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In a classic love story of east meets west, we have Donna Chang, (another) CBD restaurant with all of the date night vibes. The food boasts a union of iconic eastern flavours, Sichuan and Cantonese, with the menu uniquely off-set with two key cooking methods—woodfired and traditional dim sum. The interiors are utterly jaw-dropping, with pink velvet booths and crystal chandeliers, all in the surrounds of one the city’s most historic old bank buildings. Be sure to share a dessert, whether it’s the dark chocolate mousse or the fried caramel ice cream—or don’t share at all.

Oh là là! Brisbane will now always have Paris with the new dining destination from the gastronomic geniuses behind Donna Chang, Boom Boom Room Izakaya, and Blackbird Bar & Grill. If you want a French experience that’s a gazillion times better than Emily in Paris, say ‘oui’ to Bisou Bisou. French for ‘kiss kiss’, Bisou Bisou is Ghanem Group’s latest creation that will call the ground floor of The Valley’s luxurious new Hotel X home. As a modern take on the comforting flavours of a French style brasserie, the delectable menu has been carefully curated with the warmer Queensland palate in mind, so you can savour the frivolous flavours of a Parisian holiday without patting every pocket down in an attempt to find your passport.

Breakfast at Bisou Bisou the next morning was a lovely start to the day! This French-inspired restaurant is located on the lobby level and offers a superb breakfast menu. The open kitchen lets you watch the chefs in action, and it’s clear they have a passion for serving great food. They whip up delicious items like Croques Monsieur and Madame, and loaded croissants like The Florentine (sautéed mushroom, caramelized onion, and spinach with Comte cheese).

With a nod to Sichuan flavours and authentic Cantonese dishes, Donna Chang is one of our favourite haunts for Asian fusion food. Modern Chinese dining meets inner-city elegance, in a glamorous setting housed within a heritage-listed building on George Street. Donna Chang is the ideal spot for your next dinner date or night out with the girls, while you share plates of fresh seafood, dim sum and braised pork belly.

Brisbane’s favourite elevated, modern Chinese restaurant is serving up a delicious yum cha banquet every Sunday. With a nod to Sichuan flavours and authentic Cantonese cuisine, this fine dining restaurant pairs terrific food with a plush, pastel interior ensconced within the stunning, Heritage-listed building that once held the Queensland Government Savings Bank. The yum cha banquet features an array of expertly crafted dishes, bursting with Sichuan flavour, served with fragrant tea.

Head underground in Brisbane’s CBD and discover one of the best Japanese restaurants in town, Boom Boom Room! With an enviable Japanese whisky list, sip on some incredible spirits and cocktails while you dine on authentic sashimi and yakitori plates. This inner-city restaurant is also the perfect place for events or group dinners, as you can book a private dining experience in one of the old bank vaults for a unique night of top-tier food and drinks in an elegant setting.

Visit on a Sunday afternoon for a relaxing wind-down in cosy surrounds with a little bit of musical entertainment on the side. Byblos offers an award-winning, riverside dining and bar experience.

Oh la la, Brisbane has a new French restaurant, and it’s unlike any French restaurant you’ve seen before (unless you’ve been to the hip side of Paris, in which case, prepare to be hit with all the mems). Bisou Bisou has taken over the ground floor of the new Hotel X on Brunswick Street in the Valley, and there is plenty to say bonjour to. French for ‘kiss kiss,’ Bisou Bisou comes to us from the Ghanem Group, the team behind the likes of Donna Chang, Boom Boom Izakaya and Blackbird Bar & Grill, so you can definitely expect good things. They’ve even lured Head Chef Anthony Donaldson away from Blackbird to unleash his creative talents on the menu, which gives a modern twist to traditional French fare. The interiors are seriously luxe, all the way from the cocktail bar at the entrance, which features red velvet bar stools and a curved bar, to the moody, Parisian dining area, where marble tables, floral lounges and art deco tiling come together to create a cosy, vibrant space. A sunny courtyard to the rear, completes the picture, filled with quintessential cafe tables for morning espressos or cheeky afternoon sips.

Follow the smoky scent wafting from Blackbird Bar & Grill’s open wood-fired grill and you’ll uncover a stunning two-storey venue with sweeping river views. Blackbird has long been a favourite spot to celebrate a Saturday night, but don’t be fooled into thinking it’s just a bar; their restaurant menu is a real treat, featuring a plethora of perfectly plated dishes loaded with local Queensland and seasonal ingredients.

Blackbird is committed to sustainability, using locally sourced, seasonal produce in its sweet and savoury dishes. Meat is the hero here, cooked on a specially imported Infierno 96 wood grill. Pair each dish with the long wine list and sink back into the opulent, Prohibition-inspired space.

Glamorous modern Chinese restaurant Donna Chang has taken over a 1920s-era former bank and revived it with a luxe fit-out like no other. An extensive menu heavy on Sichuan flavours and fresh local seafood includes the likes of grilled octopus with native tamarind, sea herbs and chilli and Moreton Bay bugs with salted duck egg, through to big plates of shredded pork, dim sum and southern rock lobster or mud crab from the fish tank.

This flamboyantly decked-out, first-floor space is so jam-packed with look-at-me patterns, hues and textures, first-time diners could easily fail to notice the extraordinary river and scenic views. Fortunately, the kitchen is adept at grabbing the attention of guests, so you’ll surely recall the well-plated fare. Saffron-laced aïoli and toasty brioche are perfect partners for creamy avocado and sweet spanner crab, with finger lime providing pops of acid. Wagyu-cross hanger steak suffers from arriving less then the requested medium-rare, but coal-roasted barramundi dressed with seaweed butter sauce needs nothing more than the charred lemon alongside it. The mammoth wine list is surprisingly easy to navigate, with a head sommelier and two assistants also on hand for guidance. Desserts observe Black Bird’s “excess succeeds” leitmotif, with a white chocolate rum lamington hogging the limelight beside a guava and mango brûlée.

Brisbane's Leading Hospitality Group Standing proud in the landscape of hospitality in Brisbane, The Ghanem Group specialise in establishing venues that push the boundaries of innovation in modern dining. With strong family values, the group tirelessly innovates to develop a diverse portfolio of spaces. Currently the group handles 6 leading Brisbane venues including Blackbird, Iris Rooftop, Bisou Bisou, Donna Chang, Boom Boom Room and Byblos.

Brisbane's Food Scene is Setting a New Benchmark for Culinary Experiences Bringing innovation and influence to Brisbane’s dining scene for more than 30 years, the Ghanem Group – its venues including Bisou-Bisou, Blackbird, Boom Boom Room, Byblos, Donna Chang and Iris Rooftop – is renowned for combining beautiful spaces with quality produce and visionary Chefs. Managing Director Nehme Ghanem says a cadre of young, innovative Chefs and daring restaurateurs are continually pushing culinary boundaries. "Brisbane is witnessing an influx of talent from across the country, bringing a wealth of experience and fresh perspectives, fostering healthy competition and compelling establishments to elevate the overall quality of the dining experience,” he says.

Like your dinner with a side of insane views? Blackbird has you covered. Perched on prime real estate overlooking the Story Bridge and winding brown snake, this classy joint serves up decadent meals cooked in their naturally fuelled wood-fired grill. A vast array of seafood options, including a whole section in their menu for iced shellfish platters, Blackbird is a fisherman’s dream—and Nemo’s nightmare.

Announcing Concrete Playground's Best of 2018 Brisbane Award Winners The very best new Brisbane bars, restaurants, cafes, events and spaces of the year. OVERALL WINNER AND PEOPLE'S CHOICE: DONNA CHANG The sandstone building on the corner of George and Elizabeth streets has been home to many things over the years, including Queensland's first radio station, government departments, offices, cafes and a bank. It's now the site of Brisbane's two newest places to eat, drink and hang out — a luxe underground bar and a new Chinese restaurant. Called the Boom Boom Room and Donna Chang, the duo are the latest ventures from the Ghanem Group, the folks behind Blackbird Bar & Grill on Eagle Street, Byblos Bar & Restaurant at Portside and chicken chain Lord of the Wings. Head upstairs to find Donna. Spread across both the ground floor and the mezzanine level, the Chinese fine diner fills its open space with pink, green and neutral-toned furniture, while group executive chef Jake Nicholson, head chef Jason Margaritis and head dim sum chef Sam Lie all endeavour to fill your stomach. Their focus: Chinese dishes with Sichuan and Cantonese flavours and influences, as they aim for that highly sought-after blend of the old and the new. As you're picking from the menu, you can stare at the live grouper and shellfish tank — and yes, you can order fish, crab and crayfish. Other food options range from crispy pork bao and roast duck dumplings in goose broth, to barbecue Peking duck, suckling pig and char sui pork. The list goes on for both lunch and dinner, as does the wine selection.

Iris has proclaimed itself 'Brisbane's Most Luxurious Rooftop Bar'... The Spanish-inspired venue sits atop the lavish Hotel X and has taken home industry awards for its food and wine list every year since 2021.

Blackbird is a venue with two identities. Depending on who you ask, the venue is either one of the best weekend party hotspots in Brisbane, or it’s a fantastic fine-dining destination that gourmands rave about. In reality, Blackbird Bar & Grill is both – a multi-faceted bar and eatery that boasts a 1920s-inspired fit-out and 180-degree view of the glittering Story Bridge and Brisbane River. The venue inhabits the former Queensland Rugby Club and comprises one restaurant and two bars, offering an opportunity to curate the night you desire. When it comes to the nosh, only the best will suffice. Freshly sourced produce is incorporated across the menu, from the Coffin Bay oysters, Moreton Bay bugs, Hervey Bay scallops, decadent salmon caviar and array of premium dry-aged beef. The steaks at Blackbird are some of the best in town, with an imported Infierno 96 wood-fired grill cooking your chosen slab to perfection. The bar is staffed by a team of award-winning bartenders, serving sought-after beers and spirits, cocktails and wines, as well as snacks for those that feel like a nibble with their tipple.

This Eagle Street mainstay has enjoyed numerous (and well-earned) successes, and its reappearance on this list is a testament to its overall consistency. The Ghanem Group’s crown jewel boasts impressive river views, which serve as the perfect accompaniment to its stellar menu. The menu is made using the finest seasonal produce sourced sustainably from local suppliers, and revolves around Blackbird’s naturally fuelled, open wood-fired grill. Although beef serves as the centre-plate protein, Blackbird’s menu also boasts Gooralie free-range pork cutlets, Longreach white lamb and Brisbane Valley quail – not to mention a thoroughly researched selection of hand-picked wines to complement every meal.

Like your dinner with a side of insane views? Blackbird has you covered. Perched on prime real estate overlooking the Story Bridge and winding brown snake, this classy joint serves up decadent meals cooked in their naturally fuelled wood-fired grill. A vast array of seafood options, including a whole section in their menu for iced shellfish platters, Blackbird is a fisherman’s dream—and Nemo’s nightmare.

What once began as a mere extension of Donna Chang hit Brisbane with a boom and is now serving a whole new look. You know The Boom Boom Room as the suave basement bar spicing up the fine dining scene, but the underground favourite is having a change of face to become the funky Boom Boom Room Izakaya. Brisbane’s newest Japanese-inspired restaurant and bar is slinging fusion eats and inventive dishes that will please your camera and your palate. Take the barramundi katsu bao burger – the traditional dish meets Western influences with bacon, kewpie tartare, pickled jalapeño and sriracha in an oh-so-satisfying presentation. The miso glazed toothfish pairs perfectly with a flawless dollop of bonito mayo and shichimi pepper, and if you’re always reaching for the gunkan on the sushi train, the boats of wild scampi and caviar or Yarra Valley salmon roe are sure to float your way. The delightful menu was curated by Executive Chef Jack Nicholson, and, in harmony with the healing cocktail list by Beverage Director Aaron Clark, will steal the spotlight. Yes, you read that right – the Reiki Master cocktail is a twist on classic penicillin, taking the aroma of an incense-filled temple and putting it in a glass. With smoky notes weaved through Suntory Toki, pickled ginger, honey and the plum wine, Umeshu, you’ll feel the healing touch with each smooth sip. As for appearance, you’ll still descend the familiar staircase to be greeted by the decadent bank-vaults-turned-private-dining-rooms and velvet-draped booths you love (plus a few choice new accents). It’s a new era for Brisbane, hidden beneath the streets, colouring all your nights out in opulence and fun.

This elegant brasserie on Brunswick Street is equal parts chic as it is delicious. French for ‘kiss kiss’, you’ll feel the passion imbued in the experience, evoking a Parisian atmosphere through well crafted French food and revolutionary cocktails. Serving up breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as drinks from the aperitivo bar, the indulgent menu caters effortlessly for both intimate date nights and share-style catch ups.

From the brains behind some of our favourite Brissy restaurants like Donna Chang, Blackbird, and Bisou Bisou, the Ghanem Group delivers their latest venture, Iris Rooftop. Located above Fortitude Valley’s Hotel X, Iris promises to bring guests breathtaking views of the Brisbane City skyline, Fortitude Valley, New Farm, and beyond. With decadent décor inspired by the European coast and a bold Mediterranean menu curated by Head Chef Lloyd Evans, kick back by a grove of olive trees in your exclusive poolside bungalow and enter a daze of delightful drinks.

Right underneath luxe Chinese restaurant Donna Chang’s in the CBD, the Boom Boom Room is a dark, sumptuous venue housed in the heritage building’s original underground bank vault—complete with massive steel vault doors leading to cosy private rooms. You might remember it from when it was the spot for lively late-night tunes and expertly made cocktails, but these days it's a Japanese-inspired restaurant and bar—although there's plenty of epic cocktails still on the menu. So whether it's for a sultry date night or a dinner out with your crew to be followed by a few rounds of cocktails at the bar, Boom Boom Room should be on top of your must-eat list.

Trading out of a heritage-listed, neo-classical building on George Street, Donna Chang is all about the harmony between modernity and antiquity. The menu sees traditional Cantonese cuisine and Sichuan flavours executed with modern techniques, and the resultant feast makes for a fine dining experience worth writing home about. It also happens to be one of THE most stunning restaurants in Brisbane—take a group so you can be seated in one of their plush pink booths.

Named after the port of Byblos in Lebanon, this longtime Portside favourite also channels the port in spirit with its spectacular river views. Make sure you request a table outside or at least by the folding glass doors for the full effect, before you order endless plates of mezat and a few rounds of exotic cocktails. Resist ordering the trio of dips with flatbread that you know you’ll fill up on, and instead leave room for spiced felafel, feta and mozzarella stuffed filo pastries and Lebanese spiced sausages, amongst others.

When you think Blackbird, you might think cocktails and good times on their balcony looking over the Storey Bridge, but they also happen to do a mean steak in their restaurant. More than one actually—you'll find everything from a Black Angus tenderloin to Wagyu rump, scotch and hanger steaks on their list of cuts. Be sure to get a side of Dutch cream potato baked in clay with parmesan butter.

An Iconic establishment in Brisbane's bar and restaurant scene, Blackbird Bar, Dining & Events, made up of a beautiful restaurant and two bars, has a lush Gatsby-era decor and stunning views of the Brisbane River and Story Bridge. While the food alone is worth a visit (the Heritage Australian menu has a strong seafood and steak focus, the latter of which is grilled before diner's eyes), it's the highly unusual bar fit out that makes this venue a must-see. Blackbird also has extensive private dining facilities, if you'd rather not mingle.

Bisou Bisou comes to us from the crew behind Donna Chang, Blackbird and Iris Rooftop right upstairs—so you know it’s got to be good. Bisou Bisou totally backs up the Ghanem Group’s stellar rep in the hospo world with stunning interiors, a bangin’ drinks list and eats that will leave you wondering why you don’t go out for French fare more often.

It's hard to nail down a cuisine type or label for the menu, and perhaps even the whole establishment of Blackbird, an Eagle Street senior. After you find your way through the many function rooms, private dining rooms and even the outdoor bar area, the 180-degree views of the Story Bridge and the Kangaroo Point cliffs are a welcome sight. Award-winning dishes are on offer here but our go-to is the bean sprout, almond and fregola risotto with zucchini flowers, red quinoa and toasted almonds. Boasting a lengthy wine list and in-house sommelier, the pairings are perfection.

Promising refined and modern Chinese, Donna Chang is the restaurant that transformed the way we think about Chinese cuisine in Brisbane. Brought to us by the Ghanem Group that masterminded Blackbird Bar, Dining & Events and Byblos this venue is a feast for the senses. Under the keen eye of group executive chef, Lyndon Tyers, it elevates Brisbane to the cutting edge of modern Chinese dining. Trading out of a Heritage-listed, neo-classical building on George Street, the harmony between modernity and antiquity defines Donna Chang. The menu sees ancient Cantonese cuisine and Sichuan flavours executed with modern techniques, and the resultant feast makes for an ultra-modern fine dining experience.