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Creative and inspired Japanese dining experience - 1603 Bar, Brisbane City, AU-QLD

1603 Bar

4.1
4.1
21 Reviews
$40 and under
Japanese
Top Tags:
The fun starts at 1603 Bar. A contemporary speakeasy serving Japanese and local beer, wine and the classics. Cocktail lovers will enjoy sake-infused delights that will transport you to Japan.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Experiences are available.

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $40 and under
  • Cuisines
    Japanese, Asian, Creative Japanese
  • Hours of operation
    Daily 7:00 am–10:30 pm
  • Phone number
    (07) 3237 2330
  • Website
    https://www.1603bar.com/
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Location
    27-35 Turbot St, Brisbane City, AU-QLD 4000
  • Neighborhood
    Brisbane CBD
  • Parking details
    None
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

Experiences

  • 1603 High Tea

    A$89.00 per person

    Prepaid

    May 19, 2023 - Apr 14, 2024
    Introducing our brand new Zen Garden high tea., specially curated to delight your senses and transport you to a world of Japanese culinary delights, paired with a glass of sparkling on arrival. *********PLEASE NOTE THAT WE REQUIRE 24 HOURS NOTICE TO PREPARE THIS EXPERIENCE******* we are unable to accommodate any high tea bookings made without notice. We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.
    1603 High Tea Photo

What 21 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.1
4.1 based on recent ratings
  • 4.3Food
  • 4Service
  • 4.2Ambience
  • 3.9Value

Noise • Moderate

21 Reviews

  1. OpenTable Diner

    Brisbane

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We were served the high tea, which was an absolutely awesome culinary experience. Didn't expect so much variety and quantity. Beautifully served and displayed. Shame the bar is right next to the reception area, otherwise overall it is an experience well worth the money.

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  2. AdamB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Awesome place, get the high tea! Great ambiance with modern styling and impressive meal presentation. Will be back

    1603 BarResponded on November 11, 2023

    Thank you for your kind review, we hope to see you back soon!

    Is this helpful?

  3. Leee

    Brisbane

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall2food2service2ambience2
    We had the high tea experience, we were the only ones in the restaurant. The room was quite nice and had nice art on the walls, however it was very quiet and the ambiance was off. The tables and chairs were quite cramped and squished. A few items were quite bland or the flavours didn’t quite go together. Overall, I personally don’t believe it was worth the money.

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  4. KaraR

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was spectacular, varied and well presented. Service was wonderful and the team went out of their way to make us feel welcome.

    1603 BarResponded on October 5, 2023

    Hi Kara! Thank you for your visit and taking the time to review our restaurant. We are glad you enjoyed your experience at Izakaya Publico, thank you for the kind rating! We love to make our guests feel welcome! Feedback is so important and allows us to continuously develop as a business. We pride ourselves in providing excellent hospitality and have taken your feedback onboard. Regards and see you next time!

    Is this helpful?

  5. JoanP

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Really enjoyed our Zen Garden High Tea - food was plentiful, interesting and well prepared. Service was excellent. Would highly recommend as a special experience when visiting Brisbane.

    1603 BarResponded on October 5, 2023

    Hi Joan! Thank you for your visit and taking the time to review our venue. We are glad you enjoyed your experience at Bar 1603 for our high tea offering, thank you for the kind rating! Feedback is so important and allows us to continuously develop as a business. We pride ourselves in providing excellent hospitality and have taken your feedback onboard. Regards and see you next time!

    Is this helpful?

  6. BradleyK

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Work catch up , nice and central, pleasant seating and great selection of shared dishes and attentive service… will be back!

    1603 BarResponded on September 12, 2023

    Hi Bradley! Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review! Great to know you enjoyed your time here and will be returning! We've taken your feedback onboard and forwarded it to the food and beverage team. See you next time!

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  7. MaryV

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Had a great catch up with a friend here over a delicious Japanese high tea. The service was excellent and waiters very attentive. Our original table was a bit noisy with lots of people around so the waiter suggested we move tables and we were seated in a quiet cozy corner. Another time we accidentally dropped a spoon, another one appeared before us in a flash. The high tea was lovely, different from your typical high tea but definitely better in my opinion. It was presented beautifully too. A wonderful experience, thanks to the lovely staff there. Highly recommend the high tea.

    1603 BarResponded on August 22, 2023

    Hi Mary! Thank you for your visit and taking the time to review our restaurant. We are glad you enjoyed your experience at Bar 1603, especially the high tea, thank you for the kind words! Feedback is so important and allows us to continuously develop as a business. We pride ourselves in providing excellent hospitality and have taken your feedback onboard. Regards and hopefully see you next time!

    Is this helpful?

  8. Dakoda

    Exclusive

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 17, 2023

    overall3food4service1ambience5
    The food was really good and the waitstaff were really friendly but I had to ask for water, I had to ask to order a drink and I had to ask to order my dinner. I was going to order more food but I couldn't get anyones attention, so a little disappointing but the food was really good.

    1603 BarResponded on August 18, 2023

    Good evening! Thank you for your visit and taking the time to review our restaurant. We're terribly sorry that the service wasnt up to standard unfortunately. We have added some extra talent to our front of house team and would love to have you back again soon. Feedback is so important and allows us to continuously develop as a business. We pride ourselves in providing excellent hospitality and have taken your feedback onboard. Regards and hope to see you next time!

    Is this helpful?

  9. MiWe

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 12, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Nice venue with good food. Quiet but we also visited on a Monday

    1603 BarResponded on August 18, 2023

    Good evening! Thank you for your visit and taking the time to review our restaurant. We are glad you enjoyed your experience at Bar 1603! Feedback is so important and allows us to continuously develop as a business. We pride ourselves in providing excellent hospitality and have taken your feedback onboard. Regards and see you next time!

    Is this helpful?

  10. Mary

    Exclusive

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 28, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience5
    So happy with the food, service, and ambiance of the place. It was good value for money. The overall experience was amazing. Just wish I had more room in my stomach to finish everything! High tea was presented so artistically and beautifully. Our waiter was so pleasant and welcoming, a great person. The only feedback I would give was for the waiter to describe the menu and beverage provided.

    1603 BarResponded on August 18, 2023

    Hi Mary! Thank you for your visit and taking the time to review our restaurant. We are glad you enjoyed your experience at Bar 1603! Feedback is so important and allows us to continuously develop as a business. We pride ourselves in providing excellent hospitality and have taken your feedback onboard. Kindest regards and hope to see you next time!

    Is this helpful?

  11. Happy

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 28, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience5
    Had the zen high tea. We were the only patrons there so it was nice and quiet, staff were attentive. Food was reasonable.

    1603 BarResponded on August 18, 2023

    Hi! Thank you for your visit and taking the time to review our restaurant. We are glad you enjoyed your experience at Bar 1603! Feedback is so important and allows us to continuously develop as a business. We pride ourselves in providing excellent hospitality and have taken your feedback onboard. Regards and see you next time!

    Is this helpful?

  12. Jess

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We tried the Zen high tea special, which was an excellent and tasteful experience. We went on Friday midday and the place was quiet and peaceful. We had a server called Mark who was fantastic and very hospitable. I highly recommend going here, even just for a drink or a la carte.

    1603 BarResponded on August 18, 2023

    Hi Jess! Thank you for your visit and taking the time to review our restaurant. We are glad you enjoyed your experience at Bar 1603! Feedback is so important and allows us to continuously develop as a business. We pride ourselves in providing excellent hospitality and have taken your feedback onboard. Regards and see you next time!

    Is this helpful?

  13. OpenTable Diner

    Gold Coast

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We found 1603 by chance and we were not disappointed. Was extremely quiet for a Sunday night but we had the pleasure of Renon being our host and he was extremely helpful with menu recommendations as well as being extremely patient and friendly. All of the food was exceptional. The Wagyu skewers and Karage Chicken were definite winners for us. Everything was absolutely amazing, extremely fresh and tasty and every plate went back empty. The drinks were also a stand out with a mix of traditional cocktails and ones with a few twists and we found ourselves ordering more than one. We will definitely be booking again when in Brisbane next. Can’t wait to come back and see and feel the atmosphere when it is busy, a true hidden gem.

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  14. PODxx

    Brisbane

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 25, 2023

    overall2food3service2ambience3
    While the food and drinks were fine, the staff seemed inexperienced and overwhelmed. We had to constantly push them to get service or even menus, items came very slowly and sometimes were forgotten.

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  15. Mkim

    Brisbane

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 14, 2023

    overall1food2service1ambience1
    😐 did not get attended to for ages… took like 30mins for a coke no sugar.. then waited another 5 mins for the straw. Food was meh definitely not worth the price tho

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  16. OpenTable Diner

    Brisbane

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My husband and I had a date night booked at 1603. The bar was beautiful and the food was amazing, but the service was the true stand out. We had a lovely lady named ‘G’ and she was phenomenal. She made beautiful cocktails and really went above and beyond. Thank you to G for making our night so special. Emma & Elliott

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  17. AKJ13

    London

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 27, 2022

    overall3food3service2ambience4
    Food was delicious but was luke warm. Wine choice was not the same year as on the menu and we were told nothing was different.

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  18. Petra

    Gold Coast

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 6, 2022

    overall3food3service4ambience3
    Staff was great but food is expensive for how small the portions are.

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  19. Maddie

    Tropical QLD

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 2, 2022

    overall1food1service1ambience2
    Sat us at a tiny table against the register when all other tables were available. I booked a week in advance and got the worst table in the restaurant. Waited 35 minutes for mediocre cocktail. 45 minutes until our skewers arrived COLD and chewy. Had to ask for water. Still waiting on rest of the food an hour in. Sandwich came on what looked like stale wonder white bread with crusts cut off. All our sides weren’t even out by the time we finished so cancelled the rest order and ended up getting McDonald’s for dinner. This was booked as a celebratory date night and safe to say it was the worst dining experience we have ever had. So disappointed, will never go back.

    1603 BarResponded on December 23, 2022

    Hi Maddie, thank you for your feedback. We’re very sorry to hear about your experience. This does not reflect the standard of service that our customers deserve. Please contact me on so that I can personally make this up to you. (07) 3237 2330. Thank you, Sinead

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  20. Emilly

    Gold Coast

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 18, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    The food was incredible, the dining area is so aesthetically pleasing, diverse drinks menu, lovely customer service. Definitely would recommend to others and definitely will be coming back!

    1603 BarResponded on December 23, 2022

    Hi Emily, Thank you for taking a moment to share your experience at Bar 1603. We are so pleased to hear you found our bar to your liking. We look forward to welcoming you back again soon.

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  21. Mark

    New York Area

    1 review

    vip
    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 18, 2022

    overall2food1service2ambience4
    A few teething problems. Pork belly undercooked. Wagyu overcooked. Tempura too thick. Food did not come out as expected. Nice wines. Need a nice dessert wine.

    1603 BarResponded on December 23, 2022

    Hi Mark, thank you for taking the time to come visit us and leave a review. We apologize that the food did not meet your expectations. We pride ourselves in delivery quality food and we hope you will give us another chance to prove ourselves. Please contact Sinead on (07) 3237 2330 to discuss your experience further.

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FAQs

1603 Bar is rated 4.1 stars by 21 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Experiences are available.
Google Map for 1603 Bar

27-35 Turbot St, Brisbane City, AU-QLD 4000

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Neighborhood
    Brisbane CBD
  • Hours of operation
    Daily 7:00 am–10:30 pm
  • Price
    $40 and under
  • Cuisines
    Japanese, Asian, Creative Japanese
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    None
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

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