Planning a long weekend or a mid-week mini-break in the Swich? We’ve done the hard yards to bring you some of the best coffee, brunch, lunch and dinner options so you can plan ahead for the ultimate foodie escape!
There are a few things that make this region a unique dining destination…close proximity to the freshest bounty from some of Queensland’s most fertile farming regions, restaurants in century-old buildings (most of them in fact) and chefs determined to find a point of difference in this country-meets-city destination on Brisbane’s doorstep.
But first… coffee!
The Cafe Kalina, 66 Kingfisher St, Springfield. A bright and breezy dog-friendly spot overlooking green space, next door to a playground for the kids – all in one of Springfield’s newest communities.
Dancing Bean, 164 Brisbane St. The city’s own coffee roastery supplies cafes and restaurants across Queensland and has an on-site cafe at the end of a sneaky laneway in the Top of Town.
Fourthchild, 215 Brisbane St. Loved for its hearty home-cooked fare and eye-popping cakes cabinet, this cafe/restaurant/bar has various indoor and outdoor areas in one of the city’s grand old pubs.
Oikos, 61 Limestone St. A friendly cafe with a focus on healthy and delicious fare. Be sure to check out the little sibling too – a cute coffee van in Tulmur Place in the new Nicholas St Precinct.
Rafter and Rose, 17 Ellenborough St. A great love of both good food and the natural world are on display for all to see at this popular spot. Fantastic options for gluten and dairy-free diets on the menu and in the daily fresh-baked options. Pull up a chair at a vintage table indoors or opt for the equally leafy laneway outside.
St Shoebill, 126 Brisbane St. Serving one of Australia’s most highly awarded coffee brands, Ona, St Shoebill combines the best of modern life and old-world traditions. There’s a fresh contemporary fit-out going on in the century-old landmark and a tantalising brunch and lunch menu on offer. This place also gets top gong for most original name and logo!
Lunch
Ballistic Springfield, 37 Sinnathamby BVD, Springfield. Famous for great beer and a superb menu along with live music Friday and Saturday nights. We love the lunch options here at this brewpub too – including live music from noon on Sundays.
Casa Mia, 250 S Station Rd, Raceview. Tucked in beside the popular Country Motel Ipswich, this welcoming spot is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily for both guests and the public, with an Italian menu and a cute tiki bar – perfect for a cocktail after a morning lounging by the pool!
Dovetails Restaurant, 88 Limestone St precinct. Relaxed modern Australian dining with an award winning wine list and beers brewed right next door at the 4Hearts Brewery. This elegant restaurant occupies the old Technical College site with tables inside and out on a deck that wraps around an old poinciana tree – a lovely lunch spot all year round.
Indian Mehfil, 116 Brisbane St. Next to the Ipswich Art Gallery and situated in an old 1800s bank building, this is one of the city’s best known restaurants and an ideal spot for a breezy cocktail and lunchtime curry.
Homage Restaurant, 617 Grandchester Mount Mort Rd. The celebrated restaurant at the heart of the luxury retreat Spicers Hidden Vale, is known and loved as a night-dining destination but lunch is a pure joy too, with views over the countryside and an incredible wine list on offer.
Dinner
Bakehouse Steakhouse, cnr Darling St E and West St. A loved dining spot set in a repurposed heritage bakery with an impressive steak menu. It comes alive at night with its cool contemporary bar and outdoor dining.
Commercial Hotel Redbank, 72 Brisbane Rd, Redbank. Regular live music, a smashing menu of crowd pleasers and pub favourites are among the drawcards to this big old classic Queenslander pub with a huge deck out the front and new restaurant area at the rear.
The Cottage, 108 Limestone St. This is the first place a lot of locals think of when considering special occasion dining. You’ll find champagnes on the wine list and a spectacular modern European menu from owner-chef Mark Naoum. Expect beautifully sourced produce handled with care, some French flair and fine attention to detail.
Heisenberg Haus, 164 Brisbane St. Another Top of Town favourite, a veritable house of fun with German fare and beer at the heart. Think cheery crowds at big tables tucking into pork knuckle and wurst with mash and sauerkraut…And beer.
PA Hotel, 170 Brisbane Rd. This huge venue boasts an impressive bar, Tap’d, and spacious restaurant Char’d, both with huge beer menus – 72 ales and ciders to be precise, and diverse food options that will sate every appetite. Come and see why the loved PA was named best pub in Australia in 2017.
Pumpyard Bar and Brewery, 88 Limestone St. The home of 4Hearts beer in the heritage city with an American chef in the kitchen pouring his heart into tantalising pub fare. The laneway outside is loved for sunset sipping after the working day is done and there’s often live music happening too.
For more places to dine around the Ipswich region check out our Eat and Drink page.
And for places to stay while you’re on your adventure see our accommodation options.
