The newcomers: Six Canberra restaurants ready for their close-up
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Canberra’s dining scene has just welcomed several new places to eat and drink – each bringing their own flavour (pardon the pun) to the table.
From a steakhouse with laser focus to authentic regional cuisines, these recent openings offer experiences worth considering for your next meal out.
AZUMA Den
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Bisa Hospitality’s latest venture brings the theatre of fire-cooking to Kingston through a compelling fusion of Japanese and Korean cuisines. Executive Chef Junho ‘Luffy’ Koh and Sous Chef Jun Kim have created something unique around the hibachi grill, where flames become the central performer in an open kitchen that invites diners to watch the culinary choreography unfold.
The menu showcases both cultures’ strengths through carefully crafted dishes that benefit from fire’s transformative power. Hibachi grilled oysters arrive with chojang chilli sauce, while flamed scallops get yuzu butter and salmon roe. The signature ssam pork belly wraps use Byron Bay Berkshire pork finished on the hibachi, served with Korean leaves and pineapple ginger pickles for traditional wrapping. House-made dumplings span from pan-fried pork and ginger with shishito pepper oil to steamed lobster, prawn and scallop versions topped with chilli oil.
The hibachi grill handles everything from 200g snapper with yuzu butter to the premium 200g Tajima Wagyu steak (MB8) served with Japanese BBQ sauce, smoked salt and wasabi. Korean influences appear in dishes like jang-jorim slow-cooked beef short rib and classic Korean fried chicken, while Japanese precision shows in salmon sashimi with citrus and caviar.
East Hotel, 69 Canberra Avenue, Griffith | azumaden.com.au
VICE
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The team behind Amici, Molly, and other local favourites has opened a steakhouse that deliberately narrows its focus to one thing: perfection. VICE centres around Stone Axe wagyu rib eye from Australia’s high country, reverse-seared and served medium-rare on the bone. Diners choose their preferred weight and select from four classic sauces: Diane, Pepper, Mushroom or Brandy Jus.
The transformation from the former Bleachers Sports Bar is remarkable. Dark blue walls, thoughtful lighting, and comfortable leather seating create an intimate atmosphere that encourages long meals. Portraits of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence add character, while a long bar and curtained private dining room provide options for different occasions.
Thoughtful touches elevate the experience beyond just excellent beef. Focaccia arrives with a quail tallow candle that slowly melts unctuous oil over the bread. The cheeseburger, made with dry-aged beef and Egmont cheese, offers a more casual alternative. Sides like cauliflower with raclette and duck fat roasted potatoes are substantial enough to satisfy vegetarian diners. The vanilla bean flan provides a theatrical finale, cut tableside before being finished with smoked salt and Irish whiskey.
Entry via Odgers Lane, back of the Melbourne Building (next to Molly) | vice.restaurant
Kivotos at The Hellenic Club
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Executive Chef George Giannoulis has created something genuinely transportative at the Hellenic Club’s new Greek wine bar and restaurant, Kivotos. Giannoulis’ second restaurant, the space successfully captures the warmth and conviviality of Greek island dining.
Traditional Greek dishes receive contemporary presentation without losing their soul. Moussaka appears as whimsical paddle pops, while saganaki comes topped with pistachio dukkah for added texture and flavour. Char-grilled octopus paired with seared baby cos and fava demonstrates the kitchen’s understanding of both tradition and modern technique. The menu encourages sharing and lingering, embodying Greek hospitality’s generous spirit.
The wine selection emphasises Greek varieties alongside carefully chosen international bottles, supporting the cultural experience throughout the meal.
Hellenic Club, 1 Matilda Street, Woden | hellenicclub.com.au
Southbound Clubhouse & Grill
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In Southbound, Southern Cross Club Tuggeranong has created a dining destination that successfully balances sports viewing with quality food across three distinct offerings. The large LED screen ensures you won’t miss the action while enjoying a proper meal rather than standard pub fare.
Henry’s handles family dining with elevated versions of classic favourites, including a thoughtful kids’ menu with healthy options. The Parrilla Grill brings traditional Argentinian coal-fire techniques to premium cuts, delivering the kind of smoky, complex flavours that make the drive south worthwhile. The café section covers breakfast and lunch with quality coffee and fresh, seasonal offerings.
Local beers, Canberra district wines, and well-crafted cocktails round out the drinks program.
Canberra Southern Cross Club, Cnr Pitman & Holwell Street, Greenway | southboundclub.com.au
Johnny Gio’s Pizza
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Cult pizza fave Johnny Gio’s has brought its New York-Italian style to Braddon, joining the area’s thriving food scene. Hand-stretched dough baked to crispy perfection provides the foundation for generous, flavour-packed toppings.
The Burrata Queen showcases their approach perfectly: pomodoro, cherry tomato, garlic confit, and basil create a classic base, while the 125 g of creamy burrata served on the side is irresistibly oozy. The Sonny Honey balances spicy sopressa and red onion with ricotta, basil and hot honey for those who like complexity in their pizza.
A carefully curated selection of pasta dishes and desserts complements the pizza focus without overwhelming it.
24 Mort Street, Braddon | johnnygiospizza.com.au
Kathmandu Momo House
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The relocation from West Row to the Jolimont Centre has given this authentic Nepalese and Indian restaurant better visibility and a fresh new space that showcases their cuisine beautifully.
The kitchen continues to excel at traditional preparations that highlight the depth of Nepalese cuisine. Peanut adheko delivers complex spice layers, while grilled paneer achieves that perfect balance of smoky exterior and creamy interior. Their signature momos are made fresh using traditional techniques that respect the dish’s cultural significance. The adventurous addition of fried chocolate momos creates an unexpected but delightful bridge between traditional and contemporary approaches.
For those seeking genuine Nepalese and Indian cuisine, this remains one of Canberra’s most reliable options.
Jolimont Centre, 1/65 Northbourne Avenue, Canberra City | @thekathmandumomohouse
