Sandoochie’s getting a second (southside) location, Piccolo by Amici brings Italian breakfast treats, and Civic has a new sober nighttime café
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If your foodie radar is constantly tuned to Canberra’s latest culinary moves, you’re in for a treat.
Sandwich lovers will rejoice as Sandoochie reveals news on location number two, Piccolo by Amici brings a taste of Italian morning culture to town, and Civic welcomes a fresh, sober evening café spot. Grab a coffee (or a late-night mocktail) and dive into this week’s top dining news.
DISCOVERIES, OPENINGS, CLOSINGS AND MOVES
Sandoochie buttering up a second shop in Barton
Sandoochie has earned a cult-like following since it broke the mould, making some of the city’s most inventive sandwiches (and salads and sweet treats) out of a tiny corner store at No Name Lane in the city back in 2022.
Now the Sandoochie love is spreading – all the way to Brisbane Avenue in Barton, with the doors set to open in February. Owner and sandwich guru Lucy Holm promises something a bit different to the city shop. Breakfasts and drinks, as well as those unspeakably good dooches.
She is a real talent on the scene, so while we might not yet have a name for the new place, we do have an appetite…
Meet Piccolo by Amici, Canberra’s newest coffee spot
Lala Hospitality Group is bringing Italian flavours to Canberra’s morning rush with Piccolo by Amici!
It’s located beside Amici Wine Bar & Deli and will serve takeaway St. Ali coffee from $4.50 (with no extra charge for alternative milks or decaf), alongside Italian breakfast treats and freshly prepared Pinsa Pockets.
Open Tuesday to Saturday, 7 am to 2 pm, the custom-built bar is also designed to travel – bringing spritzes, cocktails and Italian-inspired food to weddings, parties and private events in 2027. Read all about it here.
Civic has a new sober nighttime café
Located within Blank, an arts hub above King O’Malleys, Trust Café is bringing something a little bit different to the city. Sharing a space with Canberra’s newest radio station – Trust FM – the café operates as a not-for-profit venue, supported largely by volunteers.
Serving a snack menu alongside tea, coffee, house-made sodas as well as alcohol free beers, wines and cocktails, half of its profit goes towards putting on and supporting local alcohol-free music events. As for the other half? It goes towards Aboriginal-owned and operated charity The Living Country.
Canberra Food Co-op celebrates 50 years
The Canberra Food Co-op is Australia’s longest-running food co-operative – and that’s no mean feat.
For 50 years, this humble space has been stocked with lentils, pulses, people power and hope. What began in 1976 as a group of university students wanting access to affordable, package-free health foods has evolved into a bulk food and goods shop, a café, an event space, and a vital community third space for students, foodies, activists, artists and city-dwellers alike.
To celebrate, the Co-op has put together a book – part local history, part cookbook – which celebrates the thousands of people who have kept the doors of the Co-op open for 50 years. Read the story here.
Pilot’s pop-up bar is back
The outdoor wine and cocktail bar in the courtyard of Pilot at the Ainslie shops is back in time for the warmer weather! Open on Thursday and Friday from 5 pm and on the weekend from 12 pm, pop into That Other Place for cocktails served in chrome cups and bar snacks that will have you going back for more.
Do you know about this hidden bánh mì spot?
We’re always on the lookout for a good bánh mì and Bánh Mì Ko is our latest discovery. Tucked away on No Name Lane, everything is handmade fresh daily (including the bread). Overflowing with veggies and protein, choose between options like crispy chicken, pork with char siu and caramelised tofu. Don’t feel like a bánh mì? Don’t worry, they also have rice paper rolls. Find them at Shop G4/40 Marcus Clarke Street.
Nasty Burger House brings a new food truck to Belconnen
Craving a big, juicy burger in Belconnen? Nasty Burger House has you covered. Located in the Westfield Belconnen level three car park, they’re serving up loaded burgers that will have you rolling home.
Made with halal meat, the menu includes the OG Nasty (flame-grilled beef patty with American cheese, crisp lettuce, pickled onion and a house-made NBH Signature Sauce), the Hooked (beer-battered fish fillet with house-made tartare sauce, American cheese and cos lettuce) and the BBQ Beast (flame-grilled beef patty with smoked pastrami, American cheese, house-made Bourbon BBQ sauce and creamy mayo). We recommend adding the crispy battered eggplant on the side.
Lakeside drinks, anyone? Kingston is getting a new pub
Summer is looking a whole lot better with the opening of a new pub on the Foreshore. While the opening date is yet to be announced, the Eastern Pub will be located next to Contentious Character and promises gorgeous water views. Keep an eye out for the details!
Looking for some Halloween treats? Here’s where to get the taste of spooky season
The Halloween spirit has officially possessed Canberra, and as ghosts, goblins and ghouls gather to celebrate the most wonderful time of fear, local cafés are doing their part to make it a scarily good time.
From pumpkin spice iced lattes to spooky sweet treats, here’s where to find your Halloween sugar high in Canberra.
FEASTS, FESTIVALS AND MORE: DELICIOUS FOODIE EXPERIENCES
Clear your lunch schedule – you can get a slice of authentic New York pizza for $1
This Halloween, Sal’s Pizza is bringing all the treats. On Saturday 31 October, stop by the Braddon store for $1 pizza slices to celebrate the Canberra opening. With limited stock available and a limit of one slice per person, this is your sign to eat, drink and be scary.
Have dinner with the stars
And by stars, we mean as in “twinkle, twinkle”. On Friday 30 October, book yourself a seat at Lanyon Homestead for a delicious two-course meal, followed by an evening of stargazing. Held in partnership with Mt Stromlo Observatory, it promises to be a magical evening out. Book your spot here.
Sandoochie and Spitfire Pizza? We’re ready for the carb coma
Sandoochie is teaming up with Spitfire Pizza for a mouth-watering collaboration on Sunday 1 November that will have you carb-loading like you never have before. Serving three pizzas accompanied by fresh salad, beer and wine from RBE Wines, make sure to go hungry.
Dive into the flavours of Nepal
This foodie experience will leave you feeling satisfied in more ways than one. On Thursday 5 November, Braddon’s Rizla is doing a 3.5-course Nepalese set menu for $80 per person, with profits from the evening donated to the UNICEF Nepal Flood Appeal. And yes, there will be momos. Book here.
Get a taste of Latin America at Terra
Experience an incredible feast of authentic Latin American flavours cooked over an open fire as part of the vibrant La Fiesta Latin American Festival! Peruvian chef Julio will be cooking up a storm at Terra to serve up mouth-watering culinary treats in the heart of the city. Keep your calendar free on Saturday 7 November and expect exceptional smoky barbecue creations.
Shake up your Sunday afternoon with Shake n Bake!
This sounds like a stellar one-off collaboration. Join Brett Nebauer and Tom Opie at Under at Dairy Road on Sunday 8 November, as they pour “crushable beverages,” proudly supported by Aussie legends Marionette Liqueur. Pairing drinks with a special menu from Under, and coffee from Barrio, it will be an afternoon of signature cocktails, delicious pastries, and great community vibes. Find out more here.
Little Sutton is bringing back their sourdough pizza nights
If you haven’t been to one of these before, it’s probably time you found out what all the fuss is about. Little Sutton Bakehouse is bringing back their sourdough pizza nights, transforming both the Sutton and Deakin location to the ultimate pizzeria.
The first pop-up in Deakin is happening on Friday 30 October. It’s first in, best dressed so email hello@littlesutton.com.au to book yourself a seat!
Wine not book into this Linear Wines Dinner?
Calling all wine lovers – Tintino is hosting a special collaboration with Linear Wines on Wednesday 11 November! Priced at $180 per person, across the two-hour seating you’ll enjoy a set menu with a series of wine pairings designed to bring the best of both to the table. Book your seat here.
Taste the best of the wine region at the Canberra and Region Wine Show
Get ready for an indulgent afternoon on Saturday 14 November as the Canberra and Region Wine Show brings a curated selection of local wines (and even some gold medal winners) to the Terrace Restaurant in Exhibition Park. Tickets are priced at $55. Get yours here.
Road trip? Meet the Maker with Tumblong Hills winemaker Simon Robertson
You’ll want to plan for this one. On Saturday 14 November, Three Blue Ducks in Nimbo is hosting a one-day-only event that offers a unique opportunity to sit down with one of Australia’s most respected winegrowers over a menu written especially for the occasion.
With the option to choose either a full or half pour wine pairing, you’ll eat your way through a six-course menu with dishes like Chargrilled Gundagai lamb rump, confit tomato spaghetti alla chitarra and Batlow green apple sorbet.
