Explore Canberra’s CBD the best way possible, by eating your way through some of our best restaurants. Whether you’re looking for high-end, intimate, casual or vibrant, you’re in good hands.

RAKU

A Japanese experience where refined culinary techniques and fresh ingredients meet, you can’t beat Raku for Japanese cuisine. With a seafood-heavy menu and talented sushi team assembling your favourite rolls and nigiri right in front of you, enjoy endless oysters, sashimi platters, wagyu and yakitori. Whether you secure a booth, a seat for two at the bar, or the private dining room for your special celebration, Raku boasts an unforgettable experience.

Akiba

A fast-paced, lively and delicious restaurant, Akiba has firmly implemented itself as one of Canberran’s favourite restaurants. Showcasing share-style dishes from the East-Asia region, from the raw bar through to barbeque, think silky kingfish sashimi, piping hot steamed dumplings, sticky hoisin pork bao buns, soft miso butter barramundi, and crunchy fried chicken covered in parmesan and kewpie mayonnaise, with each morsel bursting with electrifying flavour.

PALOMA’S

A vibrant Mexican-inspired bar and restaurant with relaxed Latin-style share plates, authentic Mexico City style tacos, and plenty of tequila, Paloma’s is perfect for effortless unwinding and casual catchups. Following in the style of its namesake cocktail, being 3 parts grapefruit, 1 part tequila; Paloma’s is 3 parts bar, 1 part restaurant. Just looking for an after-work or weekend drink with your mates? Trying one of their flavoured margaritas or frozen daiquiris is a must, or their Mexican Larger in collaboration with Capital Brewing Co. For food, pair your drinks with fresh ingredients that pack a punch, including oysters with a Mexican mignonette, tuna tostadas, kingfish sashimi, and birria tacos.

Bar Rochford

Share fine food, exciting wines and good jams with friends at Bar Rochford. Showcasing a regularly changing menu, enjoy the chef’s set menu or opt for a la carte and pair it with a drop from their perfectly curated wine menu. Whether you set yourself up in a booth or find the perfect cosy corner, relax and stay late with an aperitivo.

Mu

Canberra’s best omakase restaurant Mu quickly climbed its way to one of the CBD’s top restaurants. Showcasing the rather unique concept of ‘omakase’ meaning ‘I leave it up to you’, the 10+ tasting menu takes you on a seasonal tour of Japan’s best flavours and cooking techniques. With two seating options available, diners can choose from a seat at the chef’s table where they can watch the magic unfold or a spacious seat in their joining Cicada Bar.

Rebel Rebel

Modern, slick and refined, Rebel Rebel takes all-day dining to another level. With a dinner menu that screams bold, exciting and delicious, it’s definitely a highlight of Canberra’s dining scene.

SUCH AND SUCH

Oozing with creativity, Such and Such is an all-day restaurant with a strong focus on wine. An innovative twist on nostalgic classics, the food menu is seamlessly coupled with a diverse showcase of flavours and producers from the expansive wine list. Boasting cheerful interiors, colourful Australian art, and a cosy private dining space, take a seat and find out what all the fuss is about.

ASSEMBLY

When we talk about the full package when it comes to pubs, Assembly will pretty much win the general consensus every time. Nailing the art of the ‘pub scene’ with flying colours, they are open what feels like 24/7, and always busy. More than just a weeknight schnitzel and beer deal kind of pub, their menu sets them apart from the rest. For breakfast sit down for a smashed avo and corn fritters or get stuck into all the iconic pub classics plus some elevated menu items for lunch and dinner. For drinks, get your favourite beer on tap, plus wines and really great cocktails. A huge venue that’s ready to host your Sunday drinks with live music in the beer garden to NRL nights in the restaurant, they truly are ‘The People’s Pub’.

CORELLA

An intimate restaurant serving wholeheartedly good food, Corella’s modern Australian menu is inspired by native flavours and ingredients with classic cooking techniques. Running a popular set menu, the generous meal will give you the perfect taste of what they’re all about. Or, if you’re not a rookie when it comes to ordering for the table, be spoilt for choice in each section of the menu.

TERRA

Working predominantly with flame, Terra takes BBQ up a notch. Offering a counter service menu for lunch, the ‘Terra Bench’ features an abundance of proteins and sides for you to customise your own plate. This could be a piece of smoked beef brisket or rotisserie-style roast chicken with a side salad or fries. Then the dinner menu elevates it all, with snacks like charred oyster mushrooms and gochujang and meats cooked over the fire including tomahawk steaks and chashu pork belly.

Inka

Mastering the meld of Japanese techniques with Peruvian flavours, Inka’s colourful array of showstopping dishes are unlike anything you’ll find in Canberra. Think the famous Peruvian ceviche, Peruvian Japanese sashimi and maki rolls. The ultimate ‘treat yourself’ experience, explore the refined menu and exceptional cocktail and wine list.

Eightysix North

A fast-paced restaurant where elegance meets contemporary Australian cuisine, Eightysix‘s menu uplifts some of your favourite ingredients and dishes to create something truly remarkable. Regularly changing the a la carte and set menu, expect to see newbies along with the crowd-favourite black chicken and banoffee pie firmly placed on the menu.

LAZY SU

Continuing to push the boundaries with fun Asian fusion dishes and showing us time and time again how good vegan food can taste, Lazy Su is pretty hard to beat! Known for their wagyu cheeseburger spring rolls, kimchi fried rice, and fruity cocktails, expect to try Asian style combinations you never thought possible, but just work. While their menu often changes, at least one of their crowd-pleasing dishes always remains, warming your heart every time you sit down for another meal.

ZAAB

Bringing traditional flavours from the humming streets of Thailand and Laos, and giving them a unique modern twist, Zaab’s intense, fiery and creamy flavours certainly pack a punch! On the menu, find Thai favourites such as massamun beef curry and satay chicken, as well as the unexpected, through the scallop ceviche and roast eggplant.

GREASE MONKEY

Nailing the art of the perfect burger so well that they have time to experiment with different flavour combinations, Grease Monkey gets our need for a good burger. Starting with their signature beef burger, it only goes up from there, giving you the full-service (literally, they even have a burger called Full-Service) where things get dirtier and greaser as the menu goes on (in the best way, of course).

BADA BING DINING

An Italian dining club taking us back to the impeccable style, class and food of old-school Italian culture, Bada Bing promises an entertaining blend of retro Italian and light-hearted fun. Embracing the culture through house-made pasta, wood-fired pizza, booth seating, private dining, vintage aesthetics and of course, plenty of aperitivos making the rounds, the restaurant is committed to the finest produce and most beloved classics. Designed to be shared with family and friends, a mix of antipasto, pasta and pizza is a must.

RIZLA

Rizla is all about Riesling, believing it can pair with just about any dish. Working alongside some of the Canberra region’s best wine producers, the team strive to make drinking wine fun. Featuring Canberra’s best new vintages and cellared Rieslings, side by side with iconic Australian and international producers, pair it with dishes such as their famous tuna tartare and mushroom chevre and hazelnut pappardelle.

BRADDON MERCHANT

Showcasing high-quality seasonal ingredients, Braddon Merchant reflects an effortless sophistication. Open for breakfast, dinner and weekend brunch, you can expect a smart dining experience that delivers fresh, simple Mediterranean dishes. From your morning eggs and espresso to heartier mains in the evenings, this bright, modern eatery has something to satisfy your cravings. The restaurant also boasts an impressive, award-winning drinks menu of 150+ local and international wines and signature cocktails.

WINEROOM

A charming bar stacking a rotating selection of wine, WineRoom is providing your lazy afternoon wine and cheese, Friday night drinks or intimate dinner. An experience elevated with the perfect wine, pop in and relax over a bottle, a few snacks and perhaps roll into dinner if you feel inclined.

CABO

Taking you to a place where tequila reigns supreme and the food is fresh, spicy and drool-inducing, Cabo’s modern coastal vibes are fully immersive. On the drinks menu, we’re talking margaritas (including build-your-own), sangria and slushies, plus 44 tequilas and 26 mezcal varieties. Serving an equally exotic food menu, starring taco platters, guacamole made tableside and oyster shots, it is sure to put you in that holiday state of mind.

THE ITALIAN PLACE

Food as humble as Nonna’s cooking, a visit to The Italian Place feels as though you’re inside a local’s kitchen, trying their age-old recipes. The traditional menu will spark memories of your time overseas or introduce you to new and exciting flavours.

Bar Beirut

If you’re looking for an exciting evening any day of the week, make sure you head in for dinner and feel the buzzing nightlife of Bar Beirut. A modern interpretation of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine, expect bold flavours in both their dining menu and epic cocktail list. With regular burlesque and belly dancing shows, it’s one of the only restaurants in Canberra open late during the week.

Compa

Matt Moran’s Italian steakhouse Compa heros beef and show off some of Australia’s best producers. In addition, the restaurant includes a range of pastas and an extensive list of sides from cacio e pepe mac and cheese to Moran’s famous mash.

THE MEAT & WINE CO

Marking their 10th restaurant, The Meat & Wine Co Canberra brings its famous Afro-centric menu to the heart of the capital. With premium and dry-aged steaks, a hand-selected wine list, and trending paddock-to-plate dishes, experience premium steakhouse dining.

Monster Kitchen & Bar

Monster Kitchen and Bar is Canberra’s only fine-dining vegetarian restaurant. Featuring all in-house produce where possible, the team are committed to ethical eating and searching for the most creative and mouth-watering ways to showcase vegetables. With a groovy and sophisticated interior, spacious dining rooms and a private room to host large events, get the perfect party snap and enjoy a special evening.

For more foodie hotspots check out our dining page.