Clarence Restaurant

Went to Clarence (Brisbane City) before a show at QPAC and it was a perfect pre-theatre option. They offer earlier seatings (we booked 5pm) and it’s an easy walk back to QPAC, about 5 minutes. It’s very well-rated and had been recommended to me, and I can see why. The space is beautiful, light-filled, comfortable seating, and the service was a standout. The team were warm, attentive, and genuinely knowledgeable. We had someone gluten free at the table and they handled it confidently and helpfully. Food-wise, the menu is good but fairly limited, and definitely leans into more adventurous flavour combinations (in a good way). My kingfish with sesame and raspberry was interesting and inventive, and I like a restaurant that pushes the envelope. Oysters were fresh and shucked on site (from what I could see), though I didn’t love the granita on top. The octopus was cooked perfectly with that char-grilled flavour, and the king prawns and sauce were absolutely delicious… but they weren’t cleaned (the vein was still in), which threw me a bit and I had to work past it. Cocktails are bold and very strong, so pace yourself. I didn’t love the duck fat old fashioned (not bad, I’ve just had better), but I appreciated the creativity. Honestly, one of my favourite parts was the fresh bread and homemade butter at the start, so simple and so good. Would I race back immediately? Maybe not straight away, but I’m glad I tried it and I can see why people rate it highly.

We treated ourselves to the Sunday Lunch Roast, and it absolutely exceeded expectations. For $75 per person, this is exceptional value and one of the best dining deals in Brisbane. The meal kicks off with a generous selection of three incredible shared entrées (yes, you get to enjoy all three!), setting a delicious tone right from the start. Then comes the star: the weekly changing roast, served with an abundance of trimmings. We had the beautifully cooked Wagyu Beef Rump – tender, flavoursome, and perfectly roasted. The highlight for me? Those incredible roast potatoes cooked in beef fat – crispy, golden, and utterly addictive. To finish, we shared two delightful desserts, rounding out a perfectly balanced and satisfying three-course experience. The service was warm, attentive, and genuinely excellent. They handled my gluten-free requirements effortlessly, making small tweaks without any fuss. It was my birthday, and the thoughtful touch of a handwritten birthday card waiting at our table when we arrived made the day feel extra special. The restaurant itself has a lovely relaxed, casual vibe that’s welcoming and unpretentious, and the friendly staff elevated the whole experience even further. Highly recommend for a leisurely Sunday lunch, special occasions, or anyone craving a proper roast done right. We’ll definitely be back!