New restaurants will make Ipswich residents very happy
Published on 24 September 2025
When Harry meets Vapi, there promises to be an exciting food experience for Ipswich residents.
Burger chain Hello Harry The Burger Joint and Italian pizza-pasta restaurant Vapiano have opened their doors in the Nicholas Street Precinct.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the fast-food fusion would excite the taste buds of an expectant community and add to the expanding culinary offerings in the city centre.
“More businesses are choosing the Nicholas Street Precinct, which is testament to both the popularity of the precinct itself and council’s commitment in transforming the heart of Ipswich,” Mayor Harding said.
“The Nicholas Street Precinct is now a strong drawcard for residents and visitors alike, with an impressive range of food, service and retail options. Visitors to the precinct have increased by 190 per cent compared to this time last year.
“Vapiano’s menu of pizzas, pastas and salads also offers dine-in, takeaway, functions, lunch specials, student discounts and happy hours. They are all about providing that classic Italian taste for everyone.
“Hello Harry, with its made-to-order burgers, wraps and tacos, will provide residents and visitors yet another great food option in the heart of our city.”
Economic and Cultural Development Committee Chairperson Councillor Pye Augustine said with Hello Harry and Vapiano joining the fold, nearly all of the council-owned retail spaces in the Nicholas Street Precinct have now been leased.
“It is great to see this $311 million dollar development take another step towards completion. It has already become an important piece of our city’s centre. We are more than 90 per cent full now,” Cr Augustine said.
“The Nicholas Street Precinct is cementing itself as a hub of economic, cultural and social activity in Ipswich – with Hello Harry and Vapiano now serving their quality food this is yet another vote of confidence in the ongoing success of the precinct.”
Division 3 Councillor Andrew Antoniolli said Hello Harry is located in Tulmur Walk, while Vapiano opened its doors in the Venue Building, located just to the right of miniBOUNCE.
“Hello Harry and Vapiano join an impressive list of dining options in the Nicholas Street Precinct with Kickin’ Inn, Bun Bun Bao, Hotel Commonwealth, That Dumpling Place, Sushi Hyo and Zambrero all enjoying significant patronage,” Cr Antoniolli said.
“The Nicholas Street Precinct continues to grow in popularity – you only have to swing by on Friday nights and at weekends to see a thriving dining and entertainment area.”
Division 3 Councillor Marnie Doyle said Hello Harry and Vapiano would be further attractions for visitors to Ipswich central alongside the likes of anchor tenants HOYTS and General Public.
“We are seeing more people than ever before coming into Nicholas Street and the nighttime economy continues to grow as the Ipswich community throws their support behind the city centre,” Cr Doyle said.
“It is fantastic to see the precinct take another step towards completion. It is everything and more than we could have anticipated and is loved by Ipswich residents already, going by the huge number of people who come for the food, entertainment and events.”
For more about dining and entertainment options in the Nicholas Street Precinct, visit Nicholasst.com.au