Desserts in a can, a Japanese pop-up café, and more: Canberra’s tastiest food news
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From revived Friday night traditions to brand new cafés making waves on the ‘gram, October is serving up some seriously delicious happenings around Canberra.
Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, a brunch devotee, or just someone who believes that gelato is a food group (no judgement here), we’ve rounded up everything you need to know about what’s opening, what’s on, and where to eat this month.
Grab a fork – or a glass – and let’s dig in.
Muku Ramen Bar launches pop-up café: Haru
Serving Shōjin and Hokkaido inspired food and drinks, Muku Ramen Bar has become something of a favourite amongst foodies. And to celebrate two years of delicious food and some amazing monthly events, they’ve decided to launch a delicious new pop-up café: Haru.
Serving Japanese brunch and lunch options, from Sunday 12 October for the rest of the month you can pop in to try Hokkaido Cream Buns, Japanese shakshuka (Japshuka), sandwiches, baked goods, frappes and – of course – coffee and matcha.
Open from 10 am until 2 pm, walk ins are welcome. And with hopes to open every weekend for the rest of the year, this is your sign to support local.
Desserts in a can are now a thing
Fricken Chicken in Braddon has just launched a dessert menu with a twist: everything comes in a can. Equal parts aesthetically pleasing and practical – hello easy transportation to home – the dessert series include the Lemon Lush (layered lemon curd, Mascarpone cream and crushed biscuit), the Biscoff Crunch (layered Biscoff cheesecake, and crushed Biscoff biscuit drizzled with Biscoff spread) and a classic Tiramisu.
Enjoy it then and there or take it home for later – whatever you decide to do, just make sure to try the limited run before it’s gone. Did we mention that the Lemon Lush is also gluten-free?
Manuka has a new Instagrammable café
And it’s in an unexpected location. Serving cloud matcha lattes, New York-style chunky cookies and café classics with a twist, Brew & Crust has recently opened in the space where Trecento used to be, brought to you by the team behind Manuka Steakhouse.
Bringing something fresh to the area (and we’re not just talking about their Matcha Coconut Frappe), with offerings that include Surf & Turf Baked Eggs, Pistachio Buttermilk Pancakes, and a drinks menu that will have matcha maniacs lining up around the block, one thing is for sure: when it comes to Instagrammable cafes in Canberra, Brew & Crust is firmly on the list.
Mavi Gelati set to become the south’s newest sweet spot
There’s nothing like a cone of something creamy on a hot day, and with the announcement that popular Ulladulla gelati and dessert bar Mavi Gelati will be opening soon in Woden, this summer is sounding extra sweet.
Serving freshly made, hand turned gelati and Mediterranean inspired desserts, the vibrant gelato bar is opening as part as a series of upgrades at the Hellenic Club. And with 32 flavours to choose from, your sweet treat cravings will be well and truly taken care of.
Steak frites anyone?
Meat lovers better mark this in their diary: Big Box Barbeque is hosting a very special event on Friday 10 October: they’ll be serving 300g True North Wagyu Sirloin (which will be smoked to medium-rare perfection and finished over their Hibachi grill) and served alongside hand-cut chips.
Available for pre-order only, you’ll want to be fast to get your hands on (and teeth into) this. But don’t worry – they’ll also be serving their full menu, including the smoked chicken thigh and the beef, jalapeño and cheddar snags. Find out more here.
Barbardo pops up at Lamsheds for a special degustation
Sometimes the best stories are the ones that come full circle. On Saturday 26 October, chef Tashi Pelbar is bringing Barbardo to Lamsheds – the place where he spent four and a half years learning, experimenting, and falling in love with food in a real way.
What started as a creative outlet and a lot of late nights has turned into Barbardo, a brand new pop-up that’s already making waves after just two events. Now, for its third outing, Tashi is returning to the kitchen that shaped him, serving a special degustation that showcases everything he’s learned along the way.
Priced at $110 per person, this is more than just a set menu – it’s a chance to experience food with heart, told through the lens of someone who’s worked their way up from washing dishes to creating their own story. Find out more here.
Dog Day Out at The Cuppo sounds like the pawfect start to your Saturday
This is one event that’s sure to get tails wagging – on Saturday 25 October, The Cupping Room will be hosting their very own Dogs Day Out, promising an adorable morning full of (and for) dogs.
Dedicated to celebrating pups, people and community, from 9 am until 1 pm, you’ll be treated to signature ONA Coffee, a specially curated Cuppo food menu, a BBQ, dog stalls, and a little treat for every pup who shows up. And with free entry, we expect to see plenty of wagging tails.
Elemental Café has had a glow-up
Say hello to June, the refreshed and revitalised former Elemental Café. With a new menu, new look, but the same warm welcome, it’s a fresh take on the local favourite.
Menu highlights include the Blueberry & Cream Bagel served with blueberry cream, vanilla ice cream, and fresh blueberries, the Iced Biscoff Latte, and the Chilli Scrambled Hash – crispy hashbrowns topped with soft chilli-scrambled eggs, melted cheese, and herbs. New brunch location? Sorted.
Is this Canberra’s most sophisticated high tea?
In 2024, one of Canberra’s most luxurious and refined fine-dining restaurants brought an exclusive high tea option to Barton, and it’s back for another year. Relaunching its opulent high tea for select Saturdays across October, November and December, book yourself into Louis to indulge in a sophisticated high tea experience that doesn’t break the bank.
After all, what sounds better than nibbling on freshly baked scones accompanied by clotted cream and preserves, and an exquisite selection of pastries in the warm embrace of a classic European-inspired bistro for just $80 per person?
Say hello to your newest way to get social: The Red Hill Wine Club
Because who doesn’t love connecting over wine? Red Hill SupaExpress has recently launched The Red Hill Wine Club, a no-membership-fee club focused on bringing people together over great wine, in an inclusive and informal way.
Hoping to create a community-driven space for locals to discover, enjoy, and talk about wine, they hold intimate Monthly Tasting Nights where attendees have the chance to meet the winemaker, distiller, or brewer in a casual setting as well as Bi-Monthly Feature Events – slightly bigger evenings hosted where you’ll enjoy a food and wine pairing alongside a theme or guest appearance.
Also hosting Friday afternoon tastings at the Red Hill SupaExpress from 4 pm until 7 pm, sign up to the Red Hill SupaExpress Friday Club Email for all of the details.
Wondering where you can find Canberra’s best wine list?
The results of Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards are in, and with it comes some very important news: where to find some of the best wines in Canberra.
Well, it looks like you’ll be booking a table at Italian dining favourite Capitol Bar & Grill because this year it was a back-to-back winner for two awards: Best Wine List ACT and Australia’s Best Listing of ACT Wines. Known for its Riesling-led menu, wine bar Rizla was also acknowledged for its extensive, and passionate list, seeing it to scoop up Best Wine List (Max 100 Wines). We’ll say cheers to that!
Moo Moo’s frozen yoghurts make their way to Gungahlin
Since it opened on Lonsdale Street in Braddon in 2024, Moo Moo has been serving endless streams of luxe, Japanese inspired frozen yoghurts to keen Canberrans in the city. Well, those living in the north won’t have to travel as far to cure their cravings with the announcement Moo Moo will be opening a second location at Gungahlin Marketplace this spring.
With more details to come, keep an eye out to get the scoop (literally).
Traditional sweet treats can be found at Éla Café
Baklava, galaktoboureko, loukoumades, and koulourakia, oh my! Say yassou to the Hellenic Club’s newest addition, Éla Café.
Meaning “come” in Greek, not only will you find traditional sweets here; they’re also serving a variety of light lunch options inspired by the simple, delicious flavours of Greece, including spanakopita, tiropita, and other fresh Mediterranean bites.
Try it for yourself to transport your tastebuds to Greece (without needing to book a plane ticket).
Korean BBQ makes its way to Belconnen
The K-wave hasn’t crested yet, and this time it’s Belconnen locals who will be feasting on BBQ. Now open in Westfield Belconnen, BBQTown Belconnen is serving all you can eat Korean BBQ with more meat options you can poke a chopstick at and unlimited sides.
Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, the price ranges from $49 to $65 per person (depending what day and time you book in), also making it possibly one of the best priced options when dining out. Make sure to leave room for the authentic Korean ice-cream (which is also all you can eat) and thank us later.
Bottomless is back at Leyla
Every Saturday afternoon in November and December , Leyla Bar is going bottomless.
From 3.30 pm, you can enjoy two hours of free-flowing Aperol Spritz, their signature Leyla Spritz, zesty Limoncello Spritz, Rosé and Prosecco – paired with delicious food to share. What better place to spend a Saturday than at a rooftop bar!?
Book here.
The new owners launch a new menu at Otis
But don’t worry, you’ll still be able to order the Otis Pepper Steak. Following the announcement that veteran restaurateur Damian Brabender has passed the baton to the up-and-coming crew from Home All Day – which is run by Maheer Prasad and Lachlan Exton – a new menu has officially been launched at Otis Dining Hall.
Keeping the fine dining flavour, the spring menu includes new offerings like Stuffed Zucchini Flower and Pressed Pork Belly alongside the classics you know and love, including the OTIS Crème Caramel.
A new acai bar opens in Dickson
Summer is on the way and that means one thing: it’s almost acai season. Luckily those in Dickson can dig into the breakfast/dessert bowl hybrid with the opening of Xtreme Acai.
Known for serving extreme acai bowls out of its Fyshwick location (hence the name), they’ll be launching on Saturday 11 October on Challis Street from 3 pm. Open until late, make sure to go hungry.
Welcome to your new-old Friday night
Friday Night Drinks at Old Parliament House are back, baby! Kicking off from 4 pm every Friday until 19 December, the revived OPH drinks reprises all the elements that made the original such a success, including a selection of hot and cold food and a partnership with Capital Brewing Co., who will be tapping their best (along with serving a selection of wines).
Helping you start your weekend right, welcome to your new-old Friday night. Read all about it here.
Cafe OnLonsdale is turning one (and throwing a Matcha Rave to celebrate)
Birthdays are best celebrated with cake, good vibes, and – apparently – matcha. This Saturday 12 October, Cafe OnLonsdale is marking its first birthday with a Matcha Rave, and it sounds like exactly the kind of morning party we need.
From 8 am until 12 pm, head down to their Lonsdale Street spot in Braddon for a matcha bar serving exclusive flavours, a live DJ spinning the tunes, free birthday cake, and what they’re promising will be “10/10 vibes.” Whether you’re a matcha maniac or just love a good celebration, this is one birthday bash you won’t want to miss. Find out more here.
Pop the Pink October Friday night drop-in into your diary
Want to do good while eating good? Tuggeranong Homestead is hosting a twilight garden fundraiser supporting Rise Above–Capital Region Cancer Relief on Friday 24 October.
Taking place beneath 180-year-old elm trees at the historic homestead grounds, you’ll enjoy live music, interactive sessions, complimentary gin and vodka tastings by Hold Fast Distillery, garden strolls, food and drinks. There will also be raffle prizes and auctions will be available throughout the evening, and entry is free! Find out more here.
Hotel Kurrajong is bringing the neighbourhood together (with beer and beef)
Want to eat local while actually supporting local? On Saturday 1 November, Hotel Kurrajong is hosting its Neighbourhood Series, Craft & Carve Dinner – an evening dedicated to celebrating the producers, brewers, and farmers right in our own backyard.
In collaboration with Bentspoke Brewing Co. and Southern Ranges Meat, the three-course dinner will showcase premium, ethically farmed meats paired with award-winning craft beers that’ll have you wondering why you ever settled for anything less.
Kicking off with a beer tasting and canapés at 7 pm, you’ll then dive into a main and dessert, each thoughtfully matched with a unique beer pairing. Priced at $159 per person, it’s more than just a meal – it’s a celebration of the stories, craftsmanship, and flavours that make Canberra’s food scene so special. Book your spot and go hungry.
The long lunch that brings Canberra’s best chefs to one table
Three of Canberra’s finest chefs, one unforgettable afternoon, and a whole lot of delicious conversation – what’s not to love? On Sunday 2 November, Beltana Farm is hosting a one-off long lunch as the final course of this year’s Canberra Writers Festival, and trust us when we say you’ll want to be there.
Raku will be creating the entrées, Beltana Farm will serve up canapés and mains, and Lunetta will close out the afternoon with dessert. But it’s not just about the food (although, let’s be honest, that’s a pretty big drawcard) – you’ll also enjoy a chat with our very own Emma McDonald and Chris Hansen, author of the foodie must-read Chefs Eat Canberra, as they dive into the city’s food scene, the chefs, and those small moments that make dining here feel so personal.
With strictly limited places and priced at $130 per person (food only), this is your chance to celebrate everything we love about eating well. Don’t sleep on this one and book your spot here.
Capital Brewing and Three Mills are teaming up
Two of Canberra’s favourite local brands are joining forces, and if you’re a cider fan, you’ll want to clear your calendar. On Monday 27 October, Capital Brewing Co is partnering with Three Mills for a one-night event that’s all about celebrating the humble apple – in the best way possible.
Running from 6 pm until 9 pm at Capital Brewing’s Fyshwick location, you’ll get to try a Cider Crème Brûlée Tart paired with Batlow Cider, Batlow Hard, and small-batch favourite Appley Ever After. It’s the kind of pairing that’ll have you questioning why cider and dessert aren’t a more common combo. Find out more and book your spot here
