After a year of border shutdowns with no international travel in sight, our tastebuds are desperate for something new. If you’ve spent the last year touring Brisbane’s foodie spots only to exhaust your list, buckle up for a road trip to the inland foodie hotspot of Queensland: Toowoomba and it's restaurants.
If you’re thinking that Toowoomba is way too country for your tastes, then you have some catching up to do. Over the last couple of decades, this charming country town has amped up the city vibes, peppering its streets with trendy bars and restaurants down every available laneway. We’ve been on a mouthwatering journey, discovering all the hidden gems in Toowoomba’s arsenal. Trust us, this regional escape won’t disappoint.
Here are the very best Toowoomba restaurants and bars for your next weekender.
Toowoomba Restaurants
Host
517 Ruthven Street, Toowoomba City
Ruthven Street in Toowoomba is quickly becoming a bit of a culinary destination. Proudly calling local-loved spots like , and their neighbours, fills a desperate need for proper fine dining in the centre of town. You might have known them by their old trading name, Zev’s Bistro—but it's out with the old and in with the upscale. A few years ago you definitely wouldn't be able to indulge in the creations like those at Host, not at least without heading to the likes of James Street in the Valley. Their menu changes daily, but their slow-roasted lamb shoulder, whipped garlic labneh, and smoked grapes and mustard sauce take the spotlight.
Bergen
476 Ruthven Street, Toowoomba City
Once again just off Ruthven, is Walton Stores’ answer to upscale dining. The whole place really does embody a smart casual vibe, with just enough thoughtfulness to have an effortlessly elevated air about it. The menu is just plain exciting to see in Toowoomba—our favourite is the tasmanian smoked salmon, citrus soy dressing, tomato oil, and sesame. They’ve also collabed with a fellow local foodie hotspots for dishes like like the sourdough with smoked black garlic butter, and the eye fillet, celeriac puree, peppercorn cream and mushroom. Bookings are essential which you can do .
Muller Bros
25 Bell Street, Toowoomba City
Let’s start in a building nearly as old as Toowoomba itself, built by the Muller family over a century ago. have put in work to uphold this building’s history, carrying on its epic legacy by opening up a rooftop restaurant. They’ve brought the mouthwatering flavours of Southern Brazil to Toowoomba’s happy food lovers, mastering the art of churrasco, the tradition of cooking over charcoal and open flame. If you’re a fan of slow-cooked meats embedded with strong, juicy flavours, this is your go-to spot.
Piccolo Papa
1089 Margaret Street, Toowoomba City
Image credits: Piccolo Papa | Instagram
Craving Italian? knows how to make one heck of a Neapolitan pizza. We’re talking pizza and pasta that is as fresh as fresh can be, handmade daily from a mix of local and authentic Italian ingredients. Try the mozzarella sticks—you can thank us later.
The Plate Restaurant & Brewery
Shop 1/224 Ruthven Street, North Toowoomba
If a mecca-worthy hospo venue was to ever set up shop in Toowoomba, it’s . Part of a three-venue hub on Ruthven Street, together with sister venues The Paddock Butchery and The Shed Coffee, The Plate sources all of its meat from the onsite butchery of course, and is shaking up Toowoomba’s al a carte scene. Expect elevated pub feeds like steaks, slow-cooked beef ribs, saucy wings and more, as well as stacked share boards that you may not want to actually share. They also have an onsite brewery, Bone Idol, so be sure to grab a beer to wash it all down.
Kusina Grill And Bar
Level 1/417 Ruthven Street, Toowoomba City
Bringing the sheer deliciousness of the Philippines to Toowoomba is the . Treat yourself to crispy pork knuckle, mouthwatering barbecue, slow-cooked meats, crispy chicken, stir-fries and a plethora of other Phillipino specialties, served up traditional style on banana leaves spanning the entire table.
Chimac Toowoomba
6/203 Margaret Street, Toowoomba City
If there is one thing this list is lacking so far, it’s a healthy dose of fried chicken. Lucky for you, is coming in clutch, boasting a menu packed with Korean style fried chicken and—you guessed it—Korean beer. We’re talking everything from your classic fry to spicy garlic soy, spicy sweet and sour, and just plain spicy fried chicken. Ditch the secret herbs and spices, this is where the finger-licking goodness is at.
Sofra Turkish Cuisine
164 Margaret Street, Toowoomba City
Image credits: Sofra Turkish Cuisine | Instagram
If you’re fiending for a traditional Turkish meal, Toowoomba’s the place to be. is cooking up unbelievably tasty homegrown dishes, handed down through generations. Always with a focus on fresh, simple ingredients, Sofra creates healthy authentic eats for you to indulge in without the guilt. We recommend you reward yourself after all that clean eating with a Turkish delight sundae, topped with fairy floss, chunks of Turkish delight and pistachios.
Kajoku
1/430 Ruthven Street, Toowoomba City
For more Korean eats with a Japanese influence and a whole lot of karaoke, book a table at . Kajoku also comes in strong with Korean fried chicken, then hits just as hard with an impressive menu of Korean barbecue, prepped for you to cook at your table, just how you like it. If you can fit dessert, take a run at their ChocoFry consisting of the Korean snack ChocoPie, deep-fried and served up with vanilla ice cream.
Fitzy’s on Church
153 Margaret Street, Toowoomba City
For a classic pub that’s Toowoomba’s go-to meeting-place, make your way to . This family-owned pub has known many names and been a pillar of Toowoomba’s dining scene for decades. Now it’s home to delicious pub food done right with an elevated menu, stunning cathedral ceilings, and a truly local atmosphere.
Junktion Coffee House
2 Bowen Street, Toowoomba City
It would be easy to drive right on past , but if you know what's good for you, you’ll make sure you don't. Junktion does authentic, family-made Vietnamese food that is just plain banging. Think pho, bao buns, spring and rice paper rolls, banh mi and Vietnamese iced coffee so good you feel like you can pick up a house with your bare hands after one slurp.
Toowoomba Bars
George Banks
Level 2/206 Margaret Street, Toowoomba City
Image credits: George Banks | Facebook
In it for the views? is your rooftop bar of choice. Located in the heart of the city, you can always count on Georgey to serve up a delicious spread of cocktails and upscale bar eats. It’s also the ideal spot for a special event, with killer views from the top of one of Toowoomba’s cherished heritage buildings.
The Brewhouse
183 Margaret Street, Toowoomba City
Want to taste the quintessential essence of Toowoomba? Head to new Brewhouse in the heart of the CBD and order yourself one of their legendary beers. From pale ales and IPAs to smoked beer and dark coffee porters, this independent brewery is open for tasting every day of the week. Standard beer not your thing? Try their pumpkin ale for something with a dash of holiday spice.
Cork & Lever
185 Margaret Street, Toowoomba City
One of Toowoomba’s newest bars, is dedicated to small bites and great wines, with a few creative cocktails thrown in for good measure. The warm and cosy space is filled with high tables where you can sip on a natural wine, nibble on cheese and charcuterie platters and finish things off with a sweet treat.
Sante Cocktail Bar
14 Duggan Street, Toowoomba City
Image credits: Sante Cocktail Bar | Instagram
Tucked away in one of Toowoomba’s many picturesque alleyways is . This is the place to be if you’re a fan of a good cocktail. All their syrups and cordials are homemade and they’re known for topping off their mouthwatering drinks with dried local fruits for a homey touch. Stop in for a cocktail, browse their shop of homemade mixers, and during times of lockdown order a cocktail from their takeaway menu.
Tapestry Bar
153 Margaret Street, Toowoomba City
Looking for a craft beer and whiskey hub? Look no further than the ever-iconic Fitzy’s . An add on to the already legendary Fitzy’s on Church, Tapestry Bar is all about giving you plenty of options on tap and entertainment to boot. Stop by any Friday or Saturday for live tunes to liven up your whiskey sesh.
Volcanic Brewing
2/161 James Street, Toowoomba City
If all you want in this world is a decent brew, gear up for a Sunday sesh at . This fresh-faced craft brewery has been serving up its very own range of quality brews for the last few years and has nailed the art of creative crafts. Stop by to try some true-blue Toowoomba grown beers and relax amongst the local crowd.
Bodega
4/476 Ruthven Street, Toowoomba City
An underground playground for local live music acts with an ultra-cool grunge aesthetic and a secret entrance, ’s entrance can be found through what looks like a regular fridge door. Yep, Toowoomba has secret bars—who knew? Inside you’ll find the neons are always bright, the drinks are always flowing, and the vibes are always in check. It’s unpretentious, unassuming, and everything you never knew you needed.
The Rock
520-526 Ruthven Street, Toowoomba City
Image credits: The Rock | Instagram
Fairly new to the Toowoomba bar scene, has pub vibes and gastro-pub fare on lock, along with a never-ending line up of local music. Don't expect your usual pub grub here—the head chef has done a stint at MONA in Hobart, so the menu is a fair sight more creative than just burgers and pizzas (though you can get those too). The multi-level venue is a stunner two, with an outdoor beer garden and a light and airy dining space.
Uva Wine Bar
1/476 Ruthven Street, Toowoomba City
If you happen to see an ultra-stylish couple strutting down the main street of Toowoomba, chances are they’re heading to . Whatever your drop of choice, you’re sure to find it here, as well as a selection of gin, whiskey and Australian craft beer. There’s also a small but mighty tapas menu and they host Monet and Margheritas, the ultimate paint and sip, every Thursday. Bookings are essential for groups over 6, which you can do .
Mouseproof
57 Brook Street, North Toowoomba
A nod to the ‘mouse-proof’ shed that co-founder John Bennett once lived in, you’ll find craft brews galore in this once-old-dairy-factory. pours 30 original brews made with love on-site, as well as local favourites like Pechey Distillery Gin. If you’re in need of a feed to line your stomach, they’ve also got a menu of casual eats like burgers, tacos, wings and snacks.
Thinking about breakfast? Here are Toowoomba's best cafes.
Image credit: George Banks, Sante Cocktail Bar, Sofra Turkish, Proof BBQ, The Rock