Everything (and everywhere) new to eat and drink in Canberra right now
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If your dining calendar has been feeling a little same-same lately, Canberra’s newest wave of openings and pop-ups is here to shake things up.
From BYO Sundays in Braddon and late-night fried chicken in the city to pasta nights and rooftop bars, there’s something new happening in almost every corner of the capital.
Consider this your round-up of the latest and most delicious reasons to book a table, grab a mate, or head out for a very good feed.
News & new spots
BYO Sundays have arrived at Corella
One of Canberra’s favourite spots has gotten even cooler with the introduction of BYO Sundays – and it’s all in the name.
Starting this Sunday 17 May, Braddon’s Corella Bar is inviting people to bring their favourite bottle of something special for
Sunday night dinner. It’s the perfect excuse for a leisurely evening out.
Gungahlin gets a new pub: Meet Palmer’s
Gungahlinites, you have a new local. Palmer’s is now open on Anthony Rolfe Avenue, taking over the space that held Siren Bar and pouring classic cocktails, beers, wines and more.
We’re personally excited for the weekly specials – $25 burgers on Monday nights, $30 steaks on Tuesday and $25 schnitties on Thursdays.
As for Wednesday and Friday? The free trivia and live music will quickly become your new weekly routine.
The Canberra Centre is upping its foodie game – and we’re here for the rooftop bar
Civic’s Bunda Street is entering a new era – and foodies will be in a froth. The Canberra Centre has just unveiled a major dining transformation, with a wave of new openings, relocations and fresh concepts set to reshape the popular dining strip. Here’s what’s already landed – and what’s still to come.
Kinn Thai has relocated to a brand new, larger space next to INKA and Uniqlo, bringing the same signature energy to a completely reimagined fit-out. All your favourite dishes are still on the menu. Hunter & Barrel has also opened in the former Carlotta site, serving up flame-grilled steaks, barrel-aged spirits and the kind of rustic, relaxed hospitality that’s already won fans in Sydney, Adelaide, Melbourne and Perth.
New to the strip: 7 Cutz Steakhouse, a cult favourite from Wollongong and Newcastle, brings its open-flame grilling and 1.3kg tomahawk to Bunda Street. 38 Katsu is bringing premium Japanese-style katsu (you may have tried it at Verity Lane Market), while Bocca by Frankie B’s promises generous, share-friendly Italian dining. And Canberra is getting its first Yo-Bar – a self-serve frozen yoghurt and açaí experience.
The one we’re most excited about? Oh My Papa – a multi-level venue with a rooftop bar, high-energy dining and late-night vibes. If you’ve been to the Newcastle outpost, you already know. Want to know all the delicious details? Read the full story here.
Back Lane Bird comes home to roost in Odgers Lane
Canberra’s late-night food scene just got a whole lot tastier. Back Lane Bird, a hole-in-the-wall chicken window tucked behind the Melbourne Building on Northbourne Avenue is now open.
Brought to life by the team behind Molly, VICE, Amici, Highball and 88mph, the concept is simple: A window. Fried chicken. 9 pm to 3 am, Thursday through Saturday. No fuss, no frills – just exactly what you want to be eating when a big night calls for something substantial.
Find out more here.
Eddie’s Organics opens at Pearce Shops
Eddie’s Organics is a new Canberra café and grocer at the Pearce Shops that you’ll want to make your regular.
Built on great coffee, wholesome organic food and product, the space has a whimsical charm to it. Expect hand-picked antiques, op shop treasures, and in-house bakes that make you feel like you’re in a rom-com movie montage.
Behind it all is Eddie, whose warm and generous energy has earned him a loyal following across every place he’s ever worked. We’re already planning our next visit.
Queenies’ reveals sister venue Eve
If you love Queenies in Kingston, you’re going to want to hear about this. Owner Pamela Howarth is opening Eve just a few doors down on Giles Street – and where Queenies is casual and comforting, Eve is the creative, elegant sister.
Pam has given chef Adrianne ‘Adi’ Davos free rein on the menu, with the goal of fine-dining flavour without fine-dining stuffiness. Think Filipino-inspired dishes on a regularly changing blackboard menu, a vegan degustation option, and early standouts like pork belly on turmeric congee and a chocolate rice pudding with brûléed plum. Like Queenies, Eve is entirely gluten-free.
You can find it tucked between La Capanna and Silo Bakery. Reservations here.
Asteri is bringing a taste of the Mediterranean to Swinger Hill
There’s a new Greek restaurant coming to the Southside. Asteri is the brainchild of Tim Moustakas, a familiar face from his time at the Hellenic Club’s Fillos Taverna and the Southern Cross Club. Named after the Greek village where his mother was born (asteri means “stars”), the whole place is a family affair – fresh herbs in the garden tended by his dad, Mediterranean tiling by his brother, and family photos on the walls inside.
The menu reads like a love letter to the Aegean: grilled octopus, garlic prawns, prawn saganaki, moussaka, pastitsio, keftedes, plus pizza, pasta and mezze for the table. For the full experience, there’s the “Digger-station” – Tim’s cheeky take on a degustation – featuring seven of his most-loved dishes, headlined by a melt-in-your-mouth baked lamb shoulder, with traditional sweets to finish.
Think relaxed Greek taverna vibes, a calendar of events including bouzouki street parties and Souvlaki Saturdays, and a sunny outdoor area that – on the right afternoon – could almost convince you you’re somewhere in the Greek islands.
Opening soon at the Swinger Hill shops in Mawson – read more here.
Zeus brings a taste of Greece to Gunghalin
Zeus Street Greek is officially opening in Gungahlin on Thursday 14 May, bringing their fresh flavours to the north of Canberra.
Serving up their flame-grilled pitas, nourishing bowls, fresh salads, pilaf rice, and home-made dips, the word on the street is that on opening day, they’ll be offering $5 pitas all day from 10 am, with your choice of Tzimmy chicken, Tzimmy lamb, or falafel as the filling. It might not be quite the same as eating your way through the Greek Islands, but it’s a close second.
They’re also soon opening in Manuka! Are we seeing a Greek wave sweeping Canberra?
Dark Horse takes over the reins at the old Teddy Pickers site
Describing itself as a ‘Euro-fusion’ cafe, Dark Horse has taken over the reins at the old Teddy Pickers site in Campbell. Serving coffee from South Coast roaster Alfresco, they’re open every day but Sunday.
Big Box Barbeque officially opens a butchery
This is a side quest we can get behind. Starting soon, you’ll be able to preorder whole cuts online from Big Box Barbeque so you can cook your own Texan-inspired meats from the comfort of home.
Slicing up everything from steak cuts to low and slow favourites, it will all be sold by the kilogram, vacuum-sealed, and ready for pickup from their Narrabundah store.
Keep an eye on their Instagram page to find out the meaty details.
Every new opening, move and closure you need to know about right now
From Vietnamese salted iced coffee on Allara Street and all-you-can-eat hotpot in Dickson, to Chef Hem’s cult Sliceria landing in Campbell and a dessert lab opening in Tuggeranong – Canberra’s dining scene has been busy. There are a few bittersweet farewells in the mix too. Get across every new opening, move and closure here.
Events, fresh tastes & pop-ups!
Deep-fried ravioli, anyone?
The cold weather couldn’t keep us away from this – AK’s in New Acton is hosting Sal from Sal’s Pastificio for a pasta-themed pop-up. And yes, they had us at deep-fried ravioli.
Also serving a small selection of pastas and desserts (with some Asian-esque flavours in the mix), it’s taking place on Saturday 16 May. First come, first served.
Find out more here.
Sandoochie hits the sweet spot with Choux Bun Fridays
As if you needed another excuse to grab a dooch. Every Friday, Sandoochie is serving up choux buns with a surprise filling every week.
Pop into the shop on No Name Lane to see what they’re serving up next.
Monster Kitchen & Bar launches Tuesday pasta nights
Primo Piatto has arrived at Monster Kitchen & Bar to celebrate pasta at its most indulgent. Held every Tuesday, you can feast your way through Casarecce Aglio e Olio, Basil Pesto Pappardelle, Basil Pesto Pappardelle and Cacio e Pepe. It’s comforting and delicious.
Book your table here.
Dada is hosting a sake night
Dada chef Peter Kang has been working on home brew saké for months, and now he’s sharing it with the world.
On Thursday 21 May, the Asian fusion restaurant is hosting a six-course share-style set menu, curated to pair perfectly with the house-made Sparkling Nigori pours.
It’s priced at $130 per person. You can book online or call 0493514593.
Are these the pours dreams are made of?
Parlour of Dreams thinks so (see what we did there?).
A little cocktail bar attached to Fun Time Pony in the city, Parlour of Dreams is hosting an exclusive first taste of their brand-new cocktail menu on Saturday 23 May.
Promising an evening of drinks, music, and canapés by Corella, choose between the 6 pm and 9 pm session and settle in as vinyl DJs soundtrack the night.
Book your seat here.
Cheers to that! The National Wine Festival is on its way
The countdown to June is on as winemakers around Australia prepare to compete in the National Wine Festival. Pop Friday 12 and Saturday 13 June in your diary.
Spanning two days, the festival will feature wine tastings, masterclasses and special events – highlighting gold and silver medal-winning wines from capital city and regional wine shows.
Did we mention that they’ll also be marking their 51st anniversary? We’ll raise a glass to that.
63do is Turner’s newest café
Opening last month, 63do is pouring Leible Coffee on Macarthur Avenue to those lucky enough to be in the area.
Also serving a simple – but elevated – menu which includes options like potato rösti with French dips, stir-fried kimchi with scrambled egg and avocado tomato bruschetta, it’s a fresh addition to the suburb’s food scene.
You can now get Harris Farm products with same-day and next-day delivery
That’s right – eligible Canberrans can now shop Harris Farm’s seasonal fruit, veg, meats, and specialty grocery products on amazon.com.au with free same-day delivery – no service or bag fees, saving on both petrol and time.
The only catch? You need to be living in one of the 50 suburbs the service is offered to.
Find the details here.
Brunch, sorted. Denman Kitchen set to open for breakfast
Here’s some warming news for your winter: neighbourhood kitchen and wine bar Denman Kitchen is launching weekend breakfasts.
Kicking off from mid-June, Penny Unversity alumni Alex Siu and Ollie Angeles will be donning their chefs’ hats to cook up a storm for hungry locals. Keep an eye out to see what they’ll be serving!
Christmas in July Festival to return for five cosy days of mulled wine and melted cheese
Canberra’s favourite winter tradition is returning from Wednesday 1 until Sunday 5 July – and this year, Christmas in July Festival is bigger than ever.
Celebrating its fifth anniversary in 2026, the festival is heading back to its original home beside Old Parliament House, transforming Parkes Place West into a glowing European-style winter village complete with mulled wine bars, melted cheese stations, fire pits, artisan market stalls and snowfall moments.
