Canberra’s best family-friendly alfresco dining
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Nothing signals the onset of summer more than relaxing outside for a delicious meal.
If you have little ones in tow, outdoor dining can also be an excellent compromise. First, it’s not as obvious if things get a little noisy (for example a mini-meltdown over the wrong ice-cream cone or loudly announcing a need to go to the toilet.)
Second, if the kids get restless, there is usually enough space for them to wander without interrupting other diners or wait staff. Lastly, it’s the perfect way for everyone to soak up the longer days.
As we head into months of warm weather, we’ve narrowed down ten of the best family-friendly spots to grab some delicious food, alfresco style.
Snapper & Co
This lakeside venue may just be the perfect spot for families come summer. With plenty of space to spread out, delicious fish and chips, a gelato bar, cocktails and live music on weekends, it ticks every box for kids and adults alike.
Diners have the option to either book a table undercover or bring a rug on the lawns while the kids run wild. With yachts floating by, chilled vibes and a few resident seagulls loitering around, it’s probably as close as it gets to feeling like we’re at the seaside in Canberra.
Mariner Place, Yarralumla | snapperandco.com.au
Two Blind Mice
It’s relatively new to Curtin but this pub is already a fast favourite among locals, boasting a casual dining experience with everything from pizza to house-made gnocchi on the menu.
Check out live music on Saturdays or enjoy a charcuterie board with two free glasses of Aperol Spritz on Sundays. The best part? Kids eat free every Thursday.
6/44 Curtin Place, Curtin | twoblindmicecurtin.com.au
La Rustica by the Lake
Nab an outdoor table at this Kingston Foreshore venue and enjoy people-watching by the water. The food here is rustic and authentic: expect to find a simple and delicious handmade gnocchi sorrento, with rich tomato and basil sauce, or the very popular spaghetti pescatore, crammed with fresh seafood. Our kids love the traditional bolognese (though it gets a little messy!)
Eastlake Parade & Trevillian Quay, Kingston | larusticabtlcom
Cartel Taqueria
Yes, it’s located just over the border, but it’s so good we’ll sneakily claim it as our own. With its delicious house-made frozen margs and jugs of sangria, Cartel Taqueria simply screams “hot summer night in Mexico.” Grab one of the bohemian picnic rugs and speciality-made picnic tables to enjoy a relaxed atmosphere on the grass.
Ray Morton Park, 6 Trinculo Place, Queanbeyan East | @cartel.tacos
Bicicletta
This beautiful courtyard space lights up on a warm night. Enjoy the delicious authentic Italian fare with a good glass of red as the sun goes down. Nestled in the vibrant NewActon precinct, there will be plenty to see and do once you finish your meal.
1/15 Edinburgh Avenue, NewActon | bicicletta.com.au
Rodney’s Garden
With a playground for the kids, live music and serene gardens, Rodney’s is ideal for a casual brunch or lunch. And given the garden shop is attached to the café, it’s also a handy spot to stock up on any tools once you’ve finished your meal!
24 Beltana Road, Pialligo | kitchengardenrodneys.com.au
Pollen Café
Surrounded by nature at the botanic gardens, the deck at Pollen café is a peaceful spot for your next alfresco breaky or lunch. Added bonus? You can burn the kids’ energy afterwards (and cool off) with a rainforest walk amongst the mist.
Australian National Botanic Gardens, Clunies Ross Street, Acton | pollencafe.com.au
Little Luxton
This southside café’s sun-dappled deck is perfect for lingering over a coffee, and conveniently spills out onto an astroturf with a large sandpit for little ones.
The menu is ideal for a relaxed brunch or lunch, featuring pastries from Three Mills, toasties, breakfast pots, and the café’s speciality, “lux nuts”—a delicious ricotta and donut ball that continues to sell out quickly.
110 Lewis Luxton Avenue, Gordon | littleluxton.com
Fox and Bow
With plenty of alfresco seating in sun and shade, and even a dedicated kids’ section complete with a basketball net and Jenga blocks, this café is perfect for kids to stretch their legs while adults catch up for brunch (try the Spanish eggs!) Look out for their seasonal events, like their late summer passata-making day.
4 Farrer Place, Farrer | foxandbow.com.au
