Brisbane’s most iconic lookout has officially had a glow-up. The Summit Restaurant at Mt Coot-tha has reopened its doors, and trust me—it’s not just back, it’s better than ever.
After a multi-million-dollar transformation, the heritage-listed venue has been reimagined by local hospitality legends Mantle Group, and it’s clear they weren’t messing around. I was lucky enough to head up the mountain for the grand opening, and let me tell you—the hype is real.
First impressions
Let’s start with that new deck area. Picture this: twinkling mood lighting, intimate little tables, and that view—Brisbane city lit up and sprawling all the way to Moreton Bay. It’s the kind of place you book for a special night… and then quietly plan to return to again and again.
I also snuck a peek inside the restaurant and yep—it’s stunning. Elegant, airy, and designed so every seat feels like the best one in the house. It’s got that understated “wow” factor, like they know the view is the star but still dressed it up in its finest.
Bite-sized menu preview
If the canapés served on the night were even a hint of what’s to come, Brisbane foodies are in for a treat. Think fresh, clever, beautifully balanced bites that leave you wondering if it’s rude to ask for seconds (it’s not—we all did). Safe to say I’m counting down to my first full meal there.
Chef Kym Machin (you might know him from his Urbane days) is in the kitchen and has clearly brought his A-game. His focus is on Queensland-first produce and native ingredients, shaped by a bold, modern Australian approach. This isn’t just good food—it’s food that feels like it belongs here.
The menu reads like a love letter to Queensland: think Daintree barramundi, Longreach organic lamb, Goldband snapper with wild garlic and native ginger. There’s even honey from The Summit’s own beehives and veggies picked straight from their edible gardens. It’s fresh, thoughtful, and just adventurous enough to make dinner feel like a story.
For those who like to surrender to the chef, there are two tasting menus to choose from. Or if you’re more the “grab a drink and a few share plates” type, the brewpub-style bar menu has you covered. (Insider tip: the beef and beetroot tartare is a must.)
The vibe at The Summit
The whole space, designed by Brisbane architects Hogg & Lamb, is a lesson in balance. They’ve kept the charm of the original site but layered in warm timbers, soft lighting, open-air views and modern touches that feel completely at home in the bush setting.
And speaking of the bar—yep, loved it. It’s the kind of place you could easily lose track of time, with a local beer or native-ingredient cocktail in hand, the whole city glimmering in the distance.
What’s next for our fave mountain top precinct?
Mantle Group is just getting started. The Summit is the first step in a much bigger vision for the Mt Coot-tha precinct, which includes a boutique gin distillery, cultural tourism experiences, and a sleek pavilion-style event space—all timed ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympics.
But even as big things brew on the horizon, there’s something wonderfully grounded about The Summit right now. It’s a place for locals as much as it is for visitors. A spot where weekend hikers can grab a casual beer, where couples book anniversary dinners, and where we all go to be reminded—yep, we really do live in a pretty special part of the world.
The Summit Restaurant is open seven days from 11am. Bookings and info: summitbrisbane.com.au
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.
