Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Gauge

    4.5 (23 reviews)
    ModerateAustralian
    Closed Closed

    Gauge Photos

    GAUGE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Classy
    Outdoor seating
    Good for kids
    Good for groups

    Recommended Reviews - Gauge

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Jad A.

    So this new kid on the block at South Brisbane is fast becoming a favourite, along with many others. When we found out owner Jerome Batten from the Sourced Grocer had just opened up his second venue in South Brisbane, we got a little bit excited because we knew if the quality & uniqueness of the meals were anything like the Sourced Grocer it was going to be good. Have been here twice now, and both times have been great. The first time for lunch, and again for Breakfast. Absolutely love the freshness of the interior, light walls, & timber, communal tables & intimate seating towards the entrance near the kitchen. Has a very clean Swedish funky Ikea feel to it. The all-day menu starts from $8, & the most being $22. It's honestly hard to decide what to eat because we wanted to try everything but for lunch I went with the slow roasted pork belly, fermented corn & buckwheat salad, puffed mustard seeds & baby corn. Wow factor! This was so delicious. The pork was absolutely tender and the flavor in the corn & buckwheat salad was divine. The combination was beautiful. After that delicious meal, I wanted to try something small so the lovely staff recommended the black garlic bread, brown butter & burnt vanilla. Sounds interesting? Well let me tell you it was freaking awesome! It reminded me of the comforting tastes in your belly that you get from a sticky date pudding/cake (not as sweet of course) but with the savory taste of the black garlic. So good. Without a doubt, this will be ordered every time once I've gotten through the rest of the menu. The breakfast we had (a few days after the lunch) was also just as good. Waffles, the soft eggs with bacon with "leek ash", and our friend had the brown rice pudding. On point! Coffee is darn good too, by Supreme Coffee Brisbane. Always made perfectly, and we even noticed the Barista, throwing out a cup that he wasn't happy with. That's exactly what you want to see, because it means their barista cares enough about the product they're serving out. Love it! We can see this place doing really well and has made us excited even more about the Brisbane food scene. Jerome will be opening his 3rd venue in the coming weeks called Maker just around the corner in Fish Lane, which will be a little specialty cocktail/ beers bar serving up awesome bar snack & food. Can't wait!

    wee radish bite from the chef
    Angela M.

    Such a great find in Brisbane. Love the commitment to farm to table products. Lovely combination of flavors that in spite of world travels felt unique. Refreshing combination of choices in spite of small menu. Delightful. Small restaurant with a cool vibe that was a great find for lunch. Only a few tables here so I imagine for dinner is quite difficult to get in. Perfect in so many ways and really a head turner in Brisbane food.

    What the fuck is this? Awful presentation, average taste and overripe avocado
    Peri C.

    If you're thinking of getting brunch on the south side and you're hungry and you like to eat food which you might enjoy - then don't come here. You cannot change the meals in any way and there's no chai. Can I give no stars?

    Must order!
    Andrew Tubby T.

    So I am sitting here at Gauge having just devoured what looked like burnt bread with a glob of brown glue. Yeop, sounds kinda gross but this dish has quickly become the signature at Gauge...and for good reason. It is, like the rest of the menu, a unique and innovative dish and it is no surprise that the head chef was recently crowned best new chef of the year. Gauge delivers exciting flavour combinations presented so artfully on the plate at accessible prices. Today was my second dining experience at Gauge and I will be back for 3rd, 4th and 5th no doubt in the coming weeks. Get here...and order the black bread!

    Drinks menu
    Lani P.

    Let's use Gauge as a gauge for what is good about Brisbane's dining scene. Those familiar and taken with Sourced Grocer will be pleased to know Gauge is the brain child of the same owner. While both have a different feel, the minimalist interior fit out and whole food focus carries across to this new South Brisbane venue. A colleague and I arrived for lunch in their 2nd week of opening. There's probably tales of teething problems with service and such but I didn't experience this, and to be fair, those first few weeks are bound to be used to iron out kinks, right? Anyway, we were seated and our menus presented. It's an all day breakfast with lunch options and all are tempting as each other. We both went for the chicken breast with buckwheat, pumpkin and nashi pear. Exceptional and balanced flavours with just enough food on the plate to taste it all and feel satisfied. For local workers there's an easy access take-away coffee window and ample bar seating for those who may just be there for a coffee. With the exception of Two Trees around the corner, it's probably your best shot of coffee this side of Melbourne Street.

    Peter R.

    There is no other place for breakfast than Sourced Grocer in the inner-North. For those unlucky enough to live on the wrong side of the river, Gauge is it. I've been for breakfast twice, and can't wait to go back for lunch. This place sits about 12 (ok, maybe 15), with the kitchen taking up just as much space as dining. And it shows. Those blokes up there are masterful. This the sort of breakfast that those one or two hatted restaurants in the city would do, without the price tag. Coffee and service match the food. It's hard to cross that stinky river. But it's worth it.

    Soft eggs on house sourdough with heritage pig, Gauge
    Martin E.

    I had a few options for a decent breakfast when staying in the South Bank area recently, and Gauge was one of them. I knew roughly where it was located but it was still hard to find as there was no signage whatsoever, and the door doesn't look like it belongs to a restaurant. Gauge specialises in locally sourced produce and artisanal fare made in-house, even including the sourdough bread. There is a plenty of seating, although be prepared to share a table during busy times. Coffee is from New Zealand & Melbourne based roaster Coffee Supreme. The barista takes his craft very seriously, and spent his time between customers weighing shots. My cappuccino was topped with high quality dark chocolate, making for a decent, if not particularly memorable, cup. The menu has some very interesting choices. I've seen photos of the sourdough waffle dish and it looks incredible, although I really wasn't sure about artichoke custard so decided to try the "soft eggs on house sourdough with heritage pig" ($16) - it was a plate of the finest ingredients cooked to perfection, and the kind of meal that means you can never again be satisfied with pedestrian bacon & eggs. Damn. I really enjoyed my breakfast at Gauge, although the menu probably means that this isn't the kind of place you would go to eat every day - in saying that, the coffee is good and there was a nice-looking selection of pastries & cakes on the counter. This is certainly a different experience to most cafes, and the location feels almost secret - it's a great place to watch the rest of the world go about its business while you enjoy your breakfast. Gauge is definitely one for the list, especially if you like an adventurous menu.

    Lauren S.

    Um yes... If you do love trying new food and dipping your toes into slightly more adventurous and refined dining then please visit. On top of the amazing service we received I was pretty blown away with the menu and wine. We dropped in for lunch and decided to make it a full blown dining experience with dessert to top it off. The desserts were divine, and that's really hard to find in many restaurants. We tried the sweet potato spiced shortbread buffalo ricotta with salted meringue and the white chocolate creme with apricots. Outstanding, particularly the sweet potato dessert was complex and delicious - I've been thinking about it ever since. This is the place is casual fine dining at its best and a fabulous place to take your friends for a special meal. We will be back!

    Melissa L.

    Fantastic brunch experience in south bank! The garlic bread is a must! The elderflower fizz is a perfect summer cocktail for a warm day. I ordered the fish dish and my mom got the steak dish and while the fish was good, I liked the steak better. I also ordered a side of pickled green tomato and mozzarella and it was on point. Service was great, too. I usually have lower standards for service here in Australia compared to the USA because people here don't work for tips, but the gentlemen taking care of us were truly great. I had a glimpse of the dinner menu and will be making another appearance for that shortly! 6 courses for $90! Yes please and thank you.

    See all

    Photo of Jan L.
    0
    279
    0

    2 years ago

    Amazing place for breakfast and lunches. The food is delicious and well presented. Thank you!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Tom K.
    19
    176
    454

    7 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Lani P.
    1501
    1248
    6502

    11 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of James O.
    26
    21
    19

    11 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Gary C.
    11
    65
    3

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Amy F.
    17
    1
    4

    10 years ago

    Great food! Bold and colorful presentation and excellent service. The black garlic bread was amazing.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Australian 209 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Esquire - Rye Bread with pickles and butter

    Esquire

    4.2(21 reviews)
    1.5 kmCBD
    $$$$

    On my recent visit home, I wanted to check out one of the higher-end restaurants to see what the…read moreBrisbane food scene was up to. It took me a while to pick the restaurant, but once I heard about Chef Ryan Squires, I knew this was the restaurant I wanted to go to. Squires has done stints at The French Laundry and el Bulli and with a resume like that, I was intrigued not only about his menu, but also, why/how this caliber of chef ends up in Brisbane. Well, I guess Squires returned back home to open esquire and it made me very happy to see something like this finally hit sleepy Brissie. We came here for lunch -- there were kids involved -- and like one of the other reviewers stated, making a reservation is kinda a pain in the butt. I made the reservation for 8 people about a week before our anticipated visit. I was told that I had to fill out a form and leave a credit card (not a problem). Anyway, after a few days I called back and gave them the credit card info and spoke to a really nice man who ended up letting the filling the form part go. On the day of our visit we arrive to an empty restaurant. The view is lovely, along the Brisbane River, and we were seated at one of those large square tables. Our server Joanna was lovely. I know usually restaurants do not allow some of the table to order the tasting menu and some not, but I think they made an exception seeing we were the only ones in the restaurant. I wanted to get the most of my visit, so order the prix fixe as well as off the a la carte. The prix fixe was AUD75 for 5 courses which includes 2 appetizer-ish dishes, 2-entrees and a dessert. The menu is seafood-heavy taking advantage of all the wonderful fresh seafood available Down Under. I love the presentation and there are definitely hints of the Ferran Adria look on some of the plates. My favorites were the smoked trout, charcoal grilled calamari and charcoal grilled baby octopus, buttermilk fried chicken. Didn't care for the wagyu pastrami. A stellar restaurant -- something Brisbane has needed for a very long time -- bravo!

    Pretty happy to say that I've finally undertaken the Esquire experience. What a big tick on the…read moreto-do list! A friend and I went a little crazy on a recent Saturday night, and I'm not ashamed to admit it (although my wallet is weeping). Let's talk about the ridiculous and incredible food. No, let's not - I don't want to spoil it too much for you, this is something you should get to experience with as little prior knowledge as possible. Frank D says the menu changes every day, but I think that's a bit of a stretch. I think it's more likely seasonal, and I'm sure that maybe a couple of courses get subbed in and out here and there, but for the most part we had the same menu (with a lot of courses still on the menu from Jess's date in early June). Never mind that, though. Esquire is a treat, not the kind of place you'd go every other weekend (as much as you might want to, and I do). We arrived for a 6:30pm reservation and were seated in the darkest, dingiest corner of the restaurant. Just jokes. We had a table at the full-length windows looking out over the Brisbane River and the Story Bridge. The next three hours or so were spent at our table, dining on course after delicious course. The bone marrow and bread was definitely the most exciting course, presentation-wise, but I've since heard that last week was its last week on the menu, so please don't get your hopes up! There will be plenty of other exciting things for you, don't worry. Also, be sure to slowly sip your palate-cleansing glass of grapefruit soda. Trust me. Little sips. It definitely cleanses the palate. After an amazing degustation with brilliant service, we retired to the informal side of the restaurant and got comfortable at the bar. The brilliant service continued, and it was great to have the opportunity to view the buzzing hive from a different perspective. By the end of the evening we knew almost all the service staff (and some of the chefs) by name, and apprentice chef Erik gave us three house-made chocolate bars to get us out the door. (I do love that even Esquire has "f*ck-off chocolates".)

    Photos
    Esquire - Duck and fried cabbage with plum sauce

    Duck and fried cabbage with plum sauce

    Esquire - White asparagus dipped in peanut butter, vanilla and sweet corn

    White asparagus dipped in peanut butter, vanilla and sweet corn

    Esquire - Meyer lemon folded over bush honey

    See all

    Meyer lemon folded over bush honey

    Shingle Inn City Hall - A few of their Xmas bakes

    Shingle Inn City Hall

    4.2(5 reviews)
    0.8 kmCBD
    $

    Don't just come here for the ambience- recreated home of Shingle Inn - yes it's beautiful but the…read morefood is good too. It's not just about arvo tea! The Tea Rooms are inside City Hall - easy enough to find and the scene is very colonial. Service is satisfactory - it has an old world charm with the staff dressed in the uniforms of last century. Menu is broad - all day breakfast to afternoon tea - good choice of beverages and they do a good coffee. Daughter had a breakfast for lunch and was very satisfied. Soup of the day delicious and you have to try the sweet potato chips - really good. Couldn't help getting a sweet treat - the passion fruit cup cakes are famous. Great range of other yummy things to try. Great old world charm and wonderful food.

    If you are looking for a fantastic place for high tea with your girlfriends or mom, this is your…read moreplace! I have been here on a few occasions for afternoon tea and just tea and sweets. Every time has been a wonderful experience. The patty cakes are a favorite and the passionfruit is delish. It's a bit on the sweet side with a touch of tartness which I love. The premium teas are excellent. I have tried several and enjoyed the Chai Marsala. The high tea is decadent with their wonderful scones with clotted cream and strawberry preserve. The ribbon sandwiches are tasty and the mini desserts will leave you filled to the brim. We wanted to stay longer but had to return for a meeting. Service is fantastic here! The greeting is most welcome and they make sure you have water right after being seated. They take your order and confirm it before walking away. After they take your order, watch what they do with the sugar tin. The food is lovely and I would love to try it for lunch too. I love seeing a mother daughter outing or a grandpa with his granddaughter. The Shingle Inn is a historical landmark in Brisbane and I love that I can experience it as well! Hope that you will make time to relax and have a cuppa here one day! The Shingle Inn is a wonderful place to escape from the hustle right in the middle of the city!

    Photos
    Shingle Inn City Hall - Classic two person booth

    Classic two person booth

    Shingle Inn City Hall - Silverware cabinet

    Silverware cabinet

    Shingle Inn City Hall - Sweet potatoe chips - Yum

    See all

    Sweet potatoe chips - Yum

    Picnic - Inside, Sunday crowd

    Picnic

    3.8(14 reviews)
    5.6 kmCamp Hill
    $$

    Great find in my move to the area. It's walk ins only and neither times have I had to wait. There…read moreis inside and outside seating with the inside feeling fresh and bright. Yes I've been there twice now. Two weekends in a row around 8am. Both with friends and all trying something different from the menu. Everyone had only positive things to say, except maybe the portions were large and they shouldn't have eaten it all. If you're going for breakfast they are not going to have your typical breakfast foods. But who doesn't love a lunch style menu for breakfast. Regardless, you'll have trouble deciding what to have. It's an eclectic menu and if you prefer something on the lighter side there is a bakery onsite as well. I was told the chef likes to play around when I asked about a particular biscuit/cookie. Think red velvet biscuit with marshmallow inside. The staff are very friendly and helpful giving recommendations with regard to what might satisfy your craving when you've narrowed your decision down to two. For my part there were a lot of meals with eggs which I'm very fussy about so typically just don't choose it (makes sense ). But there were a couple I just really want to try next time and was told some accommodation could be made. Having said that the ingredients in each meal are so well thought out I would really not want to change things up. Unless it was to maybe ask for the egg on the side. Will I be back. Yes definitely, even if just for a coffee and pastry. I will try to not be so excited to eat and even take some photos.

    This little place came highly recommended, with descriptions that made me salivate. So, off we went…read morewith high expectations. We didn't booked, because it was a rainy Saturday, surely, most people are still in their cosy warm beds. We put our name on the wait-list when we arrived. It wasn't too long before we were shown to a table. Tick! We promptly placed our orders and sat back to chat, enjoying the buzz in the space. Interiors was clean, simple and homely. We liked that. Front of house was staffed by a young team. Most of the staff was friendly enough, but looked to be under the pump and it showed on their faces. However, a couple of the girls looked disinterested and lacked a smile, which is very important in a customer service-oriented industry. My girlfriend ordered a coffee and it arrived in a timely manner. We thought, this is a good sign, perhaps the food would soon follow, as they seemed to be an efficient team. Two tables arrived, we peeked and saw that they ordered similar dishes to ours. We got excited, thinking we would be next. Nope! 40 minutes passed with one waiter reassuring us that our food is only, but minutes away. We accepted their response and continued to wait patiently. Our food finally arrived after we enquired about it again. With a rushed apology, she set down our food and vanished. We enjoyed the food, it was very well presented and was super tasty. When we finished, our plates was immediately cleared away and we were asked if we wanted more coffees. All this happened while we were in deep conversation. After refusing further coffees, we were handed the bill without asking for it. This is a very rude thing to do, as the establishment is implying that we need to move on. As a person with a massive hospitality background, this is a big no-no in the industry. It is rude and leaves a sour taste in the customer's mouth despite the beautiful food. I cannot recommend this space, as they need to life their game with it comes to customer service. Food wise, not much to fault from my one meal. I later found out that my girlfriend frequent this place often and every time her servings have been bigger for the same dish.

    Photos
    Picnic - Vegan Pancakes

    Vegan Pancakes

    Picnic
    Picnic - Rainbow Coffee!

    See all

    Rainbow Coffee!

    Maker - Small Bar - MAKER

    Maker

    4.9(11 reviews)
    0.0 kmSouth Brisbane
    $$$

    Very nice atmosphere with quiet music so you can talk. Staff quick to serve and drinks are very…read morewell made.

    Stopping by Fish Lane's newest bar, Maker, the sibling venue of Gauge, is one sexy intimate…read moreexperience.We almost don't want to share this bar with the rest of Brisbane, as it's small confines (max 25-30 people), & personable bar tenders, make it feel as if it's a secret that should be guarded.The ambience is relaxed & chilled, with a soundtrack to match, much like the conversations. It's such a beautiful space, from the 7.5m brass bar, custom glazed porcelain lights, back lit shelves, & a charcuterie cabinet at the end of the bar (which will form the basis for a very simple menu in the coming weeks). Maker's menu has a strong focus on Australian wines, beer, and spirits; with the sophisticated cocktail menu an adventurous interplay of flavours,like nothing you'll find anywhere else in Brisbane.Prepared with flair, artistry, & unique techniques, having a cocktail at Maker is a feast for the senses. Try the "Whisky Wax Coffee", a combination of Whisky, coffee, beeswax, pollen, macadmia ($22), and watch how it's prepared. Served in artisan glassware with sphere ice-cubes, & some of the famous black garlic bread from Gauge.We also tried the Starward (Australian) whisky as well as another cocktail not on the menu.It's one of the main benefits of being in such a small bar, that one can have meaningful conversations with the bartender, request a cocktail based on your particular flavours, adding to the overall bespoke experience. Maker has arrived, and it is a game changer.

    Photos
    Maker - Bespoke cocktail

    Bespoke cocktail

    Maker
    Maker - Native Gin cocktail

    See all

    Native Gin cocktail

    Gauge - australian - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...