Restaurants Near
Brisbane Convention Centre
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 Centre
(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 calendarConference & Corporate
Dinner Before a Conference at Brisbane Convention Centre
Conference delegates are some of our most regular guests. Whether you're arriving the night before, breaking between sessions, or wrapping up a full day at the Brisbane Convention Centre — Poppies is the most convenient full-service restaurant in the precinct.
We're open from 6:15am on weekdays, which means we're the obvious choice for early breakfast meetings before a conference day kicks off. For working lunches, we can seat groups and time your meal around your schedule. And for post-conference dinners, the cocktail list and share plates are a well-earned way to close out the day.
Book for Your ConferenceBreakfast Meetings
Open from 6:15am weekdays. Full breakfast menu, coffee, and private-ish corner tables — ideal before a conference day starts.
Working Lunches
Seated groups welcome. We'll time your service around your afternoon sessions so you're back on the floor when you need to be.
Post-Conference Dinners
The best part of a long conference day. Share plates, cocktails, and a proper dinner 4 minutes from the main entrance.
Group Bookings
Organising dinner for a conference group? We can accommodate groups and tailor the experience. Email us to discuss.
Concerts, Comedy & Events
What's On at Brisbane Convention Centre
Magic Spotlight: The Hobbit™
28–31 Aug 2026
A special-event experience at BCEC across the final weekend of August.
One Fine Baby Expo 2026
29–31 Aug 2026
A three-day family and parenting expo at Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre.
The Home Show 2026
11–13 Sep 2026
A major home, renovation and lifestyle expo at BCEC.
Bill Bailey
18–19 Sep 2026
The British comedian, musician and actor brings his new live show to Brisbane.
Good Food & Wine Show 2026
23–25 Oct 2026
A major food and wine event returning to BCEC in late October.
Oz Comic-Con Brisbane
19–20 Sep 2026
A major pop-culture weekend at BCEC for fans, families and collectors.
Food & Hospitality QLD
12–13 Oct 2026
Queensland's hospitality and food-service trade event comes to BCEC in October.
Love Actually in Concert
14 Dec 2026
The festive film returns to the big screen with a live orchestra at BCEC.
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
BOOK YOUR TABLE
Mention your event time in the booking notes and we’ll take care of the timing.
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Reserve your table before your BCEC event
Mention your event time in the booking notes and we'll take care of the timing.
Book a TableAlso heading to QPAC?
See our QPAC Dining Guide — with tonight's show, timing tips, and pre-show menus.
Heading to the footy?
See our NRL & AFL Game Day Guide — with upcoming fixtures, arrival times, and pre-game dining tips.
South Bank Parking Guide
Where to park near the BCEC and South Bank — closest car parks, live availability, and tips.
Planning a gallery day?
See our GOMA Dining Guide for brunch, lunch and the walk from QAGOMA.
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