A new kid on the New Farm block has received an overwhelmingly positive response from Brisbane foodies. The sophisticated setting offers a little bit of everything, from succulent seafood to juicy steaks, and fresh vegetable dishes to wow the pants off everyone from vegans to carnivores. It’s the perfect place to gather a big group of friends and order tapas to share, but is also very appropriate for a romantic dinner for two.

Teaming up with OzHarvest, with all proceeds going to their food rescue program, premium sausages created and donated by James Street locals Bucci, Gerard’s Bistro and Chow House will be served up, making it impossible to go back to the basic onion-and-tomato-sauce combo of your past. Pineapple Express will be hosting a unique BBQ brunch and the James Street Signature Series will see the precinct’s restaurants offering a unique culinary food and drink matching experience to all hungry (and thirsty!) foodies for $30 a pop. Come Sunday, a portion of one of Brisbane’s most iconic streets will be closed for the first time ever to allow the fine folk of Brisbane the experience to dine alfresco under all those majestic fig trees.

Late in 2023, a renovation of both dining room and name (losing the “bistro” modifier) signalled a shift at Gerard’s, Brisbane’s great purveyor of modern Middle Eastern cuisine. The more obvious changes come with the drama of the new room – rammed earth walls; a concrete-topped, statement-making central bar; theatrical, flattering lighting – but the menu has also been tweaked, now more specifically Levantine while still exhibiting deft mod-Oz touches. Staggeringly good barbari bread, blistered from the wood grill and glistening with oil, is served with creamy goat’s curd while thickly sliced raw kingfish is tangled with fermented eggplant and clean, green yoghurt sauce.

Middle Eastern culinary hangout Gerard’s, just off Fortitude Valley’s fashionable James St, might be more than a decade old but it is refusing to rest on its laurels. The kitchen is all-guns blazing with the flavours of the souk running riot, from the Shark Bay scallop with brown butter and Aleppo pepper to the drum-beating noise of tender Longreach lamb collar matched with Turkish pepper paste and garlic yoghurt, or a wood-fired duck leg with charoset and fennel. Desserts are strong too, with a goat’s milk sorbet with mandarin curd and chickpea praline.

Gerard’s Bistro is a James Street institution through and through, however if you’ve been living under a rock since 2020, Gerards has had a serious glow-up and has welcomed a new star head chef into the kitchen, Jimmy Richardson. With fresh, minimalist interiors that feel like an ancient Lebanese temple thanks to rammed earth walls, here you’ll dine on simple and traditional Lebanese-leaning dishes given a creative modern twist. The star of menu is definitely the bread and dip section—the barbari bread with whey and oregano is an essential order.

Designed to share, this is an experience you’ll want to have with your nearest and dearest. The award-winning Gerard’s Bistro combines the flavours of the Maghreb and Middle East to create modern versions of classic dishes – think Albrolhos Island scallops, Longreach lamb collar with zucchini mechoui and garlic yoghurt, or sugarloaf cabbage with with macadamia and tabil tahini. Each served with a signature twist, the suave interiors and prime James Street location make it one for the books.

13A/23 James St, Fortitude Valley | Open in Instagram | gerardsbar.com.au. Gerard’s Bar opened in Fortitude Valley in 2014, the companion bar to the nearby popular restaurant, Gerard’s Bistro, from owners Elie, Mel, and Johnny Moubarak. Since opening, the food focus of the bar has grown to include more of the Middle Eastern touches that the bistro is known for, but what hasn’t changed much is the space: it remains an attractive, industrial chic room with a striking, long bar to sit at.

Arguably one of the most iconic restaurants in the Brisbane dining scene, Gerard’s Bistro is among the latest venues to hit the fashionable James Street precinct. It’s a little Middle Eastern and a little hipster, but most importantly, it’s visually spectacular. An elegant blend of fine lines, sharp angles and smooth finishes are combined with a menu inspired by Head Chef Ben Williamson’s sabbaticals from southern Europe to northern Africa with a unique Brissy twist.

The Moubarak brothers, creators of landmark Brisbane bars Laruche and Lychee Lounge, bring the award-winning Gerard's Bistro to Fortitude Valley's fashionable James Street district. The restaurant's unique menu is inspired by the culinary traditions of southern Europe, North Africa and the Middle East (courtesy of ex-Cha Cha Char and Urbane chef, Ben Williamson). The dishes are interesting and inventive, as is the well-priced international wine list.

Let the glitz and glamour of James Street add to the romance of your next date night with a visit to Gerard’s Bar!. Moody, ambient lighting sets the tone, but trust us when we say that the lighting is the only dimmed element of this bar. Gourmet-level bar snacks complement an extensive list of wines, whiskeys, cocktails and more, so you’ll have plenty of new tastes to explore as you get to know one another better on your next date night.

Tucked behind the bustle of James Street, along the charming Gerard’s Lane, this innovative Middle Eastern eatery has been turning heads for almost a decade. Gerard’s has continually surprised with their signature combination of fresh seasonal produce and traditional Middle Eastern cuisines. The menu changes frequently due to seasonal availability and is designed to be shared (but you won’t want to).

Location: Shop 13A, 23 James Street, Fortitude Valley, 4006 QLD Ph: (07) 3252 2606. You’ll find Gerard’s Bar on James Street and yes you guessed it, it comes from the same people that created Gerard’s Bistro. A fancy bar at night but a casual spot for dining in the day, you’ll be able to sip on some Australian wine whilst also enjoying a range of Middle Eastern-inspired snacks.

One of the hottest restaurants in Brisbane happens to be serving Middle Eastern cuisine. Gerard’s Bistro at Fortitude Valley has been receiving positive reviews from food critics and regular diners alike. The sleek interiors and the delectable menu will most definitely get you hooked on the unique gastronomic adventures that only Gerard’s Bistro can deliver.

From the talk around town, you might be forgiven for thinking Gerard was just a really popular guy in Brisbane’s inner circle. Really, you’re not wrong. Any city-sider worth their salt has heard whispers of Gerard’s Bistro, and with new Executive Chef, Adam Wolfers at the helm, the Middle Eastern bistro is leading foodies into their densest fever dreams.

Gerard’s Bistro is a hidden treasure for wedding celebrations and they are tucked away behind James Street in Fortitude Valley. Their experienced chefs will work with you to deliver a culinary Middle Eastern cuisine to suit the menu you have in mind. They have received many accolades including Best Restaurant in Brisbane and can cater up to 100 guests.

Located in Fortitude, Gerard’s Bistro is an award-winning Brisbane restaurant that combines the flavours of the Maghreb and the Middle East. The menu is rich with seasonal produce and dishes designed to be shared, including wood-fired Turkish bread with advieh labne, Noosa scallops, coal-grilled octopus and Hawaij chicken with green zhoug and lime.

Gerard’s Bistro is a secret jewel tucked away behind James Street. If you are looking for some modern flavourings, this place offers the ultimate blend of the Maghreb and the Middle East with a contemporary twist on the traditional dishes. The menu is specially designed for a banquet-style dining experience serving all your dietary requirements.

Trendy and stylish with touches of traditional and contemporary flavors Gerard’s Bistro is quickly becoming one of the most popular destinations for romance seeking couples. Offering inside and outside dinning with beverage menus that include some of the best craft brews and local wines there are plenty of options to impress.

A jewel in the Moubarak family’s hospitality crown, much of Gerard’s Bistro’s success can be attributed to former head chef Ben Williamson, (who recently departed at the end of 2018). The menu combines tradition, and contemporary flavours, with middle eastern influences to create a mouth-watering dining experience.

From the talk around town, you might be forgiven for thinking Gerard was just a really popular guy in Brisbane’s inner circle. Really, you’re not wrong. Any diner worth their salt has heard whispers of Gerard’s Bistro, and the Middle Eastern hot spot is leading foodies into their densest fever dreams.

Can’t decide on a cuisine type for an upcoming special event?. Gerard’s serves scrumptious flavours from all corners of the globe. A multinational kitchen team plates up refined culinary staples from Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, each lovingly prepared with a touch of contemporary technique.

Masterfully melding local produce with Middle Eastern flavours and techniques, premium Australian ingredients such as Jarrod Day southern calamari, Falls Farm asparagus with whipped peynir cheese, and Darling Downs wagyu kibbeh nayyeh in a colourful menu that’s designed for sharing.

Sporting cool, stripped-back decor, from the concrete bar to the industrial piped ceiling, Gerard's Bar is a great choice for your date night dinner. Dive into the creative menu of Middle Eastern dishes that are perfect for sharing, not to mention the cocktails and bubbles selection.

Nestled within deep red mud walls, Gerard’s transports diners to the heart of the Middle East with its vibrant Levantine cuisine. Executive Chef Jimmy Richardson’s menu expertly blends tradition with innovation, showcasing fresh, sustainably sourced produce from the Brisbane region.

The best part about this restaurant is the ambience it has to offer to diners. A distinct Moroccan and North African vibe blend into the setting perfectly with the menu they offer. There are plenty of European infusions when it comes to the food, so there’s something for everyone.

Whether you plan to hit Gerard’s Bistro or not, its polished little spin-off next door is well worth your attention. Pull up at the long concrete bar for tapas, charcuterie and some of the city’s finest mixed drinks. There’s also a front deck that’s unbeatable on fine days.

Located in Fortitude Valley, Gerard’s Bistro offers a unique dining experience with its Middle Eastern-inspired menu. The intimate setting and innovative dishes make it a great spot for a romantic night out. The outdoor courtyard adds to the charm of the restaurant.

For foodie couples, Gerard’s Bistro is the ideal small wedding venue to profess your love for food as well as each other. With a mouth-watering Middle Eastern-inspired menu and a wine list to match, your special day will always be remembered by you and your guests.

Address: 14/15 James St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006, Australia. Located in Fortitude Valley, Gerard’s Bistro is one of the best options for takeaways in Brisbane. The menu is inspired with both Middle Eastern cuisines and fresh seasonal produce.

Gerard’s Bistro claims to be one of Brisbane’s best bars, and there are thousands of people who’d not disagree. Brisbane is not short of bars but how many bars do you know that have the best charcuterie in the city?. Only the one: Gerard’s!

Gerard’s Bar is a welcoming neighbourhood venue amongst Brisbane’s James St precinct, serving Middle Eastern inspired fare complimented by warm service, fun & intriguing wines, & thoughtfully crafted cocktails.

The drinks complement the artisan meats and house-made salumi. Photo credit: Gerards Bar. To get yourself ready for your trip Down Under, why not have a look at the top 10 things to do in Australia?

Gerard’s Bistro – Fine dining with African and Middle Eastern flair, often referred to as the best of Brisbane dining.