10+ Canberra restaurants we’re loving right now
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Our locals need a little bit of love at the moment.
With everyone feeling the pinch of cost of living, dining out has turned into something of a luxury for many people. But for the special occasion that you do decide to spend your dollars out instead of cooking at home, there are plenty of restaurants that deserve to be supported in these turbulent times.
Here are some of the Canberra restaurants we’re loving right now, from fine-dining darlings to veterans of the industry.
Ondine (Deakin)
With the Ondine team recently announcing they’re closing their doors for good on Saturday 21 December, this is your last chance to show Ondine some love. Known for its focus on French cuisine, since 2020 it’s been feeding locals with takeaway and dine-in food – spanning slow-braised beef in red wine to escargots au Café de Paris.
If we have to say ‘au revoir’ to this amazing establishment, we might as well say it with a bang. And a massive order of their crème brûlée.
7 Duff Place, Deakin | ondine.com.au
Amara (City)
Opening just a few months ago, Amara serves Indian food that raises the bar.
Located in Civic’s historic Melbourne Building (across the road from Verity Lane) Amara offers reasonable prices and a breadth of menu items that make Indian food such an agreeable option. An example? Mid-day meals and dinner options for under $30. Why aren’t you there already?
51-53 Northbourne Avenue, Civic | amaraindian.com
Flui (City)
Another newbie in the city, Flui is quickly making a name for its Mod Oz cuisine in a casual atmosphere.
Blending global influences – including Asian, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern cuisines – this casual fine-dining destination is owned and operated by Lina Shou and Leon Pan; business partners who met while working at Canberra’s award-winning Corella Bar. Hoping to become a new go-to local favourite, pop this dining destination on your list.
Ground Floor, 39 – 41 Northbourne Avenue, City | flui.com.au
White Chaco (Braddon)
Possibly one of Braddon’s most interesting eateries, you’ll find White Chaco wedged in a tiny sliver of the Nibu Building on Lonsdale Street. And while it might be small in size, it’s big on appeal.
Serving Asian fusion food, those who have been there before understand what the hype is about. And those who haven’t are about to find out. From ramen bowls to curries and a fresh and flavoursome matcha green tea ice cream, it’s the definition of ‘small but mighty’.
G10/27 Lonsdale Street, Braddon | whitechaco.com.au
AK’s (New Acton)
With the news that XO’s chef Anand Kumar (AK) Ramakrishna is bringing street food to New Acton, we’d be remiss not to include AK’s on this list.
Taking out the tiny kitchen that used to house Ethiopian canteen Fekerte’s, you can now eat his own brand of hawker-style street food to NewActon – including curries, stir-fries and more.
2 Phillip Law Street, New Acton | @aksdiner
Ottoman (Barton)
Canberra’s most lauded Mediterranean restaurant has reopened and we’re making room for salmon dolma and zucchini puffs.
Returning to Barton in the same location, foodies will rejoice with the news that many of the Ottoman favourites remain along with the introduction of some new dishes inspired by Serif Kaya’s travels. Get ready for some Ottoman magic…
9 Broughton Street, Barton | ottomancuisine.com.au
Peonee (Campbell)
Mentioned in the foodie bible The Good Food Guide 2025 as ‘accessible fine dining with edge’, Peonee is one of our faves.
Serving only a luxurious five-course tasting menu (with the option of matching wines or non-alcoholic beverages, depending on your preference), the food here is all about what’s best on the day. With no formal menu – it’s presented to you at the end of the night along with your check – you’re left to enjoy each Mod Oz dish exactly as it is.
216/12 Provan Street (entrance on Pentland Street), Campbell | peoneerestaurant.com.au
OTIS (Kingston)
Open in Kingston since 2016, OTIS has long been a favourite of Canberra foodies – and it’s time to give it some love.
This award-winning fine dining restaurant is owned and operated by award-winning chef Damian Brabender and offers an intriguing blend of nostalgia and modernity. Have no idea what we mean? Expect familiar dishes with a fresh twist – all locally sourced and seasonal. The Pepper Steak is a must-try.
29 Jardine Street, Kingston | otisdininghall.com.au
Mínima (Yarralumla)
Brothers Mork and Benn Ratanakosol are darlings of the Canberra food scene, with their rebellious Thai restaurant Morks growing a dedicated following. So, when it closed and Mínima opened its doors in Yarralumla, it’s no surprise the community rallied behind it.
Serving a menu packed full of ‘third culture food’, they hope to become a hatted restaurant in the future. And with delicious offerings, it’s not hard to imagine Mínima taking it to the maximum.
29 Bentham Street, Yarralumla | eatminima.com.au
Rama’s (Pearce)
Open for over 30 years, Rama’s is an institution in the Canberra hospo scene. With a cult following of dedicated foodies, it’s a little different from your traditional Indian restaurant, and you’ll need to try it to find out why.
Serving a vast menu of Indian-Fijian-influenced dishes, sink your teeth into everything from your favourite curry to some lesser-known Fijian specialties.
Pearce Shopping Centre, Coner Macfarland &, Hodgson Crescent, Pearce | ramas.com.au
Lolo and Lola (Watson)
Beginning as a Filipino bakery stall at Westside Village in July 2015 before expanding to savoury food and a shipping container six months later, and then opening its brick-and-mortar location in Watson in 2017, it didn’t take long for Lolo and Lola owners and chefs, Kim and Jay Prieto, to develop a loyal customer base in Canberra and beyond.
Serving world-class dishes and baked products that pay tribute to the rich culture, history, and flavours of the Philippines, every bite is an experience.
Shop 2, 3 Watson Place, Watson | loloandlola.com.au
Beltana Farm (Pialligo)
Located in the stunning Pialligo enclave, Beltana Farm is an oasis for foodies looking to dine somewhere a little different.
Serving thoughtful, simple, share-plate style food that bursts with freshness, fun is injected into the food experience with an Australian farm table menu that focuses on light and seasonal produce. Book a table for a truly unique local experience – and yes, you can thank us later.
14 Beltana Road, Pialligo | beltanafarm.au
Table by Canberra Gourmet (Greenway)
Originally opening in Wanniassa as a tiny hole-in-the-wall restaurant that only sat eight diners at a time, Table was one of Canberra’s biggest culinary successes of 2020.
Praised for its 15-course set menu that changed weekly, it was in 2021 – following the second wave of COVID lockdowns – that saw Table Canberra move to The Truffle Farm.
Now recently open in Greenway, with nothing else like it in Canberra (let alone in the south) dining at Table by Canberra Gourmet is something that can’t truly be captured in words. It needs to be experienced.
5/146 Scollay Street Corner, Reed Street North, Greenway | tablecanberra.com
Feature image: Pew Pew Studio.
