15 underrated restaurants in the inner north and city you need on your radar
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For foodies searching for dining inspiration in Canberra, there’s plenty to be found – if you know where to look.
That’s right, this week we’re continuing our ‘underrated restaurants’ series in two locations that foodies know and love: the inner north and the city.
On this list, you’ll find everything from fine-dining destinations to steakhouses, and cafés serving up some amazing meals.
Inner north
Trevs at Dickson (Dickson)
While Trevs is known for its breakfast menu, did you know it’s also a licensed restaurant? Tucked away on Challis Street, at this Dickson gem, you’ll find pasta, pizza, and drool-worthy mains including lamb shoulder, stuffed field mushroom, and scallopini chicken.
20 Challis Street, Dickson | trevsatdickson.com.au
Tak Kee Roast Inn (Dickson)
Craving Chinese? Tak Kee Roast Inn you’ll find delicious and fresh food that will tick all the boxes. Ideal for group dinners, you might want to book ahead, because it’s almost always busy here.
And it’s no wonder, because who can go past a menu that not only has all of the Chinese classics, but also has laksa and congee?
10 Woolley Street, Dickson | takkeeroastinn.com.au
Highroad (Dickson)
With a focus on specialty coffee, locally sourced food and wine, and innovative menu items, foodies need to cross Highroad off their bucket list.
Recently launching a dinner menu rooted in European bistro-stye classics, go in the day for all your brunch classics and then head along on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights to indulge in steak and frites, chicken roulade, and more.
1 Woolley Street, Dickson | highrd.com.au
Hide & Seek (Lyneham)
This isn’t a restaurant, but it is underrated, and it definitely needs to be on your radar. Using fresh and local ingredients, the menu here is ever-changing, so you’ll need to visit often to see what they’re cooking up for breakfast, brunch, and lunch.
An example of what’s currently on the menu? Think chilli scrambled eggs, house made gnocchi, a classic cheeseburger, and apple and rhubarb French toast.
Shop 4/2 Colville Street, Lyneham | hideandseekcafe.com.au
Vincent (Barton)
When you think of dining in Barton, Vincent isn’t the first restaurant to pop to mind – but that needs to change.
Specialising in pairing exquisite food with unconventional, specifically sourced wines from around the world, this Modern Australian restaurant is ideal for foodies looking for something a little bit different.
Open Tuesday to Friday for lunch and Tuesday to Saturday for dinner, add this award-winning restaurant to the top of your list.
48 Macquarie Street, Barton | vincentrestaurant.com.au
Pollen Café (Acton)
Again, this isn’t a restaurant, but what’s not to love about brunch in the beautiful Australian National Botanic Gardens?
If you haven’t been before, Pollen is known as much for its stunning interior as its delicious menu – which features everything from waffles with fresh berries to Nasi Goreng Saté Ayam.
Ideal for breakfast or lunch, go for the coffee and stay for a glass of bubbles overlooking the gardens.
Clunies Ross Street, Acton | pollencafe.com.au
City
Charcoal Restaurant (City)
Calling all steak lovers, this suggestion is for you. Open in the Melbourne Building since 1962 Charcoal Restaurant is a traditional European-style steakhouse serving up a fine selection of cuts, sides, and a good wine list as well.
Cosy and intimate, you’ll need to book ahead to try their premium meats on the grill.
61 London Circuit, City | charcoalrestaurant.com.au
Bistro Nguyens (City)
With a large selection of heartwarming soups, flavourful stir fry, and mouth-watering rice dishes, how could you forget about Bistro Nguyens?
A great stop-off for a quick and filling meal (think overflowing Pho and fresh Banh Mi), the best part is eating here won’t break the bank.
78-80 Alinga Street, Canberra City | bistronguyens.com.au
Black Fire (City)
Black Fire is an award-winning, Mediterranean restaurant and a must-try for foodies.
Cooking meats, seafood, and vegetables using a wood fire oven, an open fire roast or a charcoal grill to extol a unique and authentic smoky flavour, the menu is inspired by Spanish cuisine, so of course, a glass of Spanish tempranillo or their signature sangria won’t go amiss with your meal.
45/38 Mort Street, Braddon | blackfirecanberra.com.au
Happy’s Chinese Restaurant (City)
Located right in the heart of the City, Happy’s Chinese Restaurant has been keeping locals fed and happy with traditional Cantonese cuisine since 1962. More than 50 years later, this underrated restaurant is still going – because once someone eats here, they’ll be back for more.
From Prawn Toast to Honey Chicken, you’ll find every Chinese dish you can think of. And with a separate gluten-free menu, it’s an ideal destination for every kind of dinner catch-up.
Unit 1/17 Garema Place, City | happys.com.au
Bada Bing Dining Club (City)
Perfect for your weeknight go-to, your date night, and your Friday night before a big night, Bada Bing Dining Club is an Italian restaurant that promises to put the fun back in funghi pizza.
Located next to Fun Time Pony on the corner of Alinga Street and East Row, the menu is full of comforting Italian classics, 48-hour wood-fired pizzas, and some lesser-known Italian dishes like White Bolognese. It’s all designed to be shared to make sure to take along a friend (or two) for a delicious dining experience.
122 Alinga Street, City | badabingdining.com.au
Bite & Booze Dumpling and Bar (Braddon)
Formerly known as Yat Bun Tong Dumpling House, this restaurant and bar is known for its variety of house-made dumplings, mouth-watering Chinese cuisine, and delicious cocktails.
From pan-fried pork dumplings to cabbage dumplings, sink your teeth into these Braddon-based bites and thank us later.
61/10-12 Lonsdale Street, Braddon | biteandbooze.com.au
Marble and Grain (Braddon)
Located on Mort Steet, this steakhouse is a gastronomic journey that uses seasonal Australian and local produce to deliver a paddock-to-plate menu.
From signature steaks (including a steak tasting board) to seared duck breast, pumpkin ravioli and crispy dory, there’s something for every kind of foodie. Order yourself a glass of wine and dig into this hearty dining experience.
25 Mort Street, Braddon | marbleandgrain.com.au
The Italian Place (Braddon)
This authentic Italian local serves up delicious traditional fare that ranges from classic to regional favourites.
From their Vitello Tonnato to the Porchetta Romana, Linguine allo Scoglio, and traditional Venetian tiramisu, the menu is small but mighty – and you’ll enjoy every bite. Take advantage of the outdoor dining area in the warmer months and make the most of this casual dining destination.
38 Mort Street, Braddon | theitalianplace.net.au
Rizla (Braddon)
Rizla might be a casual bar that’s dedicated to Riesling, but here you’ll also find an inventive menu that will take you from light bites to decadent desserts.
Featuring Canberra’s best new vintage and museum release Rieslings (alongside iconic and emerging Australian and International producers) the wine list changes regularly, making it an ideal spot for post-work drinks, as well as a fine-casual dining experience.
Unit 146 Mode3, 24 Lonsdale Street, Braddon | drinkrizla.com.au
Feature image: Bada Bing. Supplied.
