Canberra: A Capital Experience for Foodies
When it comes to Canberra, you never know what unexpected wonders are waiting around the corner.
This is especially the case when it comes to Canberra’s evolving dining scene, which continues to win national acclaim. Bistro-style eateries and quality cheap eats blend perfectly with stylish restaurants and award-winning dining experiences, and our inland location and altitude combine to provide a smorgasbord of seasonal food and wine delights.
Coffee culture
Canberra is proudly the home of Ona Coffee founder and 2015 World Barista Champion Sasa Sestic. Following the 2015 Australian Barista Championship, Sasa went on to beat almost 50 countries in Seattle, United States to claim the World Barista Championship title. This year his protégé, Hugh Kelly, followed in his footsteps to be crowned the 2016 Australian Barista Champion.
You can sample their internationally-renowned coffee at the Ona Coffee House, Ona on the Lawns and The Cupping Room.
New kids on the block
Many of the newest additions to Canberra’s dining scene can be found along the up and coming Kingston Foreshore, alongside some of the foodie precinct’s original restaurants and cafes like C Dine Bar and Morks. 7th and Bake Patisserie, Molto Italian, 7 by the Lake, The Dock and Cinnabar have all opened their doors in recent months, adding to the vibrancy of this waterfront dining hub.
Located nearby in Barton you can spoil yourself with a bountiful spread including savouries, charcuterie, cheeses and decadent desserts every Saturday at Buvette Bistro & Wine Bar. The Petit Feast, offered by the new French bistro in Hotel Realm, features freshly made savouries and sweets including charcuterie and oysters, as well as lavish desserts.
In Braddon, Barrio Collective Coffee offers everything you could want from a coffee shop: great brews, great food and great people. Try the fried egg and marrow butter on toast. Nearby, the Hamlet’s collection of food vans continues to grow; grab your choice of pizza, Peruvian street food, souvlaki, hot dogs, schnitzels, coffee and milkshakes, and now a taste of New Orleans at Soul Cartel. You’ll love the Greek sweets from Fillos Café and Gelato Bar, or enjoy a beer at the second smallest bar in the southern hemisphere – The Hutch.
Conquer the original and the best Freakshake at Patissez’s new city location. These monster milkshakes will make you want to share them with everyone on social media before you indulge.
The Best New Bars
Love Cuban, Japanese or Spanish bars? Canberra’s new bars have all styles covered. Bar Rochford’s European influence has been described as ‘sophisticated with a touch of grunge’, while Highball Express takes its cues from Cuba with cocktails in tall glasses and exotic rums on offer.
Suke Suke is for Japanese gastropub lovers offering food, cocktails, Canberra District wines and more than 60 gins. Over at the Kingston Foreshore is Betti Bravos, a Spanish/Caribbean-influenced watering hole, and nearby, Joe’s Bar at the East Hotel has a curated wine list, classic cocktails and Italian fare.
Ideas for indulgence
Experience a touch of decadence with the thrill of a helicopter ride over the national capital, taking in the spectacular views on a Canberra Helicopters’ flight. Follow this up with lunch or dinner at the acclaimed Pialligo Estate. Pialligo Estate is a destination dining experience with a vineyard, olive grove, market garden, restaurant and award-winning smokehouse. Guests may dine in the Farmhouse Restaurant or outside in the new private Garden Pavilions.
Experience the ultimate in luxury with an overnight safari at Australia’s first all-inclusive wildlife lodge experience of its kind. With just 18 rooms, Jamala Wildlife Lodge gives guests exclusive access to get up close and personal with some of the National Zoo & Aquarium’s beautiful residents, as well the chance to enjoy a delectable, fun African gourmet dinner party with great wines.
