Five hidden gems worth rediscovering in the city
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Canberra’s CBD might be a culinary playground, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t hidden gems to uncover.
When it comes to dining in the city, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by choice. Home to award-winning restaurants, pared-back eateries and vibrant bars with menus to match, it’s no wonder that we usually stick to our tried-and-true favourites. But it might be time to try something new.
From Nikkei cuisine to Euro-style snacks, these five hidden gems are worth rediscovering in the city.
INKA
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Located on Bunda Street in the heart of the city, INKA is like nothing you’ve had in Canberra. The winner of the Best Asian Restaurant in the ACT at the 2025 Awards for Excellence, here you’ll discover the meld of Japanese technique fuelled by the range of flavours found in the varied Peruvian terrain of mountains, rainforests and coasts.
Serving Nikkei cuisine, on the menu here you’ll find robata flame-grilled steak delicacies along with a raw bar overflowing with fresh sushi, ceviche, tiradito, and oysters. And for those with a sweet tooth, the desserts are worth saving room for. Playing with flavours like miso, matcha, and yuzu, the Picarones (Peruvian fried doughnut) with spiced syrup and orange sorbet and Matcha Cheese Cake alone prove that Japanese and Peruvian fusion is unforgettable. Shop B11A/148 Bunda Street, City | inka.com.au
Bar Beirut
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You’d be forgiven for walking past Bar Beirut while wandering through Garema Place, but while it might look unassuming from the outside, on the inside, this restaurant is anything but. A tribute to the pumping nightlife of post-conflict Lebanon, with a warm palette of dusky pinks, brass features and dark wood, not only is it visually stunning, but those who have tried the menu know that the food is just as good.
A mezze-style offering featuring modern interpretations of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes, the cocktails here are equally impressive, earning Bar Beirut recognition as Canberra’s Best Cocktail Bar for three consecutive years. Make sure to book yourself a table on Friday or Saturday night to catch the live belly dancing performances.
25 Garema Place, City | barbeirut.com.au
Zaab Street Food
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In the heart of Braddon, Zaab Street Food awaits those searching for a venue where the vibrant atmosphere matches the bold flavours. Inspired by South East Asian culture, style and cuisine (but with a modern twist), Zaab brings together the flavours of Lao and Thai, serving a menu that is distinctive and delicious.
Ranging from snacks and small plates to bigger servings for when you need something hearty, Ox Tongue Skewers, Hor Mok, Crying Tiger and Larb Bites are just some of the treasures found on this menu. Add in some creative cocktails like the Snicker’s Old-Fashioned and Crazy Coconut, and this upbeat restaurant and bar has you covered.
2/9 Lonsdale Street, Braddon | zaabstreetfood.com.au
Wine Room
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Tucked down a laneway on Mort Street in Braddon, Wine Room is a haven for wine lovers and foodies alike. Reimagining intimate dining and drinking in Canberra, this 40-seater venue might be slightly hidden, but it’s well worth looking for.
Curated to complement the extensive wine selection (after all, it’s all in the name), the menu at Wine Room is described as a love letter to farmers, fishers and winemakers, constantly rotating depending on what’s in season.
Need some examples? Think Balinese Beef Tartare with prawn crackers, Murray Cod with macadamia, lemon myrtle, garlic scapes and cod gravy, and Lemon Myrtle Splice to finish.
24 Mort Street, Braddon | wineroom.bar
Banana Leaf
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For something completely different, Banana Leaf brings the vibrant taste of Sri Lanka to Akuna Street. Just a short walk from Canberra Theatre Centre, this hidden gem infuses traditional Sri Lankan flavours into modern Australian cuisine, creating a culinary experience that will leave you wanting more.
Here, you’ll discover dishes that celebrate the warmth of coconut, the fragrance of cardamom, and the complexity of authentic curries, all paired with fiery chilli sambals and fresh rotis.
The relaxed atmosphere makes it perfect for both casual dining and special occasions, while the carefully crafted menu offers flavours ranging from subtle and warming to deliciously spicy.
2 Akuna Street, City | bananaleafrestaurant.com.au
Feature image: Rohan Venn.
