The Boatshed Restaurant

The Boatshed is the restaurant at Toowong’s historic Regatta Hotel, pairing a relaxed gastro-pub setting with broad views over the Brisbane River. Its menu changes with the seasons and is built around fresh, local produce, with quality steaks taking a prominent place alongside a range of familiar main-course options. The restaurant was named QHA’s Best Restaurant in 2017, 2018 and 2019.

The standout feature is a two-metre flame grill, which gives the dining room a sense of theatre as the kitchen cooks its signature dry-aged steaks. That focus makes The Boatshed a natural choice for diners looking for a steak-led meal, while the wider menu is intended to offer alternatives for different tastes. The restaurant’s position within the Regatta Hotel also makes it a useful option for a meal with drinks in a well-established Brisbane pub setting.

Inside, the look is polished without being formal. Eclectic timber furnishings, booths and soft earthy fabrics in brown, neutral and cream tones create a warm, comfortable room. The overall feel is stylish and easy-going rather than ceremonial, suited to a relaxed lunch, dinner or catch-up by the river. The setting should appeal to couples wanting a scenic meal, solo diners seeking a substantial restaurant experience, and small groups looking for a comfortable place to settle in.

For larger occasions, The Boatshed accommodates seated functions outside peak trading periods, including corporate breakfasts and lunches. Nearby, the Henley Room provides a more intimate private-dining space, with dark timber details, an in-use wine-cellar feature and audio-visual equipment. It can host meetings, business lunches, wine dinners, intimate Christmas parties and brand launches, although the room does not have wheelchair access.

The restaurant is part of the Regatta Hotel, a Toowong landmark established in 1874 and closely connected with the Brisbane River and local community. The hotel has long been a gathering place for Toowong residents, rowing enthusiasts and people visiting the nearby University of Queensland campus. That history, combined with the river outlook and contemporary dining room, gives The Boatshed a sense of place beyond its steakhouse focus.