Babylon Brisbane

In New Farm, Brisbane, Babylon Brisbane is a large riverside restaurant and bar shaped around Levantine and broader Middle Eastern influences. The three-storey venue brings together an indoor restaurant, multiple bars, terraces and lively dining areas, with views towards the Brisbane River and Story Bridge. It is built for more than a quick meal, offering spaces for lunch, group dinners, drinks and special occasions.

The restaurant menu centres on bold flavours, meze-style sharing dishes and cooking over charcoal, wood and open flames. A three-metre Turkish grill is a notable feature, with the website highlighting wood-roasted broccolini with walnuts and pomegranate molasses, wood-grilled Fraser Coast squid and wood-fired Angus beef with chilli butter and radish. Other named dishes include house-made falafel, hummus with bread, labneh, shish tawook and ali nazik. House-made baklava is also part of the restaurant’s offering.

For a more relaxed visit, Babylon Gardens is a two-tiered outdoor bar and terrace beside the river. Its alfresco setting includes multiple outdoor bars and dining areas, panoramic views and room for up to 500 guests. The Gardens menu focuses on Middle Eastern and East Mediterranean-inspired bites, alongside cocktails and a curated wine list. The site also describes local musicians and DJs contributing to the weekend atmosphere, with Friday and Saturday evening DJ performances mentioned in its history.

Babylon Brisbane opened in 2022 under Mantle Group Hospitality, following the group’s Babylon Rooftop venue in Sydney. Its design draws on the ancient city of Babylon and the idea of the Hanging Gardens, using arched doorways, booths, greenery and limestone-look finishes to create a layered, atmospheric setting. The venue suits corporate groups, couples, families and larger celebrations, with private dining rooms, terraces and event support available for functions. It can work for a shared meal, riverside drinks or a gathering that needs more space and structure.