10 cosy food and drink spots to curl up in this winter
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A chill in the air hails the coming of cosy (read: freezing) season – and that means paying visits to warm food and drink venues is a totally necessary form of self-care.
With another Canberra winter on the horizon, we’re on the lookout for the cosiest spots to thaw out in, ideally with excellent coffee and an atmosphere homely enough to expel the cold from our bones! Here are some of our current faves.
Bittersweet (Kingston)
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Head over to Green Square in Kingston for some winter shopping followed by a hot drink at Bittersweet – and bring your dog with you! Satisfy your own sweet tooth as well as your furry friend’s with a treat from their dog-inclusive menu. Afterwards, visit the (equally pet-loving) Book Cow just across the square and grab a new read to curl up with.
27 Eyre Street, Kingston | bsc.cafe
11e Cave (Kingston)
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Hidden away in an old bank vault under Onzieme in Kingston lies a small prohibition-style speakeasy inspired by the French cellar bars. Shake off the chilly night air with their gorgeous range of natural wines and house-made cocktails (and nibbles on the side). 11e Cave also offers sit-down dinners for groups.
Look for the red door!
5/39 Kennedy Street, Kingston | onzieme.com.au
Salters at Dirty Janes (Fyshwick)
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Browse Dirty Janes’ beautiful vintage pieces with a sweet treat or hot cup of coffee in hand – a perfect cold-weather day out. Salters is open from 9 am until 3:30 pm every day.
80b Collie Street, Fyshwick | dirtyjanes.com
Rama’s Fijian Indian Restaurant (Pearce)
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Rama’s is family-run and influenced by the Fijian style of Indian cooking, which the owners enjoyed many years ago at home in Fiji. Serving a range of vegan and gluten-free options, Rama’s offers steaming comfort food for everyone.
Pearce Shopping Centre, Corner of Macfarland and Hodgson Crescent | ramas.com.au
As You Like It Café & Bar (City)
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Aptly named for its situation, As You Like It is located inside the Street Theatre, at that blurred point between the ANU campus and the city. As You Like It is dog-friendly and brings all the warmth and excitement of a good show – which you might also book beforehand at The Street. Currently, you can catch Jean Genet’s The Maids, translated by Martin Crimp. An “unremittingly moving” (New York Times) psychological thriller followed by a warm drink to wind down? Sign us up.
15 Childers Street, City | aylicafe.com.au
Uptown Vibes (Braddon)
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Uptown Vibes is a bar and artisan bakery serving an “eclectic” variety of wines, cocktails, and sweet and savoury baked treats. The top floor overlooks bustling Lonsdale Street: the perfect concoction of indoor warmth, city (uptown?) vibes, and great food and drink. The atmosphere is smart but comfortable – “like you’ve stepped into a friend’s place”.
3/7 Lonsdale Street, Braddon | uptownvibes.com.au
Tilley’s Divine Café Gallery (Lyneham)
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Having opened its doors for the first time in 1984, Tilley’s is a well-established Canberra favourite whose appeal lies largely in its nostalgic, timeless atmosphere. In keeping with its name (which borrows from the legacy of Tilly Devine, infamous Sydney gangster and feminist icon), Tilley’s transports you to a space evocative of 1920s jazz bars and Hollywood film noir. Tilley’s is open most days from a morning coffee all the way to dinner.
94 Wattle Street, Lyneham | tilleys.com.au
Ikigai Ramen (Gungahlin)
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Escape to the busy streets of Tokyo from the warmth and immediacy of your local ramen restaurant, which aims to serve bowls of comfort – and “out-of-this-world” flavours. Inspired by Tokyo’s street food and open until late, Ikigai in Gungahlin is the perfect dinner spot for something new (and delicious).
43 Hibberson Street, Gungahlin | ikigairamen.au
Pulp Book Café (Nicholls)
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Pulp is a bookshop and licensed café, with lively Friday night dinner until 8 pm and happy hour from 4 pm until 7 pm weekly. Picture: a crackling fireplace to help you fend off the cold, superb coffee (Pulp would even go so far as to call it inspiring), moreish meals, and – perhaps most importantly – a wide selection of new releases for you to curl up with. The ultimate combination of bubbling social spot and cosy me-time book nook!
6/18 O’Hanlon Place, Nicholls | pulpbookcafe.com.au
Casey Jones Pub (Casey)
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A favourite on Canberra’s gastropub scene, Casey Jones offers high-quality meals reminiscent of classic Australian pub-grub. For a nostalgic night out with friends or family, head to Casey’s to warm up – and take note of their weekly food deals and events (like trivia and local live music).
15 Kingsland Parade, Casey | caseyjones.pub
Feature image: Ikigai Ramen. Supplied.
