Hidden Foodie Gems with Alastair McLeod

Whether you’re heading to the Moreton Bay Region hinterland to escape the cool air by the bayside or simply to take a break from city life, you’ll find some magical places awaiting. From the rolling valleys of Samford to the top of Clear Mountain, our hinterland dining venues near Brisbane can whip up delicious treats for everyone.

Join Alastair McLeod from The Great Day Out as he explores the region's hidden gems.

Dining in the Valley

Relax, unwind, Pause. Take a deep breath and inhale that fresh air and sweet smell of authentic Italian food stewing, sizzling and frying away at Pause in Samford. Though a mere 25 minutes from Brisbane, you’ll feel like you’re in Italy with the beautifully adorned two-story restaurant and bar and food prepared by European trained chefs. Choose a meal from the creative menu or let the chef decide your meal for the evening to try something new and fall in love with Italian flavours.

Menu: https://pausesamford.com.au/restaurant/

Address: 16 Main St, Samford Village

Opening Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 11:30 am – 11:00 pm

A Vineyard Experience

Local produce + estate-made wine = perfection! If you’ve never dined in a restaurant near Brisbane that offers matching wines, then you’re missing out! In the Moreton Bay Region hinterland, you can enjoy a premier fine dining experience near Brisbane that’ll leave you wanting more. From mouth-watering entrees to delightfully tender and juicy mains, finishing off with a sugary dessert treat, Ocean View Estates has you covered for every course. Each dish is made from local produce and carefully created by experienced head chef, Joel Grudnoff. Then matched with beautiful wines made with estate-grown grapes and perfected by onsite winemaker, Thomas Honnef, it’s no wonder Ocean View Estates restaurant is a 5-star dining venue.

Menu: https://oceanviewestates.com.au/eat/#

Address: 2557 Mount Mee Rd, Ocean View

Opening Hours: Wednesday 10:00 am – 3:00 pm, Thursday & Friday 10:00 am – 9:00 pm, Saturday 8:00 am – 9:00 pm, Sunday 8:30 am – 4:00 pm.

Be sure to put on some stretchy pants before heading to the Moreton Bay Region for more hidden gems like below...

Flavoursome Street-Food

Street-food style vendors operating out of shipping containers…we know what you’re thinking, how do they have space? Well, somehow, the vendors at Bite Markets at North Harbour make it work and they make it work well! This hidden gem is just off the Bruce Highway features over 30 flavour makers with tastes from across the world. Enjoy delicious Japanese pizza before indulging on mini Dutch Pancakes washed down with Moreton Bay Mocktails. There’s something for everyone including the fussy kids and those with special dietary requirements including gluten-free and vegetarian.

Vendors: https://www.bitemarkets.com.au/meet-the-flavour-makers

Address: 29 Nolan Dr, Morayfield

Opening Hours: Friday & Saturday 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Warming Hinterland Meals

On the top of a Moreton Bay Region hinterland mountain is Mercure Clear Mountain Lodge, the perfect escape from the city where you can enjoy the serenity of surrounding nature. After a stroll through the gardens, a swim in the pool or a game of tennis, why not settle into Mandy’s Lakeview Lounge where you’re offered an enticing selection of entrees, light meals, mains and desserts. Take a seat on the expansive open deck with views that stretch to the distant waters of Moreton Bay and Brisbane. If the crisp mountain air is a little too invigorating, you can enjoy your meals in the indoor dining room while still enjoying the panoramic sights from the mountain top.

Menu: https://www.clearmountainlodge.com.au/restaurants-bar/mandy-s-lakeview-lounge-and-dining

Address: 564 Clear Mountain Rd, Clear Mountain

Breakfast: Monday – Friday 7:00 am – 9:00 am, Saturday & Sunday 7:00 am – 10:00 am

Lunch: 12:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Dinner: 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Discover more local producers on the Regional Development Australia - Moreton Bay Food Trail.

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Acknowledgement of Country - We would like to acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands and waterways of the Moreton Bay Region, the Kabi Kabi/Gubbi Gubbi, Jinibara, and Turrbal people and pay our respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging. We recognise the ongoing connection that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have to this land and recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the original custodians of this land.