Born and raised on a farm in Mullumbimby in Northern NSW, Chef Louis Tikaram has gone on to work in the kitchens of some of Australia’s most-known restaurants, including Longrain and Tetsuya’s. He then spent six years in the US at E.P.&L.P. in West Hollywood before returning to Australia — this time, to Brisbane.
Since 2019, Tikaram has been heading the kitchen at Stanley Restaurant, a Cantonese spot at the Howard Smith Wharves area along Brisbane River. He’s been shaking up the dining scene with his menu of Queensland meat, seafood and veggies used for his spin on Cantonese dishes.
“Each month in Brisbane, more amazing venues are opening, and exciting pop-ups, collaborations and activations are taking place in restaurants and bars,” he says. “Little Brisbane is keeping up with the big food cities from around the world, and I’m so proud to be a part of it.”
Tikaram describes the physical dining scene in Brisbane as scattered all over the city. He loves discovering different suburbs one by one, finding a restaurant he’d like to visit and then leaving a few hours on either side to walk around and find tucked-away places to visit, food, shopping or otherwise.
“Local knowledge is the best way to find some new spots, so talking to the staff in each venue always points us in the right direction,” he says.
Greca
“Greca is a super fun and casual Greek restaurant on the Brisbane River,” says Tikaram, “The staff are knowledgeable, passionate and it’s always a good time. I love the grilled seafood and Greek classics like Saganaki.”
Rothwell’s Bar & Grill
“Ben Russell perfectly executes some of the classics at this grand city restaurant, Rothwell’s Bar & Grill. Its beautiful dining room is Brisbane’s best spot for a long lunch. You can’t go past the Beef Wellington. The technique is perfect. It looks almost too good to eat.”
Scugnizzi
“Scugnizzi is a hole-in-the-wall eatery in the city that doesn’t just have some of the best pizza by the slice – it also serves up some of the best pasta in Brisbane. Head in to try the carbonara. You won’t be disappointed.”
Exhibition
“If you’re looking for a world-class dining experience, then the set menu at Exhibition is for you. This dark and moody restaurant overlooks the open kitchen where you see the pass full of tiny plates of snacks, seafood and petit fours that hit the table for the ultimate unique experience.”
Zaab Zeed Thai Street Food
“Zaab Zeed Thai Street Food is the best spot for a quick Som Tum, sticky rice and grilled pork. Tucked in the back alleys of Fortitude Valley. It’s a great lunch spot that packs a punch.”
Southside
“Southside is a bright and beautiful restaurant with an amazing, urban outside garden dining area perfect for a pre-drink before heading into the two-level restaurant. Some of the best dim sum in Brisbane and super fun chef collaboration events make it a must to visit in Brisbane. Get in early on a ticket to one of their fun events, as they sell out fast.”
Beccofino
“Beccofino is a Teneriffe institution serving some of Brisbane’s best Italian for 20 years. It’s packed every night with an amazing, electrifying energy. It’s consistent and delicious. You can’t go past the Calzoncino — a mini pizza stuffed with Nutella. It’s a family fave.”
Florence Café
“Florence Café is a quintessential Brisbane spot for breakfast or lunch housed in a Beautiful Queenslander in Camp Hill. It’s light, airy, and relaxed, with a healthy breakfast and lunch menu. Kick back outside and watch the world go by.”
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