A stylish new rooftop escape combining city views, innovative drinks, and that signature Ovolo flair.
The Brisbane Travel Guide acknowledges the Turrbal and Yuggera people, the Traditional Custodians of the land on which Above Rooftop Bar is situated. We pay our respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging, and recognise their continued spiritual and cultural connections to Country. Always was, always will be, Aboriginal land.
Brisbane’s rooftop scene has a new addition with the opening of Above Rooftop Bar, perched on top of Ovolo The Valley.
The rooftop offers a pleasant spot for a drink, with relaxed lounge seating, soft lighting, and city views that make it an easy place to unwind. It’s a good option for hotel guests or anyone looking for a quiet drink above the buzz of Fortitude Valley.
With a simple menu of cocktails and light bites, Above fits neatly into Ovolo’s laid-back style — comfortable, casual, and ideal for a pre-dinner drink or an evening catch-up.
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The Vibe
Tucked neatly above Ovolo The Valley, Above Rooftop Bar is a compact, relaxed space that gives hotel guests and locals a pleasant spot for a casual drink with a view.
The rooftop is small, but well designed. BSPN Architects have made clever use of the space, drawing inspiration from the rooftop bars of Beirut and the Levantine coastline. The result is a clean, modern look with tiled finishes, greenery, and soft lighting that make it feel intimate rather than cramped.
By day, it’s a nice place to unwind with a drink by the pool or enjoy a snack in the sun, and by night, the lights of Fortitude Valley add a touch of atmosphere.
The venue features live entertainment four nights a week, with a mix of laid-back, Ibiza-style house music that fits the setting without overpowering it.
While it’s not a large or particularly flashy rooftop, Above delivers what most visitors will be looking for — an easygoing, comfortable space for pre-dinner drinks or a relaxed evening overlooking the city.
The Chef
Behind the new rooftop offering is a powerhouse pairing — celebrated chef Justin North and Ovolo The Valley’s own head chef Kya Knights — bringing together a blend of experience, creativity, and a shared passion for relaxed, flavour-driven dining.
Justin North is one of Australia’s most respected culinary names, known for redefining modern Australian cuisine through his Sydney restaurant Becasse and later leading innovative concepts across the Ovolo Hotels group.
Working alongside him is Kya Knights, who leads the kitchen at Ovolo The Valley and has become known for her creative flair and deep understanding of the hotel’s playful yet polished dining ethos. Together, they’ve shaped the rooftop menu and experience at Above to reflect Brisbane’s easy-going, evolving food scene.
While North brings his national profile and visionary edge, Knights grounds the menu in local energy and authenticity. The result is a collaboration that feels distinctly Brisbane — thoughtful, vibrant, and full of personality.
The Menu
The menu at Above Rooftop Bar feels like an extension of Brisbane itself — relaxed, social, and designed for sharing. The dishes celebrate fresh Australian produce with a Mediterranean twist, perfectly suited to long afternoons and easy evenings.
Expect vibrant small plates and grazing-style dishes — the kind you can mix, match, and share between friends. Think bright flavours, silky dips with warm pita, and light, seafood bites balanced by colourful salads and vegetable creations.
Whether you’re dropping by for a casual drink and a few bites or settling in for a longer evening, the menu delivers the kind of variety and lightness that makes lingering not just possible, but inevitable.
In true Ovolo style, there’s an emphasis on flavour and fun — modern dishes that look as good as they taste and strike that sweet spot between refined and approachable.
The Drinks
Curated by award-winning mixologist Jake Down, the cocktail menu at Above Rooftop Bar brings together Middle Eastern inspiration and native Australian ingredients to create something fresh, unexpected, and beautifully balanced.
The result is a line-up of vibrant, flavour-forward cocktails infused with touches of desert lime, lemon myrtle, and pistachio — ingredients that nod to both the Australian landscape and the Levantine influences that shape the rooftop’s aesthetic.
Standouts include a signature passionfruit, rose water and desert-lime soda, and a series of playful rooftop slushies that feel tailor-made for Brisbane’s endless summer afternoons.
True to Ovolo’s playful yet sophisticated spirit, presentation matters — but never at the expense of flavour. Each cocktail is as photogenic as it is drinkable, served with the kind of care and creativity that make you want to try “just one more.”
For those who prefer to keep things classic, the list also features a strong selection of wines, beers, and premium spirits.
Bookings
Above Rooftop is open Wednesdays and Thursdays from 3 pm to 8 pm, Fridays and Saturdays from 1 pm to late and Sundays from 1 pm to 7 pm.
While bookings are not essential during the week, for weekend evenings or special events, it’s recommended to reserve in advance.
Bookings can be made online here or call 3253 6999.
Enjoy Above Rooftop Bar at Ovolo
Above Rooftop Bar at Ovolo The Valley is a pleasant addition to Brisbane’s rooftop scene — a small, neatly designed space that suits the relaxed, playful style Ovolo is known for.
The new rooftop bar offers a comfortable and easy-going spot for a drink, especially for hotel guests looking to unwind without leaving the property.
With its friendly service, mellow atmosphere, and soft city views, Above delivers a laid-back experience that fits well within the Fortitude Valley vibe.
If you’re looking for more great places to explore in Brisbane, why not check out some of our other reviews, such as the Agnes, Vertigo or the Doo Wop Bar.
I’d also recommend you join our free Queensland and Brisbane Travel Guide Facebook community, where you can ask questions and find even more great tips on things to do in and around Brisbane.