Ask TFG: Where can I get lunch in the city?
Forget sad desk lunches, and get out and about to these great restaurants. Eat well for less this afternoon.
Updated on 2 March 2022
Photography: Morgan Smith
By popular request, we’ve rounded up local lunch specials for you city workers! Whether you’re looking for something cheap and quick or a little more client-friendly, there are delicious options for all. Forget sad desk lunches, and get out and about to these great restaurants.
Of course there are plenty of lunch options around town (see our directory for ideas), but these venues offer a special deal during the week for hungry CBD workers. They — like us — have got your back.
Chimac
This Korean fried chicken joint has a great lunch menu, offering chicken, noodles, dumplings and more. Their lunch specials go for $14.90 and can get you either a chicken mayo rice bowl, or a plate of Korean fried chicken and chips. Obviously we’d say you should wash that down with a cold Korean beer, but we’ll leave that to your best judgment. There’s plenty of seating available, so you can bring the team.
—
Sofra Turkish Cuisine
The atmosphere here – from the décor to the colourful entertainment to the wine list – transports you out of Toowoomba’s CBD and into all the charm of Turkey’s shoreline. They’ve regularly got lunch specials served up from 11.30am, which are a great chance to try something you may never have before, such as bildircin - that’s marinated quail, cooked over the char grill. Make sure to book ahead, as this venue fills up fast (and for good reason)!
—
Muller Bros
Opening early weekday mornings as a café, and keeping the drinks flowing well and truly into the night, Muller Bros is bustling whenever you happen to visit. They’re famous for their Brazillian BBQ experience (two hours of juicy sliced meats until it’s time to unbutton your jeans), and also offer the same experience in a neat takeaway box, making for the perfect grab and go work lunch. Choose from tender beef, succulent pork, or juicy chicken, and enjoy alongside hot chips and coleslaw for $14. The carnivore’s delight is available Monday to Friday, from 12.00pm to 2.00pm.
—
Encores
Encores does a fixed price lunch menu — $30/person including a glass of wine. Expect high-quality dishes like barramundi or beef fillet. It’s the perfect setting for a business lunch or something a bit more leisurely with the girls.
—
vapiano
With beautiful long oak tables, this relaxed restaurant may become the new office team favourite. They offer a $15 lunch special of a pizza or pasta including a soft drink. Think pasta bolognese or classic cheese pizzas.
—
kajoku
As well as the well-loved Korean BBQ, look out for the weekday lunch specials at this buzzy Korean restaurant, including Korean fried chicken and Japanese curry. The menu is ever-evolving and always delicious. Expect to walk away very full. Takeaway is also an option if you can’t get a table.
—
George Banks
George Banks has a range of $15 lunches, from a pan-seared prawn pasta to a cajun chicken salad. Pull up a seat and admire the views over the city as you catch that perfect Toowoomba breeze. No bookings required; cocktails totally optional (but recommended).
—
The Cube Hotel
Known for their stone-grill dining experience, this downtown steak house serves their famous lunch rump for just $22 atop the piping hot volanic stone. They also offer tavern favourites such as a $16 chicken schnitzel and chips, and $18 parmigiana and chips. And if you’ve got a concession card, you’re in luck – you can score a filling lunch for just $9.99.
—
Jillys Cafe
If you’re after a light lunch and coffee, this homey venue does just that, and does it well. Jilly serves burgers, salads, and loaded sandwiches, as well as rotating all-day specials, such as their ‘green eggs and ham’ (pesto scrambled eggs and spinach on a toasted bagel).
—
Hello Harry
Is there anything better than delicious burgers and cold, craft beer? No, you're right. There isn't. And for $18, you’ll get their Get Clucked fried chicken and coleslaw burger, small chips, and a can of soft drink. Dine-in and unwind in the vibrant venue, or take back to the office to your coworkers’ envy.
—
Zambrero
Also located in Walton Stores, Zambrero is a casual Mexican influenced joint. Bring a friend and enjoy two classic burritos (usually $14.90) or bowls for just $22. You can also keep an eye out for their Happy Hour sessions, where beers are $5 and margaritas are $14. If you still needed a reason to swing by ASAP, they donate a meal to someone in need for each one purchased in stores.
—
Ice ‘n’ Spice
Located in Bell Street Mall, this licensed Indian restaurant offers freshly prepared and authentic cuisine that’s perfect for work lunches or catching up with a group of friends. For lunch, you can grab a delicious serve of curry, rice and garlic naan for $14.99 dine-in, or $12.99 takeaway.
Have we missed your favourite? Let us know!
