Matt Moran’s Compa is a new addition to Canberra’s dining scene. Image: Buffet Digital, Compa
27 June 2024
Canberra’s food scene gets better each year. 2024 is no exception, with a huge array of eateries opening in the last 12 months.
Whether you’re on the lookout for a fresh new favourite in your neighbourhood, or prepared to venture across town, there are plenty of options to choose from.
Central Canberra
The Peacemaker Saloon, Braddon
Mort Street’s latest addition is a western saloon-style bar. Visit for American Southwestern food, craft cocktails, whiskey and more.
Good Neighbour, Kingston
Good neighbours are invaluable. But a Good Neighbour serving up coffee, breakfast and lunch seven days a week? Worth its weight in gold. Try the strawberry matcha, shakshouka or chilli crab folded eggs.
Crack Bakery, Canberra Airport
After a hiatus that lasted a few years, Crack Bakery is making a comeback. The team behind Pâtissez and Cartel are serving up their beloved pies as well as cookies. Orders can be made exclusively online with pickup at their kitchen at Canberra Airport.
Romanée Wine Bar, Braddon
This freshly opened boutique wine bar on Lonsdale Street also serves food and cocktails. Think cheese platters, charcuterie boards, hearty mains and desserts. The menu also includes non-alcoholic options.
Catbird, Parkes
Catbird’s menu is inspired by the fresh cuisine of sunny Southern California. There are breakfast burritos, sandwiches, salads, sweet things and coffee. There’s also a kid’s menu.
Brooklyn Donuts, Canberra City
Sweet tooths will love the range of flavours at this New York-inspired donut shop. There are filled options like Biscoff or lemon meringue, or traditional glazed donuts.
Rakkas, Kingston
Rakkas is a modern Turkish restaurant on the edge of Lake Burley Griffin. The menu includes flavourful authentic Turkish dishes like dips and Turkish bread, fried halloumi with honeycomb, chargrilled spatchcock and more.
Azima Restaurant, Canberra City
This Lebanese restaurant is perfect for casual family dining or group celebrations. The mains are perfect for sharing: choose from a grill platter, shawarma meta, a vegetarian mixed plate and more.
Gaon Korean BBQ, Canberra City
If you’re a meat eater with a big appetite, you’ll love this Korean barbeque spot. Choose your proteins and sides and then barbeque right at the table. There are also rice and noodle dishes, soups and stews.
Italian and Sons focaccia bar, Braddon
Italian and Sons is a longstanding Canberra favourite. Their new focaccia bar is open from 11:30am to 2:30pm Wednesday to Friday and includes pillowy, fresh focaccia (with a gluten-free option, too!).
Compa, Canberra City
Compa is Matt Moran’s foray into the Canberra dining scene. Steaks are the focus of the menu, accompanied by a fine selection of entrees, sides and desserts.
&Sando, Canberra City
&Sando is also a Matt Moran creation. It’s a sandwich bar that uses bread (and stocks pastry) from local bakery Under. Their sandwiches range includes elevated classics filled with fresh ingredients.
Centro Café, Canberra Centre
This new café is run by Illy Coffee and the team behind Pizza Artigiana. Their pastry case is filled with sfogliatelle (an Italian pastry with a ricotta citrus filling), cannoli and croissants.
Alia, Canberra City
Alia is the spot for family-style Greek dining. Bring a big appetite and choose from slow-cooked lamb gyros, lobster linguine, chicken souvlaki, and baklava cheesecake.
De Doughnut, Dickson
Donuts, cookies and pastries abound at this Dickson dessert spot. Flavours range from the traditional (hot cinnamon and jam) to the unique (bubblegum, iced vovo and earl grey rose).
Contentious Character, Fyshwick
No need to journey to Wamboin to visit Contentious Character Winery. Their new location in Fyshwick’s Dairy Road precinct offers wine tastings, coffee and dining options for breakfast, lunch and dinner (including tapas).
Al’s Deli and Diner, Canberra City
Gourmet sandwiches are the main offering of this New York-style deli. There are also breakfast options including pancakes and a sausage or bacon and egg roll. Sandwiches come fresh or hot, with options like a schnitty roll, beef and pickle and tuna melt.
Bada Bing Dining Club, Canberra City
Bada Bing has a retro charm that’s perfect for date nights or private dining. Dishes are designed to share and include antipasti, pizza, pasta and more.
Early Edition, Kingston
Kingston Foreshore’s newest spot is open for breakfast, lunch and takeaway. The menu includes a mushroom croissant, Turkish eggs, chicken porridge and a crab omelette.
Howie Espresso, Canberra City
Pick up a coffee from Howie Espresso and don’t leave without one of their delicious grab-and-go options. Breakfast options include muesli and yoghurt, bircher muesli, chia breakfast bowls and muffins. Sandwiches, bagels, and wraps are on offer for lunch.
Jarochos, Braddon
The beloved Mexican food truck now has a permanent shop on Lonsdale Street. The menu boasts authentic Mexican flavours with items like tacos, empanadas and gorditas.
Moo Moo Frozen yoghurt, Canberra City
Tangy, refreshing frozen yoghurt has arrived on Lonsdale Street. Moo Moo has a big range of frozen yoghurt flavours that can be customised with toppings and sauces.
Tuckshop Tamada, Canberra City
A third generation Thai eatery serving lunch on weekdays. Dishes are simple but flavourful and include chicken green curry, spicy pumpkin curry and pad thai.
Fox and Bow, Red Hill
The Farrer location is a long-time favourite, and Fox and Bow has now arrived in the Inner South. Breakfast, brunch, lunch or just a coffee, everything on the menu is a winner.
Rosa’s, Parkes
Whether you’re after a pastry and a coffee or a pizza and a wine, this outdoor garden bar is sure to please. The food is delicious and the scenery is delightful.
Milky Lane, Braddon
Not strictly new, but recently reopened. Milky Lane is back with its loaded burgers, crispy fried chicken and decadent desserts.
Tumut River Brewing Co, Kingston
You may be familiar with the Tumut location, and now you can get your Tumut River Brewing Co fix at Kingsborough Village. It’s open Wednesday to Sunday for pizza and beer.
Kivotos Wine Bar, Braddon
Mediterranean food seems to be having a moment in Canberra, and Kivoto’s is another must-eat destination to add to your list. Pair flavourful Greek cuisine with a drop from their impressive wine list.
Louis, Barton
Sample the flavours of Europe without leaving Canberra. This bistro in the Realm hotel precinct has a stunning interior with an outdoor terrace to match. Visit for lunch or dinner or try their high tea offering.
Med, Barton
Another new addition to the Realm precinct is Med, where Lebanese, Turkish and Greek cuisine collide. It’s a hit with carnivores and also offers vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Wonderburger, Kingston
Wonderburger brings the vintage American diner experience to Canberra. There are 10 different burgers to choose from, plus hot dogs, fried chicken, chips, sides and soft serve.
Peonee, Campbell
Fine dining aficionados will love this industrial-style restaurant. It has an ever-changing menu that showcases seasonal local produce.
Beltana Farm, Pialligo
Visit Pialligo’s newest dining destination for farmhouse-style share plates. Enjoy produce from the farm as well as regional growers.
Woden, Weston Creek and Molonglo
Three Mills Bakery Woden, Phillip
Three Mills has locations spread across Canberra, and now Woden Valley residents and workers can get their fix. Enjoy coffee, pastries, freshly baked bread and more.
Saint Elmo, Torrens
Torrens shops is quickly becoming a foodie haven. Saint Elmo is a deli and coffee shop that sells freshly baked goods, a curated selection of meats and cheeses, fresh pasta and sauces.
Two Before Ten, Denman Prospect
Two Before Ten is another Canberra favourite, and it has now landed in the Molonglo Valley. Visit for coffee, breakfast, brunch or lunch.
Spit Shack, Weston Creek
Stop by the Spit Shack food truck at Weston Classic Car Wash for smokey barbeque fare. The menu includes rolls, buns, fries, hot dogs and more.
Gungahlin
GoTato, Gungahlin
Love potato? Whether you’re after a quick snack or a filling meal, GoTato offers crinkle cut chips, sweet potato fries, potato scallops, waffle fries, potato tots and hot dogs.
Bean Culture Coffee, Mitchell
Bean Culture Coffee has quickly made a name for itself among Mitchell workers. Their coffee beans are roasted on site and they also have all-day breakfast and a lunch menu.
CocoNine Gungahlin, Gungahlin
The newest CocoNine restaurant is open for lunch and dinner every day except Tuesday. Get all your Thai favourites including salads, curries, noodles, stir fries and more. There is also a vegan section of the menu.
Belconnen
Pop Pizza, Fraser
This suburban gem offers pick up and delivery. Choose from traditional options and modern Aussie favourites (chooks and bacon pizza, anyone?).
The Irvine, Florey
A new family-friendly pub from the team behind The Knox Made in Watson. They showcase local produce through their menu which includes breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks.
Drunken Tiger, Melba
A modern takeaway shop with a menu that’s regularly updated. Past items have included crispy pork ribs, laksa, authentic mapo tofu, and Chinese sausage fried rice.
Muku Ramen Bar, Scullin
This ramen bar has a plant-based menu that features tofu, Japanese sweet potato and seasonal vegetables. They also have an extensive menu of non-alcoholic drinks.
Dooki Australia, Belconnen
This all-you-can-eat Korean buffet includes self-service bars for hotpot, cupbap, and fried rice, as well as other choices like ramen and noodles, and unlimited drinks.
Aby Coffee House, Strathnairn
Open seven days a week, Aby Coffee Couse have coffee, muffins, pastries and sandwiches.
Tuggeranong
L’épi Artisan Bakery, Kambah and Chisholm
L’épi opened its Kambah store towards the end of last year, and it’s become a firm favourite of residents. They make fresh bread, pretzels, pastries, cakes and more.
Boru Ramen Bar, Wanniassa
Dine in or takeaway from this authentic Japanese restaurant tucked away in Erindale shops.
Brodburger, Greenway
Brodburger is iconically Canberran, and it’s now easily available to southside residents. From traditional burgers to salmon, lamb, and veg, there’s something for everyone.
Fricken Chicken, Greenway
Dine in or takeaway from Fricken Chicken in Tuggeranong. In addition to their famous fried chicken, they also have a children’s playground and coeliac safe fried chicken.
Ureshii Japanese, Greenway
Ureshii opened last year and has been satisfying Tuggeranong’s Japanese cravings. Tasty lunch bowls, sushi, udon noodle soup, gyoza and katsu chicken all feature on the menu.
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