a dramatic white cloud. This is Japanese with a theatrical twist. 49 Elizabeth Street, Brisbane; theboomboomroom.com.au

For the gourmand, watching Sarah Baldwin prepare for the evening service at Joy is not unlike a sports fan watching a top athlete. It’s a thrilling and mesmerising display, full of surprises. The chef-owner of the 10-seat restaurant in Brisbane’s Bakery Lane, Baldwin is the brains (and hard-working brawn) that has won a cult following among Brisbane’s most avid diners. Love to peruse and choose from a menu before you go out for dinner? We have some bad news: this vaguely Japanese-inspired restaurant is full of surprises – in fact, Scott likes to keep guests guessing with a surprise menu each night. What we can tell you is that the food is continually fresh, delicious and served alongside excellent natural wines. Shop 7/690 Ann St, Fortitude Valley; joyrestaurant.com.au.

Opulent furnishings, artfully presented dishes and a choice of private dining options – for those seeking a secluded spot away from fellow lovebirds – all make Donna Chang an ideal choice for romantic dinners, or book a table on the main floor to watch all the action. Cold and raw starters spark the appetite – think white cut chicken with sichuan chilli oil and a cool-as-a-cucumber salad with mint. Then dive into dim sum and barbecue or noodles. The fresh, contemporary Chinese flavours and aromatic, woodfired dishes are all part of the delicious dining experience here. Shop 3/171 George Street, Brisbane; donnachang.com.au

On the ground floor of Hotel X in Fortitude Valley, the menu here works its way through escargot and mushroom croquettes with truffle mayo to entrees such as steak tartare or a half- or one-kilo pot of mussels. Choose from mains like a tender whole or half rotisserie chicken with your choice of sauce, barramundi with fish velouté or a duck leg cassoulet. Service is relaxed and attentive, and Bisou Bisou finds the perfect balance between quality and value. 458 Brunswick Street, Ground Floor, Hotel X, Fortitude Valley; bisou-bisou.com.au