Agnes works for a big-night dinner in the Valley, with a dimly lit dining room and open-kitchen flames to watch, plus a downstairs bar and attentive staff if you arrive before the group.

If you’re visiting Brisbane and want a celebration meal that runs smoothly, Biànca has an upstairs private dining room with cosy ambience, and reviewers say the team kept their event organised and hassle-free.

Fonzie Abbott suits a daytime catch-up in Albion, with reviewers calling the fit-out a vibe right down to the bathrooms and describing the service as efficient and upbeat.

SISTER is an easy Hawthorne brunch stop for a proper chat, with multiple reviews praising the warm atmosphere and genuinely friendly, inviting staff.

Yakiniku Hachi suits a CBD night out with mates, thanks to the hands-on tabletop charcoal grilling, a dining room noted for good exhaust, and staff described as welcoming from the moment you walk in.

Warm, welcoming room with friendly service, plus buzzer-style trivia if you want a bit of table banter while you catch up.

Suited to a date or celebration: cozy, intimate setting with an open kitchen on display and attentive service.