How to eat your way around Europe—without leaving Canberra
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Dreaming of a European holiday?
We’ve said it once and we’ll say it again: from the south of France to the beaches of Sicily, it feels like our Instagram feeds are full of lucky people on fun-filled European adventures. But don’t worry (or be jealous), if booking a trip this year is looking out of your budget, we have the perfect solution: take your tastebuds on an international vacation without leaving the city.
Because from escargot to loukoumades, Canberra has an amazing international food scene—and we’ve rounded up 20+ places to add to your bucket list so you can eat your way around Europe.
A note on inclusions—this is by no means a true reflection of the breadth and depth of the international food scene.
We know there are likely amazing restaurants and cafes missing from this list and this isn’t the ‘be all and end all’ by any means—just a light-hearted way to showcase food you may not have tried before. And if you DO have a fave that deserves a mention, simply send us an email!
Need some more Canberra swaps for your Euro summer fix? Read our suggestions here.
FRANCE
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Louis Dining
Be transported from the hustle and bustle of the Parliamentary Triangle to France with Canberra’s newest fine dining darling—Louis. Focusing predominately on European dishes (including Provencal cuisine) it’s both elevated and luxe, setting the bar for a memorable—and French inspired—fine dining experience.
louisdining.com.au | 18 National Circuit, Barton
Ondine
A casual dining experience in a relaxed setting, the French-inspired menu at Ondine has everything from escargots au Café de Paris to beef bourguignon with Paris mash. The only thing missing is the Eiffel Tower.
ondine.com.au | 7 Duff Pl, Deakin
Les Bistronomes
This restaurant is at the helm of an authentic fine dining experience to rival any in France itself. Expect intricate and subtle combinations of traditional French flavours.
lesbistronomes.net | 18 Blamey Pl, Campbell
Le Très Bon
At Le Très Bon you can enjoy traditional French cuisine in a farmhouse setting with leafy views. It may not be the French countryside but with foie gras, truffles, escargot and game on the menu, it’s not far off.
letresbon.com.au | 40 Malbon St, Bungendore
Margot Espresso Vin and Fromage
A croissant or gourmet toastie from Margot Espresso Vin and Fromage is sure to satisfy any French pastry-inspired cravings. Serving espresso in the AM and prosecco in the PM (along with fromage boxes), this intimate alfresco space brings a breath of fresh French air to the lakeside.
West Kiosk, Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes | margot.bar
ITALY
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Amici
This deli, wine, and cocktail bar will transport you to Italy with its delectable offerings of cheese, meats, hand-stretched pizzas, and pasta. Seasonal baked brie anyone? Oh and don’t forget their Bottomless Pasta nights.
amici.bar | 59 Northbourne Ave, Canberra City
Molto
The perfect mix of modern and traditional, Molto is full of Italian food and culture. Think pizza, pasta, seafood and desserts, plus a large wine list. Deliziosa!
moltoitalian.com | Element Building, Eastlake Parade, Kingston Foreshore
Chez Freds
A melting pot of flavours, Chez Freds combines classical French and Italian cuisine. However, if you’re specifically looking for a taste of the Mediterranean, you can’t go past the pasta made lovingly in-house (and with a slightly modern twist).
chezfreds.com.au | 4/14 Lonsdale St, Braddon
The Italian Place
Warm hospitality, seasonal Italian dishes, beautiful wine, and even better company—The Italian Place offers the best of Italy. Go to enjoy authentic Italian dining and expect to take something home from their providore.
theitalianplace.net.au | 38 Mort St, Braddon
Agostini’s at Lark Hill
Looking for something delizioso with stunning views to match? With prosciutto e rucola pizza, tiramisu and calamari fritti on the menu, Agostini’s pop-up at Lark Hill is a taste of Italy in Bungendore.
eat@agostinis.com.au or by calling 02 6178 0038 | Lark Hill Winery, corner Joe Rocks and Bungendore Road, NSW (30 minutes from Canberra)
SPAIN
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Parlour
Serving share plates and upscale wine, Parlour has a moreish range of tapas that combines a modern Australian feel and Spanish influence, with flavours transporting you to Barcelona, Madrid, and more.
parlour.net.au | 16 Kendall Ln, Acton
Saint Malo
Taking cues from the Spanish coastline with an elegant menu featuring light, fresh flavours, from the menu to the interiors, this hidden oasis will transport you to the Mediterranean.
saintmalo.com.au | 21 London Circuit, Canberra City
Temporada
Named after the Spanish word for ‘season’, the menu at Temporada is not entirely Spanish. However, there’s no denying the Spanish influences on the menu with options like marinated organic olives and pan-fried snapper.
temporada.com.au | 15 Moore St, Canberra
La Cocina Pura
It’s not exactly Spanish, but La Cocina Pura specialises in authentic South American cuisine and is a treat for your tastebuds. Serving Empanadas, Barbeque Asado, and more, the menu is diverse and delicious.
veritylanemarket.com.au | 50 Northbourne Avenue, Canberra City
GREECE
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Zeus’ Street Food
Gyros, loukoumades, and more—enjoy the delicious flavours of authentic Greek cuisine and be transported to the streets of Greece with each bite.
zeusstreetgreek.com.au | s7/21 Genge St, Canberra City
Olive at Hawker
With a strong Greek influence, this boutique restaurant has everything from moussaka to souzoukakia and more. We recommend you start with the Mediterranean dips and crispy fried olives.
oliveathawker.com.au | 2a/78 Hawker Pl, Hawker
Black Fire Restaurant
A fiercely individualistic Mediterranean cuisine restaurant, the meats, seafood and vegetables are all rustically cooked through their open fire roast, the wood fire oven, and the charcoal grill—perfect if you’re looking for authentic culinary creations that include Greek flavour.
blackfirecanberra.com.au | 45/38 Mort St, Braddon
CROATIA
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Maestral Seafood Restaurant
Reflecting Croatia’s coastal heritage, this modern bistro has a menu full of seafood, schnitzel, and grilled meats. Croatian-style grilled octopus anyone?
maestral.com.au | 13 Trenerry St, Weston
The Australian Croatian Club
Serving a fine collection of traditional Croatian meals, this constantly changing menu includes everything from čevapi to crepes. Make sure to try some Croatian wine to create the feeling of sitting on the beach on the Dalmatian coast.
australiancroatianclub.com.au | 68 McCaughey St, Turner
GERMANY
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The Bavarian
Craving some German-inspired dining complete with authentic beer? The Bavarian has everything from traditional German egg pasta to crispy pork knuckles and—of course—schnitzels. Wash it down with a Munich Helles and enjoy.
thebavarians.com | Shop R06 Westfield Woden, Keltie St, Phillip and Shop 332, Westfield Belconnen, Benjamin Way, Belconnen
The Harmonie German Club
Bringing the best of German culture to Canberra, the Harmonie German Club has a menu full of traditional food and drinks (including a German breakfast complete with freshly baked giant pretzels).
harmonieclub.com.au | 49 Jerrabomberra Avenue, Narrabundah
SWEDEN
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Fika Café and Deli
Inspired by the simple yet delicious Scandinavian style of cuisine, this café is named after a Swedish word that translates as “taking a break for a coffee and a bite to eat.” And with a menu full of natural, fresh produce and a large range of homemade products available in the deli, Fika never sounded so good.
fikacafedeli.com.au | 17 Botany St, Phillip
RYE Café
This Swedish-style café serves seasonal food that’s perfect to grab and go. Make sure to try the Dutch pancakes or their smorrebrod for a Danish open sandwich.
ryecafe.com.au | 9 Lonsdale Street, Braddon and South Point, Anketell St, Greenway
Feature image: Louis Dining. Credit: Romello Pereira.
