Finding a Good Restaurant Name in Brisbane

Finding a name for a new restaurant isn’t easy – the pressure to come up with a killer tag is huge, and a particular name could make you – or break you (see: The Golden Shower in Tanzania, Big Wong in New York and Pu Pu Hot Pot in Massachusetts for examples). That’s probably why, when restaurateurs are choosing names for their establishments, they seem to go for a few main (and safe) categories: the groan-worthy puntastic, some sort of inane food reference, or an iconic motif. While we were having a gander at a few of our favourite places to eat in Bris-vegas, we noticed that they all had something in common: they’ve gone with an iconic motif in their names. Let’s investigate further…

The Italian Moustache Gene: Dominant

Vespa Pizza New Farm – 617 Stanley Street Brisbane Queensland

Ah the Vespa, synonymous with hilarious accents, even more hilarious moustaches, Aviator glasses and anything else vaguely related to Italian culture. Just imagine; zipping around Rome, taking in the ancient architecture, avoiding pickpockets, sipping on overpriced coffee and complaining about the lack of Hawaiian Pizza on the menu. Thankfully Italian food isn’t restricted to Italy! The guys at Vespa Pizza in New Farm have breathed new life into a culinary art form with some daring original creations. Try the Streaky Bacon with Red Currant and Camembert Pizza, the Pesto Chicken with Camembert Calzone, or the Cinnamon Roast Butternut Pumpkin with Dried Chilli, Sage and Feta. With such original pizza combinations, it’s no surprise this gourmet wood-fired pizza place is always hopping.

OMG I look so AWESOME!! The 3rd world is sweet!

Taj Mahal- 722 Brunswick Street New Farm Queensland

If you look at anyone’s travel photos of India, in amongst the blurry Instagram close-ups of soggy Naan Bread and ‘casual’ Blue Steels shot next to the Ganges, you’re bound to come across the Taj Mahal. Taj Mahal restaurant in New Farm has been the Indian cricket team’s restaurant of choice since 2004. What makes it so good? How much inside information on the state of the pitch time have you got? Taj Mahal serves up all your favourite Indian dishes like Butter Chicken, Beef Vindaloo, Samosas, and Garlic Naan. But if you’re looking for something a little different, try one of the chef’s specials like Murgh Labab – chicken pieces partially boiled in Tandoor and finished with a creamy mix of ginger, garlic, coriander and tomatoes. Yum!

Rice Paddy – 5/554 South Pine Road Everton Park Queensland

Rice Paddy conjures up vivid images of green rice fields tended by workers with conical rice hats. While there are no rice fields in downtown Bris-vegas (Yet….Ed.), with its quality ingredients and generous servings, Rice Paddy is one of our go-to places for Thai in Brizzy. Get into the Stir-Fried Duck with mixed veggies in sesame sauce, Tamarind King Prawns, crispy tofu with peanut chilli sauce, or if you want to test your metal, order the “Crying Aussie” (aka Thai beef salad). The food is fragrantly spicy and authentic. You won’t be disappointed.

What are the best or worst restaurant names that you’ve ever come across? If you were starting up a restaurant, what would you call it? The best comments get a virtual high-five and a smug feeling of self-satisfaction!