A new Greek taverna for Woden, Filipino flavours in the city, and Church brings a nostalgic milk bar takeover to Recess
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Greek islands in Woden, authentic Vietnamese tucked away in Phillip, and nostalgic milk bar vibes taking over Griffith for one night only.
Canberra’s food scene keeps delivering surprises that make us fall in love with this city all over again. Ready to explore? Here’s everything delicious you need to know.
Step into Santorini without leaving Woden
The doors have officially opened at Kivotos, and stepping inside the Hellenic Club’s brand-new Greek wine bar and restaurant helmed by Executive Chef George Giannoulis feels like instant transportation to the Greek islands.
Kivotos means “ark” in Greek, perfectly capturing this restaurant’s mission to preserve and reimagine Greece’s rich culinary traditions. The menu celebrates life’s simple pleasures with modern flair. Signature moussaka paddle pops (yes, you read that correctly) sit alongside sizzling saganaki topped with pistachio dukkah, while char-grilled octopus comes perfectly paired with seared baby cos and fava.
Gather your loved ones, raise a glass, and prepare to say “Opa!”.
Relax, unwind, connect at Southbound
Love the south side? Love sports? Looks like we’ve found your new local.
Southbound Clubhouse & Grill at the Southern Cross Club in Tuggeranong is dishing up three dining options, served alongside major games streamed on the giant LED TV.
Henry’s delivers classic pub favourites like schnitzels and burgers, as well as family-friendly fare (including a kids’ menu packed with healthy options), the Parrilla Grill brings traditional Argentinian techniques to premium cuts, and the café boasts great coffee along with fresh breakfast and lunch treats.
The drinks program features local beers, Canberra region wines, and carefully crafted cocktails.
Could this be Canberra’s most unique brunch?
We’ve found a suburban gem dishing up what might be Canberra’s most unique weekend brunch.
Asian Pot House in Bruce has teamed up with one of our favourite patisseries, Bite & Savor , to offer an Asian Fusion menu that’s a whole lot more exciting than avo on toast.
Think: Roast Pork Congee with Chinese Doughnut, Char Siu Egg Hong Kong Roll, Thai Basil Pork Toast with Eggs, Thai Tea & Pandan French Toast and much more!
Available from 10 am–3 pm on weekends, we highly recommend popping along.
Moo Moo Frozen Yogurt serving up Gungahlin with Acai
We frequent their Lonsdale Braddon store on the regular for a hit of tangy Italian frozen yogurt with all the toppings. Now Moo Moo is opening a new store at Gungahlin Marketplace (next to Guzman y Gomez where the old NRMA was).
Still all self serve with every add-on you care to imagine, this second store will also serve Acai, the latest viral frozen dessert. With Vegan options and fun flavours, we will be the first to let you know what our favourite combinations are once doors open, in perfect timing with the return of warm weather…
Church brings milk bar nostalgia to life
If they didn’t have enough on their plate, recently opening DOM’S at the NFSA, this Saturday 6 September will see the creative team from Church transforms Recess in Griffith into Lil Mickey’s Milk Bar, a “shitty little takeaway” (their affectionate description) serving childhood classics.
Burgers with the works, fish and chips, spiders, wagon wheels – every item designed to trigger those corner milk bar memories. The event runs from 5pm until late (or sold out), and given Church’s reputation for creativity combined with pure nostalgia appeal, early arrival seems wise.
Manila coming soon to Canberra
Manila in Canberra prepares to transform how we think about Filipino dining in the capital. This ambitious concept combines craft bakery, restaurant, and bar under one roof on City Walk, bringing Manila’s vibrant food culture to the heart of our city.
Expect freshly baked breads and pastries created using time-honoured techniques, a menu celebrating Filipino tradition while embracing creativity, fine wines and signature cocktails.
An Evening with Yotam Ottolenghi
World-renowned chef, restaurateur, and author Yotam Ottolenghi is coming to Canberra early next year for a night of culinary theatre.
From your seat, watch him cook live on stage whilst intertwining stories of his favourite dishes, kitchen secrets, and the inspirations that have shaped his globally celebrated career.
Tickets go on sale to the general public 10am tomorrow, Thursday 4 September.
Thursday 12 February, 7.30 pm | Canberra Theatre Centre | canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Pilot’s ‘That Other Place’ set to return
Spring just got a whole lot more exciting, with news that Ainslie fine-dining darling Pilot is bringing back their seasonal pop-up towards the end of September.
Transforming the outdoor space of Pilot into a casual place for a drink and snack, the menu at That Other Place is small but mighty. Last time it popped up with inspired options like Appellation oysters with tabasco, radish cakes and XO, and fried olives with feta, chilli and lemon.
We’re crossing our fingers that the cocktails list once again includes the Canberra Colada and the Not Pimm’s Cup.
Oh, and keep your eyes peeled for details of Pilot’s 7th birthday celebration in October.
Hidden Vietnamese authenticity in Phillip
Tucked inside the WOVA Building in Furzer Street, +84 Kitchen serves some of Canberra’s most authentic Vietnamese cuisine, made with traditional recipes and cooking methods passed down through generations.
The menu showcases authentic specialties you won’t find everywhere, like their bánh giò – soft, pyramid-shaped rice and pork dumplings wrapped in banana leaves. The phở features 12-hour slow-simmered beef bone broth with options like rare beef, brisket, and beef tendon.
Vietnamese iced milk coffee sweetened with condensed milk sits alongside innovative salted coconut coffee and traditional three-color dessert featuring sweet red beans, green jelly, and coconut milk.
Got more food news? Drop us a line at hello@hercanberra.com.au!
