If the sign of a successful restaurant is planning your next 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 Mediterranean with the sophisticated taverna overlooking The Calile Hotel’s pool. 48 James Street, Fortitude Valley; thecalilehotel.com.au

Opening a restaurant during the height of a worldwide pandemic might present its challenges, but Ben Williamson and his team of hospo all-stars continued to prepare Agnes for opening while serving, temporarily, as Brisbane’s hottest new bakery. Now, fully-fledged restaurant and wine bar Agnes is an ode to fire and flames with its tasty wood-fired fare. Be warned, this one requires bookings early – often months in advance. 22 Agnes Street, Fortitude Valley; agnesrestaurant.com.au

Channelling the frenetic fun of Tokyo’s laneway eateries and karaoke bars, Jonathan Barthelmess’ 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 Barthelmess’ go-to studio George Livissianis. The 60’s-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, former Momofuku Seiōbo and Calile Hotel chef, Kitak Lee, has put together a sake-soaking menu, prepared over the kitchen’s hibachi charcoal grill. 5 Boundary Street, Brisbane; yokodining.com.au

Having opened in 2019 – and weathered the stormy throes of 2020 – Joy has gained 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, chef Sarah 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. 690 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley; joyrestaurant.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 by some 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 drunken scallop with Chinese pear and ginger, and the potato and truffle spring rolls. You’ve been forewarned. Fish Lane, South Brisbane; southside-restaurant.com.au

Sub-tropical, balmy Brisbane can feel as far from Nordic life as it comes, but this tiny twelve-seater restaurant has set out to change that. This degustation destination feels like an ample substitute for foreign travels right now, with its refined seasonal, produce-driven menu that is subject to changes daily. Yes, daily. Brilliant execution sees Nordic techniques applied to Australian ingredients with aplomb. 2/148 Merthyr Road, New Farm; elska.com.au

When Gerard’s Bistro blew into town it created a dust storm. It represented change by embracing the ideology of the new wave of Australian dining that pulled the double white tablecloths off tables but maintained that focus on great food and wine. The combination of Gerard’s smart, casual swagger and a Middle Eastern sentiment that weaves throughout the menu makes for quite the dining experience. Now, with Adam Wolfer at the helm, the menu is a celebration of Lebanese flavour and technique. 14/15 James Street, Fortitude Valley; gerardsbistro.com.au

The food at Gauge is far too good to label ‘cafe’, and to do so seems an injustice. By day it serves next-level everyday food – think Spanish mackerel, soft egg and sabayon, or heritage bacon sangas with housemade barbecue sauce – but the degustation-only night menu is a complete knock-out. Eggplant adds depth to silken almond tofu. Warrigal greens and mustard complete slow-cooked lamb neck. Buffalo ricotta delivers deep satisfaction to spiced shortbread and salted meringue. 77 Grey Street, South Brisbane; gaugebrisbane.com.au

Former MasterChef contestant – and previously, biomedical engineer – Chef Emily Yeoh cut her teeth at the likes of Eagle Street’s Blackbird Bar & Grill and Melbourne’s Attica. Now, the over-achiever has opened the self-titled restaurant that’s been gaining traction for its soothing Asian comfort food menu that sees guests returning night after night. Among diners’ favourite dishes are ‘EY Mum’s Secret Recipe Hainan Chicken’ and ‘Grandma’s Char Xiu Puff Pastry’. 283 Given Terrace, Paddington; emilyyeoh.com.au

Fresh pasta made in-house daily, an ever-evolving seasonal menu and a natural-wine-centric drinks list – need we go on? West End’s Pasta Club presents a casual – yet memorable – dining experience for those with one thing on their mind: pasta. Okay, there’s a selection of appetising sides and salads (read: burrata) too – but who are we kidding? Go for the noodles, stay for the tiramisu, finish the bottle with friends. 237 Boundary Street, West End; clubpasta.com