The best restaurants in Canberra

By Amy Fraser

Canberra is loved for its history and culture, but it’s quickly becoming a foodie lovers paradise. Stroll along the city streets and you’ll stumble upon an array of superb restaurants, from fine dining to international-inspired chic diners and intimate boutiques. Discover our top picks below.

Rebel Rebel

Where: 23 Marcus Clarke St, Acton

Canberra’s Rebel Rebel is well known for its delicious food, beautifully designed David Bowie-inspired interiors and fair prices. Sean McConnell’s menu offers a scrumptious fare for everyone, from oysters with Champagne to a granola bowl accompanied by a flat white. At Rebel Rebel, it’s all about giving the people what they want. In fact, it’s not just a restaurant; this multi-purpose venue boasts a takeaway service and even a bottle shop. 

Corella Bar

Where: 14 Lonsdale Street, Braddon

Modern Australian fare plus native ingredients is the winning equation at Corella in the trendy Braddon precinct. Enter the chic yet homely venue to be greeted by bubbly staff, ready to delight you with finessed local produce from barramundi with caramelised miso to beef tartare paired with zingy finger lime. Allow the bartender to whip you up one of their bespoke cocktails to compliment a truly memorable meal.

Vincent 

Where: 148 Bunda Street, Canberra

Tucked away in the leafy suburb of Barton, the laid-back Vincent brings something unique to Canberra's collection of eateries. Here, you can enjoy decadent plates of fare – think red snapper with Jerusalem artichoke and Baileys dark chocolate mousse – paired with wines hand-picked from around the world. Boasting a warm, relaxed atmosphere, Vincent is the perfect place to unwind with friends.

Onzieme 

Where: 5/39 Kennedy Street, Kingston

Run by owner and hatted-chef Louis Couttoupes, you can find Onzieme quietly shining in the heart of old-world Kingston. Best known for its small plates stacked with foraged ingredients and natural wines, you can always guarantee great quality at Onzieme. Plus, with an altering menu based on seasonal supply and spontaneity, every visit is just as exciting as the last.

Beltana Farm

Where: 14A Beltana Road, Pialligo

Within the folds of over 800 truffle trees is the unsuspecting magic of Beltana Farm's light-filled restaurant. While the property is lauded for its homegrown truffles, the seasonal menu offers much more than just the delicacy – imagine wattleseed roasted cauliflower, bay smoked lamb rump and Pambula Lake oysters. Settle in to savour elegant dishes and local wines as you listen to the crackle of the fireplace.

Monster Kitchen and Bar

Where: 25 Edinburgh Ave, Canberra

When it comes to trendy hotels in Canberra, Ovolo Nishi takes the cake, and its in-house restaurant, Monster Kitchen and Bar, follows in its footsteps. Known for its epic contemporary Australian fare that changes with the seasons, it’s a great spot to dine with family or friends. Pick from one of the restaurant’s magnificent four rooms, from the artistic Mosaic room to the historical Salon and Dining rooms – you’ll soon realise it’s not just the food that makes a meal here quite special.

The Italian Place

Where: 38 Mort St, Braddon

Owned and run by two Italian restaurant masterminds, there’s little surprise The Italian Place has received nothing but rave reviews since it opened. Combining fresh Australian produce with authentic Italian flavours, it’s difficult not to like the heart-warming dishes on this menu. Think handmade ravioli with a pork jus, squid ink pasta, and brilliantly refreshing homemade gelato to finish. Bring the whole family and a big appetite.

Eightysix North

Where: Corner Elouera Street & Lonsdale Street, Braddon

Another gem on Braddon's bustling Lonsdale Street, Eightysix playfully blends casual plates with modern sophistication in a contemporary venue. From cheeseburger sliders to kingfish ceviche, you can expect to be surprised and delighted by the varied menu, best enjoyed with a group of mates. Don't skip dessert; the famous pretzel-topped banoffee pie is rivalled only by the salty-sweet caramel popcorn sundae.

Pilot

Where: 1 Wakefield Gardens, Ainslie

Pilot is a real gem in Canberra’s restaurant scene. The attention to detail is nothing short of outstanding, from the delicate interiors to the locally sourced fresh ingredients and fantastic service. This is a place to impress, and it’ll certainly succeed. Take a special someone and share the eight-course degustation menu amid their intimate dining area. You’ll want to savour every bite.

Mu

Where: 1 Constitution Avenue, Canberra

From the very first bite at Mu Omakase, you'll discover why this Canberra restaurant has been awarded a Chef's Hat. Place your evening in the capable hands of the sleek venue's expert team, who will guide you through a degustation of the day's freshest picks. Each dish will deliver melt-in-your-mouth sushi starring premium produce, skilfully paired with delicious Japanese sake.

INKA

Where: 148 Bunda Street, Canberra

For a true culinary escape, pull up a chair at the enchanting Art Deco-inspired INKA restaurant to lock lips with tropical cocktails served with Japanese Nikkei-style cuisine. The menu here is just as alluring as the decor; crafted by executive chef Michael Muir, there's little wonder INKA was named a finalist in the Master Builders Australia ACT Awards in 2021.