15+ cafes, bars and restaurants to revisit in the city
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Consider this your essential guide to dining through the light rail disruption.
Because it’s never been so important to support local hospitality businesses.
As construction barriers rise and parking spaces vanish, our beloved city restaurants are fighting to stay afloat until 2028. Don’t let a little construction dust keep you from these culinary treasures – grab your walking shoes and appetite, because supporting local has never tasted so good.
Amara Indian Restaurant
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Sophisticated and expertly cooked, Amara should be your go-to the next time you’re craving Indian. While the menu isn’t overwhelmingly large, Amara focuses on providing the “best” versions of much-loved dishes, with everything made on site, all spices hand mixed, and there is even a tandoor oven cranking out crispy naan and succulent meats.
51-53 Northbourne Avenue, City | amaraindian.com
Amici
Now located underneath Highball in the Melbourne Building, this is your chance to re-discover Amici and its pastas, platters and pizzas. Serving up perfectly paired wines with cheese, meats, hand-stretched pizzas and other tasty treats (all of which you can also take home), now is a good time to remind you that they do bottomless pasta and vino on Tuesday night for $25 per person.
27 Northbourne Avenue, City | amici.bar
Bar Rochford
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Hidden upstairs in the Melbourne Building, this award-winning bar is all about fine food and wine. The food and wine list are constantly changing, so you’ll need to go more than once to truly appreciate the experience of dining here – and with good music always promised, settle into a green both and enjoy.
1st/65 London Circuit, City | barrochford.com
BaShan
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This authentic Chongqing noodle restaurant is a hidden gem for those craving flavour, heat and freshness in their food. From Laksa to handmade wontons and other classic Chinese dishes, have we mentioned it’s open seven days a week?
The Capitol G09, G06/39 London Circuit, City | bashan.com.au
Bistro Nguyens
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Serving fresh, fast, delicious and authentic Vietnamese food, Bistro Nguyen’s has a menu that ranges from Pho to Saigon roll’s, vermicelli bowls and more noodles than you can poke a chopstick at. Eat in or take it all away to enjoy at home.
1/80 Alinga Street, City | bistronguyens.com.au
Blue Olive Café
Known for their New York-style sandwiches, this little café packs a mighty punch. Also serving seasonal salads and some generously sized burgers, head here to sink your teeth into mouthwatering options like their Cuban sandwich (roast beef, tasty cheese, tomato chilli jam and spinach) or Dupain sandwich (beetroot, artichoke, eggplant, olive tapenade and spinach) served on bread of your choice during the work week.
56 Alinga Street, City | blueolivecafe.com.au
Charcoal Restaurant
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Is this the best steakhouse in Canberra? You’ll need to try it to find out. Calling the Melbourne Building home since 1962, this is the oldest restaurant in Canberra and meat is king on the menu. Pop into the cosy, traditional European-style steakhouse to enjoy something fresh from the grill – but the pasta and seafood offerings are also worth trying.
61 London Circuit, City | charcoalrestaurant.com.au
CHOP CHOP
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Traditional Japanese ingredients infused with contemporary twists are on the menu at CHOP CHOP, making it the perfect destination for your next night out. From the Raw Bar to the Sushi Maki Rolls, share plates (hello pan-fried chicken gyoza), there’s plenty to choose from. And add in a mouth-watering cocktail menu that includes options like Yuzu Rose Spritz, and Choumane Iced Tea and you’ll want to make a night of it here.
43 Northbourne Avenue, City | chopchopdining.com.au
The Cupping Room
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Canberra’s original Instagrammable café is always worth booking into for breakfast. Think classic dishes with a twist, including French Toast with cinnamon-soaked brioche, butterscotch, mandarin, strawberry, yuzu mascarpone, butter crumble and chocolate almond shards and the Avocado served with whipped goats’ cheese, pomegranate vinaigrette, pickled beetroot, salsa verde, hazelnut dukkah and a poached egg on sourdough. All best enjoyed with an ONA coffee.
1/1-13 University Avenue, City | thecuppingroom.com.au
Flui
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Fine dining without the fuss, Flui is a cosy restaurant that serves modern Australian food with global influences. Focusing on seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, the menu changes rapidly depending on the markets and season. The highlights? East 33 Oysters with yuzu granita and finger lime, 350g pork scotch fillet with “taco” seasoning and fermented jalapeno mayo and an orange chili flan, served with matcha ice cream.
Ground Floor, 39/41 Northbourne Avenue, City | flui.com.au
Little Steamer
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With authentic Beijing roast duck on the menu (and over 10 years under its belt serving the Canberra community) Little Steamer is all about fresh and flavoursome Chinese food. With some unique dishes on the menu – like crispy potato with honey, chilli oil and orange juice and baked pumpkin in Hoisin sauce – you’ll need to try it for yourself.
G06/39 London Circuit, City | littlesteamer.com.au
Madam Lu Malaysian & Chinese Restaurant
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Trying to push the boundaries of Malaysian food by bringing their ideas into the menu, a meal at Madam Lu is anything but boring. Ranging from traditional to innovative, go for a meal and stay for one of their mouthwatering desserts.
20 West Row, City | madamlucanberra.godaddysites.com
Mama’s Trattoria
This family-run Italian restaurant always hits the spot, because the name says it all: food just the way Mama would cook it. Serving up meals that fill the belly and warm the soul, the portions are large, the service is friendly, and they don’t compromise on taste.
Melbourne Building, Shop 4/45 West Row, City | mamastrattoria.com.au
Mezzalira Ristorante
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An iconic Canberra eatery, Mezzalira has been bringing classic Italian fare to the heart of Canberra’s CBD since 1996. Serving simple, high-quality seasonal Italian dishes – including handmade pasta and wood oven bread – it’s all enjoyed alongside wine from their extraordinary list.
55 London Circuit, City | mezzalira.com.au
Molly
One of Canberra’s best-hidden secrets, Molly is a whisky bar that will take you back in time with expertly mixed drinks, live jazz and a cool, nostalgic vibe. Now, it can be a little hard to find but guided by GPS coordinates 35°16’44.5″S+149°0, you’ll find yourself wandering down a back alley and opening an unassuming door to find a cosy nightspot.
Odgers Lane, City | molly.bar
Taj Mahal Indian
Established in 1974, Taj Mahal Indian is a family-run business serving authentic, home-style Indian dishes. From Prawn Pakora to Chicken Tikka, and Paneer Butter Marsala, they have every craving covered in their extensive menu. Make sure to order a Mango Lassi and finish your meal with the perfect sweet treat – Kulfi. Hungry yet?
39 Northbourne Avenue, City | tajmahalindianrestaurant.com.au
Ramen O
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Authentic Japanese ramen noodles and Gyoza dumplings can be found at Ramen O, and if you haven’t tried it, consider this your sign. With something of a cult following, their food is authentic, delicious and satisfying. They also have gluten-free options available, making it a great destination for every kind of foodie.
1/28 University Avenue, City | ramen-o.com.au
Feature image: Bar Rochford. Credit: Lean Timms.
