We’ve found the best restaurants and bars that let the wine steal the show, taking a very serious approach to serving a top drop to Canberra wine lovers.
Bar Rochford
Perhaps taking their wines more seriously than food (if that’s possible), wine and cocktail bar Bar Rochford is all about fine food, exciting wine producers and good jams. Changing their menu regularly, you’ll find a new and refined hand-selected list of wines that pair perfectly with the current food menu, or are even great to stand alone. Teaching us about wines on Instagram and what to ask for next time we’re in, they are proving they know their stuff. Go in blind and ask one of their friendly staff for a recommendation.
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 are all about making drinking wine fun. Featuring Canberra’s best new vintages and cellared Rieslings, side by side with iconic Australian and international producers, Rizla also proudly shares many of the region’s other red and white varietals. We know where we’re going for work drinks tonight.
Paranormal Wines
If you couldn’t tell by the name, Paranormal Wines is all about those great drops. Working as a wine shop and bar, they welcome you to explore their exciting selection of interesting wines and take it to-go, or to have a sit and chat amongst their tasty snacks. Often doing events with local and regional winemakers, check out their Instagram for what’s coming up next. P.S is you want to experiment with orange wines, this is the place to go…ask them for a recommendation and share it between the burrata.
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.
Wakefield’s Bar & Wine
An intimate, warm-lit space matched with local produce, suppliers and entertainment, share a few plates and sample excellent Canberra wines at Wakefield’s. Under art deco lighting, get cosy in the lounge areas with close facing views of Mount Ainslie or keep it casual on their high stool benches.
Such and Such
Whether it’s just a drop-in for a glass of wine with friends in the arvo, or paired with their set menu on the weekend, Such and Such have a strong focus on wine. Stacked with premium and interesting small Aussie wines, a long list of international bottles, and some local cult favourites, sit back in the courtyard or funky restaurant while you taste one of their interesting drops.
Dear Prudence
European style wine bar, Dear Prudence offers a list of global wines and local undiscovered bottles, served with delicious tapas style food. Curated by professional sommeliers, expect to try drops you’ve likely never tasted before.
Parlour
Offering a small outdoor terrace hidden amongst thriving leafy greens in summer and a cosy lounge area in winter, Parlour defines laid-back dining throughout the entire year. Leaving you free to decide what your dining experience with them will look like, whether it’s a full three-course meal, a quick lunch break, or an afternoon snack situation, rest assured they’ll have the perfect wine to go with.
Amici Wine Bar & Deli
Amici is your local Italian wine bar and deli. From brunch, personalised charcuterie boards, Italian pizza, bottomless pasta, or takeaway picnic packs, there’s one thing you’ll want to sweeten the deal, and that’s the perfect wine. Boasting an extensive list to have in or takeaway, consider this your Italian dream.
Find yourself out late and peckish? Check out Canberra’s best late-night food spots.
