Aunty is the new chic restaurant that feeds you like you’re family
Okay. I need to tell you about Aunty in Fortitude Valley because I have not stopped thinking about it and it’s becoming a problem. You know when a restaurant just knows what it’s doing? That.
From the street, it looks like a very chic bar. Dark, polished, a bit mysterious. You think, “Cute.” Then a mirror literally slides aside and suddenly you’re in this long, mood-lit restaurant that just keeps unfolding. Wine wall at the front. Greenery everywhere. A live seafood tank quietly bubbling away at the back like it’s no big deal. It’s giving drama — but in a very controlled, grown-up way.
The space (11 Wandoo Street, previously home to City Winery and Campos Coffee) is huge — 400 square metres — but it doesn’t feel like a barn. It’s broken up into little moments. Deep green banquettes. Marble. Rich timber. Slight mahjong references in the details. You can sit in a booth and feel tucked away, or gather a big group and make a night of it. It feels considered without feeling try-hard.
And the whole “Aunty” concept? I love it. Not in a kitschy, novelty way. More in a “she runs a tight ship but makes sure you’re fed properly” way. Confident. Generous. Calmly in control.
We started with what was meant to be “a few” dim sum-style dishes and immediately lost all restraint.
The Sichuan Cucumber Salad was fresh and crunchy with wood ear mushroom and crushed peanuts, but it had that sneaky chilli warmth that creeps up in the best way. The Charred Lamb Ribs arrived glistening and smoky, with coriander and anchovy dressing and sharp little pops of pickled green chilli. They were messy. We did not care.
Then the Cauliflower & Mushroom Spring Rolls — crisp, golden, deeply savoury with miso dipping sauce which provided a delightful zing. Comforting but clever. And the Chicken Xiao Long Bao. Honestly? These deserve a moment. Delicate skin, fragrant chicken and lemon thyme broth inside. No explosions. No soggy bottoms. Just perfectly executed little parcels of joy.
Oh, and the Char Siu Pork Puffs — imagine all the juicy, caramelised goodness of a pork bun, but wrapped in flaky, buttery puff pastry instead of bao. That crunch gives way to soft, savoury pork with little pops of water chestnut and a hint of wattleseed — it’s an absolute taste sensation.
By this stage I was already mentally planning my return visit.
Mains were generous but not ridiculous. The Wagyu Stir-Fried Beef had that proper wok depth — glossy oyster sauce, kai lan, five pepper blend. It tasted expensive. In a good way. The Fermented Chilli Half Chicken was probably my unexpected hit of the night. Tender, gently spiced broth, citrus oil lifting everything so it didn’t feel heavy. Bold but balanced.
We added Charred Asian Greens (crispy garlic! chilli oil!) and jasmine rice because we are adults who understand carbohydrates are essential to happiness.
And then. Dessert.
We truly believed we couldn’t. We had that conversation. But the desserts are dim sum sized and priced, which is frankly a public service.
The Deep Fried Ice Cream? I need you to understand this was the best version of this dessert I have ever eaten. The outside was shatteringly crisp. Then this delicate layer of fruit flavour before the cold ice cream. And the plum sauce caramel with Davidson plum tying it all together. It was hot and cold and crispy and silky and I would go back tomorrow just for that.
The Five Spice Caramel Crunch Bar was rich and chocolatey with candied cashews and that warm five-spice hum running through it. Decadent but not cloying. We finished it. Obviously.
What I loved most is that Aunty feels polished but warm. It’s not shouting about itself. It just quietly delivers. The menu moves from refined small plates to bigger share dishes effortlessly. There’s a woodfire grill giving certain dishes that subtle smokiness. The wine list is enormous (around 250 labels), the cocktails are thoughtful without being wanky, and there’s even a $24 lunch and a very dangerous 3–5pm happy hour situation.
It feels like the kind of place you go for a long lunch that becomes dinner. Or a birthday. Or a random Tuesday when you need reminding that Brisbane is absolutely nailing it right now.
Fortitude Valley has a lot going on, but this — this feels special. Anyway. Book it. And order the deep fried ice cream. Trust me.
Aunty, 11 Wandoo Street, Fortitude Valley, QLD. p. (07) 2111 6881
In her spare time, she likes long walks down the makeup aisle and performing in Brisbane theatre. You can follow her adventures on Instagram and TikTok @thebeautypalate.
