In case you missed it, Queensland Museum is currently bringing the splendours of Ancient Egypt to life with the Discovering Ancient Egypt exhibit, running until 17 August 2025. Featuring incredible artefacts from the Dutch National Museum of Antiquities, this immersive exhibit invites you to explore everything from intricate sculptures and sacred ceremonial artefacts to ornate jewellery and treasured artwork. And, because no journey through ancient times is complete without a feast, here are the best nearby spots to keep the experience rolling with drool-worthy eats.
Baba Ganouj After exploring the magic of Ancient Egypt, add a Middle Eastern twist to your day with Baba Ganouj’s $25 lunch special, available Wednesday to Friday from 11 am to 3 pm. Chef Sayed serves up Lebanon’s finest flavours with dishes like savoury kebabs and aromatic rice, making it an adventure that complements your exhibit visit perfectly. Just add a drink purchase, and you're all set to savour the rich, aromatic spices of the region.
OTTO Osteria Take your Ancient Egypt experience into Italian territory at OTTO Osteria, where their Pasta Club is like a tour through Italy’s best dishes. For $45pp, you can indulge in two variations of house-made pasta paired with a glass of vino and finish off with a tiramisù cannoli. It’s a fitting follow-up to an afternoon in the museum, offering a taste of la dolce vita just a stone's throw from ancient artefacts.
Poca Madre After delving into Egyptian treasures, treat yourself to some Mexican wonders at Poca Madre, South Bank’s pink desert-inspired oasis. Dine on standout dishes like prawn tostada with Tequila Mary Rose sauce, avocado, and salsa on a crispy tostada—a fresh bite that contrasts the earthy, ancient tones of the exhibit. If you’re in the mood for a drink, they’ve got an impressive selection of agave spirits sourced from Mexico’s top distilleries, perfect for a celebratory sip.
Ma Pa Me For a bottomless banquet experience that’ll rival the banquet halls of ancient Egypt, Ma Pa Me’s $85pp Bottomless Weekends Banquet is just the ticket. Dive into an endless selection of Southeast Asian favourites like kingfish sashimi, coconut chicken salad, and prawn stir-fry, complete with bottomless margaritas and martinis. It’s a feast fit for royalty and the ultimate post-exhibit indulgence.
Tai Tai After wandering through the captivating worlds of pharaohs and pyramids, take a detour into Cantonese flavours at Tai Tai, just a short walk from Queensland Museum. Their pork belly bao and crispy sweet and sour barramundi will keep the cultural adventure going, and don’t miss the deep-fried ice cream for a modern twist on a classic.
Smokehouse For a BBQ experience as grand as a royal feast, head to Smokehouse for flame-grilled, South African-inspired goodness. Go big with their signature ribs or a Tuesday Tomahawk steak paired with creamy mash, charred broccolini, or rosemary potatoes for $89. It’s a hearty way to end your day after exploring the mystery of Ancient Egypt.
