Lonsdale Street’s swanky newcomer, lakeside eye candy in Belco, and a truffle feast to make your dietitian weep: Canberra foodie news worth devouring
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Hold onto your forks, foodies! Canberra’s culinary scene is getting hotter than a chef’s temper during a Saturday night rush.
From truffle hunters digging up black gold to gluten-free bread that won’t double as a hockey puck, and enough new openings to make your dining bucket list cry for mercy, we’ve got all the juicy details on what’s worth loosening your belt for.
Uptown Vibes comes to Lonsdale Street for a new concept in dining
The latest addition to Lonsdale Street’s thriving restaurant scene is shaking things up – it’s time to try Uptown Vibe.
The creation of Coco and Rye Bakery owners James Zhang and Sandra Refuerzo, under the careful guidance of experienced restaurant consultant Tasso Rovolis (who brought us Brunello), we won’t give too much away – instead you can read all about it here.
Barrio expands beyond Braddon
Here’s a shot of good news – Barrio Coffee has opened an espresso bar in Fyshwick! Adding a small espresso bar to their Dairy Road roastery, you can go along from 7.30 am until 2 pm Wednesday to Sunday to sip on coffee while enjoying the cosy atmosphere and nibbling on a simple selection of pastries.
Chef Matt Moran is hosting a long-table Italian dinner and you’re invited
Generous shared dishes, great conversation and that unmistakable Italian spirit. Now this sounds like a birthday party worth attending. COMPA is turning one and on Wednesday 21 May, they are marking their birthday with a special event hosted by Chef Matt Moran.
Seats are limited, so book your spot to enjoy a delicious spread of entrées, mains and dessert, plus a glass of bubbles on arrival to get the night started.
Breaking bread, not teeth: a gluten-free artisan bakery has opened to sell loaves you can actually chew
Cue the cheers of gluten-free foodies in Canberra! Freed Me Gluten Free is a new gluten-free artisan bakery baking up loaves that aren’t small in size or taste. Free of gluten, free of processed sugar, and free of preservatives, DM them for info about ordering!
AK x Andrew Nguyen partner for one epic night
Loud 90s hip hop. Amazing food. This is one foodie event you don’t want to miss. AK (of AK’s Diner) and Andrew Nguyen (previously of Miss Van’s) is coming together to cook some mouth-watering food and with only 32 seats, it’s first in, best sat. Taking place on Saturday 10 May, Andrew will be cooking Cà Ri Gà the way his Bà/Amah/nan used to make. Find out more here.
Spice Week at Verity Lane
From Thursday 15 to Saturday 24 May, Spice Week is heating up Verity Lane Market with a diverse and delicious lineup of spicy dishes across all six of their vendors.
Keep an eye out for details of the dishes on offer!
Belconnen has a new lakeside café
Culinary and artistic indulgence with an outstanding view? Don’t mind if we do.
In case you didn’t hear the news, Kiln at Belco Arts is the newest edition to the Belconnen Arts Centre offering visitors a picturesque spot for a memorable dining experience. Read all about it here.
Carlotta makes Aperitivo Hour a thing, and we’re not mad about it
Just the opposite in fact. Bringing a slice of the Mediterranean lifestyle to Canberra, Carlotta is hosting daily Euro-inspired Aperitivo Hour, complete with sip and snacks.
Running from 5 pm until 6 pm Sunday to Thursday, and 4 pm until 6 pm Friday and Saturday, it’s perfect for after-work debriefs or as a pre-dinner pit stop with arancini bolognese, mozzarella and basil flatbread and polenta chips with Parmigiano Reggiano on the menu.
An authentic taste of Shanghai comes to the city
Forget booking a flight to Shanghai, you can find some mouth-watering street food right on City Walk. Bringing the genuine flavours of China to Sydney since 2006, Lilong focuses on the “Hai Pai” Shanghai cuisines – seeing the traditions of different cuisines from many other regions of China showcased in their dishes.
With their signature dishes (which include assorted handmade dumplings and Shanghai-style live fish and seafood), crafted with fresh ingredients and traditional techniques, here you can expect an unforgettable dining experience that has delighted food lovers in Sydney for many years.
Greenhouse Café is getting a facelift
That’s right, the much-loved first-floor Canberra Centre café is entering a luxe new phase within centre’s high-end fashion precinct, perfect for fuelling those shopping energy slumps.
Opening in mid-May, read all about Greenhouse Café’s new look here.
Truffle season has arrived at Beltana Farm
The cold weather in Canberra only means one thing – truffle season is almost here. And already kicking it off with a bang, Beltana Farm is hosting a massive festival of fungi.
Offering Australia’s most authentic and immersive truffle experience amidst its expansive truffle farm, from the After Dark Truffle Fest (complete with fire pits, outdoor BBQ canapes, and illuminated truffle trees) to Hunt and Cooking Masterclass, there’s sure to be something you’ll want to do to celebrate our favourite fungus.
Dreaming of eating your way through Italy? We’ll just leave this here
The Viva Italia Gala Dinner will transport you to Italy on Saturday 10 May with a delicious Italian dinner inspired by the mothers of Italy. Along with eating your way through Tonnarelli all’Amatriciana, Veal Saltimbocca, Pannacotta and more, you’ll also enjoy a live opera from the National Opera ensemble, dance the night away with DJ Joe (Joe Pelle) and bid in silent and live auctions – which include the chance to win a week in Tuscany and a private wine tour for ten.
Take a tour through the North, Isaan, Central, and South of Thailand
The culinary kind that is. Taking place on Thursday 29 May, Zaab Street Food is taking foodies on a Thai Trail – a tasting menu inspired by the flavours of the childhoods of their chefs. Reimagining dishes with a modern twist on beloved traditions, you’ll savour the essence of Thailand, one region at a time.
Including seven dishes and a welcome cocktail (with the option to add a curated drinks menu), book your spot here.
Arrivederci Cabo and ciao bella Amici
It’s time to raise a glass of tequila to the news that margarita and taco bar Cabo is closing and, in its place, Amici is taking over the space.
Posting about the spicy closure on Instagram, the Lala Hospitality team said that as Amici’s lease was coming to an end, in the search for a new location it became clear that a move into the larger corner space directly below Highball was the perfect choice.
The next question is, what will be opening where Amici was? Watch this space…
Live in Lyneham? Bakehouse is open to give you buns, hun
Those who live in Lyneham better be excited because the team behind Bakehouse in Ainslie has opened a new location at the shops – and hello, hot pies. Going without a bakery since Brumby’s closed a couple of years back, we expect to see lines around the block for the fresh bread and tasty treats.
Jamaica Blue brings a new café to Woden
Get excited, caffiends – a new café is coming to Westfield Woden! Opening opposite Harry Hartog, Jamica Blue is a chain known for its grab-and-go goodies, as well as a selection of dine-in breakfast and lunch options. Offering a new brunch location in the area, go for a coffee and stay for a sweet treat.
L’épi Artisan Bakery brings its signature sourdoughs to Yarralumla
After much anticipation, L’épi Artisan Bakery has opened its third location in Yarralumla and all we can say is ‘finally’.
Known for its 13 naturally leavened sourdough loaves, golden seasonal pastries, and delicate cakes, the new store joins existing locations in Chisholm and Kambah go along to grab French-inspired freshly baked treats.
Capital Brewing is slinging hot, mulled cider
And it’s just in time for the cooler weather. Slinging Hot n’ Mulled Batlow Cider at the Capital Brewing Co. taproom it’s steaming with spiced apple goodness and spiked with good decisions. Perfect for frosty arvos, and cheeky catch-ups, you’ll feel like you’re at a European Christmas market!
Looking for something to do on the weekend? Let the wine region come to you
There’s no need to cross the border to go wine tasting on the weekend. Popping up in the Canberra and Region Visitor’s Centre, every Saturday, Canberra Cellar Door will be hosting a tasting of hand-picked quality wines. Go along to try wines from multiple local wineries in one convenient location, discover the stories behind our region’s varieties and vintages take home a bottle that you love!
Move over Paint and Sip: Make Art – Eat Cake comes to Lyneham
Because what goes together better than art and cake? This two-hour visual art workshop is designed for beginners and seasoned creatives alike and is focused on genuine skill-building, creativity, and community spirit, without the emphasis on alcohol. All about enjoying a delicious cake and coffee from The Front Café while exploring texture, colour and creativity, read all about it here.
It’s Margarita May at Midnight Bar
Midnight Bar is turning limes into good times this May, with a month-long celebration of everyone’s favourite cocktail – the margarita. And you can celebrate Margarita May by designing your own custom margarita! Simply choose your tequila, triple sec, citrus, sweetener and salt to create a cocktail that’s truly unique to you. Prefer to keep things simple? Sip your way through four limited-edition house margaritas, each with its own distinctive twist. And yes – frozen margs are also on the menu.
Here for a good time, not a long time – pop in for a cheeky marg, any day of the week from 3 pm ‘til late until Saturday 31 May.
Eden Road Wine Dinner at Shaw Estate
Experience an exquisite evening of fine dining and premium wines as Shaw Estate welcomes the acclaimed Eden Road Wines on Thursday 29 May. Indulge in a five-course Mediterranean-inspired feast where Head Chef Adam blends Italian tradition with modern flair, perfectly paired with exceptional local wines.
Eden Road’s winemaker Celine Rousseau will personally guide you through each pairing, offering insight into these celebrated Canberra region vintages. Set in the picturesque Murrumbateman wine country, this intimate dining experience promises an unforgettable night of culinary excellence.
Le Cheeserie x Rizla partner for an unmissable masterclass
An autumn afternoon filled with wine and cheese? Yes, please! Rizla on Lonsdale Street is hosting Le Cheeserie again for a wine and cheese pairing masterclass. Book your spot now.
Feature image: James Souter.
