More new places to eat, a Canberra-flavoured gelato, Erewhon Smoothies dupes and more: your latest serve of foodie news
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Canberra’s dining scene moves fast – so fast, in fact, that we had to bring you an extra serving of Foodie News this August.
From a long-awaited neighbourhood spot in Giralang and Nigerian feasts in Braddon to one-day-only pastry pop-ups, celebrity chef dinners, and a self-guided margarita trail, our city’s appetite is officially in overdrive. Unbutton those trousers and dig into round two.
Openings, closings and moves
Over 70 new eateries have landed in Canberra since the start of 2026
What is going on with this city’s appetite? We recently published our biannual ‘Every restaurant, cafe and bar that’s opened in Canberra’ and even by our standards, 2026 has been a monster year for new openings.
Ranging from hidden precinct bars to suburban hidden gems, is it overwhelming? Absolutely. Are we complaints-free and thoroughly fed? 100 per cent.
Discover them all here.
The Forage heads south this spring
For those who didn’t make it to Belconnen for the most recent pop-up from the Forage, worry not – it’s heading south this spring. With more details to be announced, all we know is it’s happening on Saturday 7 November. Put it in your diary.
Giralang has a new neighbourhood local
The Hungry Beagle is now bringing pizza, pasta, coffee, wine and a kid and dog-friendly community feel to the long-awaited Giralang Shops precinct.
Named after the owner’s food-obsessed beagle – Beans – the Hungry Beagle is a venue built around the idea that good food, good coffee and a relaxed place to gather are exactly what this pocket of Canberra has been craving.
You can find out more here.
Little Sutton Bakehouse heads to Deakin locale
In case you missed the news, Little Sutton Bakehouse is opening a second location in Deakin, and we’re very excited.
Coming in early September, Little Sutton Deakin will take over the site of Locale Pizzeria and, once the weather warms up, will host the bakery’s much-loved sourdough pizza nights.
As we start to count down the days, read all about it here.
Yo-Bar has finally arrived in Civic
It’s never too cold for frozen yoghurt. Much to the delight of Canberra’s frozen yoghurt lovers, Yo-Bar has finally opened in the Canberra Centre to bring its delicious self-serve frozen yoghurt and açaí. Designed to deliver the full Yo-Bar experience, the new venue has been well worth the wait.
Alongside a rotating selection of premium frozen yoghurt flavours (including the much-loved signature options), customers can build their perfect bowl at an extensive toppings bar loaded with fresh fruit, premium chocolates, biscuits, lollies, sauces, nuts, and crunchy toppings. And don’t worry – Canberra won’t miss out on the limited-edition flavours and seasonal toppings that have made the brand a cult favourite.
Get the scoop (sorry) here.
We had a taste of Canberra’s first Nigerian kitchen and eatery
Jollof Rice, Egusi Soup, Swallows, Puff Puff and Nigerian meat pies are on the menu of Canberra’s first Nigerian kitchen and eatery: MAKC (Mama Africa Kitchen and Cake), now open in Braddon.
Read all about the amazing woman behind the MAKC – Mama Dorcas – here.
Canberra’s newest lakeside café had us at Salted Maple Mont Blanc
We love a fun drink at HerCanberra, so when we saw that Easy Oar – Red Shed’s new lakeside café – had opened and is serving Tiramisu Matcha and Erewhon Smoothies dupes, we had to try it for ourselves.
Open seven days a week from 7 am, you can watch our (chaotic) drink review here.
¿Mande? Hecho en Mexico is taking over the former Fonda Mexican space
Did anyone else know that Fonda closed? But in some good news, Mexican lovers don’t need to go elsewhere for tacos, burritos and margaritas – Hecho en Mexico is taking over the space to open their second Canberra location.
Keep an eye out for the official opening date!
There’s a new café on Lonsdale Street
Wondering what would take over the space where Uptown Vibes used to be? Say hello to Sailor Bistro and Brew.
Open for breakfast and lunch, on the menu you’ll find Turkish Eggs, Lonsdale Shakshuka, Lamb & Hash, Confit Duck Maryland and more.
Phat Panda is making its way to Woden
Tuggeranongs urban street food restaurant is making its way across Canberra with a new location coming soon to Westfield Woden. Will the Panda Rolls, Puff Waffles and street snacks be on the menu? You’ll have to wait to find out.
Feasts, festivals and more: delicious foodie experiences
The 1st Chop celebrates West African food
Canberra’s newest food launch has a name that doubles as an invitation: Chop Time, the Ghanaian expression for “it’s time to eat”. The social enterprise is bringing West African culture to Dickson with The 1st Chop, a rooftop celebration of food, music and community at WeAreLiving Dickson Rooftop.
Expect a spread of authentic West African dishes alongside live entertainment, dancing and games, all dished up by a Canberra-based team dedicated to sharing African culture through food and storytelling. Whether you’re familiar with jollof rice or trying it for the first time, it’s an afternoon built for good company and even better plates.
It’s all happening on Saturday 12 September, 3–9 pm at WeAreLiving Dickson Rooftop, Dickson Village Level 2 Roof Top, 50 Antill St, Dickson. Grab your tickets from events.humanitix.com.
Run, don’t walk! Messina has brought back their Breakfast in Canberra flavour
Milk gelato with milk jam and Milo – who doesn’t love a gelato you could technically have for breakfast? Dedicated to Braddon (the first store Messina opened in Canberra), this flavour is only available until Monday 31 August or until sold out.
You can get traditional, freshly made maritozzo in Belconnen
The only catch? It will be for one day only.
Sapori Lab is popping up in Belconnen this Saturday 15 August, from 8 am until 12.30 pm, serving both sweet and savoury cannoli, sfogliatelle, maritozzi and more.
With limited quantities available, you’ll have to go early to secure these moreish treats. Find them at Canberra Cloud Kitchen, 2 Grazier Lane, Belconnen. More info here.
Did you know that World Beef Bourguignon Day is a thing?
We didn’t – but with the news that Campbell’s Les Bistronomes will be serving their special recipe on Thursday 11 August, it’s a celebration we can get behind.
Participating in the worldwide culinary movement dedicated to cooking, sharing, and honouring the classic French slow-cooked beef and red wine stew, make sure to book a table so you can try it for yourself.
This sweet partnership is the perfect excuse for a scoop of gelato
Guilt-free gelato is on the menu at Holy Cow thanks to the most heartwarming collaboration you’ll hear about this winter.
Previously known as Spilt Milk Bar, the Dickson gelato shop has partnered with Roundabout Canberra to launch a limited-edition gelato flavour, with 100 per cent of proceeds from every scoop going to the charity. It’s available until Saturday 19 September.
Find out how the S’mores flavour came to be here.
Dinners with a Difference comes to Canberra
Created by communications specialist Gretel Van-Lane, Dinners with a Difference was first launched in Wollongong to gather people together for a meal where conversations go deeper than small talk.
It’s bringing good food and even better conversations, and it’s holding its first Canberra event Thursday 20 August at Bar Beirut.
Find out more and book your seat here.
A Bite to Eat brings Thai street food and cocktails to Chifley
Back by popular demand, Bite to Eat is hosting a dinner event dedicated to Thai street food and cocktails.
Running from 5 pm until late on Friday 21 August, they’ll be serving kingfish crudo, bao, skewers and – of course – cocktails. Book your seat here.
Don’t miss this long black-tie table in the Snowy Mountains
Road trip, anyone? On Saturday 22 August, Three Blue Ducks is hosting The Grand Table, its once-a-year black-tie dinner at Nimbo Fork Lodge.
And yes, it’s as fancy as it sounds. On the evening, guests will be welcomed with a glass of Taittinger and canapés before sitting down to four courses from Head Chef Frankie Mauro.
With dishes ranging from duck leg sausage with parsnip and verjus to beetroot three ways with goat curd and pollen, Gundagai lamb cutlets, and chocolate, orange and coconut to finish, it promises to be a decadent experience.
With limited seats, call the Nimbo Lodge team on 0447 131 423 to book.
This celebrated chef is bringing his signature fire-led cooking to Shaw Estate
Pop Thursday 3 September into your calendar because Lennox Hastie – chef and owner of the acclaimed Sydney restaurant Firedoor – is presenting a five-course dining experience.
Celebrating seasonal produce and presented in partnership with Lark Whisky, the evening is priced at $235 per person and includes a welcome cocktail on arrival followed by a menu featuring dishes including Bonito tataki, Murray cod, Westholme Wagyu and a signature Firedoor dessert.
Looking for more? You don’t want to miss out on the limited 18-seat masterclass that will take place ahead of dinner and offer an intimate behind-the-scenes look at Lennox’s philosophy, techniques and approach to cooking with fire (alongside a tasting of Firedoor snacks and paired beverages.
Book your seat here.
A self-guided margarita fiesta is coming to Canberra
On Saturday 5 September, celebrate the start of spring with a self-guided Margarita fiesta through some of Canberra’s best bars with Hola Margarita!
Running from 1 pm until 5 pm, your ticket will see you start the session at your chosen venue with a complimentary $10 food voucher, before hitting the trail with your margarita vouchers in hand. Wander from bar to bar at your own pace to experience some unique take on everyone’s favourite tequila cocktail – where you stop (and sip) is completely up to you!
Book your ticket here.
QT is serving premium cuts and ice-cold beers this Father’s Day
Trying to plan something special for dad this Father’s Day? QT is serving up an all-you-can-eat spread that will go big on premium cuts fresh from the flame.
Along with Wagyu skirt to whole sirloins, lamb rumps and roasted whole chook, he’ll be treated to Mum’s potato salad, classic coleslaw, sticky date pudding, pavlova and sweet treats.
Priced at $99 per adult and $39 per child (free for kids two and under), book your seats for Sunday 6 September here.
