10 suburban food gems in Canberra worth re-visiting
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Sometimes the best culinary experiences in Canberra are hiding in plain sight.
While Canberra’s city centre gets plenty of attention for its dining scene, the real treasures are often tucked away in suburban shopping centres and quiet neighbourhood strips.
From authentic Japanese ramen in Mackellar to award-winning Turkish cuisine in Tuggeranong, these 10 suburban gems prove that you don’t need to venture far from home to discover your next favourite restaurant.
Drunken Tiger (Melba)
This takeaway shop might be small, but it has a mighty following. Run by the talented team behind Café MAMÉ, the food is fast and full of flavour – perfect for a casual lunch with a twist or quick dinner. From Nasi Goreng to Sweet and Spicy Fried Chicken and Lady Finger Banana and Coconut Sago Pudding, there’s something for everyone on the menu.
Shop 1/8 Melba Circuit, Melba | drunkentiger.com.au
Raijin (Mackellar)
Bringing the best of Japan to the suburbs, at Raijin, you’ll find authentic and fresh Japanese cuisine. On the extensive menu, you’ll find everything from Okonomiyaki to chicken kaarage as well as a range of sushi, sashimi and ramen. Possibly one of Canberra’s best-kept secrets, don’t let the location fool you – you’ll be transported to Japan with each bite.
Unit 3/6 Bennetts Close, Mackellar | facebook.com
Olive at Hawker (Hawker)
For those looking for authentic Greek food, northside locals know that Olive at Hawker is the place to go. Run by a local family, the food here specialises in Mediterranean cuisine, characterised by robust Greek and Italian influences (who can go past Moussaka, Lamb Ragu and Tiramisu?). Add in a cosy atmosphere and you have the perfect neighbourhood dining experience.
2a/78 Hawker Place, Hawker | oliveathawker.com.au
Rama’s Fiji Indian Restaurant (Pearce)
A local institution that locals love, Rama’s is always one of the top suggestions when it comes to dining out in Canberra – and for good reason. Family-run since it was established in 1991, the restaurant is known for its Fijian Indian dishes like pakoras, samosas and curries. If you haven’t been, consider this your sign. And if you have, it’s time to go again.
Pearce Shopping Centre, Corner Macfarland and Hodgson Crescent, Pearce | ramas.com.au
Rubicon (Griffith)
This award-winning institution is a hidden gem in Griffith, but once you uncover it, you won’t go back. Perfect for date night or a more intimate dinner, the food is described as “contemporary Australian” and is best complemented by their extensive selection of local, regional and global wines. And if you feel overwhelmed by the options, you can even design your own menu with a degustation. Just choose how many courses you would like and select your dishes. They’ll do the rest.
6A Barker Street Griffith | rubiconrestaurant.com.au
Pomegranate (Kingston)
This is one restaurant that will surprise you. Tucked away in an unassuming part of Kingston, Pomegranate serves modern Australian food with a Mediterranean twist – and now’s a good time to mention it’s also a highly awarded restaurant. Choose from the à la carte or banquet menu or let the talented team take the lead with the mouthwatering degustation.
31 Giles Street, Kingston | pomegranatecanberra.com.au
Little Istanbul (Tuggeranong)
This family-owned and operated restaurant in Tuggeranong has been serving authentic Turkish food for over 15 years. Known for serving delicious dishes made with the freshest ingredients, you’ll find everything from traditional classics to innovative specialties. Examples include Kadin Budu Kofte, Dolma and – of course – meze tasting platters.
9b/210 Anketell Street, Greenway | littleistanbul.com.au
Ureshii (Tuggeranong)
Ureshii has been something of a rising star in Canberra’s foodie scene, and for good reason. Located in the South.Point shopping centre, they’re committed to providing an unforgettable dining experience. Offering a diverse menu that captures the essence of traditional Japanese cuisine, highlights include the Age Dashi Tofu, Tuna Tataki, and Snapper Carpaccio.
SouthPoint G U 22/210 Anketell Street, Greenway | facebook.com
Anatolia (Erindale)
The simple and tasty Mediterranean menu at Anatolia saw it named the ACT winner of the Awards for Excellence 2024 Speciality category, so you know it’s going to be good. Located on Gartside Street in Wanniassa, they’re open for lunch and dinner, as well as breakfast on the weekends – and with Aubergine Kebabi, Spiced Kofte and more on the menu, it will transport your tastebuds.
9 Gartside Street, Wanniassa | anatoliarestaurant.com.au
Kynefin (Hall)
The small village of Hall is home to Kynefin, a popular little café where they serve homely, British-influenced food that makes you feel good as well as Bombolini Doughnuts. Rated in the Good Food Guide as among Australia’s top 10 best doughnuts, as well as recommended by Qantas and many other reputable guides, this is the only place you can find them, making Kynefin a real suburban gem.
2/4 Victoria Street, Hall | kynefin.com
Feature image: Rama’s. Credit: Nineteen Creative.
