Harveys

Perpetually busy with breakfasters overlapping with coffee sippers and the lunch-a-lot brigade, this is one of Brisbane's favourite bistros. Partly because you can always get a seat, but mainly because the food is always fresh, vibrant and flavour-packed. There's a choice of sitting outside on wooden banquettes in a conservatory-like area or in the cool, light-filled room inside. Chef and owner P.J. McMillan likes to seek out local finds: Cedar Street buffalo haloumi from Maleny for example, is grilled with asparagus and grape tomato salad with basil and lemon dressing. Asian, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavours all feature in dishes such as Egyptian spiced quail with hummus and tabbouleh salad, and his signature Asian chicken salad with mint and peanuts and a tangy tamarind dressing. Passionfruit semifreddo is as popular as the stone fruit and ricotta cream tart, and both are equally delicious.