Clontarf might be a smaller pocket of the Redcliffe peninsula, but it’s flanked by some genuinely excellent eating in Margate and Woody Point, both just a few minutes’ drive away. Between low-and-slow barbecue, waterfront pubs and a waffle spot locals can’t stop raving about, this stretch of the bay punches well above its weight.
We’ve pulled together six of the best restaurants in and around Clontarf, keeping it tight to the closest, most established options with strong ratings. As always, this isn’t a definitive ranking, just a solid list based on what locals keep coming back for.
1. Smokin Butts & Racks
⭐ 4.4/5 (242 Google reviews)
A genuine Clontarf local, this low-and-slow barbecue joint has built a strong reputation well beyond the suburb — reviewers mention driving in from as far as Morayfield for a feed. Expect house-made rubs and sauces on melt-in-your-mouth brisket and pulled pork, served in a relaxed outdoor setting.
Try: Brisket Burger, Smoked Brisket Loaded Fries, Hawaiian Chicken Burger, Meat Taster
📍 Address: 45 Snook St, Clontarf QLD 4019
Price guide: $20–40 per person · smokinbuttsandracks.com.au
2. Baywok Multi Asian Restaurant Clontarf
⭐ 4.5/5 (90 Google reviews)
Don’t let the modest shopfront fool you — this Clontarf local has built a loyal following on a genuinely huge menu and generous, reasonably priced serves. Reviewers consistently say the food outperforms the simple exterior, with the Chinese BBQ pork ribs and honey chicken regularly singled out.
Try: Chinese BBQ Pork Ribs, Bay Wok Special Fried Rice, Honey King Prawns, Combination Chow Mein
📍 Address: Shop 2/150 Maine Rd, Clontarf QLD 4019
Price guide: $1–40 per person · (07) 3825 6688
3. Waffle Crush (Margate)
⭐ 4.8/5 (112 Google reviews)
The highest-rated spot on this list, and a short drive into Margate confirms why — this dessert bar has built a devoted following on generous, beautifully presented waffles and genuinely warm service. Reviewers consistently praise the value and the passion the owner puts into the food.
Try: Dubai Pistachio Waffle, Lotus Custard Dream Sundae, Nutella Dream Waffle, Banana Butterscotch Waffle
📍 Address: Shop 2/122 Victoria Ave, Margate QLD 4019
Price guide: Dessert-focused menu · wafflecrushonline.com.au or 0468 304 502
4. Butcher Baker Coffeemaker (Woody Point)
⭐ 4.6/5 (511 Google reviews)
An established Woody Point favourite since 2017, with a big enough reputation to draw a steady stream of reviews years on. Expect a genuinely well-run all-day breakfast and lunch cafe, with reviewers praising the quick service even during busy periods, plus solid gluten-free options.
Try: Eggs Benny, The Brekkie Burger, Avo on Sourdough, Le Petit Benedict
📍 Address: 40 Oxley Ave, Woody Point QLD 4019
Price guide: $20–40 per person · Bookings via butcherbakercoffeemaker.com.au or 0467 718 435
5. Rib Witch (Margate)
⭐ 4.4/5 (125 Google reviews)
A takeaway specialist that’s built an outsized reputation for its ribs, with reviewers repeatedly calling them some of the best they’ve had anywhere. The owner gets a specific mention for being genuinely passionate and personable, which shows in the consistency reviewers describe visit after visit.
Try: Zeus Rack Pork Ribs, Beef Rib, Chicken Yiros, Cow Candy and Fries
📍 Address: Unit 2/295 Oxley Ave, Margate QLD 4019
Price guide: $20–40 per person · Bookings via ribwitch.bitebusiness.com or (07) 3419 8300
6. The Belvedere (Woody Point)
⭐ 4.1/5 (5,834 Google reviews)
A genuine Redcliffe peninsula institution, standing on the Woody Point waterfront since 1901. With multiple dining decks over the bay, a big beer garden and a menu covering everything from oysters to pork knuckle, it’s the go-to for a group outing or a sunset feed with a view — reviews consistently praise the atmosphere and setting as much as the food.
Try: Waterfront Platter, German Pork Knuckle, Fresh Oysters, Chicken Parmigiana
📍 Address: Cnr Oxley Ave, Woody Point QLD 4019
Price guide: $20–40 per person · (07) 3284 2245
That’s our pick of six standout spots in and around Clontarf — from a low-key backyard barbecue joint to a waterfront institution that’s fed the peninsula since 1901. Got a favourite we’ve missed? Let us know in the comments, or drop us a line — we’re always keen to hear where locals are eating.
Ratings and review counts current as of September 2026.
