Aunty finally opens in Fortitude Valley
After months of quiet anticipation, Fortitude Valley’s newest dining destination is ready to make its debut. Aunty officially opens on Thursday 5 February, bringing modern Asian-inspired dining to Wandoo Street courtesy of the Tassis Group. The expansive 400-square-metre space seats around 100 guests and pairs moody glamour with playful detail — think deep green banquettes, marble finishes and subtle design nods to mahjong tiles. On the menu, expect bold, shareable dishes like whole chilli mud crab, half duck served two ways, char siu pork neck and a dedicated dim sum selection. A 250-label wine list and Asian-spirits-led cocktails set the tone, alongside lunch service, daily happy hour and late-night dining. Aunty will trade from 11:30am until late, seven days a week, with bookings now open.
$1 Ramen Day at Motto Motto Burpengary East
Motto Motto Japanese Kitchen is celebrating the opening of its Burpengary East location with a one-day-only $1 Ramen Day on Saturday 7 February from 10am. The first 400 guests can score the signature Classic Tonkotsu Ramen for just $1, served with rich pork bone broth, freshly made noodles and classic toppings. Ramen lovers can also enter to win a year of free ramen by signing up as a MyMotto member and selecting Burpengary East as their local.
Bottomless pizza night at VICI Italian
VICI Italian is celebrating National Pizza Day with a one-night-only Bottomless Pizza Night in South Bank on Monday 9 February from 5pm. For $49 per person, guests score 90 minutes of unlimited wood-fired pizza, served hot from the oven and designed for sharing. The rotating menu includes crowd favourites like margherita, pepperoni, pollo e pancetta and boscaiola, with golden bases, bubbling fior di latte and classic toppings done right. Expect a loud, lively midweek feast built for groups, cocktails and going back for “just one more slice”. Bookings are essential and expected to fill fast.
The FRIENDS Meal Arrives at McDonald’s
The limited-edition FRIENDS Meal lands at McDonald’s nationwide from Wednesday 28 January, bringing themed packaging, exclusive character collectibles and Monica’s legendary Marinara Sauce. Each meal includes a choice of a Big Mac or 10-piece Chicken McNuggets, plus fries and a drink, along with one of six FRIENDS-inspired collectibles. Fans can also win a limited-edition set of FRIENDS Collector Mugs via the MyMacca’s App, which is also launching FRIENDS-themed games.
Celebrate World Nutella Day on February 5
World Nutella Day is back on Wednesday 5 February, inviting café lovers and home bakers alike to celebrate the iconic choc-hazelnut spread in all its forms. First launched in 2007, the global food moment has become a feel-good annual ritual, with fans sharing their favourite Nutella recipes, traditions and creations. This year’s celebration shines a light on how to join in both out and about and at home, led by the much-anticipated Top 50 Nutella Venues List, which highlights the most creative Nutella dishes across Australia and New Zealand. Queensland standouts include Sassafras Paddington’s creamy Nutella affogato, The Whisk Fine Patisserie’s golden wheel croissant topped with Nutella, and Torque Juicy & Co’s oozy hot stick waffles. Staying in? Fans are encouraged to whip up their own Nutella creations at home and share the love using #WorldNutellaDay.
Fish Lane comes alive this February: Lunar New Year, Gatsby and more
Fish Lane is inviting Brisbane to make a night of it this February as the precinct comes alive with BrisAsia Festival celebrations, major theatre moments and a packed calendar of dining experiences. Coinciding with BrisAsia, the laneway will lean into Lunar New Year celebrations in collaboration with Southside Restaurant, featuring Asian-inspired menus, creative pop-in moments and after-dark entertainment that encourages visitors to explore the precinct.
Perfectly positioned just steps from QPAC, Fish Lane also becomes a natural extension for audiences attending The Great Gatsby, offering a curated mix of pre-show dining, post-show drinks and late-night venues without needing to leave the neighbourhood. Adding to the sense of escapism, the precinct will embrace 1920s glamour with a Great Gatsby–inspired activation, encouraging guests to dress up, linger longer and carry the theatre experience into the laneway itself. With Valentine’s Day also falling on Saturday 14 February, Fish Lane venues will showcase date-night menus, shared feasts and intimate dining moments, cementing the precinct as a go-to destination for culture, food and after-dark energy throughout the month.
Celebrate Valentine’s weekend at Izakaya Publico
Izakaya Publico is setting the mood this Valentine’s weekend with a moody, Japanese-inspired shared dining experience inside Hotel Indigo Brisbane City Centre. Running Friday 13 February from 5:30pm and Saturday 14 February with 6pm and 8:30pm seatings, the four-course shared set menu is priced at $120 per person, with an optional $40 wine pairing. Expect oysters, pork dumplings, yakitori prawns, miso-glazed black cod, slow-braised beef short rib and indulgent desserts. Couples can also opt for the Tomahawk Shared Set Menu for a bolder experience, or turn the evening into a full escape with Hotel Indigo’s Valentine’s Day Romantic Stay Package.
ZA ZA TA Returns for one night only
For one night only on Saturday 14 February from 6pm, ZA ZA TA returns to its original home at Ovolo Brisbane for A Night of ZA ZA TA’s Greatest Hits. Priced at $119 per person, the four-course veg-led shared menu revisits the cult favourite’s most-loved dishes, including old school hummus, haloumi doughnuts and manti dumplings. A paired beverage option is available for an additional $65 per person. Designed for couples, groups and Galentine’s celebrations alike, guests can also enjoy 20% off accommodation at Ovolo Brisbane when booking the Valentine’s Day dinner.
Celebrate Saint Valentin at C’est Bon
C’est Bon in Woolloongabba is celebrating Valentine’s Day the French way with an intimate Saint Valentin dinner on Saturday 14 February, offering two seatings at 6pm and 8pm. Priced at $125 per person, the shared lovers’ feast includes a glass of bubbles on arrival, a refined French-inspired menu by Chef Andy Ashby, a heart-shaped dessert to share and thoughtful romantic touches throughout the evening. Set within the restaurant’s softly lit heritage dining room, it’s an effortlessly romantic option for couples looking to celebrate without the clichés.
Mr Jeebus brings burgers to Deception Bay
Bayside burger fans, this one’s for you. Mr Jeebus is expanding north with a brand-new Deception Bay location, opening Wednesday 4 February on Mariner Boulevard. From day one, locals can expect the full Mr Jeebus experience — led by cult-favourite burgers like the Sweet Baby Jeebus (fried chicken glazed in Wild Turkey maple, bacon, cheese and mayo) and the BZ Mack, stacked high with beef, double cheese, special sauce and pickles. The menu is rounded out with loaded fries, poutine, fried chicken tenders and thick shakes made for indulgent afternoons. The new store joins existing Eagle Farm and Tingalpa locations, plus the brand’s roaming food truck.
YOMG launches Surf ’n’ Turf range
YOMG is serving up summer nostalgia with its limited-edition Surf ’n’ Turf range, launched Thursday 22 January and runs across all Australian stores until Thursday 5 March at 5pm. Inspired by classic surf club feeds with YOMG’s cult burger twist, the menu includes hero burgers, nostalgic sides and a Milo shake. The Surf ’n’ Turf Box features the Fish Royale Burger, South Melbourne dim sim, potato cake, fat chips, plus ketchup and soy sauce — ideal for group feeds and beach days!
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.
