Canberra, the capital of Australia, is not only known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, lush landscapes, and political significance but also for its exciting culinary scene. Whether you’re seeking fine dining experiences worthy of a Michelin star or hidden gems serving mouthwatering dishes, this city has a wide range of restaurants that will satisfy any food lover’s cravings. I’ve had the pleasure of sampling some of the best food in Canberra. Here’s a guide to some of the must-try restaurants, each offering a unique dining experience.
- Chifley’s Bar & Grill – An Upscale Steakhouse Experience
Location: Hotel Kurrajong Canberra, 8 National Circuit, Barton, ACT
Cuisine: Australian Steakhouse
Signature Dishes:
• Dry-aged rib-eye steak – A 400g cut, dry-aged to perfection, resulting in a juicy, tender steak with rich, deep flavors. It’s served with a choice of sauces (bearnaise, peppercorn, or red wine jus) and sides like mashed potatoes or crispy fries.
• Grilled barramundi – A delicate, flaky white fish, char-grilled and served with a tangy citrus dressing and a side of sautéed vegetables.
• Roast pumpkin salad – A light but flavorful option, perfect for those preferring vegetarian dishes. The roast pumpkin is paired with rocket, feta, and a balsamic reduction.
Price Range: $35 – $60 per main dish
Booking: Highly recommended for dinner, especially on weekends.
Personal Experience:
Nestled in the iconic Hotel Kurrajong, Chifley’s Bar & Grill serves up some of the best steak in Canberra. My first visit was a special evening out with friends, and the atmosphere immediately struck me as sophisticated yet comfortable. The warm lighting and wooden accents gave the space an inviting, upscale vibe. The highlight of my meal was the dry-aged rib-eye steak – perfectly cooked to my liking and served with a side of roasted vegetables and creamy mashed potatoes. The steak was tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor, something that only a well-aged piece of meat can deliver.
I also had the chance to try the grilled barramundi, a nod to Australia’s coastal cuisine. The fish was perfectly charred on the outside, flaky and succulent on the inside. Served with a zesty citrus dressing, it was an excellent contrast to the richness of the steak.
Pros:
• Top-notch steakhouse with high-quality cuts of meat.
• Cozy, upscale atmosphere perfect for a special night out.
• Friendly staff and great service.
Cons:
• A bit on the pricier side, but worth it for the quality.
• Can get busy, especially on weekends, so make sure to book ahead.
- Akiba – A Modern Twist on Asian Street Food
Location: 40 Bunda Street, Canberra, ACT
Cuisine: Asian Fusion (Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese)
Signature Dishes:
• Crispy duck bao – Soft steamed buns filled with crispy duck, hoisin sauce, pickled cucumber, and spring onions, all creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
• Wagyu beef sliders – Juicy wagyu beef patties served on soft buns with pickled ginger, crispy shallots, and a creamy sesame dressing. It’s a blend of rich and tangy flavors that melts in your mouth.
• Korean fried chicken – Double-fried chicken wings, glazed in a spicy-sweet soy sauce, topped with sesame seeds and green onions. It’s crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
Price Range: $10 – $30 per dish
Booking: Reservation recommended for dinner, especially on weekends.
Personal Experience:
For a more casual yet equally impressive dining experience, Akiba is the place to be. This vibrant restaurant in the heart of Canberra combines the best of Asian street food with a contemporary twist. The open kitchen, vibrant décor, and bustling energy of the restaurant immediately create a lively atmosphere.
One of my favorite dishes here is the crispy duck bao – it’s soft, pillowy steamed buns filled with perfectly crispy duck, drizzled with hoisin sauce and topped with pickled vegetables. It’s an explosion of textures and flavors that left me craving more. The wagyu beef sliders were another highlight, offering juicy, tender beef sandwiched between soft buns, with a tangy sauce that added an extra layer of complexity.
The cocktails at Akiba are also something to write home about. The Lychee Martini was refreshing and subtly sweet, pairing perfectly with the bold flavors of the food.
Pros:
• Fantastic fusion of Asian flavors.
• Trendy, energetic ambiance – great for a night out with friends.
• Excellent cocktails and small share plates.
Cons:
• Can be noisy, so not ideal for quiet dinners.
• The wait for a table can be long during peak hours, especially on weekends.
- Bentspoke Brewing Co. – A Unique Beer and Food Pairing
Experience
Location: 38 Mort Street, Braddon, ACT
Cuisine: Pub Food, Craft Beer
Signature Dishes:
• Murder He Wrote beer-battered fish and chips – Fresh white fish, battered in their house-brewed beer batter, crispy golden fries, and served with a tangy tartar sauce. It’s a classic pub dish elevated with their craft beer batter.
• Lamb burger – A juicy lamb patty served with pickled vegetables, mint yogurt, and crispy hash browns. The richness of the lamb is perfectly balanced by the tangy yogurt sauce.
• The “Crankshaft IPA” pairing platter – A selection of local meats, cheeses, and freshly baked bread, perfectly paired with Bentspoke’s IPA, enhancing the flavors.
Price Range: $15 – $30 per dish
Booking: No reservations required, but be prepared to wait during peak times.
Personal Experience:
If you’re a fan of craft beer, Bentspoke Brewing Co. is a must-visit in Canberra. Located in Braddon, Bentspoke is a brewpub offering a unique dining experience where you can pair delicious, locally brewed beers with classic pub food. The vibe is laid-back with a modern twist – perfect for a relaxed afternoon or evening out.
I started with the “Murder He Wrote” beer-battered fish and chips, a dish that comes highly recommended. The fish was flaky and moist, wrapped in a crispy, golden batter that was both light and satisfying. The dish was served with a generous portion of crispy fries, and a side of tangy tartar sauce that perfectly complemented the flavors.
Another standout was the lamb burger. The patty was juicy and well-seasoned, complemented by a refreshing mint yogurt sauce that gave it a distinctly Mediterranean flair. Paired with one of their signature brews, the “Barley Griffin Pale Ale”, the meal was a perfect combination of flavors.
Pros:
• Great for craft beer enthusiasts.
• Relaxed, pub-style atmosphere.
• Tasty, hearty pub food with creative twists.
Cons:
• Can get crowded during weekends and special events.
• Limited seating, so you may have to wait for a table.
- Italian & Sons – Authentic Italian Fine Dining
Location: 7 Lonsdale Street, Braddon, ACT
Cuisine: Italian
Signature Dishes:
• Tagliatelle with lamb ragu – Freshly made tagliatelle pasta topped with a slow-cooked, rich lamb ragu sauce. The lamb is tender and infused with a blend of herbs and spices, creating a hearty, satisfying dish.
• Tiramisu – A classic Italian dessert, layered with coffee-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cream, then dusted with cocoa powder. The dessert is light and velvety with just the right amount of espresso flavor.
• Wood-fired pizzas – The pizza dough is made in-house, and the wood-fired oven imparts a smoky flavor. I particularly enjoyed the Margherita pizza, topped with fresh mozzarella, tomato, and basil.
Price Range: $20 – $40 per dish
Booking: Highly recommended, especially on weekends.
Personal Experience:
Italian & Sons offers a taste of Italy in the heart of Canberra, and I was absolutely blown away by the authenticity and flavors of the dishes. The restaurant’s cozy ambiance, with its rustic yet modern design, immediately transported me to a small trattoria in Rome.
The tagliatelle with lamb ragu is a must-try. The pasta was perfectly al dente, and the ragu sauce was rich, tender, and full of deep, savory flavors. The lamb was slow-cooked to perfection, and the sauce had just the right balance of herbs and spices. It was a comforting and indulgent dish that I could eat over and over again.
For dessert, I couldn’t resist trying the tiramisu – light, fluffy, and layered with just the right amount of espresso flavor. It was the perfect way to end a beautiful meal.
Pros:
• Authentic Italian flavors with high-quality ingredients.
• Cozy, intimate setting.
• Impeccable service and attention to detail.
Cons:
• Slightly higher prices compared to other Italian options in the city.
• Can be difficult to get a reservation during peak times.
5.The Cupping Room – A Coffee Lover’s Dream
Location: 1/14-16 University Avenue, Canberra, ACT
Cuisine: Café, Light Bites
Signature Dishes:
• Avo toast with poached egg – A perfect breakfast dish featuring mashed avocado, a perfectly poached egg, and a sprinkle of chili flakes for a slight kick. Served on toasted sourdough, it’s the ultimate café comfort food.
• Slow-braised pork belly – Served with a tangy apple and fennel slaw, the pork belly is tender and juicy with a crispy crackling exterior.
• Signature house-brewed coffee – A rich, aromatic cup of coffee sourced from high-quality beans, expertly brewed and served with a side of sweet pastries.
Price Range: $10 – $20 per dish
Booking: No reservation required for breakfast and lunch, but busy during weekends.
Personal Experience:
If you’re a coffee enthusiast, The Cupping Room is the place to go. Specializing in high-quality coffee, this café is one of the best places in Canberra to indulge in specialty brews. The café’s relaxed vibe is perfect for catching up with friends or enjoying a solo coffee break.
The avo toast with poached egg was a light yet satisfying dish that paired wonderfully with their signature house-brewed coffee. The avocado was creamy, and the poached egg was perfectly cooked, with a runny yolk that added richness to each bite. The slow-braised pork belly was another standout dish, with a crispy exterior and tender meat that melted in my mouth.
Pros:
• Great for coffee lovers.
• Delicious, hearty café food.
• Friendly, welcoming atmosphere.
Cons:
• Can be busy during weekends, so arrive early for a seat.
From high-end dining experiences at Chifley’s Bar & Grill to casual yet amazing bites at Akiba and The Cupping Room, Canberra offers a diverse array of culinary experiences. Whether you’re craving a juicy steak, authentic Italian pasta, or unique fusion dishes, you’ll find something to satisfy your taste buds in this dynamic city. Happy dining!
Canberra’s dining scene offers something for everyone, whether you’re in the mood for fine dining, casual eats, or local flavors. From the sophisticated ambiance of Chifley’s Bar & Grill to the energetic vibe of Akiba, and the relaxed charm of Bentspoke Brewing Co., there’s no shortage of excellent food to enjoy. Each of these restaurants showcases the best of what Canberra has to offer, providing both locals and tourists with unforgettable dining experiences.
Remember to make reservations for popular spots, especially during weekends, as the city’s culinary scene can get quite busy. So, whether you’re indulging in a hearty steak, exploring Asian fusion flavors, or savoring an authentic Italian meal, you’re sure to leave Canberra with a satisfied stomach and lasting memories of the city’s delicious offerings.