The Alliance Hotel

While Brisbane caffeine levels are at an all-time high, our gastro pub scene is still in its infancy. Enter Nick Gregorski, who took over this heritage-listed pub on the city fringe and gave it a much needed makeover. There's a blackboard of specials that change daily and a range of dry-aged beef, or you can stick to the scripted entrees, including a charcuterie plate for two: chunky terrine, barbecued Fremantle octopus over a Greek salad, or some big juicy prawns, butterflied and grilled and served with watercress and lemon. Battered fish comes on a wooden board with a basket of fries and salad, while a sizeable veal cutlet is crumbed with thyme and parmesan. The dessert menu is short and sharp: flourless chocolate cake, coconut and raspberry torte and hazelnut meringue give a snapshot but there's also a small selection of farmhouse cheeses. A stellar line-up of beers on tap marries well with the gastro-pub menu.