Great restaurants abound in Canberra, a city that is playing it cool with a diverse array of places to eat and drink.

Visitors to the nation’s capital are spoilt for choice when it comes to discovering great Canberra restaurants. That’s why we’ve narrowed down our guide to include Canberra restaurants that range from longstanding institutions to award-winning newcomers worthy of our attention. Below is our list of favourite Canberra restaurants to try right now.

The shortlist

Hottest new opening: Azuma Den
Hidden Gem: Bar Rochford
Family-friendly spot: Agostinis
Best for fine dining: Pilot
Casual Eats: Akiba
Most Instagrammable: Such and Such
Best for business lunches: Louis

1. Azuma Den

Azuma is the historical name for Eastern Japan. And while this new East Hotel eatery celebrates traditional cuisine from this corner of Japan, it is also inflected with Korean accents thanks to the influence of executive chef Junho ‘Luffy’ Koh and sous chef Jun Kim. Together, these pitmasters fight fire with flavour. Kelly Ross Design shaped Azuma Den to mirror the layering of East Asian cooking, and it lands: warm, intimate and as inviting as the family-run Canberra hotel itself.

Cuisine: Japanese-Korean

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: A mood-lit, handsome space

Location: 1/9 Lonsdale St, Braddon

2. Lunetta

The landmark Red Hill Lookout building has regained a bit of its sparkle with Lunetta . The modernist dodecagon first opened in 1963, was later reshaped by Enrico Taglietti, then refreshed again by ACME. Its spiral staircase and bay windows have been left intact, those city views dialled up. The Italian-inspired menu is polished and playful; service stays sharp; the wine list means business. Order the ravioli with pea, mint, potato, pecorino and ricotta di bufala, before plotting a return for sister-venue Lunetta Trattoria downstairs.

Cuisine: Italian-inspired cuisine

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Elevated, modern dining in a sophisticated space

Location: 60 Red Hill Drive, Red Hill Lookout

3. Agostinis

Agostinis at East Hotel is Canberra’s most family-friendly Italian restaurant. This inviting Griffith institution led by executive chef Francesco Balestrieri is known for its menu of freshly made pizzas and pastas curated to please everyone in the family (including Nonna). The dining room keeps the mood upbeat with its leopard-print booths and pink-neon slogans like ‘You had me at pizza’. Run by siblings Dan and Dion Bisa in honour of their mother Marisa, whose family owned a restaurant in Italy named Agostinis, it’s warm and convivial and powered by a team of young, dynamic Italians.

Cuisine: Italian

Atmosphere: Fun and free-wheeling

Location: 69 Canberra Ave, Griffith

4. Minima

Together, brothers Benn and Mork Ratanakosol funnel the dazzling flavours of Thai cuisine through the lens of being ‘third-culture kids (TCKs)’. The menu at Minima , a tiny 22-seater space that opened mid-2024, draws on influences from the brothers’ childhood as TCKs. What this translates to is daring dishes like durian biscuit with smoked scallop, burnt tea and black sauce. Or fried pork belly with red curry and lychee. The Minima pavlova is a must.

Cuisine:  Third-culture cuisine (Chinese and Southeast Asian)

Average price: $$$

Location:  3/29 Bentham St, Yarralumla

5. Dada

‘Da’ means ‘all’ in Korean – an idea that underpins Peter Kang’s Asian-fusion eatery. Inspired in part by Kang’s commitment to catering to his daughter’s dietary requirements, the menu folds in Korean, Japanese, Vietnamese and Italian flavours without losing focus. It’s precise, elegant food: gluten-free rice bread with whipped ghee, cauliflower karaage, and silky udon with pork ragu and a 63-degree egg. Desserts – often dairy-free and gluten-free – are a revelation.

Cuisine: Contemporary Asian fusion

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Sleek and modern with timber and terrazzo

Location: G4, 12 Furzer Street Phillip

6. Vice

Simplicity is a flex at Vice . From the team behind Molly, Amici and Highball comes this discreet Odgers Lane dining room devoted to the guilty pleasure of a well-cooked steak. The mood is dark and discreet, the menu deliberately concise. While I love sitting down to the premium reverse-seared wagyu rib eye, the sides at Vice are also a temptation: raclette cauliflower, charred broccolini and golden potatoes. The signature cheeseburger with Egmont cheese and gentleman’s relish is also elite.

Cuisine: Stone Axe wagyu rib eye is the signature

Average price: $$$$

Atmosphere: It’s giving steakhouse dive bar

Location: Odgers Lane, Canberra

7. Canteen

Canteen is one of those venues that is quietly reshaping the conversation around the ‘best Canberra restaurants’. Tucked into Fyshwick’s Dairy Road precinct, it runs as a ramen bar by day and izakaya by night. Start with playful snacks like mozzarella katsu sandos or fries slicked with Daddy Sauce, then move onto the main event: deeply nourishing bowls of Tori-style ramen. The Classic Daddy pairs handmade rye noodles with slow-cooked pork belly and a jammy soy egg. Add an approachable sake list and you will see why seats fill fast in this compact, cosy timber-toned room.

Location: 1 Dairy Road, Fyshwick

8. Beltana Farm

The bountiful garden at Beltana Farm holds more than 800 truffle trees. But that’s just one of its many charms. Beltana Farm also offers the ultimate boutique farmhouse accommodation near Canberra. The restaurant here also draws a crowd. When ordering, think simple, along the lines of farmhouse shared plates like house-made damper with macadamia dukkah. Or a half-roasted chicken with Fred’s stuffing, cavolo nero and mushroom jus paired with a bottle of local wine.

Cuisine:  Rustic farmhouse share plates

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: With its grand walkways and leafy outlook, it’s the ultimate destination diner.

Location:  Beltana Farm, 14 Beltana Road, Pialligo

9. Koto

After years spent looking to its big-city brothers and sisters, the national capital is coming into its own. Koto is emblematic of this shift. Once home to The Lobby Restaurant, an after-hours haunt for fat cat politicians and journalists in the 1970s – this mid-century pavilion has re-emerged as a distinctly Japanese dining room: spare and atmospheric with low light and clean lines. The menu at Koto is shaped by the principles of kaiseki, guided by seasonality, precision and restraint. Trust head chef Shinya Nakano’s take on the tradition over wagyu tacos and tempura whiting.

Cuisine: Japanese-Australian

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Elegant, chic with a mood that is as assured as can be

Location: 1 King George Terrace, Parkes

10. Corella

Corella is the neighbourhood restaurant Australia’s bush capital needed. The menu is grounded in native flavours, and the dining room balances European polish with world-class Indigenous art, eucalyptus green hues and a corrugated tin bar. Saltbush is crusted onto focaccia with buttermite. Appellation oysters are lifted with lemon myrtle vinegar and finger lime. And a BBQ handles the serious task of charring cauliflower doused in native chimichurri. Cocktails lean local and the wine list backs Australian makers.

Cuisine: Seasonal Australian

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere:  Intimate and warm

Location:  14 Lonsdale St, Braddon

11. Med

Med brings a bit of sun-splashed swagger to the fringes of Canberra’s Parliamentary Triangle.  Char, smoke and spice drive the menu which draws on Eastern Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavours. Here, sides such as za’atar fries and pilaf rice with pistachio and grapes are treated as equals rather than afterthoughts. And mains such as charcoal-roasted chicken celebrate deeply rooted cooking traditions. The baklava ice cream sundae is beguiling. Stay at the nearby Little National Hotel.

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Fun, loud, unpredictable

Location:  1 Burbury Close, Barton

12. Mezzalira Ristorante

Mezzalira has been a fixture of the Canberra dining scene since 1996. And, to this day, the Canberra restaurant housed in the Melbourne Building remains an institution in the heart of Civic for politicians and public servants. Forget red-checked tablecloth tropes. This ambitious Italian restaurant is winning over new diners thanks to its simple menu (pastas with deeply aromatic sauces, veal saltimbocca alla Romana), attentive service from personable young Italians and global wine list.

Cuisine: Trad Italian trattoria fare

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere:  Relaxed and rustic with timber tones, flower-filled vases and vintage Italian posters.

Location: 14 Lonsdale St, Braddon

13. Molto Italian

Molto Italian is all about pairing great food with great wine. Molto means ‘very’ and the restaurant is molto bene. Expect unconventional drops from around the globe ready for teaming with small plates such as beef tartare, suppli and burrata. Although the menu at Molto Italian has serious culinary cred, the dining room is laid-back and relaxed. Canberra has a list of great restaurants to choose from. But Molto is truly one of its ‘very’ best.

Cuisine: Contemporary

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Intimate and convivial

Location: Element Building, Eastlake Parade, Kingston Foreshore

14. Bar Rochford

Bar Rochford bills itself as a place to “pull records, sling sharp spirits and love good service". That tells you everything you should expect from this hip haven hidden away upstairs in the iconic Melbourne building. This is one of the best Canberra venues – equal parts restaurant and bar – for its fun vibe, elevated food and refined drinks list. I’m a mad fan of You Am I. And any bar that features a giant portrait of lead singer Tim Rogers feels like it’s plugged into Canberra’s grungy zeitgeist.

Cuisine: Contemporary

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Groovy and grungy

Location: 65 London Circuit

15. Lazy Su

Lazy Su gets top marks for its focused flavours. This neon-lit hang is like the love child of a K-pop speakeasy and izakaya with an American diner as surrogate. Start by knocking back a few shots of soju to get you in the mood. The menu’s common thread – across Japanese, Korean and American influences – is playfulness. Cosplay as a foodie content creator and order wagyu cheesesteak spring rolls with kimchi mayo. Or nori tacos stuffed with sushi rice, salmon and avocado puree. Best for boozy yum cha.

Cuisine: Japanese, Korean and American fusion

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Big-city ambitions and zero pretentions.

Location: 1/9 Lonsdale St, Braddon

16. Such And Such

Nerdy food types be nerding when news broke that Dash Rumble, Ross McQuinn and Mal Hanslow, of two-hatted Pilot in Ainslie, had opened a sister venue. That venture is Such And Such , a hole-in-the-wall eatery much more relaxed than Pilot, Canberra’s top fine-dining restaurant. The menu is seasonal. But do order tartare of tuna with sesame, mint and crisps if it’s on the menu. Such and Such is in Constitution Place, perfect for a pre- or post-theatre dinner.

Cuisine: Mod Oz

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Sophisticated with a touch of theatre

Location: 220 London Circuit

17. Wilma

Getting around to all the major attractions in Canberra is a lot as there are so many great things to see and do. But you gotta eat, right? Head to Wilma , a magical spot for a few cocktails and feed in the heart of Canberra’s CBD. A two-tier konro yakitori grill takes pride of place at the eatery, which is named in honour of cartoon character Wilma Flintstone, who also cooks over fire. Asian barbecue never looked so good. Bookend an evening with cocktails at The Pearl, which occupies the ground floor of the two-storey venue. It’s one of the best bars in Canberra.

Cuisine: Asian BBQ

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Magical

Location: 1 Genge St

18. Rebel Rebel

Acclaimed chef Sean McConnell is behind ultra-cool Canberra restaurant Rebel Rebel , a glam eatery with lofty ceilings in the hotel hub encompassing QT Canberra and Ovolo Nishi. McConnell’s love of shared dining is evident here in dishes such as blue mackerel, witlof and apple salad or fried quail with shrimp sambal and lime. Enjoy top drops from a modern list of natural wines, local faves and international gems and take home a bottle at a retail price.

Cuisine: Contemporary

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Sleek and sexy

Location: 21-23 Marcus Clarke St

19. Italian & Sons

Italian & Sons is the more casual offshoot of fine dining restaurant Mezzalira, one of Canberra’s best restaurants. And it has gained its own devoted following in Canberra for its fresh, authentic Italian cuisine. Enjoy a range of cicchietti (snack plates) such as salty anchovies and San Daniele prosciutto with a glass of vino. Or go all out with the tasting menu, which includes shared antipasti and three courses. Note: according to my father-in-law, who lives in Canberra, Italian & Sons does one of the best negronis in all the land.

Cuisine: Italian

Average price: $$$$

Atmosphere: Dark and moody

Location: 7 Lonsdale St, Braddon

20. Compa

Matt Moran’s first Canberra venue, Compa , showcases produce from the Moran Family Farm that changes with the seasons. The atmospheric Italian steakhouse reimagined by Studio A-N has exposed wooden beams, white stuccoed walls, wicker shades, cosy booths and softly blended tones and textures. The meaty menu showcases different steaks as well as Snowy River trout and Abrolhos Island scallops served on the shell. Can’t get a booking? Head next door to & Sando, one of the best cafes in Canberra.

Cuisine: Steakhouse

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Charming bistro feel

Location: 148 Bunda St

21. Onzieme

This hatted restaurant is considered one of the best Canberra restaurants for its nose-to-tail approach. The menu at Onzieme also shifts according to what local makers and growers bring to the restaurant. Leave it to the chef to find inspiration from a bag of spuds. Or tray of pomegranates. It’s not hard to find locals who dine at Onzieme on a regular basis as the atmosphere at the waterfront restaurant could not be more welcoming. In short, Onzieme is one of the best restaurants in Canberra to book if you’ve only got a limited time in Australia’s capital of cool.

Cuisine: Contemporary

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Welcoming

Location: 5/39 Kennedy Street, Kingston

22. Mu Omakase

Mu Omakase is where Canberrans head for modern Japanese. And the scene here on a weekend speaks volumes about the eatery as the chatter of happy diners fills the 10-seater space. The modern Japanese diner, part of the Chairman Group, serves a set 12-course omakase menu. Access to the eatery is through the swanky Cicada Bar, one of the best bars in Canberra. Omakase means ‘to entrust’. Trust the chef to deliver dishes with artistry and plating precision such as Saikyo-yaki Patagonian toothfish swimming in fermented tomato and chilli.

Cuisine: Modern Japanese

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Intimate

Location: 1 Constitution Avenue

23. eightysix

For a restaurant to stand out in the crowded Canberra landscape it must be special. And eightysix should absolutely be on your list of eateries to try when visiting Canberra for a long weekend. eightysix is all about experimentation, with quirky menu items like habanero beef tartare with prawn crackers or a salt and vinegar potato scallop. But the restaurant also tilts towards Italian with dishes like lemon ricotta gnocchi with tomato fennel sugo and buffalo mozzarella or the prawn and saffron risotto.

Cuisine: Fusion

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Modern and fun

Location:  Corner Elouera and Lonsdale streets, Braddon

24. Terra

Terra means earth and this dining room is a mix of stone and wood and textures that resemble Canberra’s natural surrounds. The set-up at Terra is canteen-style. Choose from a protein and various sides or one of its huge burgers. The crispy hot chips have a cult following here for the miso gravy that brings an unexpected flash of tanginess. The vibe at dinner is a tad more refined. But it’s still Terra’s chargrilled, smoked and woodfired meats (like the chashu pork belly or half a chook) that take centre stage. And the sides are not to be outdone, particularly the charred broccolini.

Cuisine: Mod Oz

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Modern and fun

Location: Shop 4, 115  Marcus Clarke Street

25. Edgar’s

Canberra has long had its fair share of great places for brunch. And Edgar’s is up there with the best of them. This farm-to-table Ainslie eatery has been going strong for more than two decades and the food is exceptional. There will always be certain standbys on the menu such as the brioche cinnamon toast or brekkie burger. Settle around an outdoor table so you can make friends with some local MAMILs. What makes Edgar’s Inn so enticing is the fact you can go from breakfast to lunch and dinner within the multi-venue space, which includes Wakefield’s Bar & Wine , Mama Dough , Edgar’s and Edgar’s Inn .

Cuisine: Mod Oz

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Warm and enticing

Location: 1 Edgar St, Ainslie

26. Raku

The fact you’re likely to see diplomats from the Japanese Embassy here hints at the fact you’ll be richly rewarded with dinner at Raku . The restaurant also draws international students keen to explore beyond their own neighbourhood. The raw bar in the centre of the dining room at Raku tells you all about the quality of the sushi and sashimi on offer. Take a seat at the counter in this elegant space with blond timber tones and moody lighting and you’ll feel like you’ve tumbled down an alleyway in Tokyo.

Cuisine: Japanese

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Moody and elegant

Location: 148 Bunda St

27. Chairman & Yip

This dimly lit Canberra restaurant is an institution that has been going strong for three decades. While it’s moved from its original spot in Civic to Barton, Chairman & Yip remains vamped up, all dark slatted woods and stacked stones that demarcate the dining room. Solve the dilemma of what to order and opt for the tasting menu, which includes duck pancakes, crispy pork belly with pineapple compote and kung po-style chilli prawns paired with drops from nearby wineries. The Chairman Group also has Lanterne Rooms, Mu, Cicada Bar and Karl Bar.

Cuisine Modern Cantonese

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Moody and elegant

Location:  1/1 Burbury Cl, Barton

28. Akiba

This modern hawker-style food hall is popular with Canberra uni students who converge here to make friends. The showy Asian diner is all neon nights, exposed brickwork and long communal tables that run the length of the colourful eatery. Gather your tribe to enjoy street-food-style snacks at Akiba such as Japanese fried chicken and kimchi and stacked steamers of dumplings. Order a few ‘akipops’ (boozy juices) from Thursdays to Sundays when the dining room transforms into a dance floor. Akiba is a sibling to Loquita, Wilma and The Pearl, all Canberra restaurants to have on your radar.

Cuisine: Pan Asian

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Vibey food hall

Location: 40 Bunda St

29. Louis

Chef Ben Willis (ex-Aubergine) is culinary director at Euro-style bistro Louis Dining , which is as dreamy for a business lunch as it is for dinner. The restaurant was designed by award-winning firm Luchetti Krelle and is popular with political heavyweights due to its proximity to Hotel Realm and the Parliamentary Triangle. Sit at one of the tan banquettes around the high tables in the bar section. Or settle into the midnight blue dining room for grilled king prawns with a Pernod dressing or steak frites.

Cuisine: Gallic fare

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: European-style bistro

Location: 18 National Circuit, Barton

30. Pilot

Pilot instantly found its audience when it descended on the suburb of Airlie. In fact, it’s fair to say it prompted a raft of restaurateurs to seek opportunities in the suburbs. The two-hatted restaurant offers tasting menus for lunch and dinner. Check @pilotrestaurant on Instagram to see what the chefs are cooking up on any given day. Elevated bites may include the fried white bait with devilled spice mix and curry leaf or the blue mackerel chips served with potato dip described as ‘fish and chips but kinda backwards’.

Cuisine: Contemporary Australian

Average price: $$$$

Atmosphere: Fancy fine diner

Location: 1 Wakefield Gardens, Ainslie Shops