Foodie News: the latest delicious news on Canberra’s food scene
Posted on
From hidden gems to bottomless lasagne nights, Canberra’s food scene is absolutely buzzing right now.
Whether you’re craving artisan croissants, elevated Vietnamese, or authentic momos, we’ve got the inside scoop on everything delicious happening around town. Grab your appetite – here’s what you need to know.
We’ve found some of Canberra’s best baked goods in Belconnen
If you can’t go past a freshly made almond croissant, baked sourdough or house-made pies, we’ve uncovered a couple of hidden gems you need to visit ASAP: Hearthstone Bakehouse.
Amaninder Singh (previously head baker at Knead and Ainslie Bakehouse) opened Hearthstone in Kippax and Spence to bring much-needed (and wanted) artisan bakeries to the areas.
The team makes everything from scratch with quality ingredients (including Pepe Saya, which is used in their pie bases and croissants) – there are so many baked goods to choose from, you’ll be back multiple times to try them all.
Elevated Vietnamese is taking over where eightysix south left off
Taking over the space in Woden which used to house eightysix south, The Q Dining is poised to bring something fresh to the area with modern elevated Vietnamese food – think Scallops Royale, Smoky Saigon Octopus and a signature Q Pho. With the opening date to be announced, read all about it here.
They had us at ‘bottomless lasagne’
You won’t be going hungry at Wakefield’s Bar on Thursday 28 August, because they’re bringing back their Bottomless Lasagne Night! Following the sold-out last event, for just $34 per person, you can head along for 90 minutes of unlimited lasagne, paired with a fresh seasonal salad.
Here’s what you need to know: the lasagne is served one plate at a time, and to keep things fair and delicious, you’ll need to finish your current serve before they bring you the next. There are no sharing or takeaways on the bottomless deal, so make sure you have an appetite. Book your spot here.
OTIS has new owners
Award-winning restaurant OTIS Dining Hall has some new owners! Sold by chef-owner Damian Brabender after he suffered a hip injury in a car crash, the venue is being taken over by local hospitality group Home All Day – and if that name sounds familiar, it should.
The same team behind Highroad in Dickson, On Lonsdale in Braddon and the new Lounge Room in Kingston, the plan is to keep everything the same, with the restaurant to remain true to its roots.
Mezze Mezze brings Turkish-Mediterranean flavours to Verity Lane
Verity Lane has a new vendor – meet Mezze Mezze. Serving some delicious food packed full of flavours from Southern Türkiye, all of chef Oğuzhan Orçan’s creations pay tribute to his family back in southern Türkiye, to the sun-soaked flavours of the Mediterranean, and to the new home he’s creating here one mezze at a time.
Working alongside his wife Janita, get along to say hello to this gorgeous couple and to enjoy food that’s rich in memory and heart (and absolutely delicious!).
Dahl Daddys is collaborating with AK’s
Trust us when we say that this interstate collab is not to be missed. Partnering with AK’s Diner on Friday 22 and Saturday 23 August, Dahl Daddys is bringing Southeast Asian flavour bombs to town straight from Margaret River, on his Australian tour. Make sure to go hungry, because this will be unlike anything you’ve had before in Canberra.
Are you ready to Wine N’ Dine?
Foodies, start your engines – Wine N’ Dine is coming to Canberra on Saturday 6 September. Partnering with four venues, you’re invited to visit each for three delicious small plates perfectly paired with some of the region’s finest wines. Think of it as a self-guided progressive long lunch taking you to Amici, Compa, Luna, and Wilma for mouth-watering food and amazing wines. Book your tickets here.
Kingston welcomes an authentic Mexican restaurant and bar
And it’s opening on Wednesday 20 August. Hecho En Mexico first opened in Fitzroy, Victoria in 2013 before growing into a thriving family of restaurants, with over 20 locations in Victoria and a few others interstate. Blending traditional Mexican flavours with a modern twist, the Canberra venue will have everything from tacos to enchiladas, burritos, fresh salsas, and handcrafted margaritas, along with a Mexican-themed bottomless brunch. The best part? Until Wednesday 3 September, they’ll be serving $5 tacos, $15 margs and $5 mango shots! Find it at 27 Eastlake Parade, Kingston.
Australia’s oldest mainland brewery is reopening in Goulburn
Goulburn Brewery is reopening its doors to reveal a stunning makeover, and it’s the perfect excuse for a road trip. Debuting a new look and new offerings, read all about it here.
More momos are coming
Because the Kathmandu Mo:Mo House is moving to a bigger, better location. Moving from West Row to the Jolimont Centre in the city, they’re temporarily closed while getting their new digs ready. Still serving the rich, bold flavours of Nepalese and Indian cuisine – the countdown is on.
Thai and Lao street food can be found in the heart of Woden
Two Sisters is now open on Bradley Street in Phillip and you’d better be excited. Sharing the rich culinary heritage of Thailand and southern Laos with the Canberra community for over 27 years, the new food truck is serving Pad Thai, Lao-style chicken laksa, spring rolls, and all of your other favourite street eats.
Matcha and moodboarding make for the perfect Sunday afternoon
Blending together pilates, meditation and moodboarding with matcha and nibbles, add Sculpt and Scrap to your diary ASAP. Taking place on Sunday 31 August, you’ll be guided through a pilates class and guided meditation with Isobelle from Isolate Pilates before getting crafty with scrapbooking and collaging. Plus, your ticket includes a freshly whisked iced matcha with your choice of milk from Teddy’s Matcha, and complimentary nibbles! Book your spot here.
A beer that supports women in the industry? We’ll say cheers to that
This year, BentSpoke Brewing Co was the host of the Pink Boots Brew Day, and the result was a brand new beer created specifically to support women in the brewing industry. Assisting, inspiring and encouraging industry professionals to advance their careers through education, for one day, the Pink Boots teamed up staff met at the BentSpoke BrewPub to brew their very own batch of beer from scratch.
The XPA beer will be ready to enjoy from Friday 15 August at the BrewPub from 4 pm.
Spice, Brews and Bites brings authentic Indian and Nepalese cuisine to Dickson
Tandoori chicken, steamed vegetable momo, chatpat and more – the menu at Spice, Brew and Bites has something for everyone. Open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner, from your coffee to your evening mango lassi, your day is sorted.
Add Pasta Night at Café MAMÉ to your diary ASAP
Love pasta and some good wine? Add this event to your diary for August. Taking place on Friday 22, Saturday 23, Friday 29 and Saturday 30 August, each night local favourite Café MAMÉ will be serving pasta dishes, snacks, small dishes and dessert along with wines and cocktails! But each night will be completely different, so make sure to book your seat before they sell out.
Kingsley’s is coming to Gungahlin
It’s iconic for a reason! Kingsley’s Chicken is finally opening a location in Gungahlin. It’s the first new store location in over a decade, so yes, it is a big deal. Keep an eye out because the “unbelievable chicken and awesome chips” will soon be available at the Casey Shops.
Learn the art of crafting the perfect sourdough baguette
Are you a bread enthusiast seeking something unique to do? Ma Petite Patisserie and Ensemble Café are hosting a hands-on two-hour masterclass on Saturday, 6 September where you’ll learn the art of crafting the perfect sourdough baguette from scratch. Guiding you through the fundamentals of sourdough baking in a warm, friendly setting you’ll learn how to create and care for your own sourdough starter, shape traditional French-style baguettes, score your loaves and bake your baguettes to golden, airy perfection! Book your spot here.
