Anise

Anise is almost certainly Brisbane's smallest bistro and arguably the cosiest restaurant in town. With room for just 16 around a European-style bar, the service is attentive, encouraging a high level of interaction between diners and switched-on staff; as knowledgeable as they are enthusiastic when it comes to both food and the impressive wine list. Expect the same attention from the kitchen - beautifully presented French classics such as escargot, rillettes and pate appear on the menu alongside gnocchi, pork belly and more contemporary creations such as brioche-crumbed lamb's brain kievs. Truffle cream and pecorino perfectly complement delicate, handmade snail ravioli on a bed of sauteed wood-ear mushrooms. The concise dessert menu weaves together culinary influences and techniques, offering some dishes you're unlikely to find elsewhere. Chocolate and cognac mousse comes with buffalo yoghurt and sous-vide pineapple and macadamia praline, or try a fragrant lavender panna cotta.