Finding the right venue can almost be as hard as getting the entire group together. But these restaurants in Canberra appeal to the masses, offering good value set menus, crowd-pleasing share plates, delicious cocktails and just the right vibe…with a price tag everyone will be comfortable with.
Akiba
A fast-paced, lively and damn 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 BBQ, 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. Make ordering simple and opt for the $60pp feed me menu.
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.
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. And, if you want a little more privacy or you’re celebrating a special occasion, the private room hosts up to 12 and boasts a ceiling fresco reminiscent of the Sistine Chapel.
Med
Promising an immersive, relaxed dining experience steeped in Mediterranean charm, Med features ‘healthy, full-flavoured and fresh’ ingredients. Not only taking you to Europe through taste, the restaurant’s ambience also evokes a paired-back, relaxed atmosphere. With a seamless blend of warm textures and neutral hues, it’s the perfect setting for those snaps with your girlfriends. Focusing on meze plates, enjoy the benefit of dining with a big group, allowing you to taste more dishes.
OhNo!
Presenting a modern take on Pan-Asian cuisine, OHNO! In Manuka is your fun, loud and ever-so-tasty dinner that is sure to suit the entire group. Messing with the classics in the best way, you’ll want to order a bunch of dishes to share to truly experience the menu. And trust us when we say, accidentally over-ordering is a real possibility.
Leyla Bar
This one’s for the girlies. Perch yourself on the rooftop of the Burbury Hotel at Leyla Bar. Bringing an exclusive club lounge experience with an outdoor oasis feel, sip on cocktails all night overlooking the city and share delectable snacks such as prawn brioche rolls, tuna tostadas and wagyu tartare.
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 the ultimate crowd-pleaser. 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, you can rest assured the feed me menu will feature only the best dishes everyone will love.
Beltana Farm
A huge farmhouse-style venue, Beltana Farm welcomes your small groups through to large special occasion dining experience. Offering a share-style menu guided by the seasons, enjoy high-end yet unpretentious cooking through the flavours of Australia, right down to the wine list.
Nick O’Leary Wines
Long lunch alert! Get the gang together for a Sunday lunch at Nick O’Leary’s Heywood restaurant. Whether inside or out on the lawns, taste wines and share dishes from fresh seafood and hearty mains through to charcuterie platters.
The Alby
If you run out of things to say, there is more to do than just sitting around the table at The Alby. Utilising close to 1,000 square metres, its spaces include a beer garden, a games basement, duckpin bowling, pinballs, pool tables and more! For food, their pub-style menu has everyone’s favourites including pizza, burgers and steaks.
AGOSTINIS
Family-owned restaurant Agostinis has a passion for unpretentious Italian cooking. The friendly atmosphere speaks to the tradition of a big family get-together and has an authentic seasonal menu full of wonderful dishes that the family themselves cook at home. With large long tables encouraging your next family dinner, sit in the restaurant or book their gorgeous private room for your next celebration.
Looking for no-fuss dining? Check out Canberra’s best set menus for under $100.
