MasterChef stars, Michelin chefs, a new restaurant with serious beef, Asian-fusion brunch and more: here’s the latest Canberra foodie news
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Spring has arrived with a flourish of new openings, exciting collaborations, and mouth-watering events that prove Canberra’s food scene never stands still.
From Michelin-starred guest chefs taking over local kitchens to MasterChef stars, nostalgic cookie deliveries and wine walks through our coolest neighbourhoods, there’s something to satisfy every craving.
Ready to dive into the delicious details? Here’s everything you need to know.
VICE arrives with serious steakhouse credentials
The team behind Amici has something new brewing just around the corner. Vice promises to deliver steak, wine, and good company with a focus on premium ingredients and world-class hospitality. Early details suggest Stone Axe Wagyu rib-eye will anchor the menu alongside an indulgent cheeseburger and sides substantial enough to stand as mains.
Fancy a meal with Melissa Leong?
Here’s your chance. Melissa Leong will appear at Hotel Realm on Friday 24 October for an intimate evening combining a three-course meal with conversation about her new book Guts: A Memoir of Food, Failure and Taking Impossible Chances. At $140 including dinner, the event offers rare access to one of Australia’s most recognised food personalities and is hosted by HerCanberra founder Amanda Whitley.
Or perhaps Callum Hann?
Pialligo Estate is pulling out all the stops for their inaugural Food & Wine Weekend across the October long weekend (Saturday 4 to Sunday 5 October). The comprehensive celebration centres around celebrity chef Callum Hann, fresh from his runner-up finish on MasterChef: Back to Win (2025), who brings his passion for seasonal produce and creative energy to multiple events.
Hann will lead an exclusive multi-course dinner in the Pavilion Dining Restaurant on Saturday evening, followed by a hosted lunch on Sunday. Beyond the celebrity chef appearances, the weekend features a gin masterclass with The Martini Whisperer, Canberra Region wine tastings highlighting local vineyards, and live music by Tori Chard.
Michelin magic comes to Campbell
Paranormal in Campbell might just be the hottest table in town, welcoming guest chef Matthew Reade for a three-week kitchen takeover that runs until Sunday 28 September.
Reade brings serious credentials – he’s worked at the Michelin-starred Lyle’s in London and Melbourne’s acclaimed Embla. His springtime menu promises to showcase the technical precision and creative flair that earned him recognition in some of the world’s most respected kitchens.
Koto celebrates two years in style
Koto Dining marks its second anniversary on Wednesday 1 October with an exclusive evening showcasing everything that makes this venue special. The celebration features a live tuna cutting demonstration at 6 pm – a rare display of precision and skill that epitomises Japanese culinary artistry. Guests can expect flowing wine and cocktails, delicate canapés, and the company of visiting winemakers plus a renowned head brewer from Japan.
Braddon’s pizza scene heats up
The first Johnny Gio’s takeaway pizza restaurant has opened on Lonsdale Street in Braddon. This Sydney-born brand specialises in crispy, authentic brick oven pizzas. Pizza lovers now have more choice than ever in the city.
Asian fusion brunch gets an upgrade
Asian Pot House in Bruce has partnered with Bite & Savor bakery in Civic for an Asian fusion brunch that is as unique as it is delicious. The collaboration brings together roast pork congee with Chinese doughnut, char siu egg Hong Kong rolls, Thai basil pork toast with eggs, plus Thai tea and pandan French toast.
Walk and wine
Urban Wine Walk returns to Canberra on Saturday 25 October. This self-guided adventure takes participants through the city’s coolest neighbourhoods, sampling exceptional wines in handpicked local venues. The format encourages exploration while showcasing both established favourites and hidden gems.
Cinnascroll’s sweet arrival
Don’t scroll (pun intended)past this sweet piece of news, because Cinnascroll is now open on the Ground Level of the Canberra Centre near LEGO. We’re talking freshly baked in-store, hot scrolls topped with some mouth-watering toppings. Choose the classic option or indulge in the Biscoff Scroll, the Blueberry Scroll and the Nutella Scroll for something a little bit different.
Kathmandu Momo House returns!
The Kathmandu Momo House has reopened in the Jolimont Centre with a sleek new space that puts their authentic Nepalese and Indian cuisine front and centre. Experience Eats highlights standout dishes including peanut adheko with perfect spice levels, smoky grilled paneer, and their signature momos made fresh with obvious care. The addition of fried chocolate momos brings an unexpected but welcome dessert option to their traditional menu.
Cookie delivery takes off
NY-style cookies are having their moment across Canberra, and Munchies is capitalising on the trend with their new delivery service. Their menu reads like a dessert lover’s dream: pistachio, Oreo cheesecake, Biscoff, Ferrero and more indulgent flavours designed to satisfy those late-night sweet cravings.
Sake culture comes to ANU
Canberra Kanpai & Canapés debuts at Manning Clark Hall on Saturday 18 October, bringing over 100 premium Japanese sakes and fruit liqueurs to the capital. This sophisticated celebration offers three sessions throughout the day, each featuring expert guidance from sake masters, sommeliers, and recognised Sake Samurai. Each ticket offers includes three hours of unlimited tastings, a handcrafted artisan ochoko cup to take home, and continuous Japanese-inspired canapés.
Midnight Bar blooms for Floriade
Midnight Bar transforms into The Springtime Gin Garden until Sunday 12 October, collaborating with Underground Spirits to create a floral celebration worthy of Floriade 2025.
The $30 Springtime Gin Garden Experience includes their signature colour-changing Illusionist cocktail and shared antipasto board. Cocktail teapots, gin tasting flights, and limited-edition drinks round out the seasonal menu.
