Where to Eat Near
BCEC Brisbane
Poppies Southbank sits on Little Stanley Street — a 4-minute riverside walk from the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre (BCEC). Whether you're heading to a concert, expo, conference, or gala dinner at the Brisbane Convention Centre, we're the perfect place to eat before your event.
Plan Your Evening
Dinner Before BCEC
A 7pm event? Here's how we'd plan your evening — arrive at 5:30, enjoy a relaxed dinner, and stroll along the river to BCEC with time to spare.
5:30 PM
Arrive at Poppies
Cocktails & starters
6:00 PM
Enjoy Your Meal
Mains & share plates
6:50 PM
4-Min Walk to BCEC
Along the river
7:00 PM
Your Event Starts
Brisbane Convention Centre
About the Venue
Brisbane Convention &
Exhibition Centre
BCEC is one of Australia's premier event venues, hosting everything from international concerts and comedy shows to major expos, corporate conferences, and gala dinners.
If you're attending an event at BCEC, you're already in one of Brisbane's best dining precincts. Poppies is a 4-minute walk along the river — close enough to be convenient, far enough to feel like you've had a proper night out before you even arrive.
View the full BCEC event calendarConcerts, Comedy & Events
What's On at BCEC
La La Land in Concert
3 Jun 2026
The Oscar-winning film performed live with a full orchestra. One of the most romantic cinema-concert experiences of the year.
TwoSet Violin: Sacrilegious Games
21 Jun 2026
The viral YouTube duo bring their hilarious and virtuosic live show to Brisbane — classical music like you've never seen it.
Urzila Carlson
23–25 Jul 2026
The beloved South African-born comedian returns to Brisbane with her new stand-up show.
QSO Presents Gladiator in Concert
8 Aug 2026
The Queensland Symphony Orchestra performs Hans Zimmer's iconic Gladiator score live to picture. An epic night out.
Jeff Dunham
17 Aug 2026
The world's most-watched comedian brings his Spark of Insanity tour to Brisbane for one night only.
Bill Bailey
18 Sep 2026
The beloved British comedian, musician and actor brings his new tour to Brisbane.
Oz Comic-Con 2026
19–20 Sep 2026
Australia's biggest pop culture convention returns to Brisbane — comics, cosplay, gaming, and celebrity guests.
The Music of Joe Hisaishi: Art of the Score
2–3 Oct 2026
The legendary composer's greatest works — from Studio Ghibli to Kitano films — performed live by a full orchestra.
Greg Davies
29 Oct 2026
The Taskmaster host and stand-up comedian brings his new show to Brisbane.
QSO Presents How to Train Your Dragon
14 Nov 2026
John Powell's soaring score performed live by the Queensland Symphony Orchestra as the beloved film plays on the big screen.
Poppies BCEC · 4-minute riverside walk
Timing Your Visit
When to Arrive at Poppies
Before Your BCEC Event
Full Dinner
90 minutes before your event
A relaxed dinner with starters, mains, and a cocktail or two. Our most popular option for evening events.
Drinks & a Bite
45–60 minutes before your event
Quick share plates and a drink at the bar — perfect if you're short on time or prefer something lighter.
Full Dinner
Starters, mains & drinks
90 min
before your event
Drinks & a Bite
Bar snacks & cocktails
45-60 min
before your event
What to Order
Dinner & Cocktail Highlights
BCEC events are predominantly evening — here are our top picks from the dinner and cocktail menus to get your night started.
Starters
Sourdough & Dip
Great to share while you settle in
Salt & Pepper Calamari
Our most popular starter
Mains
White Beef Ragù Linguine
Five-hour slow-simmered beef, pecorino, linguine
Snow Crab Linguine
Garlic and chilli emulsion, Japanese master stock
Drinks
Signature Cocktails
Classic and signature cocktails enhanced with house-made syrups
Allpress Specialty Coffee
The perfect post-dinner pick-me-up
Menu items are indicative only. Our menu rotates seasonally and dishes may vary — please check the current menu or ask your server on the night.
Good to Know
Pre-Event Tips
The Walk to BCEC
From our front door on Little Stanley Street, BCEC is a 4-minute walk along the South Bank riverside path. It's a lovely walk in the evening — the Parklands are lit up, the river is on your right, and the convention centre is unmissable. We'd recommend leaving the restaurant 10 to 15 minutes before your event starts to allow time to find your entrance and get settled.
What to Order
For pre-event dinners, our share plates and mains are the way to go. The snow crab linguine and the white beef ragù linguine are both standout dinner dishes. The calamari and the sourdough with dip are great to start while you settle in. If you're after something lighter before a long conference evening, the salads and smaller plates work well. And yes, a cocktail is practically mandatory.
After Your Event
We're open until 9pm Sunday to Thursday and 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays. If your event finishes early enough, walk back to Little Stanley Street for a nightcap. Our cocktail menu runs until close, and the After Dark menu is available from 4pm daily.
Quick Tips from the Team
Book in advance: BCEC event nights can be busy across South Bank. Book online as soon as you have your event tickets to secure your preferred time.
Tell us it's pre-event: Mention it in your booking notes and we'll make sure your service is timed so you're never rushing.
Parking: The South Bank car park on Grey Street or the BCEC car park on Merivale Street are both close. Alternatively, South Bank train station is a 5-minute walk from Poppies.
Dining near BCEC · 4-minute walk
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