July has arrived with plenty of reasons to eat out. From new weekly dining rituals and truffle-laden tasting menus to rooftop paella, discounted frozen yoghurt and a clever way to rescue artisan bread, Brisbane’s food scene is making the cooler months its own. Whether you’re planning your next date night or looking for an excuse to book the group chat into dinner, here’s what’s happening around town this month.
Monal Dining launches Wildcard Wednesdays
Wednesday has officially become steak night. From 1 July, Newstead favourite Monal Dining has teamed up with boutique Queensland producer Joker Wagyu to launch Wildcard Wednesdays, a weekly dinner special built around one premium fullblood Wagyu cut that changes every month. It’s one of Brisbane’s first collaborations of its kind between a restaurant and a single Wagyu producer, giving diners the chance to experience different cuts throughout the year.
July’s feature is a 190g Joker Wagyu rib fillet served with crispy kipfler potatoes, baby cos salad and Monal’s house condiments for $55 per person (minimum two diners), with a glass of Domaine Jubain Côtes du Rhône Rouge available for an extra $10. The monthly rotation means every visit offers something different, making it exactly the sort of midweek ritual worth putting in the diary.
Wild Legs launches Wednesday Pasta Nights
Some combinations don’t need improving. Fresh pasta and a great glass of wine is one of them. Wild Legs Wine Room has introduced Wednesday Pasta Nights, giving Brisbane another reason to look forward to the middle of the week. From 4pm every Wednesday, diners can enjoy a pasta dish for $19 with the purchase of any wine, down from the usual $27.
The menu features comforting winter favourites including a slow-cooked beef ragu and pork loin tortellini from Brisbane pasta specialists Ripiena, making it an easy choice when the temperature drops. Grab a table beneath the fairy-lit trees beside the wine barrels or settle in indoors for a cosy evening that feels made for lingering over another glass.
Wild Legs is usually a walk-in affair, but bookings are recommended for Wednesday Pasta Nights.
The Lex celebrates truffle season
If your winter personality revolves around truffle season, The Lex has done the planning for you. Launching on 2 July and available Monday to Saturday evenings, the restaurant’s limited-time Seasonal Truffle Tasting Menu showcases premium Manjimup truffles across a series of comforting winter dishes. Expect freshly baked sourdough with whipped truffle butter, burrata topped with shaved truffle, Warwick eye fillet served with truffle mash and a house-made honey truffle ice cream to finish.
The menu is available as either two courses for $99 per person or three courses for $125 per person.
Winter Wednesdays get a Spanish twist at Iris Rooftop
Paella tastes even better when someone else is cooking it. Every Wednesday from 5.30pm, Iris Rooftop is serving bottomless paella fresh from the pan as live Spanish guitar fills the rooftop. The weekly winter event brings together generous serves of warming paella, optional flowing sangria and sweeping city views in one easy midweek outing.
Bottomless paella is $39 per person, while guests can add a one-hour bottomless sangria package for $35.
YOMG celebrates Carindale with discounted froyo
There’s a new reason to finish a shopping trip at Westfield Carindale with dessert. Melbourne-born burger and frozen yoghurt favourite YOMG has officially opened its newest Brisbane store, bringing its signature burgers, shakes and self-serve froyo bar to the shopping centre. The opening marks the brand’s fifth Queensland location in just two years, following stores at Westfield Chermside, Pacific Fair, Burleigh Heads and The Pines Elanora.
To celebrate, YOMG is slashing the price of its self-serve frozen yoghurt across three evenings. From Monday 13 July to Wednesday 15 July, guests can build their own froyo creations for $2 per 100g instead of the usual $3.70 per 100g between 8pm and 10pm.
Open daily from 10am until 10pm, the new Carindale venue has been designed as a casual neighbourhood spot for everything from post-shopping burgers to family dessert runs. With more Queensland locations already in the works, it’s clear YOMG has developed quite the appetite for the Sunshine State.
Oporto brings a taste of Portugal to winter
European holidays may be on plenty of wish lists this year, but Oporto has taken its inspiration from Portugal instead. Available from 30 June for a limited time, the new Porto Roll combines pulled flame-grilled Portuguese chicken, crisp slaw, lettuce, creamy mayo and the brand’s signature chilli sauce inside a crunchy roll. Joining it are new Mozzarella Sticks served with a tomato and capsicum relish for dipping.
It’s a simple winter menu update that leans into the bold Portuguese flavours Oporto has become known for.
Brisbane’s Funky Food adds artisan bread to the rescue list
One of Brisbane’s best food stories this month isn’t happening inside a restaurant. Local food rescue company Funky Food has partnered with Sonoma Artisan Bakery to save perfectly good handcrafted sourdoughs, rolls and specialty loaves that don’t quite meet appearance standards. The rescued bread is now available alongside the company’s rescued fruit, vegetables and pantry staples, helping households across South East Queensland cut grocery costs while reducing food waste.
Since launching, Funky Food has rescued almost 7.9 million kilograms of produce and delivered more than 657,000 boxes, with customers saving up to 30 per cent compared with major supermarkets. Adding artisan bread to the mix means even more quality food stays on family tables instead of heading to landfill.
Escape to the French Riviera with a glamorous high tea
If you’re planning a Gold Coast day trip this month, Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort’s limited-edition La Riviera High Tea is worth adding to the itinerary.
Available until Wednesday 29 July at Pearls Bar, the elegant experience celebrates the launch of Mantaray Marina with handcrafted savouries, delicate French-inspired pastries, house-made scones, endless tea and coffee, plus a glass of Moët & Chandon on arrival. It’s a polished way to spend a winter afternoon with a little taste of the Côte d’Azur, no passport required.
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.
