SEAFOOD FESTIVAL
DINING AT RIVER QUAY
South Bank's first ever seafood festival lands at River Quay on 30 & 31 May. Poppies is right here — serving our signature handmade calamari, pan-seared barramundi, and full alfresco dining steps from the action.
Seafood Restaurant · River Quay South Bank
YOUR SEAFOOD BASE FOR THE FESTIVAL WEEKEND
We're right here at River Quay — the heart of the South Bank Seafood Festival. Come for breakfast, stay for lunch, or book a proper dinner after the evening entertainment. Our kitchen is open all day.
Handmade Calamari
Our signature dish — made fresh in-house daily. Lightly crumbed, perfectly seasoned, and one of River Quay's most-ordered plates.
Pan-Seared Barramundi
Queensland barramundi, pan-seared to order. Clean, fresh, and exactly what you want on a seafood festival weekend.
Full All-Day Menu
From morning coffee to evening cocktails — our full menu runs all day so you can eat when the festival suits you.
Alfresco River Quay Terrace
Sit outside on our riverside terrace, steps from the festival action, with views across the Brisbane River.
Our Signature Seafood
THE DISHES PEOPLE COME BACK FOR
Signature Handmade Calamari
Made fresh in-house every day. Our calamari is lightly crumbed, perfectly seasoned, and served with house-made aioli. It's been on the menu since day one because people simply won't let us take it off.
Pan-Seared Barramundi
Queensland barramundi, pan-seared to order with a crispy skin and served with seasonal sides. Clean, fresh, and exactly what a seafood festival weekend calls for.
What's On at the Festival
SOUTH BANK SEAFOOD FESTIVAL PROGRAMME
Programme subject to change. Check visitsouthbank.com.au for the latest updates.
Make the Most of It
PLAN YOUR SEAFOOD FESTIVAL DAY
Morning
Start at Poppies
Grab a coffee and breakfast on our alfresco terrace before the festival crowds arrive. We open early and the riverside is beautiful in the morning.
Midday
Festival Stalls Open
Pop-up seafood stalls, oyster shuckers, and caviar bumps kick off from 11am. Explore River Quay and the Cultural Forecourt.
Afternoon
Chef Masterclasses
Catch Matt Moran's live masterclass and the tuna cutting show by Narito Ishii. Then come back to Poppies for a proper sit-down lunch.
Evening
Dinner & Drinks
As the festival winds down, settle in for dinner on our terrace. Full cocktail bar, wine list, and our full menu until close.
Getting Here
POPPIES AT RIVER QUAY, SOUTH BANK
We're located right at River Quay in South Bank Parklands — the same precinct as the Seafood Festival. No need to walk far between the festival and your table.
Transport Options
More South Bank Guides
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Poppies is located at River Quay, South Bank — the exact precinct hosting the South Bank Seafood Festival on 30 & 31 May 2026. We're steps from the festival stalls, oyster shuckers, and the main stage, making us the perfect base for your festival weekend.
Yes — River Quay gets very busy during festival events. We strongly recommend booking in advance for both Saturday 30 May and Sunday 31 May. You can book online via OpenTable or call us directly.
Our signature handmade calamari is one of our most-loved dishes — fresh, lightly crumbed, and made in-house daily. We also serve a beautiful pan-seared barramundi alongside a rotating selection of fresh seafood specials. Our full menu is available all day from opening.
Yes. Poppies is open all day on both Saturday and Sunday of the festival weekend. Whether you want a morning coffee before the crowds, a long lunch, or a relaxed dinner after the evening entertainment, we're here.
Yes — we have a large alfresco terrace right on River Quay with views across the Brisbane River. It's the perfect spot to soak up the festival atmosphere while enjoying a meal and a drink.
The South Bank Seafood Festival is South Bank's first ever dedicated seafood event, taking place at River Quay on Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 May 2026. It features pop-up seafood stalls, oyster shuckers, waterfront bars, caviar bumps, live music, chef masterclasses (including celebrity chef Matt Moran), and a tuna cutting show by Japanese seafood specialist Narito Ishii. Entry is free.
Absolutely. Poppies is family-friendly and our alfresco terrace is a great spot for families. We have a kids' menu and plenty of non-seafood options for younger diners.
BOOK YOUR TABLE FOR SEAFOOD FESTIVAL WEEKEND
River Quay fills up fast on festival weekends. Secure your spot now.
Book NowReserve your table
Reserve Your Table
Seafood Festival weekend — 30 & 31 May 2026
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