Noir Paddington in Brisvegas wine bars

Noir Paddington – Brisbane’s Coolest Wine Secret Hiding in Plain Sight

Address: 216 Given Terrace, Paddington QLD 4064

Phone: 0418 569 007

Website: noirpaddington.com.au

If James Bond ever traded in his martinis for a well-structured Pinot, he’d probably spend his downtime at Noir Paddington—a sleek, minimalist gem perched along the stylish slopes of Given Terrace. With its moody aesthetic, laneway seating, and gourmet nibbles, Noir is the wine bar you’d dream up if you blended European cool with Brissie chill and gave it a splash of mystery.

In true BrisVegas style, it’s a little bit luxe, a little bit cheeky, and a whole lot of “Where has this place been all my life?”

A Bar That Whispers, Not Shouts

From the street, Noir doesn’t scream for attention. It leans into that elegant, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it confidence, like the hot librarian of the wine bar world. But once you step inside, or better yet, snag a seat in their lantern-lit laneway, the vibe hits just right: intimate, stylish, and oozing understated charm.

Think black walls, natural timber, and ambient lighting that makes everyone look good (yes, even after three glasses). There’s no thumping bass or neon signage here. Instead, Noir offers soft jazz, rich reds, and that kind of low-key buzz that turns into a three-hour catch-up over six “just one more” glasses of wine.

The Wine List: Carefully Curated, Dangerously Delicious

Let’s cut to the chase—you came here to drink, and Noir delivers in spades.

Their wine list is like a Tinder profile curated by a sommelier—short, smart, and full of potential matches. Whether you’re a bubbles babe, a white wine wanderer, or a red wine romantic, you’ll find something to flirt with. The focus is on quality over quantity, with handpicked boutique drops from Australia, New Zealand, France, Italy, and the odd Spanish stunner thrown in for good measure.

Highlights from our visit included:

• 2022 Riesling from Clare Valley – crisp, dry, and zesty enough to cut through even your most indulgent cheese plate.

• 2020 Gamay from Beaujolais – juicy, light-bodied, and the ideal red for Brissie’s eternal summer.

• Tasmanian Sparkling Rosé – pink, fizzy, and dangerously drinkable. Basically, us in wine form.

The list changes regularly, so there’s always something new to try—and if you’re stuck, the staff are absolute legends at guiding you to your new favourite drop without a hint of pretension. Like your best mate with a wine diploma.

Small Plates with Big Energy

If the wine is the leading lady, the food at Noir is the scene-stealing sidekick—chic, clever, and always satisfying.

This isn’t your greasy pub fare or oversized share plates. Noir’s kitchen serves up gourmet small bites designed to be enjoyed slowly, savoured with a glass in hand, and possibly Instagrammed before the first bite.

Must-try menu items include:

• Whipped ricotta with honey, chilli oil & toasted sourdough – so creamy it could double as skincare. A flavour bomb on bread.

• Duck liver pâté with house pickles and crostini – the kind of rich indulgence that makes you feel like you own a chateau.

• Truffle fries with parmesan and aioli – simple, salty, and utterly addictive. These babies disappear faster than your last tax refund.

• Burrata with heirloom tomatoes & basil oil – creamy, tangy, and begging to be paired with a dry rosé.

There’s always a rotating special or two—we spotted a confit duck toastie that had locals quietly losing their minds—and vegetarians and gluten-free folks are well looked after, too.

The Vibe: Date Night Gold, Girls’ Night Nirvana

Noir is the sort of place where every night feels like the right night. Bring a date, and it’s romantic without trying too hard. Bring your besties, and it’s like your chicest friend’s wine-filled dinner party. Go solo? You’ll be sipping Shiraz and people-watching before you can say “just a little top-up.”

And can we talk about the laneway? Noir’s alfresco seating is pure Paddington perfection—twinkling fairy lights, cosy tables, and a warm breeze whispering through the terrace. It’s practically designed for flirty conversations and impromptu toasts to “us!”

The BrisVegas Verdict

Noir Paddington is everything we want in a wine bar: low-key luxe, effortlessly cool, and filled with delicious surprises. It’s not trying to be the biggest or the flashiest—but it might just be the best-kept secret on Brisbane’s wine scene.

So next time you’re in Paddington and looking to impress a date, treat yourself, or simply escape the madness with a glass of something divine—follow the glow down Given Terrace and let Noir cast its spell.

Because in the fabulous land of BrisVegas, a little Noir goes a long way.