August Foodie News: What’s hot, what’s new, and what’s closing in Canberra
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Mark your calendars, foodies. We’ve rounded up the freshest openings, pop-ups, limited releases, and sadly, some goodbyes happening across the capital this August.
From beer festivals and cosy raclette nights to the bittersweet farewell of a local fine-dining favourite, here’s your ultimate bite-sized guide to eating and drinking well this month.
Openings, closings and moves
EASY BOY! Mínima/Morks magic is arriving in Scullin
We predict big things for this addition to Belconnen. EASY BOY! is the latest incarnation from brothers Mork and Benn Ratanakosol, known both locally and nationally through the former eatery Morks in Kingston and current eatery Mínima in Yarralumla.
EASY BOY! promises a relaxed, family-friendly, mostly Vietnamese eatery. It opens to the public on Saturday 1 August.
Read all about it here.
Peonee calls last drinks
Tucked away in Campbell, this Modern Australian restaurant was loved for its ever-changing menu and commitment to sourcing ingredients from small local producers. Sadly, Peonee officially called last drinks on Saturday 25 July.
Leaving a gap in Canberra’s fine-dining scene, it was a favourite of the HC team, and we’re very sorry to see the restaurant close its doors.
Capital Brewing Co. has launched a Lamington Stout
We have mixed feelings about this. Inspired by the classic bakery treat, the Lamington Stout packs layers of rich chocolate, caramel, and biscuit malts into a thick, creamy 6.5% ABV body. A jammy raspberry cuts through the rich dark profile, while toasted coconut brings unmistakable lamington energy from first sip to last.
Promising indulgent yet dangerously easy drinking, this special release won’t hang around for long – catch it on tap at the Capital Brewing Co. Fyshwick taproom before it’s gone.
K-Food Canberra is bringing Korean homemade meals right to your door
Korean food is having a moment in Canberra, but for those who are craving a cosy night at home, K-Food Canberra is the new delivery service you need to know about.
Cooking up everything from Beef Short Rib soup to spring onion kimchi, the way it works is simple: you choose your menu for either Tuesday or Saturday, choose between pick up and delivery and then enjoy your homemade Korean meals!
Limited stock is available – visit the website to see when pre-orders close.
Canberra welcomes a Chinese BBQ buffet!
You’ve had Korean BBQ, and you’ve had Japanese BBQ, but have you had Chinese BBQ? Now open at the Capital Food Market in Belconnen, The Meat House Buffet is serving up Chinese BBQ meats, hot dishes, cold dishes, fruit, and desserts.
All you need to do is load up your plate with protein and fresh vegetables, head back for noodles, fried rice, stir-fries, soups and all the sides and mix up your own dipping sauce before cooking it all yourself. Don’t forget to try one of the Asian jelly desserts!
Feasts, festivals and more: delicious foodie experiences
Teddy’s Matcha turns one
How has it been a whole year since Teddy’s Matcha popped up to bring hand-whisked matcha to Canberra? Growing a cult-like following for their unique flavour combinations (the Salted Maple Matcha is a must-try), on Sunday 2 August they’ll be celebrating at the Old Bus Depot Markets.
They’ll also be launching a new limited-edition flavour: the Raspberry Danish matcha. Run, don’t walk. Find out more here.
Don’t miss this Officina Pizzeria takeover
The team behind Pilot and Such and Such are taking over the oven for Round 2 of their pizza takeover, with chef Mal Hanslow running the show. Get along to Officina Pizzeria on Monday 10 August to enjoy a stripped-back, high-flavour menu featuring pizzas, calzones, and a few surprise extras.
With an ultra-focused lineup of around six items, counter service only, and pure culinary magic, make sure to show up early to grab a slice from some of Canberra’s top talent.
Find out more here.
Big Box BBQ and AK’s are pairing up for another delicious dinner
Did you miss out on the last pop-up from these two powerhouses? It looks like Big Box BBQ and AK’s are pairing up once again for an unforgettable meal on Sunday 16 August.
Keep an eye out – more details should drop soon!
Grazing’s Hunter’s Feast Dinner is back for another year
Looking for an excuse to book a table at Grazing in Gundaroo? Their annual Hunter’s Feast Dinner returns on Saturday 29 August. Comprising a five-course dining experience inspired by the traditions of hunting, gathering, and sharing, the menu features wild game, native ingredients, and seasonal produce, with optional wine pairings available.
It’s priced at $155 per person (plus an additional $65 per person for matched wines), and bookings are essential.
Noods and Blooms brings a taste of spring
House de Fleurs has partnered with DumpLinLins for a food- and flower-filled day on Sunday 30 August.
From 12 pm until 2.30 pm, you’re invited to play florist for the day as you’re taken through a guided structural stems workshop.
Lunch served by LinLin – a Northern Thai Chicken Laksa and matcha mochi for dessert – follows.
Priced at $160 per person, tickets are limited, so be quick to grab a spot!
Marshmallow, raclette, and more await at Mount Majura Vineyard
Gather around the fire pits at Mount Majura Vineyard on Friday 7 August! Promising a cosy evening among the vines celebrating the magic of winter, the Fireside Festival Raclette Night includes traditional melted raclette, scraped live over a line-up of delicious accompaniments for a classic cold-weather feast.
Plus, you can settle in under the night sky with a glass of Mount Majura wine, toast marshmallows over the open flame, and soak up the warm atmosphere. Tickets include your serve of raclette, a glass of wine, and roasting marshmallows. Book here.
A nine-course degustation awaits at The George
Celebrating one of the region’s most prized winter ingredients, The George Bar & Dining is hosting its annual one-night-only Truffle & Wine dinner on Thursday 7 August.
Truffle lovers will enjoy a luxurious menu highlighting peak Australian produce (including Moreton Bay bug and MB9 Wagyu) finished with generous shavings of fresh black truffles harvested straight from the family’s own Gidleigh Station trufferie, with each course thoughtfully paired with biodynamic drops from nearby Lark Hill Winery.
Winemaker Chris Carpenter will be on hand to guide guests through the pairings alongside Head of Horticulture Sam Foster at this intimate ‘meet the producer’ experience. It’s well worth the trip to Bungendore.
Plan ahead for this long lunch at Pomegranate
Already thinking about spring? Rutherglen’s Pfeiffer Wines is returning to Kingston’s award-winning Pomegranate this September for an afternoon of exceptional food, wine, and warm hospitality.
Guests will enjoy a curated multi-course menu paired with a selection of Pfeiffer’s finest drops, bringing together great wine, standout food, and wonderful company in the heart of Kingston.
Book your spot for Saturday 19 September now.
Tipples & tidbits: wine, whisky, beer and more!
DeVINO has an Aperol Spritz Brulé perfect for winter tipples
Woden’s own Italian enoteca DeVINO has launched a winter special that will warm you from the inside out – a $10 mulled wine they’re calling an ‘Aperol Spritz Brulé’. Yum.
But that’s not the only new addition to the wine store and bar. They’ve also launched a new menu with ‘smaller bites’, giving people a true taste of Italy with roasted bruschetta, marinated olives with crunchy Italian taralli and paninis that can be eaten in or taken away.
Don’t miss IPA Week at BentSpoke BrewPub
Get ready for seven days of hop-focused fun as BentSpoke BrewPub celebrates all things IPA from Monday 3 to Sunday 9 August.
Beer lovers can look forward to fresh releases, a surprise tap launch, a brand-new New Zealand IPA on Tuesday, and a collectively brewed Hazy IPA dropping on Friday. You can also test your knowledge at IPA trivia with alumnus brewer Dan on Wednesday, snag prizes during Thursday’s Cranky Hour raffle, meet the brewers on Friday afternoon, and push your spice limits in Saturday’s hot wing challenge. Rounding out the week on Sunday, kids eat free!
Plus, if you manage to work your way through every IPA on tap using their ‘TRY-PA Card’ throughout the week, you’ll go into the draw to win a $200 brewpub voucher.
Make the most of the First Decade of Octomore
Whisky enthusiasts can embark on a rich tasting journey celebrating the bold heritage of Bruichladdich’s heavily peated spirit at Liquor Legends in Hawker on Wednesday 5 August.
Designed to challenge conventional Scotch making, Octomore’s young, cask-strength releases have defied critics to become iconic expressions in the whisky world. Taking you through several flights, you’ll explore early landmark releases alongside current offerings.
Gather fellow dram lovers for a memorable night of tasting. Book here.
This Braidwood distillery has been named ‘Best in Class’ at the Australian International Spirits Awards
Located just down the road in Braidwood’s Troopers Rest, we’re claiming Hold Fast Distillery as our own.
The distillery was recently named amongst the “Best in Class Winners” at the Melbourne Royal Australian International Spirits Awards, recognised for its Man O’ War gin.
With the essence of a complex Navy Strength Gin, we’ll raise a glass to this local win.
Meet the Godfather of Australian whisky
Whisky lovers, this one is for you. On Wednesday 12 August, Louis is hosting an evening with LARK Distillery founder Bill Lark. Founding the distillery in 1992 – and famous for lobbying to overturn Tasmanian laws banning distillation – he has inspired over 400 distilleries across the country.
He will guide guests through three expressions from LARK’s celebrated Signature Collection (Fire Trail, Devil’s Storm, and Ruby Abyss), complemented by roaming canapés from the Louis kitchen. Guests will also take home a bottle of Fire Trail No. 151 Single Malt Whisky.
Book your spot here.
Visit Tasmania’s wine country without leaving Canberra
Love a glass of Tassie wine? Boutique producers from Canberra and Tasmania are gathering at Verity Lane Market for an exclusive tasting event on Friday 14 August.
Southern Oscillations x CBR Cellar to City @ Verity Lane Market offers the chance to taste side-by-side pours from acclaimed Canberra labels like MADA and Ravensworth alongside Tasmanian favourites like Glaetzer-Dixon and Sailor Seeks Horse.
You’ll discover how regional sunshine, elevation, and maritime climates shape the wines and meet the winemakers, compare regional profiles, and enjoy food offerings! Book your spot here.
A beer festival experience is coming to Gungahlin
Get excited, because from Friday 14 until Sunday 16 August, Cypher Brewing Co. is presenting its flagship dark beer festival. Bringing together 10 hand-picked dark brews from leading craft breweries across Australia and New Zealand, Chaos Realm III: The Dark Ascension will feature fire pits, live music, vinyl DJs, magic shows, and festival food pairings.
Sounds more like a fantasy novel than a beer festival, but we’re here for it.
