When the situation calls for it, whether it be a celebration, overdue girls’ lunch or impromptu Sunday outing, the perfect long lunch is very necessary. Whether you’re after a sunny alfresco setting, hidden wine bar or vineyard escape, here’s where to settle in and savour the afternoon.
Beltana Farm
Experience Beltana Farm’s modern Australian cuisine. A testament to the Australian landscape and culture, the menu focuses on fresh and honest food that is designed to be shared. Guided by the seasons, diners can anticipate thoughtful, farm-to-table dishes that are complemented by an exclusively Australian wine list.
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 for an epic long lunch and find out what all the fuss is about.
Nick O’Leary Wines
Take a scenic drive to Wallaroo and explore local favourite Nick O’Leary Wines’ cellar door. Taste a selection of their best reds and whites accompanied by farm-to-table dining and soak up the glorious countryside views (long lunches are encouraged!) With a focus on delicious snacks and mouth-watering share plates, whether it’s charcuterie and a wine flight with your girlfriends, or oysters and beurre noisette market fish with your favourite bottle, Nick O’Leary caters for every weekend wine vibe.
Rebel Rebel
Modern, slick and refined, Rebel Rebel takes lunchtime dining to another level. With a menu that screams bold, exciting and delicious, sip and chat for hours accompanied with dishes such as beef tartare, fried harissa quail, and chocolate and hazelnut ice cream sandwich.
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, it’s alfresco space screams long lunch. 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.
Carlotta
Complimented by seasonal local produce, expect simple yet abundant dishes designed for feasting and sharing at Carlotta. Kicking off with small plates, including octopus carpaccio, before migrating to larger dishes like handmade pasta with crab spaghettini with lobster oil and chilli, shared mains then boast dishes such as a whole lamb shoulder and Bistecca alla Fiorentina. With an European-feeling terrace space and gorgeous light flowing through the restaurant, you won’t want to choose the express lunch.
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 for lunch. Often doing events with local and regional winemakers, check out their Instagram for what’s coming up next.
The Boat House
An iconic Canberra fine-dining restaurant, The Boat House boasts not only an exquisite seasonal modern Australia menu but also picturesque views of Lake Burley Griffin. Situated right by the shores in a quiet part of the lake, enjoy lunch by the window and experience the iconic two to four-course menu while you watch the sun go down over the Brindabellas.
Compa
At Matt Moran’s Italian Steakhouse Compa, two things are always a given for lunch – good food and good company. The menu features local produce from the ACT, as well as produce from the Moran Family Farm and is explored through dishes like their signature steak tartare, goat curd agnolotti and MBS 2+ rib eye.
Bada Bing Dining Club
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 lunchtime Aperols making the rounds, the restaurant is committed to the finest produce and most beloved classics.
Louis
Classic European bistro, Louis welcomes you to experience an effortlessly sophisticated style of dining. Elevated yet embracing, ambitious yet approachable, Louis promises a relaxing space that invites those extra long lunches. With well-executed classic dishes, find everything from duck rillette, steak frites and creme caramel.
Yes, we love a good lunch, but we still get the need for an in-and-out senario. Here’s the best express lunches in Canberra.
