CHEAT SHEET: HOWARD SMITH WHARVES
Brisbane’s renaissance continues as the city’s historic riverfront wharf district is revived with a designer hotel and buzzing dining precinct, writes Faith Campbell.
Eat GRECA
From the taramasalata, saganaki and ouzo list to the lantern-lit white wood fit-out, this Queensland diner by Sydney restaurateur Jonathan Barthelmess (The Apollo, Cho Cho San) nails the mod-Greek brief (greca.com.au).
ARC DINING & WINE BAR
After a stint at Sydney’s Saint Peter, prodigal chef Alanna Sapwell returns home with this elegant pavilion-style restaurant (arcdining. com.au) and a deft seafood-heavy menu. Barbecue squid with preserved lime and saltbush is so good it leaves the glittering view of Story Bridge begging.
FISH N CHIPPERY
Hot chips and a grassy lawn for the kids to rumble on, Felons Brewing Co. beers on tap for the adults and a prawn katsu sandwich anyone can appreciate – this casual takeaway has it covered (howardsmithwharves.com).
Drink MR PERCIVAL’S
You’ll find the city’s bright young things crowded around the towering bar of bottles (yes, there’s a DJ at its apex) at this overwater hotspot (mrpercivals. com.au), which is part Miami, part Mykonos and still a little bit Brissie. The best selfie opportunities are outside on the deck, with the river and CBD in frame.
FELONS BREWING CO.
Brewing, bottling and pouring about 14,000 litres of amber every week, Felons (felonsbrewingco. com.au) must lead the list of breweries with the best view. Find a seat on the deck, order a woodfired pizza and cool off with a schooner of Crisp Lager just metres from where it was made.
Stay THE FANTAUZZO
Carved into the cliffside and as much gallery as hotel, this sleek property (hotel.qantas.com.au/ thefantauzzo) sets a dramatic backdrop for works by its namesake artist, painter Vincent Fantauzzo. With its moody mix of black finishes white neon and jewel tones, the hotel’s cool factor peaks at the rooftop bar and pool.
Do GO ON FOOT
Between meals, stroll Riverwalk, an 870-metre boardwalk that starts near Arc Dining and meanders towards New Farm. (Work up an appetite on the return trip.) The James Street shopping strip (jamesst.com.au) in Fortitude Valley is a 15-minute walk away and an easy spot to spend an afternoon – and your pocket money.
But first, caffeine...
Can’t make it further than the lobby? Wander in to Polpetta (polpetta.com.au), The Fantauzzo’s relaxed onsite diner where you can start the day with coffee and finish it with espresso martinis.