Canberra’s Restaurant of the Year is revealed, DOM’S opens, and the K-Food wave heads south
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We hope you’re hungry, because here’s another addition of Foodie News to feed your cravings.
Covering everything from the new openings in Canberra’s hospitality scene to all the delicious foodie events happening around town, dive (or should that be dig?) into this juicy edition.
HerCanberra finds a new go-to lunch spot in Acton
From the team behind the CHURCH Neighbourhood Goods’ café comes a new sandwich stop in an unassuming location. Officially open to the public, DOM’S is set to breathe new life into the National Film and Sound Archive and Acton area. And its arrival is a timely reminder that sometimes simple is best – especially when it comes to the classics. Read all about it here.
Four the Love of Spring at Leyla Bar
Celebrate spring with four cocktails, four bites and city views between 3.30–5.30 pm every Saturday in September at Leyla Bar. Over two hours, enjoy four distinctive Four Pillars cocktails, each thoughtfully paired with a seasonal small bite to highlight its character–from bright and citrusy to rich and spiced.
Set on the rooftop with sweeping city views, this spring celebration offers a curated experience showcasing the versatility of Four Pillars gin through expertly crafted cocktails designed to capture the essence of the season.
This restaurant was just crowned Gourmet Traveller ACT Restaurant of the Year
Refined Italian dining destination Lunetta has taken home the gong for ACT Restaurant of the Year by food bible Australian Gourmet Traveller. Open for less than 12 months, it’s a major milestone for the restaurant as it takes the baton from the multi-award-winning Pilot, which claimed the title in 2021, 2022 and 2024. It looks like our little moon has found a home among the stars. Read all about it here.
Grill’d is making you feel good in more ways than one
It’s known for its healthy burgers, but on Wednesday 27 August, Grill’d in the Canberra Centre is hosting a delicious dinner to support Rise Above and help make a difference in the local community. Priced at $25, your ticket includes a burger and chips, with $10 going straight back to charity and there will also trivia and games, with the opportunity to win prize. Make sure to go hungry!
The K-Food wave heads south
Following the opening of Muk Bar, it looks like Korean food is taking over Canberra – and now it’s heading south with a new restaurant in Wanniassa. Serving everything from fried chicken to kimchi-bokkeumbap, Hancook Korean is open Tuesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner. Who can resist BBQ, hot pot, noodles, Bibimbap and katsu? Find it on Gartside Street.
Bar Rochford’s annual bartending showdown returns
Bar Rochford’s annual bartending showdown is back for another year on Sunday 31 August. This year, nine of Canberra’s top bartenders will be competing for the delightfully odd “1960 Arthur Averies Canary & Cage Bird Society Trophy” (which they found at a local op-shop), while raising money for social enterprise Café Stepping Stone. Aiming to raise $12,000, expect DJs, the tinnie bar in the kitchen and more.
The world’s oldest gastronomy society expands to Canberra
Canberra has its very own gourmet food club with the announcement that La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs has expanded to the region.
Formed in France in 1248 by King Louis IX as a royal guild for goose roasters (and later expanded to include other roasted meats, La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs has a long history. Disbanded during the French Revolution and relaunched in Paris in 1950, today it’s an international food and wine society with around 23,000 members in 80 countries. On the mission to support and develop young chefs and sommeliers, preserve and promote culinary traditions and encourage worldwide camaraderie among people who simply enjoy fine food and wine, Head of the Chaîne in Australia, Mr Norm Harrison said that the Canberra region had amazing restaurants, cafes and award winning wineries, a bountiful supply of artisan produce, a multicultural culinary scene and an entrenched food-loving culture. Tell us something we don’t know.
Planning to concentrate on regional experiences as well as Canberra-based activities, for membership enquiries, contact Mr Mackie on 0425 772 947.
Spend a night with Charles
Heidsieck that is. On Thursday 11 September, Leyla Bar is hosting a premium tasting experience that champagne lovers can’t miss. Taking attendees through a tasting of three premium Charles Heidsieck champagnes – Blanc de Blancs, Rosé Reserve and Brut Reserve – across the two hours, you’ll be guided through the experience by brand ambassador, Amanda. Each glass will be paired with curated small bites, and there will also be exclusive bottle pricing available so you can take some home on the night. Book your seat here.
Find your daily poke at ANU
There’s something about a poke bowl – and as the weather starts to (slowly) warm up, our cravings are kicking in. But for those working or studying at the ANU, you don’t have far to go. With a very extensive menu, at the new Yori Canberra Poke you can order everything from a Wagyu Steak bowl to Chilli Soy Beef, Sweet and Spicy Tofu and a Signature Salmon bowl. Open Sunday to Wednesday from 11 am – 3 pm and Thursday to Friday, 11 am – 7 pm, your daily poke is sorted.
Tikka Stand to give away 250 free meals
You read that right. Canberra’s beloved food truck, Tikka Stand, is turning 10 this September, and to mark the milestone, they’re throwing a party! Taking place on Saturday 6 September from 5 pm, along with Bollywood dancing, DJ Sunny, Radio Manpasand, eating competitions, fire performances, Lucky Wheel prize spins, and more, they’ll be giving away a free meal to the first 250 customers on the evening.
Choose between the iconic Tikka Nest— Tikka Stand’s twist on an HSP with hot chips — or the slightly lighter but equally tasty Tikka Pulao, featuring the same delicious chicken served with spiced pulao rice and coriander yoghurt sauce. Vegetarian options and gluten-free meals are also available. It’s first-come, first-served so you’d better be quick!
A refined Japanese sake and canapé experience is coming to Canberra
Over 100 premium Japanese sakes paired with exquisite Japanese-inspired canapés – you haven’t experience anything like this before. Taking over Manning Clark Hall at the ANU on Saturday 18 October, Kanpai & Canapes 2025 will guide you through a three-hour premium tasting journey where you’ll meet sake masters, sommeliers and Sake Samurai.
Priced at $119 per person, your ticket includes unlimited tastings of premium sake and fruit liqueurs, an artisan sake cup (ochoko) to take home, and continuous service of Japanese-inspired canapés – think: prawn toast and sesame crust, seared wagyu with beetroot puree and grilled cauliflower with miso sauce. If that’s not enough, you’ll also have access to sake masterclasses, cultural activities and the opportunity to purchase rare sakes for delivery! Book your spot now.
A fresh juice bar is opening in Franklin
Fresh fruit juices, creamy milkshakes and rich, indulgent ice creams – the countdown to the opening of Agha Juice in Franklin is on. Making everything from handpicked fruits and blended with care, with summer on the way, it sounds like it will be the perfect pit-stop for an icy treat.
This is a soirée designed for true wine aficionados
Exclusive, intimate and unforgettable, wine aficionados are invited to pull up a seat at QT on Thursday 11 September. With winemaker Andrew Hardy at the helm, you’ll be guided through vibrant Ox Hardy releases paired to a wood-fired menu designed by Executive Chef Josh Smith-Thirkell, you’ll be front and centre for a wine-soaked, flavour-packed evening as you eat your way through buttery Queensland king prawns, Roo ragu casarecce, and fire-roasted lamb rump, each paired perfectly with vibrant Ox Hardy releases. Secure your spot before the bottles run dry.
Minima x BK Wines
On Thursday 18 September, Minima will be hosting a wine dinner with BK Wines out of the Adelaide Hills.
BK’s goal is to create unique, minimalist, envelope-pushing art through their wine. They source exceptional fruit from small, sustainable vineyards, making their wine by hand with care and precision.
The dinner is five courses for $185, including the wine. Book here.
Timur brings Nepalese cuisine to Tuggeranong
Promising an authentic traditional Nepalese experience, Timur has opened its doors to bring something new to Tuggeranong plates. Serving a selection of traditional Nepalese dishes – including Kanchamba, Sekuwa, Kheer Brûlée and Mango Sikarni – find it where Table used to be in Greenway.
This isn’t quite a sixty-nine… but you’ll leave satisfied
Six wines, 36 bites, and two luxe grazing boards – Siren Bar in Gungahlin is hosting an afternoon of wine and nibbles. Taking place on Saturday 30 September, Siren’s Sixty-Wine Afternoon invites you to soak in the sunshine on their gorgeous deck while you make your way through a very satisfying experience. As for the vibe? Think elegant cottage garden meets long lunch romance, so make sure to dress the part with floaty sundresses, soft linen, and wide-brimmed hats. With limited spots available, book your seat here.
Feature image: Lillie Thompson.
