Best Rooftop Restaurants in Brisbane, Cairns, Newcastle and more
What better way to see Australia’s top destinations than from a glamorous rooftop setting? Crystalbrook’s collection of rooftop restaurants and terraces with panoramic views of the azure waters of the Coral Sea in Cairns, the gorgeous coastline of Newcastle and the glimmering Brisbane skyline, are all sights to be seen.
Crystalbrook hotels are home to some of Australia’s best rooftop restaurants that have menus and interiors to match the spectacular views. From deluxe fine-dining to Latin-infused fiestas, Mediterranean-inspired dining experiences and lively cocktail hours — Crystalbrook’s rooftop restaurants have a little something for everyone.
Rooftop Restaurants Newcastle
Roundhouse
Sitting on the ninth storey rooftop of 5-Star Crystalbrook Kingsley — Roundhouse offers unbridled views of Newcastle’s harbour and coastline and one of the finest culinary experiences in the city. The elegant restaurant has a distinctly Mediterranean feel with sophisticated interiors, unique lighting fixtures and romantic olive trees dotted throughout the restaurant.
The modern Australian menu uses the finest local produce to create dishes, including Wild mushroom and wattleseed dumplings, Pork belly and poached Balmain bug, Saltbush and macadamia spatchcock, and Pukura Estate lamb rack with smoked eggplant and wattleseed pickle. Meals can be paired with wine from an impressive menu that showcases some of the region’s finest.
Romberg’s
Romberg’s, named after the building's original architect Frederick Romberg, is a sophisticated cocktail bar with superb panoramic views of Newcastle and beyond.
The bar offers a range of artisanal cocktails, including their signature myrtle spritz, coastal margarita and bushland daiquiri, as well as an exciting list of wines, beers and cider, gins and whiskies, and an assortment of nightcaps. To eat, Romberg’s has a menu of mouth-watering bar snacks, including chipotle brisket croquettes, chilli caramel pork bao and tempura Balmain bug.
With its sleek design, extraordinary 10-metre granite bar, mesmerising views and 5-star cocktails — Romberg’s is the perfect place to start or end a night out.
Rooftop Restaurants Cairns
Rocco
Located atop Crystalbrook Riley in Cairns, Rocco is the city’s highest rooftop and bar. The venue brings a touch of Middle Eastern summer to tropical Queensland with its Moroccan inspired prints, earthy tones, and vibrant atmosphere. Open from 4 pm till late, Rocco is the perfect spot to grab a cocktail and soak in the sweeping sea views at sunset.
On the menu, you will find some of the finest Middle Eastern fare with mezze, including sumac cured Tasmanian salmon with harissa yoghurt and grilled rolled eggplant with goats’ cheese, mint, and pistachio.
Select your favourite bottle of wine and enjoy Rocco’s shared cheese or charcuterie boards; mains of North Queensland prawns, Daintree Barramundi fillet and Crystalbrook signature beef sirloin. And for a little rooftop decadence, why not indulge in a bottle of Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve paired with a dozen freshly shucked oysters.
The drinks menu is equally inspiring with beers bottled and on tap, Champagne, white, rosé, and red wines, and cocktails to suit all palettes with smooth espresso martinis, refreshing negronis and spicy Marrakech mules.
With 270-degree views of the city and the glimmering Coral Sea, Rocco is undoubtedly one of the hottest venues in town.
Whiskey and Wine
Set on the rooftop of the Crystalbrook Flynn, Whiskey and Wine is a contemporary bar and balcony and the ideal location to sip cocktails as the sun sets on the Coral Sea.
The glamorous venue brings a slice of seaside sophistication to Cairns, with interiors scattered with brass and gold accents, chic indoor and outdoor seating, and eclectic beats to set the scene.
Whiskey and Wine boasts over 80 local and imported whiskeys with an impressive wine list to match. The bar is also home to award-winning cocktail makers, shaking up a selection of killer concoctions to tantalise all taste buds. And on the menu are a range of mouth-watering share plates and modern Australian snacks to satisfy all cravings.
Pachamama
Pachamama, located on level 3 of Crystalbrook Bailey in Cairns, is sure to awaken the senses with dreamy ocean views, a spicy menu of Latin-inspired delights and a lively atmosphere that lasts well into the night.
The Pachamama menu is infused with Latin flavours with bite-sized snacks including Peruvian ceviche, cheese empanadas and crispy cassava chips with jalapeno sauce. Enjoy a tortilla share board with shredded chicken, braised beef and mushroom and bean tacos served with warm tortilla chips and sauces.
For mains, you can indulge in far North Queensland prawns or paella of the day, and to satisfy that sweet tooth, cinnamon and sugar-dusted churros with dulce leche chur. To drink, Pachamama has a thirst quenching menu of wines, beers, and cocktails, including mojitos, frozen margaritas, and carafes of blanco sangria to share.
Rooftop Restaurants Brisbane
Fiume
Fiume is an open-air bar and terrace that brings a hint of LA glamour to Brisbane. This chic urban oasis, complete with an infinity pool, is located on the rooftop of the stylish Crystalbrook Vincent in the Howard Smith Wharves precinct.
The glamorous terrace bar boasts a killer cocktail menu, a refreshing range of spritzes, craft beers, boutique wines, and liqueurs sourced locally from Tamborine Mountain Distillery. The bar menu is equally delightful with light bites including Noosa mushroom arancini and Moreton Bay calamari fritti.
With beautiful river and skyline views, Fiume provides the perfect setting to sip sunset cocktails and kick off a night on the town.
Other Crystalbrook Restaurants
Forest
Albeit not a rooftop restaurant, Forest at Crystalbrook Byron - with its open-air verandahs - has earned its spot on our list of top restaurants. Set amongst a lush subtropical rainforest, Forest is distinctly Australian — showcasing local produce with 80% of ingredients coming from within a three-hour drive of the resort.
On the drinks menu are a selection of playful signature cocktails and an international wine list of more than 30 sustainable, organic, and biodynamic wines. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner with menu highlights including oyster mushroom and white bean ceviche, salt and pepperberry squid, Queensland scallops and Northern Tablelands lamb ragu.