When Brisbane stepped onto the world stage during Expo 88, it wasn’t just the South Bank that was transformed. Tucked away in Milton, another revolution was quietly underway — one that would change the way the city dined, celebrated, and connected. That place was Savoir Faire.
Conceived in 1988 by interior designer and developer James Wharton of James Denny Interiors, and brought to life with architectural flair by Roger Parkin, Savoir Faire was Brisbane’s first true taste of European street life. Outdoor dining wasn’t common at the time, and al fresco culture in the subtropics was still considered a novelty. But Wharton and Parkin believed that Brisbane was ready to think—and eat—differently.
The vision was bold. Brick paving was laid with care. Palm trees were shipped in from Port Douglas. Fashion outlets opened alongside restaurants. The area was designed to not just host businesses but create a mood—one of leisure, conversation, and community. It was an early expression of placemaking, before the term became urban planning jargon.
At the centre of it all stood the now-iconic Eiffel Tower replica, fabricated in a shipyard and transported to Milton. The idea, dreamed up by Wharton, wasn’t simply decorative. It anchored the precinct visually and culturally, a beacon for a European way of life and a statement that Brisbane could be both relaxed and refined.
From there, the precinct became a hub of cultural celebration. Over the years, Savoir Faire hosted rollicking French festivals with poodle strutting competitions and can-can dancers, as well as the first truly multi-cultural community events including Queensland Week. It wasn’t just about food and fashion—it was about turning Milton into a meeting place for the city’s evolving identity.
Dining institutions like La Dolce Vita brought Italian energy to the strip, joining a mix of eateries that represented the diverse cultures shaping Brisbane’s story. There were no cafés of note west of the CBD at the time. Savoir Faire helped turn Milton into an extension of the city centre, linking the inner city to the western suburbs and giving Brisbane locals a new kind of public realm—open-air, welcoming, and walkable.
Architect Roger Parkin recalls that the precinct wasn’t simply a place to go; it was a place that dared to be different. Parkin even designed a dome-shaped nightclub, inspired by Miami Vice, that became a memorable part of Brisbane’s nightlife scene for a time.
Over the decades, Savoir Faire has quietly continued to evolve. While competition for the city’s social crowd has grown—with hotspots like James Street, Fish Lane, and Howard Smith Wharves—Savoir Faire remains the original. A place that introduced Brisbane to outdoor dining, set a new standard for lifestyle-focused development, and helped reframe what city life in Queensland’s capital could look and feel like – representing a cultural shift, dressed in red brick, palm trees, and Parisian charm.
This year, during Brisbane Open House, visitors have a unique opportunity to explore Savoir Faire and the neighbouring PIP Theatre. On Sunday 20 July, visitors can enjoy a very special day with
· Guided Tours: Led by architect Rodger Parkin, delve into the design elements that make Savoir Faire a standout development.
· Live Performances: Enjoy roving performances and live music that capture the precinct’s vibrant atmosphere.
· Family Activities: Engage in face painting and other activities suitable for all ages.
· Culinary Delights: Sample locally sourced food and Australian wines, celebrating the diverse flavours that Savoir Faire has to offer.
· Actor Q&A Sessions: Gain insights into the world of theatre with interactive sessions featuring PIP Theatre’s talented performers.