A rooftop bar for Bunda Street, Pialligo Estate goes Italian and Queenies closes its doors
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From big new openings to bittersweet farewells, Canberra’s food and drink scene is keeping us on our toes this month.
Here’s the dish on everything you need to know about the latest dining shifts across Canberra.
DISCOVERIES, OPENINGS, CLOSINGS AND MOVES
Oh My Papa brings a rooftop bar to Bunda Street
Summer dining has been elevated at the Canberra Centre. Bringing an Asian-inspired dining and late-night drinking experience to the city, Oh My Papa has announced they will soon open after much anticipation.
With dishes like Korean karaage chicken bao buns, spiced coconut braised beef papadum, five spic duck leg, tokbokki pad sieu with pork belly and yakitori, one thing is for sure: you won’t leave hungry.
Armada Collective bringing new Italian identity to Pialligo Estate
Think Tuscany along the Molonglo River Corridor.
State-of-the-art gelato and pasta machines have been ordered from Italy and head chef Jason Lear has been appointed to bring his flair for Italian cuisine to the bucolic fields of Pialligo, marking a new era for one of Canberra’s most iconic food destinations.
It’s set to relaunch in 2027 – read all about it here.
Mookata n Ramen Bar had us at “Thai Japanese charcoal BBQ and ramen”
Just when you think you’ve tried it all, Canberra’s hospitality scene comes along with something a little bit different. Mookata n Ramen Bar has opened in Bruce to serve a mouth-watering selection of fusion ramen, rice dishes, and BBQ inspired by the flavours of Thailand and Japan.
From Hainanese chicken ramen to pineapple fried rice and Thai charcoal BBQ, this is well worth the drive.
An allergy-friendly high tea is coming to Belconnen
Have you been to this allergy-friendly sanctuary in Belconnen yet? Sweet Business Healthy Living is known for its gluten-free and coeliac-safe food, selling a range of products suitable for diabetics, as well as keto, low-carb, dairy-free, soy-free and nut-free, vegan and Paleo options.
But in some very exciting news, the business has expanded its offering, bringing a luxurious new feel and a food offering to match.
Read all about it here.
Have you been to this self-cook Korean ramen spot?
Why make ramen at home when you can make it at Sopung Korean Kimbap & Ramen? Newly opened at Gungahlin Village, the concept is simple: choose your ramen, cook it, add some toppings and pay for some extra sides.
With kimbap, tteokbokki and more on the menu, what are you waiting for?
YAKA takes over Yaki Boi
Taking over the Lonsdale Street space where Japanese restaurant Yaki Boi used to be, popular food truck YAKA has now opened a permanent restaurant.
They’re known for their Sri Lankan kottu (traditionally made with godhamba roti, vegetables, and protein), but the whole menu is worth a taste.
Looking for the perfect pub escape? You’ll want to know about this
In our last edition of Foodie News, we told you about the opening of a new bistro at The Jerra. But what we didn’t tell you is that it also has a new kids’ playground and dedicated family zone, a dedicated sports bar, am upgraded beer garden, a refreshed gaming room and even a bottle shop!
Long story short, your next family night out is sorted.
The Zierholz Café extends its opening hours
Near the Street Theatre? Previously only open for evening performances, the Zierholz Café has extended its opening hours.
They’re now open during the week from 7 am for breakfast and lunch – pop in for a bacon and egg roll and stick around for locally brewed German-style beers.
Barbeque Nation brings Indian grill to the lake
Kingston Foreshore has welcomed Barbeque Nation to Eastlake Parade and it’s serving up vibrant Indian flavours.
The menu is packed with options like fish pakoda, murg hara masala, mango chicken, bhuna goat and gulab jamun; making it a must-stop when cravings hit.
Gluten-free haven Queenies closes its doors
Six years after it was first established in Kingston, gluten-free haven Queenies is calling last service on Saturday 31 October.
Owner Pamela Howarth told Facebook followers, “We had a cracking couple of years after taking over in June 2023 and then things happened that have been out of our control. Hospo businesses are hard to keep afloat, and the past year has broken the business to the point it cannot recover.”
But it’s not all bad news. Executive Chef Adrianne ‘Adi’ Davo will be turning her full attention to sister venue Eve, promising to provide a unique gluten-free fine dining experience.
Johnny Gio’s comes to Kingston
Craving a pizza? Johnny Gio’s has opened on Eyre Street, serving hand-stretched Italian-style pizza. See you there?
FEASTS, FESTIVALS AND MORE: DELICIOUS FOODIE EXPERIENCES
Smelly Buns is holding another pop-up
And you can bet there will be lines. Selling their iconic cinnamon scrolls at Zero Complex in Braddon on Saturday 17 October, this time the Smelly Buns pop-up menu includes Kit Kat, lemon cheesecake, ube coconut and white chocolate matcha scrolls.
Available from 4 pm or until sold out, grab yourself a drink and make an afternoon of it.
Muku is back for one night only
Miss Muku? Well, clear your calendar because on Saturday 24 October, they’re popping up at Sweet Bones in Scullin for a food-filled night. Holding two 90-minute sessions (5.30 pm and 7.30 pm), your ticket will include a drink, two entrées, ramen and dessert.
They’re bringing back the vegan flavours you remember, so book your seat here so you don’t miss out.
Have you had wine at these award-winning venues?
The results of the 33rd Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards are in, and several Canberra venues have made the cut.
Following its induction into the Hall of Fame last year, The Boat House was awarded the title of Best Wine List ACT, Rizla was acknowledged as a finalist for Australia’s Best Wine List (Max. 200 Wines) and Australia’s Best Listing of ACT and Canberra District Wines and Capitol Bar & Grill, celebrated its win as Australia’s Best Listing of ACT and Canberra District Wines for the third consecutive year.
Congratulations to all the local businesses named!
Lobster Month is a thing. Extra Gruyère cheese sauce, please!
Snapper & Co has made October a whole lot better with the launch of Lobster Month. Running until Saturday 31 October, you can treat yourself to half an Australian lobster cooked in a rich, creamy cognac and Gruyère cheese sauce, served with crispy chips and a fresh garden salad for just $45 (member price).
But there’s a catch – there’s only 30 portions available per day, so it’s first come, first served!
A Champagne-fuelled evening is taking over Royal Canberra Golf Club
If your idea of a good evening involves excellent Champagne, beautiful surroundings and something delicious to eat, there’s a new event worth raising a glass to.
On Wednesday 28 October, The Champagne Experience will take over the Royal Canberra Golf Club, bringing together a hand-picked selection of Champagnes, canapés and a multi-course dinner for an evening dedicated to one of the world’s most celebrated wines. Read all about it here.
This $16 breakfast is cooked by future chefs
Want support emerging talent in Canberra’s hospitality scene? On Thursday 29 October book yourself into Rise & Dine; a special breakfast experience cooked by CIT students.
Serving up a hot breakfast from a set menu – accompanied by a bakery item, juice and your choice of tea or barista-made coffee – it offers the students a chance to showcase their skills while gaining valuable real-world experience. There are only 40 seats available, so make sure to book ahead!
The 12 Days of Cheesemas will get you into the seasonal spirit
Calling all cheese lovers, the Le Cheeserie 12 Days of Cheesemas box is back for another year! Starting from 14 December, each day you can unwrap one of twelve international and Australian artisan cheeses to enjoy and learn about. Preorders are open now.
Feature image: Oh My Papa. Supplied.
