A great book shop for a browse and a coffee. I came here to kill time while my car was at the mechanic down the street, and Mary Ryan's provides a really nice browsing experience - it's well laid out, easy to find different sections, and there are a number of comfortable couches so you can just sit with a pile of books for a while. You can do this in the cafe too, but only with already purchased items. They sell a range of beautiful gift items and stationery too, which I think makes the shop an even more attractive place to walk through. And if you check in on Facebook and show them your phone you will receive a 10% discount in the bookshop and cafe. The staff are friendly and professional and - even more importantly from my point of view - not constantly hassling you to ask if you need a hand, since often I just love to browse and am not looking for anything in particular. (There is now an Australia Post outlet in the back corner too which is handy for the Milton business centre after the old one flooded.)

This is one of my favourite Thai restaurants anywhere, and I wish I still lived in Melbourne so I could come here often. I probably ate here half a dozen times and it was always a great experience. I particularly remember the red duck curry with lychees, and my partner once had a beautiful piece of salmon cooked with Thai herbs which came with a wonderful green apple and cashew salad - flavours I don't usually associate with Thai food but the combination was just incredible! Nice dining atmosphere too. They do take away, but why would you want to eat it at home when you can eat here? Very reasonably priced considering the quality. A gem of a restaurant in the inner suburbs.

Approximate cost: $15-25

I went here for tapas and some drinks last week and it was great! Dim lighting, relaxed but upmarket atmosphere, with both couches and a dining area. The food was wonderful, and they clearly put a lot of thought into their menu. You can even see the different types of Spanish ham in the display window next to the counter, all coming from different regions of Spain and cured by their own authentically different methods. It's not cheap (two drinks and 3 tapas to share was almost $60), but it is good. And if you love your wine - and I mean LOVE your wine - then this is the place for you! There is a 45 page wine list! Don't worry, there's an index. I'm not sure I could afford to come here often but this is a great addition to the eating spots in the Valley.

Approximate cost: $Tapas from $3-25

Great brunch spot in West End, although it can be busy on the weekends and service was quite slow last time I went. A group of six of us all ordered at the same time but the food was brought out one thing at a time, so a couple of people had completely finished theirs when the food was arriving for the last person, and coffee arrived long after food. But the quality makes up for this and service is usually better during the week. Definitely try the orange and date damper, served warm with butter and honey - it's amazing!

Approximate cost: $8-15

This is a lovely gallery in the heart of Brisbane, and a nice place to go for a coffee and take a look at some work by local artists. The exhibitions change frequently and some are more to my tastes than others, but I've seen some interesting art here. It's also not bad as a function space if you want to hold fundraisers or social events here - the combination of outdoor patio, gallery space, and couches lends itself well to groups of 50-100. Both cafe and gallery are open during the day on weekdays, and some evenings and weekends depending on exhibitions or private function bookings. The cafe stocks fair trade products, and delicious locally-made cakes and slices too.

When I worked around the corner from the Baroona Rd shops this was my favourite lunch spot, even though it can get a bit busy and congested inside. They do amazing salads and toasted focaccias, and the few times I tried something ready-made from the display cabinet it was delicious. And while you're waiting for your sandwich to be made you can browse the other side of the store for tasty gourmet food items to add to your pantry. There's a cheese section too, and when I was looking for a good fondue cheese the woman serving me was happy to cut me small samples of different things to help me decide, and was also knowledgeable and very friendly. It might take ten minutes to get a sandwich at peak times, but apart from that it's great service.

This is probably my favourite foodie shop in all of Brisbane. Every time I come in here I discover something intriguing and delicious. A huge range of products for a small deli, and all of it great quality. Cheeses, dips, desserts, icecream, meals, chocolate, sauces and dressings and oils... the list could go on a while! I often pop in here if I'm looking for a present for someone too - they also sell a few homeware type things in addition to all the mouth-watering delights. A great place to go for inspiration if you haven't decided what to make for dinner yet.

I bought a six-class pass for ASM and attended their Friday morning beginners session for the duration of the pass. The venue is quite pleasant and the staff somewhat welcoming, although I didn't feel they personalised the experience much - in a small class of only about 10 people, the teacher didn't make much effort to connect with students, remember anyone's name etc. (I have since found a class elsewhere where the teacher makes a point of personally introducing himself to everyone, remembering names, making you feel really comfortable and wanting to come back.) However the structure of the class was well-paced for beginners and the teacher would come around to each person to help you if needed. But I think I also just prefer my yoga to be a little less... hippie. And if you're not a big fan of kirtan (chanting), this may not be the class for you.

I really love visiting this cute little bookshop, up the far end of Paddington near the antique centre. It's housed in a gorgeous white traditional Queensland cottage, and downstairs there's a cafe enveloped by luscious greenery, with an indoor area with couches and an outdoor deck as well. The shop itself is quiet and well-spaced, which is perfect for an enjoyable browsing experience. The staff have always been nothing but friendly and helpful. I even went here on a date once - a nice change from all the usual first date spots in Brisbane! Worth a visit next time you want a leisurely browse and a coffee all in one.

I went here for dinner a few weeks ago and it was a lovely evening. It's a popular spot, so plan to book ahead if you have a group (even a small one), especially on a Friday or Saturday night. The prices were fairly standard for the type of place I thought, but it's not a "cheap eat". However the quality of the food is worth it - I had the kofta and the pide with sweet chilli and feta butter, and both were excellent. Mmmmmm... pide... :-) Service was pretty good for a busy evening. I'll definitely be back and may check it out on a Tuesday sometime when they have a 3 course banquet special for $30 per head for a minimum of 4 people (it's usually $39.50).

Approximate cost: $20-35