Continental Cafe

Continental Cafe is a long-running European bistro on Barker Street in New Farm, drawing on the food traditions of France, Spain, Italy and Switzerland. The restaurant says it has been serving Brisbane for more than 29 years, with a menu built around familiar dishes, house specials and straightforward cooking. Its menu is divided between Continental classics and a changing selection of more eclectic monthly specials, giving regulars both dependable favourites and something different to try.

The food ranges from casual starters and salads to substantial mains, with plenty of classic European influence. Dishes listed by the restaurant include coq au cidre with chicken, cider, bacon, apples and mushrooms; char-grilled striploin steak au poivre; and a seafood risotto with local prawns, fish and mussels. There are also vegetarian and gluten-free choices, while desserts include apple tarte tatin, crème brûlée and sticky-date pudding. A lunch-time moules marinières special is designed for two, and the cheese offering includes French and Australian selections served with crisp bread, quince paste and muscatels.

The venue presents itself as a Brisbane take on the classic European bistro, with an emphasis on comfort food rather than elaborate dining theatre. Its proprietor, Beau Downs, describes the guests as the people who ‘own the restaurant’, and the website notes a longstanding clientele that includes politicians, barristers, artists, actors and independent business operators. That history and the menu’s balance of familiar classics and seasonal specials make it a natural option for diners looking for an established New Farm restaurant for lunch or dinner.

Continental Cafe also caters for private gatherings and group bookings. Three function rooms are available: The Cave for 10 to 16 guests, The Cortile for 20 to 27, and the Front of House for 30 to 50. Groups of 10 or more choose from three-course set menus, with dietary requirements accommodated. The restaurant states that it does not charge a room-hire fee, although minimum numbers apply. For a smaller meal, the regular menu offers enough variety for a shared occasion, a relaxed catch-up or a solo visit centred on a classic dish and dessert.