We hunt out our best overseas culinary adventures right here in Canberra
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Sad that you can’t make it overseas this year? Don’t be.
There are plenty of suburban gems that are so authentically representative of the exotic cuisines from around the world, they can take you far away from Canberra –no flights required.
Editor’s note: This is by no means an exhaustive list. It’s simply some of our favourite local restaurants in Canberra serving some of our favourite international cuisines. With so many to work through, keep an eye out – there will likely be a part two!
The Middle East
Just a little something something for lunch at Al Manoosh…Photo by Nineteen Creative
We visited Al Manoosh Lebanese Bakery and More the other Sunday and genuinely thought we had arrived in downtown Beirut. Every table of this small restaurant located at the Mawson Shops was filled and the queue was out the door and around the corner. Some families were happy to stand near the carpark and enjoy a tray of fresh-out-of-the-oven Kaak (sesame-coated street bread), zataar-covered crispy pizza and bowls of of Foul (a fava bean and chick pea stew fresh and zingy with the taste of lemon juice and olive oil) while they caught up with friends. Indeed, this place attracted a United Nations of diners, from Jordan, Palestine, Lebanon, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt (and those were just the people we met from our tiny table because meeting fellow diners is part of the joy of the Al Manoosh experience). As everyone held onto cups of fragrant Arabic tea with fresh mint, the buzz of friends and families coming together over tables full of fermented cheese, pickled vegetables, salty olives, charred meats and that incredible wood-fired bread was a delight to behold. And the menu will convert you to a whole new style of eating.
Al Manoosh | 47 Mawson Place, Mawson | almanooshbakery.com.au
Enlightened Indian
Tofu rice paper rolls with roast pumpkin and a satay sauce. Promising true enlightenment we promise!
While the traditions of the Hare Krishna movement are anchored somewhere between India and New York (where the peace-loving Hindu-based consciousness raising movement was spawned) there is no doubt that Dickson’s long-established My Rainbow Dreaming Café lifts you out of the inner-north and places you in a calm and nutritionally-enhanced state. Operated by students of guru Sri Chinmoy, these gently spoken, robe-wearing staff know how to pump out unspeakably wholesome vegetarian curries, salads, wraps, soups, bakes and rolls, as well as organic coffees, teas, chais, fresh-squeezed juices, smoothies, and a decadent array of sweet snacks using unprocessed ingredients as well as home-made gelato. This food is nutritious and delicious in equal measure and the small venue attracts an intelligent crowd of academics and bookish retirees, as well as inner-north yoga devotees. Of course, it helps that everything is cooked with love and devotion. We can vouch that the enlightenment comes through in the tasting.
My Rainbow Dreaming Café | G1 Dickson Chambers, Dickson | myrainbowdreams.org
Japanese
Salmon and fried chicken poke bowls never disappoint at Kagawa
You can source fine Japanese food all over Canberra, but if you want the feeling of landing in a busy no-frills Tokyo diner, then head over to Kagawa Japanese Restaurant on Woolly Street in Dickson. With traditional Japanese wood panelling, curtains and Shodō art, this place does a roaring trade in fresh platters of sushi and sashimi followed by a truly extensive menu of Japanese meals. From Poke bowls to Don (rice) bowls, to Yakitori, Teppanyaki, Ramen and Udon and Bento boxes, you can eat as much meat, seafood, vegetables or carbohydrates as your little heart desires. The symbol of a good restaurant after longevity is loyal crowds, and this place keeps drawing in the regulars. With very reasonably priced dishes to add to the appeal, you can fill your table with colourful dishes and still afford to eat in this little slice of Tokyo any day of the week.
Kagawa Japanese Restaurant | 55 Woolly Street, Dickson | Kagawa Facebook
Chinese 
Serving traditional Cantonese cuisine since 1962, Happy’s Chinese has long been associated with the fresh ingredients, subtle seasoning, and impressive techniques that make it so addictive. Family-owned for three generations, the menu here is a homage to the original ‘Mr Happy’ who opened the restaurant, spanning roast meats, noodles, soups and more. Iconic Cantonese dishes such as fried or steamed dim sum, omelette, chop suey and chow mein can all be found here, and for those craving something sweet, the deep-fried ice cream is always a classic. Still operating in the same location where Mr Happy originally opened the doors, they also cater to dietary requirements with gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options available.
Happy’s Chinese Restaurant | 1/17 Garema Place, City | happys.com.au
Filipino
Starting off in a shipping container at Westside Acton Park in 2015, Lolo and Lola have become something of an icon in Canberra’s food scene – and for good reason. Serving traditional Filipino food with a twist, this restaurant is known for its traditional and progressive-contemporary flavours that are showcased through weekly changing specials. Offering a taste of indigenous, Spanish, Chinese, and American influences, defined by bold combinations of savoury, sour, and sweet flavours, mainstays on the menu include chicken wings covered in a spicy Adobo glaze, Kare-Kare and halo-halo – but it’s their ube cake that puts this Filipino bakery and restaurant on the map.
Lolo and Lola | 3 Watson Place, Watson | loloandlola.com.au
Vietnamese
Offering elevated Vietnamese, with a fine-dining bent and a sophistication that sets it apart from grabbing a Bành mì in a paper bag or slurping down a big bowl of pho on a formica table, The Q Dining is a must-try for those who love Vietnamese food. The menu brings a fresh twist to quintessentially Indochine flavour profiles, with a definite focus on meat and seafood, ranging from fresh salads to slow-braised classics. And if you are always going to associate Vietnamese food with a hearty bowl of pho, then you will not be disappointed – the bowls here are large and swimming with noodles and fresh herbs.
The Q Dining | Albemarle Building, G03/45 Furzer Street, Phillip | theqdining.com.au
Italian
Credit: Lillie Thompson
When it comes to Italian, it’s all about wholesome and hearty food that’s designed to be shared. Known as one of the best Italian restaurants in Canberra, Lunetta Trattoria is a must-try for all of this and more. Offering stunning views of Red Hill, the food is generous and spans antipasti (with wood-fired flatbread and pizzetta), pasta and secondi. Serving up Italian classics like wood-fire baked lumache alla vodka, beef carpaccio and tiramisu, every bite will transport you to the streets of Italy. End the evening with an affogato (with or without liqueur) and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.
Lunetta Trattoria | Downstairs/60 Red Hill Drive, Red Hill | lunettatrattoria.au
French
Image: Michelle Brotohusodo
When you think of French fine dining in Canberra, it’s hard to go past Les Bistronomes. Founded in 2014 by two French men, it’s become known for its award winning food and has long been a favourite for locals looking to be transported to the famed city without paying for a plane ticket. Fusing together French classics with modern dishes, at Les Bistronomes, you have two menu options for dinner: à la carte and Le Grand Menu. Le coq au vin, le soufflé au fromage, le canard à l’orange and le mont blanc are just some of the dishes worth ordering. And yes, they have les escargots.
Les Bistronomes | 18 Blamey Place, Campbell | lesbistronomes.net
Greek
Open in two locations (Woden and Braddon), Kivotos will take you on a culinary odyssey like no other. Designing each dish and drink to tell a story steeped in history, tradition, and passion, the food here is driven by the philosophies of balance, harmony, and moderation in simple and natural flavours. Known for authentic Greek dishes, char-grilled octopus, saganaki, and moussaka, paddle pops are just some of the options on offer. Like any good Greek restaurant, Greek lamb chops (with cous cous salad, pistachio, and saffron-infused spiced yoghurt) and spanakorizo arancini are also on the menu. But a must-try is the baklava cheesecake. One bite and you’ll know why.
Kivotos | 33 Mort Street, Braddon and 1 Matilda Street, Phillip | kivotoscbr.com.au
Main Image by Nineteen Creative
