Ten restaurants to try before the Canberra Comedy Festival
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If you’ve booked to attend the Canberra Comedy Festival and are wondering what you are going to do for dinner that night, look no further.
Taking place between Wednesday 12 and Sunday 23 March, with the festival locations spanning between the Canberra Theatre Centre and ANU, here are ten different restaurants all within a ten-minute walk of the venues, perfect for indulging all taste buds.
Raku (City)
If you are heading to the Canberra Comedy Festival with family and friends, and are after a restaurant with a sleek, modern, and ambient atmosphere, look no further than Raku in the heart of Civic.
Raku is your one-stop shop for a modern Japanese dining experience. With their extensive menus immersed with Japanese classics such as raw and hot plates, tempura, sushi and meat dishes, you won’t be left hungry. If you’re overwhelmed with the choice, you can try either their tasting menu or tapas to ensure you get a taste of everything Raku has to offer.
148 Bunda Street, City | Open Monday to Sunday, 11,30 pm – 2.30 pm and 5.30 pm – 9 pm | rakudining.com.au
SoLita Pizzeria and Pasta Bar (City)
If you have time before the show, make sure you book ahead at this popular Italian restaurant. SoLita is all about traditional homestyle Italian, specialising in wood-fried, hand-stretched pizza and pasta. Here, you can indulge in the vast menu of classics or even create your own pizza. And we can’t forget about dessert, so make sure you try the Nutella Pizza or any other of the traditional Italian favourites!
Unit 12 Baileys Corner, 143 London Circuit, City | Open Monday 5 pm – 9 pm, Tuesday to Saturday 12 pm – 2 pm and 5 pm – 9 pm | solita.com.au
Amici Wine Bar and Deli (City)
Calling all deli lovers: Amici is the place to be for all things share plates and platters. Immerse yourself in a welcoming atmosphere and indulge in something decadent like a charcuterie or cheese board before the festival. Create a fancy night out, or order something for later through their online deli.
59 Northbourne Avenue, City | Open Tuesday to Saturday, 11 am – 10.30 pm and 11 am – 9.30 pm, Sunday | amici.bar
Akiba (City)
If you have a love for Eastern Asian cuisine with a flavourful and modern twist, along with a bustling atmosphere, make sure you book a seat at Akiba. This compact menu covers flavours from Asian BBQ, to a raw bar, dim sum and promises a punch of fresh flavours. With all food cooked over wood and charcoal, head along to see why this modern take on East Asia is so popular.
40 Bunda Street, City | Open Friday to Saturday, 11.30 am – 11 pm | akiba.com.au
Verity Lane Markets (City)
Are you someone who is indecisive and never knows what you want to eat? Verity Lane Markets has you covered. Whether you book ahead or just want to walk in, this market hall has a range of cuisines covered. With six different vendors, there is something for everyone and every taste bud.
Think Vietnamese, Indonesian, South American and more!
50 Northbourne Avenue, City | Open Monday 5 pm – 9 pm, and Tuesday to Saturday 12 pm – 2 pm and 5 pm – 9 am (Kitchen hours) | veritylanemarket.com.au
Symposium by University House (City)
Located around ANU is an elegant indoor and sunny outdoor setting that is a must-try. Symposium offers a set or a la carte menu, ranging from small and large meals to classic platters.
For those that are vegan, don’t worry, they have a specific vegan platter just for you, along with cheese, charcuterie and loaded options too.
Shop 13, 152 University Avenue, City | Open Tuesday to Friday, 11.30 am – 2.30 pm and 4 pm -8 pm| unihouse.anu.edu.au
Fun Time Pony (City)
Fun Time Pony is one of the many locations that will be home to the Comedy Festival, and if you’re looking to just stay in one place for the night, Fun Time Pony has you covered. This vibrant and electric space is known as one of the late-night pizza joints in Canberra and offers $4 pizza slices. Once the show is over, you can also try your hand at some free pool and pinball!
2/122 Alinga Street, City | Open Wednesday 5 pm – 11 pm, Thursday to Friday 5 pm – 3 am and Saturday 8 pm – 3 am | funtimepony.com.au
RedSalt (City)
If you are coming interstate or are just after a different atmosphere, make sure you book a table at RedSalt in the Crown Plaza. Here, you can order classic cuts of meat from the grill or indulge in some fresh pasta. Whatever your preference, RedSalt has delicious options for all.
1 Binara Street, City | Open Monday to Sunday, 5.30 pm – 9 pm | canberra.crowneplaza.com/dining/redsalt-restaurant
Rebel Rebel (Acton)
If you’re after something a little different and are in the mood for creative and decadent dishes, Rebel Rebel is a must-try. With a small menu of classy meals, this hatted restaurant is one to enter hungry. With meals ranging from beef tartare to grilled prawns, wagyu tongue, and blue mackerel, these dishes are sure to leave your mouthwatering and your mind blown.
21-23 Marcus Clarke Street, Acton | Open Thursday to Sunday, 12 pm – 11 pm and Monday to Wednesday, 5 pm – 9 pm | rebelrebeldining.com.au
Badger & Co. (ANU)
If a pub scene is what you’re after, Badger & Co. is the perfect place to visit. Located at ANU, this Uni Pub has a light, open and immersive atmosphere. With a range of pub classics from a parmi to pizza, burgers and tacos, this makes the perfect combo for your comedy night.
156/11 Pauline Griffin Health and Wellbeing Centre, Joplin Lane Kambri, ANU | Open Monday to Sunday, 11.30 am – 8 pm (Kitchen hours) | badgerandco.com.au
Feature image: Amici Bar. Credit: Ashley St George.
