Fortitude Valley Archives - Page 19 of 26

New and Upcoming Restaurants to Try in Fortitude Valley

Here are five new and upcoming Fortitude Valley restaurants that are bravely navigating the pandemic challenges to bring you delicious, must-try cuisine.

1. Bianca

Delivering the vibe of a classic trattoria, Bianca features simple but flavourful pasta dishes and mains like steaks and the crowd favourite, porchetta alla Romana, with slight variation fitted for the Aussie dining scene. Everything is prepared in-house at this restaurant and despite the challenging times, Bianca’s booking has been constantly filled up as customers long for the comfort of Italian food. For 2022, Bianca has ramped up its menu with new pasta dishes to try. They also provide takeaway options.

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Fortitude Valley — Photo Credit: BiancaRestuarant/Facebook

*Photo Credit: BiancaRestuarant/Facebook*

2. Bisou Bisou

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French restaurant Bisou Bisou has captured the vibrant ambience of the Parisian dining scene from its interiors to its cosy courtyard, its waitstaff, and all the way to the kitchen where the head chef whips up dishes that will have you exclaiming, “Trés Bien!” If you’re craving for escargot on toast and gnocchi, authentically prepared French-style, you now know where to go.

3. Essa

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Those looking to wine and dine can’t go wrong with Essa with its choiced selection of delectable dishes and drinks. Don’t be intimated by its dark, broody fit-out — this goes with the appeal and atmosphere that its owners want the customers to enjoy. Perfect for intimate dinners or for small groups who want to lounge and unwind, Essa prides in sourcing ingredients from local producers to deliver high-end meals worth the splurge.

*Photo Credit: Essa.Restaurant/Instagram*

4. Gemelli

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Joining the rows of Italian restaurants in the Valley is Gemelli, a 120-seater dining space that encourages family dining. What sets this one apart from the other Italian restaurants in the precinct is its luxurious vibe. Gemelli is for big, classy celebrations, where groups can share generous servings of Naples-style pizza, pasta and mains with a Milan-inspired bar scene. The restaurant has over 200 on its wine list.

5. Rosmarino

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SOCIAL MEDIA

Rosmarino has given life to a deserted corner in the refurbished Stewart & Hemmant building with its vintage ambiance and cosy vibe. If you want to catch up with a dear friend over a bowl of homestyle pasta, a plate of all’anatra, and a glass of wine, you’ve got to experience the food and drinks at this restaurant. Rosmarino’s dishes are prepared using traditional techniques from Northern Eastern Italy. Delivery and takeaway options available.

Photo Credit: RosmarinoBrisbane/Facebook

To confirm opening schedules and other Covid19-related updates, please check their social media pages.

Opening Soon in Fortitude Valley

The team behind Hellenika and SK Steak & Oyster are opening two new restaurants on James St: Sunshine (January 2022) and Sushi Room (March 2022).

While details and social media presence are still hush-hush, the word on the street is that Sunshine will feature all-vegetarian Mediterranean dishes. The restaurant will open directly in front of The Calile Hotel, taking over the former spot of Chow House. It will boast of a unique service where customers will not have to wait for their food and a major part of its offering will be the takeaway options.

Sushi Room, on the other hand, will be an 80-seater Japanese restaurant and bar moving into the former home of Scotch & Soda and Museum of Small Things. Its menu will be focused on mostly sushi and sashimi, with a few choices of wagyu steak, tempura or fish. Sushi Room will also offer an 18-course meal for a two-hour dining experience.

Ginuary Festival 2022 Makes Big Move To Fortitude Valley

West End’s popular gin bar and restaurant Covent Garden is bringing its annual Ginuary Festival to Fortitude Valley for its biggest event yet, where the Top 100 Aussie gins will take the spotlight to celebrate the accomplishments of the craft gin distilling industry in Australia.

Read: Haunted Underground Maze Is Now Open in Fortitude Valley

Covent Garden has teamed up with Long Rays and other Australian distillers to bring the event to X-Cargo in Fortitude Valley, a venue ten times larger than its existing location in West End.

Photo credit: Covent Garden West End/Facebook

Where	X-Cargo, Fortitude Valley
When	30 January 2022 (11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m)

From over 400 nominees, Covent Garden will only name the top 100 gins this year. Voting is still up for your favourite gins, so better hurry up and vote for your picks!

Last year’s top choice was Ink Gin, a premium gin by Tumbulgum-based boutique distillery Husk Distillers. Other top contenders were Bundaberg’s Kalki Moon and Grandad Jack’s 65 Miles.

Aside from featuring the most popular gins of the year, Ginuary Festival 2022 will feature a gin alley lined with eight degustation stations where you can taste gin for free or buy limited edition ones.

A special Brookie’s cocktail bar will also be featured, whilst those who want to take the experience to the next level can buy VIP tickets which include masterclasses, cocktail classes, and more.

You can head to Covent Garden’s website to find out more about the upcoming festival, including ticket prices.

Agnes Bakery in Fortitude Valley is Brisbane’s New Favourite

Have you been to Agnes Bakery? This new bakery on James St in Fortitude Valley isn’t hard to find. Just look for the queue of people waiting to get in, Wednesdays to Sundays. When people line up for their brekky even before the store opens, that’s when you know you’re on to something good.

Agnes Bakery, which started welcoming customers in late October 2021, takes pride in making everything in-house from scratch so that every batch of baked treats is served warm and fresh daily.

From the crusty loaves of sourdough bread, perfectly burnt yet creamy Basque cheesecakes, comforting choux buns, and delightful kouign-amanns, every bite of goodies that come from the bakery’s wood-fired oven leave a satisfying taste that lingers…no wonder many customers come back for more!

Curiously, however, the bakery wasn’t in the plan for the owners. Experienced hospitality operators Ben Williamson, Ty Simon, and Frank Li — who run popular Brisbane restaurants like Same Same, Honto, and Bianca — initially set their sights on opening a restaurant (also called Agnes).

However, things changed when the hospitality industry took a big hit during the pandemic. Not to be discouraged, the operators decided to shift gears and use their Agnes Restaurant spot as a pop-up bakery, opened during limited hours only, in August 2020 until the pandemic panic subsided. Amidst social distancing guidelines, customers lined up for the limited offering which has prompted the owners to consider expanding their business plan to include the bakery.

“One of the concepts we have started to explore more is how the use of fire applies to working with ancient and sustainably grown grains, and how it can add to the complexity of flavours in sourdough and pastries, both sweet and savoury,” the owner said. “On top of this, we wanted to provide people with the opportunity to enjoy some of the wares we serve at Agnes restaurant, within a casual setting.”

As things fell into place, the former Agnes Bakery pandemic pop-up became a stand-alone, permanent site and not merely an extension of Agnes Restaurant, with 14 bakers in the kitchen and 10 staff at the frontline. The group also formulated an enhanced menu filled with more appetising choices.

Apart from the pop-up favourites, Agnes Bakery also offers smoked potato braid, heaps of danishes (potato/rosemary, apple crumble, and blueberry/citrus, among other flavours), as well as a rotating mix of cake slices, flans, cookies, and savoury muffins and pizzettes. Soon, the bakery will also introduce a lunch range featuring ciabatta sandwiches.

For those on the clock, the bakery has a convenient coffee window for quick orders.

Agnes Bakery opens Wednesday to Sunday from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Follow their Facebook page for updates.

“Everything is excellent and can’t wait till they add some more condiments and things. They make stuff you don’t really see in Australia (like pithivier) which is fun as well.”
Ben E

“OMG! This beautiful bakery is an absolute gem! I called in at the end of their 1st day (my interest was sparked as I drove past in the morning and there was a 100-meter line-up of peeps down James St). This place must have something going for it. I was not disappointed. The young, cheerful girl who greeted me was very knowledgeable on the delights available. I purchased a blackberry and blueberry and passion fruit with melted marshmallow Kouign-amann. Supercalifragilisticepialidocious is an apt word for my experience of this pastry delight. From the crispy outer layers of glazed pastry to the inner taste bud tingling cream patisserie, I was completely lost in indulgent heaven.”
Samantha Hutchison

Fortitude Valley Property Market Rises Despite Softer Demand for Inner-City Living

Like many other inner-city locations with high-density urban precincts, the Fortitude Valley property market has had an oversupply of inventory and high vacancy rates but performed astonishingly better within the 12-month period ending June 2021, amidst a softer housing demand through the pandemic.

Highlights

Fortitude Valley had a 3.78 per cent growth between July 2020 to June 2021, despite a softer demand for properties close to the CBD during the lockdowns.
The median unit price moved upwards to $456,630 compared to $440,000 pre-pandemic.
Buyers and investors are taking advantage of the opportunity to buy properties in Fortitude Valley whilst the prices are subdued.

Unit Price Growth

Despite most buyers flocking to the middle and outer ring suburbs to find lifestyle properties to work from home, the apartment market in Fortitude Valley still had a substantial buying activity between July 2020 to June 2021. Figures from Property Market Updates revealed that this suburb so close to the CBD, where disheartening shutdowns and job cutbacks have been significant, posted a 3.78 per cent growth, pulling the median unit price up to $456,630.

With 405 transactions closed for this period, Fortitude Valley attracted buyers and investors who saw an opportunity to buy newly-built apartments whilst property prices have been more subdued than other markets. Though house prices are rising all across Brisbane, first-home buyers and younger professionals have been grabbing the chance to invest in the Valley and get their foot in the door closer to the city.

Buying than renting units is cheaper in Fortitude Valley and this realisation accounts for much of the 151 two-bedroom units snapped up within an average of 76 days on market. A townhouse located on Bowen Terrace, which offers a good vantage point of the Story Bridge and is within walking distance to lifestyle and recreational amenities, was sold at the highest price of $2,426,00.

About Fortitude Valley

The dwellings offered in Fortitude Valley are best suited for the younger demographic. More than 65 per cent of the residents here are between 20 to 39 years old and the majority do not have any kids. Thus, they feel at home in this suburb’s vibe and energy with its buzzing entertainment and nightlife district.

A significant number of homes in the Valley are also purchased for investment and rented out to college students, professionals, singles, and young couples who prefer walking, biking, or taking public transportation to get to work or meet-ups with friends at heaps of local hangouts. The residential precincts continue to grow alongside commercial developments, making Fortitude Valley such an exciting place for people who prefer cosmopolitan living.

Fortitude Valley is the go-to host for the best musical acts regularly performing along Brunswick Street Mall in China Town. In contrast, the James Street precinct is where people go for dining at fancy and trendy restaurants or shopping at upmarket boutiques. However, there are also a number of heritage-listed buildings standing next to modern sites. During weekdays, the Valley is busy as office and business workers hustle whilst weekends are for chilling out.

“If you’re wanting to be as close as possible to both the airport & CBD for work; then it’s hard to beat the Fortitude Valley due to its quick access to toll-paid-tunnels, great choice of bars, restaurants, cafe’s and heaps of gyms as well as a great public pool for athletes or the athletic-minded. Rent is fairly reasonable considering how close you are to the city centre & the fact that pretty much the whole suburb has access to TPG’s FTTB fibre optic internet combined with great cellular coverage means high-speed internet either via fibre optic cables or 4G is always available. Many apartments have great views as well which is a plus.”
Alexk15

“Fortitude Valley is a razor edge kind of place. Insanely, almost migraine-inducingly cool, it has a seedy heart to it at times. By day, hip designers sell overpriced products to EMO’s and grown-ups who should know better. Excellent restaurants vie for attention amongst organic beauty outlets and dingy cafes. By night, a rock scene comes alive and the streets swell with the youth and the youthful of the Brissy music scene. Staples of the Valley include Fatboys/Riks cafe and the Empire Hotel.”
Ready09

Fortitude Valley to Welcome First Baby HQ Flagship Store in Brisbane

Baby HQ, a popular Byron Bay retailer of baby products and equipment, is opening its first flagship store in Fortitude Valley, taking over the former Kathmandu site on Ann Street.

Set to open in late October or early November 2021, the new store is going to bring an “immersive experience” for parents who want to shop for the best baby items with ease.

Baby HQ chief financial officer James Byrne said that the Fortitude Valley store will have its own pram testing track to allow parents to test out the equipment on different surfaces. The site will also have display rooms with working baby products so shoppers will immediately have an idea of a functional nursery.

Store demonstrations of car seat installation, which most new parents need, will be a prominent facet of Baby HQ.

The Fortitude Valley site will have a special space for pregnant moms at the lounge, where may take breaks in between shopping. Other Parents can sip a cup of coffee at the lounge as well as their kids enjoy the play area.

Moms who are nursing will appreciate the privacy of the store’s breastfeeding area. Changing nappies will also be very convenient since Baby HQ will also feature this facility.

Founded by parents Stephen Muldoon and Elena Palamara, Baby HQ has been enjoying brisk sales through its e-commerce site since the pandemic. Mr Byrne said that the company’s expansion to Brisbane was precipitated by the move of many young families from Sydney and Melbourne to the Queensland capital.

The prominent location on Ann Street made sense to the owners since it is directly below McWhirters Carpark, which will be very important to parents who drive to the store to buy a car seat. Baby HQ will also benefit from the foot traffic coming from the James Street shopping precinct. The store has secured an eight-year lease on their Fortitude Valley store.

Follow Baby HQ on Facebook for updates on their latest products.

Fortitude Valley’s New Tropical Hideout is Perfect for Hiding Away

Tucked away in Fortitude Valley’s urban jungle is a tropical-inspired haven that’s perfect for enjoying a quiet and pleasurable mealtime. Hideout, a cafe, bar, and private function space on Wickham Street, may just be your new secret hideaway.

Serving Bear Bones Coffee Roasters throughout the week, Hideout entices patrons with its generous breakfast choices, including a flavourful avocado on Turkish toast sprinkled with dukkah or a satisfying Breaky Burger with bacon and eggs.

Lunch fares include pecking duck spring rolls with sweet chilli sauce, pulled pork bao with carrots, mint, hoisin, cucumber and crushed peanuts, charred chorizo with lime and aioli, and choices of homemade pizza and the absolute must-try — The Hideout Burger with its special sauce!

Photo Credit: HideoutFortitudeValley/Facebook

On Fridays, Hideout extends its trading hours until the early evening for dinner and booze, when the owners turn on the fairy lights to create a relaxing vibe meant for chilling out. The cafe turns into a bar with a carefully curated wine list, cocktails, and craft beer.

During the weekends, Hideout caters to private functions like birthdays, engagement parties, weddings and other events. Owners Victoria and Tim have built this space with private gatherings in mind, especially with the changing pandemic restrictions.

Situated inside A. E. Griffiths’ former battery and service station in the 1940s, Hideout’s location also used to be a brothel and a function space over the years. Victoria and Tim were eyeing this post-war era site for its unique architecture for years.

“We took this enormous leap when this property became available,” the owners said, adding that they also incorporated their love for greenery in the cafe’s design when they opened shop in late 2020. They were specific about the kinds of plants that are around Hideout’s tropical hideaway.

Browse the menu and book for a table via the official site or contact the staff on their Facebook page. You may also phone the team at (07) 3180 3825 for reservations.

“An awesome bar and cafe hidden in the middle of the Valley in what used to be an old mechanic years ago… not that you would know it. The new owners have done an insane renovation and it now has the best laidback jungle vibe. I had beers and a burger the first night and liked it so much I went back for coffee and breakfast the next day while I was still in Brisbane. Burger was on point, beers icy cold and coffee excellent. There is a beautiful tropical garden courtyard hidden out the back – it’s like an oasis full of lush plants. Didn’t want to leave.”
Kaity Michael

“A fresh new go-to in the Valley. If you love good beer, great service and an Instagram worthy backdrop, this place is a must!”
Tess Malcombe

“Honestly, the best muffins in the game right now. This place is terrific and the Baristas are very friendly. Highly recommend.”
Thomas Bowen

‘A Midnight Visit’ At Fortitude Valley Promises Thrilling Twists And Turns

Dive into the pink ball pit (Photo credit: A Midnight Visit/Facebook)

Fans of all things spooky and thrilling are sure to love A Midnight Visit, a new immersive theatre coming to Fortitude Valley this month.

Read: Wishart Travel Buff Joins Exclusive 100 Club

Tucked inside an abandoned warehouse called The House of Usher at Robertson Street, this 36-room theatrical playground will tantalise all your senses including the sixth sense as you explore the rooms where the actors play different scenes.

Doors will lead you to surreal environments, including a bloody playground, a sound world, a film set, or a room with a pink ball pit where you can dive in. For the more adventurous, there’s also a creepy hotel in one of the rooms.

The concept is new to Brisbane, but has taken over Sydney, Melbourne and Perth prior to the pandemic and has received positive reviews from audiences and theatre critics alike. All the scenes are inspired by the work of American writer Edgar Allan Poe.

This event will only run for a month starting 27 July 2021. If you don’t want to miss this event, book now at Eventbrite or visit their Facebook page for further updates. Prices of tickets start at $49.

Just a reminder, you must be aged 15+ to attend A Midnight Visit. Audiences aged 15-17 years must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Fortitude Valley Apartment Demand Spikes in Early 2021

Apartments in the inner-city suburbs of Brisbane, such as Fortitude Valley, have seen a spike in demand in the first four months of 2021, according to new figures revealed by the National Australia Bank.

The financial institution said that lending activities for first home buyers in Australia’s metro markets rose to 13 percent, slowly making city-dwelling popular again.

In Fortitude Valley, the change in lending activities was at a whopping 486 percent. Median prices for an apartment unit in this inner city have landed at around $433,000 for the first quarter. It has risen to $444,225 by 25 June.

According to NAB, city apartments have always been appealing because it’s easy to get around various essentials just by walking. But NAB Executive of Home Ownership, Andy Kerr, said “record low-interest rates and government incentives” have also pushed first home buyers to invest in inner cities.

However, it’s still spacious homes in the outer suburbs that are driving demand in the country’s overall housing market. Regional activity across Australia has risen to an outstanding 84 percent compared to demands for dwelling in the city.

Incidentally, the bank has started accepting applications for its next batches of the First Home Loan Deposit Scheme as of 1 July 2021.

Meanwhile, despite the recent snap lockdown affecting Brisbane from July 1 to 3, Fortitude Valley’s market achieved a record sale of the “ugliest house” in the inner-city suburb for $1.535 million.

The home on 43 Arthur Street once belonged to a family for 25 years but the owners have moved to Coffs Harbour to retire. Four buyers were interested in the property, which stands in a great location but the owners closed the deal with the buyer offering the best price before the house was supposed to be auctioned.

Bianca: A Delicious, New Taste of Italy in Fortitude Valley

If you’re looking for a place in Fortitude Valley where you can have great pasta and risotto, wood-fired pizza, and delicious, grilled trout or prawns then look no more! Bianca, the latest Italian restaurant to hit town has it all.

Bianca was opened in late March 2021 by hospitality gurus Frank Li, Bianca Marachi, Tyron Simon and Ben Williamson at the former site of the restaurant Beaux Rumble. This Italian restaurant offers its customers a warm and accommodating space outfitted with friendly and chatty staff who serve delicious meals cooked in wood-fired ovens atop furniture fashioned from timber, red bricks, and terracotta tiles.

Bianca’s designs were created by the local architects Richards and Spence, who strived to give the venue an authentic and warm Italian aesthetic.

Photo credit: Instagram/bianca.restaurant

Bianca’s menu lets customers order classic Italian dishes such as Risotto ai Funghi, a delicious Italian rice-based dish which features mushrooms, however risotto isn’t the only type of cuisine available at the restaurant. People are free to treat themselves to pasta such as Lasagna, or even grilled food from their Griglia section like Rainbow Trout with Salsa Verde, or Gamberi (prawn) with Burnt Butter, Capers and Parsley.

Risotto ai Funghi
Photo credit: Instagram/bianca.restaurant

Ricotta Agnolotti, Fermented Pumpkin, Burnt Butter
Photo credit: Facebook/Biànca Restaurant

Pollo allla Milanese
Photo credit: Facebook/Biànca Restaurant

Customers can also indulge themselves with one of two different set menus, which consist of a series of starters, main courses, and desserts. Among the set menus included starters are Mortadella, Calamari Fritti, Pane di Casa, and Funghi Marinati. Examples of available main dishes, on the other hand, include items such as Lasagna, Spaghetti Alla Chitarra, Prawns Aglio e Olio, and Rucola, Lemon and Parmesan.

Reviewers raved over the restaurant’s delicious food, amazing service, and excellent dining atmosphere.

Had a lovely night for our anniversary. Our waitress took great care of us and we were welcomed with a glass of champagne each upon arrival. The food was amazing, traditional and so, flavoursome. Ben Williamson knows how to tease your tastebuds, say no more, he is a genius. Congratulations Bianca, Ben and the team we can’t wait to come back for more and thank you.🥂
Michael H.

Bianca can be found at 46 James St, Fortitude Valley. For more information, visit their website here. Follow their social media pages on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates on meals, deals, dates, and other special announcements concerning the restaurant.

Mark Your Calendars! Exciting Events in Fortitude Valley Coming Up Soon

Looking for a little excitement in the coming months? Fortitude Valley is about to become a hotspot for a raft of exciting new events all lined up for 2021.

Night Noodle Markets – July 21 to August 1

Brisbane Night Noodle markets at the City Botanic Gardens — Photo credit: Good Food Month

To celebrate Good Food Month, the Brisbane Night Noodle Markets are back at an all-new and exciting venue: the City Botanic Gardens. Entry will be completely free, however registration is encouraged in order to comply with COVID-19 safety and prevention measures.

Attendants will be able to indulge themselves with delicious street food from all across Asia from countries such as Japan, Taiwan, Vietnam, and the Philippines. Among the many stalls present throughout the event, people can expect to bump into familiar names such as Hoy Pinoy, Bao Brothers Eatery, Flying Noodles, and Bangkok Street Food.

Read more about the event at the Good Food Month website here.

Alanna Sapwell’s Esmay – July 25

Alanna Sapwell, formerly the head chef at Arc Dining, is set to open up Esmay, her pop-up restaurant, at the site of the kitchen at the old Alliance Hotel in Spring Hill for one day only as part of Good Food Month. Though she’s toured and set up shop all over Australia, the opening of Esmay marks her first time bringing the pop-up restaurant to Brisbane.

Esmay is a restaurant that offers comfort-style cooking that makes use of seasonal and regional ingredients with Sapwell’s innovative twists. On the 25th of July, two sittings will be available for lunch and another two sittings will be available for dinner.

Those interested in booking tickets for lunch and dinner can do so by clicking these links.

The Circus of Light – July 31 and August 21

The Circus of Light at Fortitude Valley — Photo credit: Facebook/Psycho Circus

The Fortitude Music Hall is scheduled to host a series of upcoming light shows hosted by Psycho Circus on the 31st of July 2021 and the 21st of August, dazzling the audience with a gorgeous circus performance complete with an immersive set of visual and sound dynamics.

Those interested can expect to see glitter face paint stalls, confetti cannons, daring acrobatic feats, lasers and light displays, a barrage of balloons, and plenty more — all while the beats of house, bass, and d&b music play in the background to bring the circus to life.

Entrance to the circus will be limited to attendees over the age of 18, and people are encouraged to put on their snazziest and boldest outfits for a spectacular evening to brighten up a dull and dreary winter.

Tickets can be purchased via this website, and for the latest updates and announcements concerning the circus, follow their Facebook event page.

Hey Chica! – August

Hey Chica! at Fortitude Valley — Photo credit: Facebook/Hey Chica

Fortitude Valley is about to receive a taste of Cuban life with Hey Chica, an upcoming social club, bar and restaurant along Brunswick St that boasts that it’s “the closest you’ll get to Cuba without a passport”.

Hey Chica comes fresh from the minds of the team behind Retro’s, however with this bar, customers can expect to lose themselves to a venue with the vibes of a local street party, complete with Latin American street food and cool cocktails.

The bar has been scheduled to open sometime in August at 315 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley. For the latest updates and announcements concerning the bar and restaurant, visit their website or follow their social media pages on Facebook and Instagram.