15 perfect restaurants in Canberra, Australia

Welcome to the tantalizing world of Canberra's culinary scene! Brace yourselves for an epicurean expedition as we unveil the city's 15 finest dining establishments. From hidden gems tucked away in laneways to one-of-a-kind gastronomic adventures, this gastronomical journey will satisfy your cravings and tickle your taste buds. Get ready to loosen those belts, because Canberra's restaurants are about to take you on a delectable rollercoaster ride you won't soon forget!

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1. Eightysix

4.4 (559)

Corner of Eloura & Mode3, Lonsdale St, Braddon ACT 2612, Australia

Welcome to Eightysix, the quirkiest restaurant you'll find in Canberra! Located in the bustling heart of the city, this culinary gem dares to challenge the traditional dining experience. As you step inside, prepare yourself for an adventure where crazy meets delicious, where bold meets bizarre, and where your taste buds will thank you for the thrill! With their eclectic menu that changes frequently, Eightysix keeps you guessing, ensuring you never get bored with culinary predictability. Take a seat at one of their rustic wooden tables and let your taste buds buckle up for a rollercoaster ride. From their "Mystery Mondays" to their "Whimsical Wednesdays," you'll always be left wondering what ingenious and unexpected flavors will grace your plate. But, be warned! Eightysix is famous for their unique style of service. Forget traditional waiters; here, you'll experience an avant-garde approach to hospitality. Brimming with personality and charm, the staff will engage in witty banter, leaving you in stitches while they effortlessly attend to your gastronomic needs. So, brace yourself for a dining experience like no other, where laughter is always on the menu and culinary thrills lurk around every corner.

eightysix.com.au

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2. Hai Ha

Tucked away in the lively city of Canberra, lies the hidden culinary gem known as Hai Ha. This charming eatery is a mecca for Vietnamese food enthusiasts, and a refuge for wanderers seeking flavors beyond the usual gastronomic fare. Go ahead and knock on the door – it might seem like a secret society, but once inside, you'll discover a lively ambiance, where slurping noodles is practically an Olympic sport. Just be ready to share your table with a plastic dinosaur, who seems to have an insatiable appetite for spring rolls.

3. Les Bistronomes

4.8 (555)

18 Blamey Pl, Campbell ACT 2612, Australia

Welcome to Les Bistronomes! Nestled in the heart of Canberra, this charming eatery is a delightful fusion of French bistro flair and Australian charm. As you step inside the bistro, you'll experience a warm ambiance that makes you feel like you're dining in the chicest corner of Paris, except with kangaroos hopping nearby (okay, maybe not that close). At Les Bistronomes, prepare your taste buds for a tantalizing adventure through their inventive menu. Say au revoir to ordinary dishes as you indulge in their signature "Snail and Crocodile Tango" – a surprising dance of flavors that will leave your palate begging for an encore. Enjoy the impeccable service from the friendly staff, who magically disappear whenever you're about to ask for the bill, adding a touch of mystery to your dining experience (just kidding, they reappear promptly, so you can get back to your kangaroo spotting).

www.lesbistronomes.net

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4. Kokomo's

4.4 (1557)

1 Genge St, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia

Nestled in the heart of Canberra, Kokomo's is a tropical oasis amidst the nation's capital. With its vibrant decor, towering palm trees, and a cocktail menu that could make a mixologist blush, this place is sure to transport you straight to the Caribbean, minus the humidity and sand in your shoes. Whether you want to sip fruity concoctions by the pool, feast on mouthwatering island-inspired cuisine, or dance the night away to the beats of a live DJ, Kokomo's promises a memorable experience that will leave you desperately searching for the nearest beach.

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5. Mocan & Green Grout

4.3 (708)

1/19 Marcus Clarke St, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia

Welcome to Mocan & Green Grout, where the coffee beans are roasted with the precision of an orchestra conductor and the food is so artfully presented, you'll find yourself asking, "Can I take a photo with this kale salad or do I risk being judged by a severe foodie jury?" Nestled in the heart of Canberra, this hipster haven is the answer to your morning dilemma of finding the perfect breakfast spot that screams, "I'm effortlessly cool, but also incredibly hungry." So grab your vintage bicycle, put on your quirky glasses, and prepare for a dining experience that will make your taste buds dance like no one is watching.

mocanandgreengrout.com

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6. Capitol Bar & Grill

4.1 (380)

1 London Cct, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia

Nestled in the charming heart of Canberra, Capitol Bar & Grill is a carnivorous paradise that measures success by the width of waistbands. Sink your teeth into succulent slabs of meat, so tender they make pillows for baby clouds. But if herbivorous tendencies strike, fear not! Their veggie fare is so gratifying, it could make a cow question its life choices. Amidst the tasteful décor and soothing ambiance, Capitol Bar & Grill invites you to feast like a Roman emperor (minus the togas), leaving you both satisfied and wondering why they don't provide stretchy pants at the entrance.

www.qthotels.com

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7. Monster Kitchen and Bar

4 (783)

Ground/25 Edinburgh Ave, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia

Tucked away in the heart of Canberra, Monster Kitchen and Bar is a culinary haunt that promises to transform your taste buds into joyously ravenous little monsters. With dishes that boast more flavor explosions than a squirrel on a rocket ship, this trendy joint effortlessly merges modern hipster vibes with a touch of industrial chic. Don't be surprised if you find yourself swapping travel stories with an inebriated gnome at the bar — because when you enter Monster, anything is possible, my friend.

monsterkitchen.com.au

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8. Raku

4.7 (2651)

Shop DG36C/148 Bunda St, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia

Welcome to Raku in Canberra, where culinary secrets are unveiled and taste buds embark on an extraordinary adventure! This hidden gem promises more than just tasty Japanese cuisine; it's like a magical portal transporting you to the bustling streets of Tokyo, minus the jet lag! Prepare yourself for a thrilling rendezvous with melt-in-your-mouth sushi, sizzling teppanyaki delights, and a miso soup that will lovingly warm your soul. Buckle up and let your taste buds embark on a riotous journey that will leave you craving for more!

rakudining.com.au

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9. AKIBA

4.5 (2724)

40 Bunda St, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia

Welcome to AKIBA, where culinary creativity meets quirky atmosphere in the heart of Canberra! Step inside this funky joint and prepare to be transported to an East-meets-West wonderland that’s bound to make your taste buds tango. From tantalizingly tasty Asian fusion dishes served on plates so stylish they could be supermodels, to the energetic buzz of the crowd and the funky tunes that make you want to bust a move, AKIBA is the place to be for a sizzling hot night out in the capital.

www.akiba.com.au

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10. Courgette

4.6 (868)

54 Marcus Clarke St, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia

Nestled amidst the charming city of Canberra, Courgette is a culinary gem that will whisk you away on a delightful gourmet adventure. Its elegant setting and warm ambiance are sure to make you feel like the protagonist of your very own food-centric fairy tale. Offering a delectable fusion of French and Modern Australian cuisine, prepare yourself to be swept off your feet by dishes that are as artfully presented as they are scrumptiously divine.

www.courgette.com.au

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11. Italian & Sons

4.1 (601)

7 Lonsdale St, Braddon ACT 2612, Australia

Welcome to Italian & Sons in Canberra, where you can experience Italy without a passport, but with a fork and knife! This vibrant eatery tucked away in Braddon will transport your taste buds straight to Naples. Prepare for a delightfully chaotic atmosphere bursting at the seams with locals devouring the finest wood-fired pizzas, as if they were the last pies on Earth. Don't worry, you won't need to learn Italian here, just be fluent in the international language of dolce vita!

www.italianandsons.com.au

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12. Temporada

4.3 (510)

15 Moore St, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia

Welcome to Temporada, Canberra's culinary hotspot that packs big flavors in a cozy place! This vibrant eatery boasts a menu that could make even the most serious food connoisseur's taste buds tango with joy. Get ready for a dining experience where seasonal ingredients mingle in delicious harmony, setting the stage for a memorable gastronomic adventure. So, sit back, relax, and prepare to tantalize your taste buds at Temporada, where flavor takes center stage!

www.temporada.com.au

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13. Sage Dining Rooms

4.6 (509)

Gorman House Arts Centre, Batman St, Braddon ACT 2612, Australia

Welcome to Sage Dining Rooms in the delightful city of Canberra, where culinary artistry meets a quirky atmosphere. Prepare yourself for a gastronomic adventure that will tickle your taste buds and leave you longing for seconds. From the moment you walk in, you'll be greeted by a collection of mismatched furniture that somehow manages to exude both hipster charm and granny chic, making it the ideal spot for culinary rebels and grandma's secret recipe enthusiasts alike.

sagedining.com.au

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14. Aubergine

4.6 (335)

18 Barker St, Griffith ACT 2603, Australia

Welcome to Aubergine, Canberra's culinary gem that will surely egg-cite your taste buds! Nestled in the heart of the city, this charming restaurant is as elegant as a debonair eggplant dressed in its finest purple attire. Prepare to be whisked away on a culinary journey, where each dish lovingly crafted by Chef Ben Willis is akin to a velvety dream with flavors that dance on your tongue like a swanky tango.

www.aubergine.com.au

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15. Ottoman Cuisine

4.5 (491)

9 Broughton St, Barton ACT 2600, Australia

Welcome to Ottoman Cuisine in Canberra, where the flavors of the Ottoman Empire will teleport you to a land of gastronomic wonders! Prepare for a culinary explosion that will make your taste buds jump for joy faster than a kangaroo on a trampoline. From succulent lamb kebabs to mouthwatering baklava, this restaurant will tickle your fancy and have you begging for more - just be prepared to unleash your inner Sultan of Savory!

www.ottomancuisine.com.au

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How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Canberra, Australia by plane is to fly into Canberra Airport which has regular flights from major Australian cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide.

Car

Driving is a great way to explore Australia's scenic countryside while traveling to Canberra. The major highway, Hume Highway, connects Sydney and Canberra, while the Princes Highway links Canberra to Melbourne. There are also several car rental services available at the Sydney and Canberra airports.

Train

While there is no direct train service to Canberra, you can take a train to the nearby city of Queanbeyan and then catch a local bus to Canberra. However, flying into Canberra Airport is a much more convenient option.

Boat

As Canberra is located inland, there are no direct boat options available. However, you can take a cruise along the nearby Murray River, which is around a 3-4 hour drive from Canberra.

Bus

Taking a Greyhound or a Murrays bus is a good option to reach Canberra. Both services offer regular trips from Sydney and Melbourne to Canberra.

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