🏛️ Best Restaurants in Canberra
Discover where Canberra locals actually eat. From hidden gems in Braddon to fine dining in the city center, your complete guide to the capital's food scene.
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Fine Dining
Canberra's premier dining experiences for special occasions
Aubergine
Canberra's most acclaimed fine dining restaurant. Executive chef Ben Willis creates exceptional modern Australian cuisine with French influences in an elegant setting. Winner of multiple chef hat awards.
The Beef & Barley
Premium steakhouse specializing in dry-aged beef and modern Australian cuisine. Known for exceptional service, extensive wine selection, and perfectly cooked steaks.
Temporada
Innovative Spanish restaurant with a focus on seasonal ingredients and creative cocktails. The perfect blend of traditional Spanish flavors with modern techniques in trendy Braddon.
Casual Dining
Relaxed atmosphere, exceptional food - perfect for any day of the week
Pizzeria Ristorante Mezzalira
Authentic Italian pizzeria serving wood-fired pizzas and traditional pasta dishes. Family-owned with recipes passed down through generations. A Kingston institution since 1988.
Chico's Mexican Restaurant
Vibrant Mexican restaurant with fresh ingredients and bold flavors. Famous for their margaritas and festive atmosphere perfect for groups. A Civic staple for over 20 years.
Akiba
Contemporary Asian restaurant with fresh flavors and modern presentation. Known for their bao buns, ramen, and creative cocktails. Popular with young professionals and government workers.
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Cafes & Brunch
Canberra's coffee culture and best brunch spots
ONA Coffee
Award-winning coffee roasters and cafe. Known for exceptional single-origin beans and skilled baristas. Multiple locations across Canberra including Fyshwick, Civic, and Manuka.
Mocan & Green Grout
Popular brunch spot with creative breakfast dishes and exceptional coffee. Known for their generous portions, Instagram-worthy presentations, and locally sourced ingredients.
Silo Bakery
Artisan bakery and cafe using organic, local ingredients. Famous for their sourdough bread, seasonal pastries made fresh daily, and commitment to sustainable practices.
Local Insider Tips
Canberra dining is quieter than other capitals. Book 6pm for best service, or try lunch specials at fine dining venues for better value.
Civic has 2-hour free parking zones. Kingston and Braddon offer street parking. Most restaurants validate parking on weekends.
Many upscale restaurants offer excellent lunch menus at half the dinner price. BYO wine policies are common with $5-15 corkage fees.
Download Menulog for delivery, OpenTable for bookings. Follow @canberrafoodie on Instagram for new opening alerts and specials.
Many restaurants offer "public servant specials" - ask about weekday lunch deals. Government payday (fortnightly) means busier restaurants.
During Floriade (spring) and Enlighten (autumn), book well ahead. Winter has the best indoor dining atmosphere with fireplaces.
International Cuisine
Canberra's multicultural dining scene
Dumpling Inn
Authentic Chinese restaurant in Dickson's Asian quarter. Hand-made dumplings and traditional Sichuan dishes. Always packed with locals and Chinese families - a great sign of authenticity!
Thai Herb
Family-run Thai restaurant serving authentic dishes with adjustable spice levels. The green curry and pad thai are local favorites among government workers. Fresh ingredients daily.
Ottoman Cuisine
Authentic Turkish cuisine with fresh pides, kebabs, and traditional sweets. Halal certified and perfect for late-night dining after events. Popular with embassy staff and locals.
Pubs & Bar Dining
Great food with a relaxed pub atmosphere
The Dock
Waterfront pub with modern Australian cuisine and craft beers. The outdoor deck overlooks Lake Burley Griffin - perfect for sunset drinks and dinner with stunning water views.
The Duxton
Traditional pub with gastropub menu and extensive beer selection. Great for watching games with friends over loaded nachos, steaks, and classic pub fare in a relaxed atmosphere.
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