Five places to find a banger of a meal this winter
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We might only be halfway through 2025, but in the last six months, there have been a lot of new openings in Canberra’s hospitality scene. And that means the HerCanberra team has eaten a lot of food.
So, now feels like the perfect time to share five of our favourite openings – plus one rediscovered gem.
Whether it was the cuisine served or the location of the venue, all of these places seriously impressed us and have all served some of the best things we’ve put in our mouths (so far).
So, without further ado, here’s where we think you should be booking your next meal.
Clover Dining (City)
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When the HerCanberra team were first invited to try “Wafu” (meaning Japanese-inspired) Italian at Clover, we were a little uncertain about the concept. But one meal later, we were converted – and it’s one restaurant that we recommend to anyone looking for something delicious that’s a little bit different.
Take the Patagonian Toothfish for example – served with yuzu beurre blanc foam with saikyo miso, lime and ikura caviar – a dish that rendered us speechless (something that’s hard to do). Or the oysters with a fragrant mix of bonito extract and finger lime. Or the rare Black Onyx Angus Scotch Fillet with a burnt garlic and ponzu emulsion….
You get the point.
197 London Circuit, Civic | cloverdining.com.au
Andres Osteria (Weston Creek)
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We’ve said it once and we’ll say it again – Andres Osteria is one of the best openings of 2025. Located in the suburb of Weston Creek, this local gem has made waves with its delicious Mediterranean food. Focusing on quality, seasonal, and locally sourced produce, Andre’s is the brainchild of hospitality young-gun Andre Wilks and is perfect for everything from intimate dinners to relaxed gatherings.
Personal favourites from the HC team include the gluten-free mafaldine with lamb shoulder ragu and the Pistachio Crème Brûlée (a dessert so good that we actually can’t tell you what we said after our first bite).
35 Brierly Street, Weston | andresosteria.com.au
Bunny Beans Night Café (Kippax)
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Have a sweet tooth? We recently paid a visit to Canberra’s late-night dessert café and it’s well worth it. Only open from Thursday until Saturday night, here you’ll find everything from bingsu to sweet specialty drinks on the menu.
Their fluffy matcha bingsu (shaved ice) topped with warabimochi and azuki red beans is divine and their shibuya toasts have toppings that range from diced mango with ice cream and salted cream cheese to a Japanese matcha sauce!
U 16/64 Hardwick Crescent, Holt | bunnybeanscafekippax.com.au
Adore Tea (Mitchell)
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Adore Tea isn’t new, but it wowed the HerCanberra team when it came to gluten-free food. We tried their High Tea, where they serve a handful of handmade delicacies paired with a range of teas, including quintessential tea sandwiches, bite-sized savouries and mouthwatering miniature sweets. Each item of food is infused with tea and trust us when we say some of the combinations will blow your mind (and taste buds) away.
Need an example? Think scones with French Earl Grey tea-infused strawberry jam. But they also have an à la carte menu that has everything from a spinach and cheese omelette to a tea-infused chicken melt!
Unit 2/2 Dacre Street, Mitchell | adoretea.com
Shaw Estate (Murrumbateman)
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We love a long lunch and Shaw Estate came through when it opened in March. This luxe restaurant and cellar door has a long wine list that’s best enjoyed with their menu that’s deeply rooted in Italian tradition. From handmade pasta to wood-fired seafood and rustic shared plates to antipasti, standouts to from the HerCanberra team include the roasted cauliflower, the cabbage slaw and the focaccia and dips were worth every bite. Love tiramisu? Make sure to order yourself one here.
34 Isabel Drive, Murrumbateman | shawestate.com.au
Feature image: Clover Dining. Credit: Ben Calvert Photo.
