More Canberra restaurants that have stood the test of time
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From industry stalwarts to beloved family-run establishments, these restaurants in Canberra have stood the test of time.
Following on from our original article, here are even more Canberra restaurants that have shaped our food scene into what it is today – they’re iconic for good reason.
Old Canberra Inn (Lyneham)
With a history stretching back to the 1850s, the Old Canberra Inn is one of the capital’s oldest surviving pubs and one of its most beloved. Blending heritage charm with a relaxed, modern pub atmosphere, it has become a gathering place for locals seeking good food, craft beer, and live music in a uniquely Canberra setting.
Known for its leafy beer garden, rotating taps of local brews, and elevated pub menu, the Old Canberra Inn continues to honour its history while remaining firmly part of the city’s contemporary dining and social scene.
195 Mouat Street, Lyneham | oldcanberrainn.com.au
Saffron (Kingston)
For over 20 years, Saffron has been serving Mediterranean cuisine inspired by family recipes. First opening in Manuka before moving to Kingston, Saffron was created as a place where people could come together to share good food and good company.
Celebrating the flavours of the East Mediterranean – with dishes including tawook, shish kebab, and biftek – the menu is designed to comfort, connect and delight, making it a must-visit.
31 Kennedy Street, Kingston | saffronrestaurant.com.au
The Kingston Hotel (Kingston)
Affectionately known as The Kingo, this pub is a cornerstone of Canberra history. The city’s first purpose-built public house (following the repeal of local prohibition), the Kingston Hotel has operated continuously for over 85 years.
A favourite of politicians, staffers, and journalists, this local watering hole is anything but pretentious. With a menu that specialises in pub classics – including chicken schnitzel, steak and bangers and mash – there’s nothing else like it in Canberra.
73 Canberra Avenue, Griffith | kingstonhotel.com.au
Bellucci’s (Manuka)
Since it opened in 1988, Bellucci’s has been an integral part of Canberra’s dining landscape, making it an institution not only in Manuka but across the city.
Known for serving traditional, rustic Italian food with a modern twist, it’s long been a go-to when dining out and is (unsurprisingly) always buzzing with people.
Franklin Street and Furneaux Street, Griffith | bellucis.com.au
Chairman & Yip (Barton)
First established in 1992 on Bunda Street in Civic, Chairman & Yip built its reputation as a pioneer for modern pan-Asian cuisine.
Moving to the Hotel Realm precinct in 2016, it’s still considered a cornerstone of the Canberra restaurant scene and is known for some amazing signature dishes. Make sure you try the Chairman Duck Pancake and the Shantong Lamb for the true Chairman & Yip experience.
1/1 Burbury Close, Barton | chairmangroup.com.au
Happy’s Chinese Restaurant (City)
Serving traditional Cantonese cuisine since 1962, this restaurant has been loved for generations. Humbly beginning as Canberra’s first Chinese restaurant, Happy’s is still family-owned and in the same Garema Place location where it opened its doors.
Founded by Mr Happy – known for his smiling hospitality – the restaurant is now run by his grandson, Gavin Chen, who still uses the same family recipes passed down by his grandfather and father.
Unit 1/17 Garema Place, City | happys.com.au
Rubicon (Griffith)
A quiet achiever of Canberra’s fine-dining scene, Rubicon has been delivering thoughtful, seasonal dining for more than two decades. Known for its intimate atmosphere and refined Modern Australian menu, the restaurant has built a loyal following by focusing on quality ingredients, carefully balanced flavours, and warm, attentive service.
With dishes that celebrate local produce and a wine list designed to complement the menu, Rubicon continues to prove that understated elegance never goes out of style – making it a beloved fixture of Griffith’s dining landscape.
18 Barker Street, Griffith | rubiconrestaurant.com.au
Italian & Sons (Braddon)
Since opening in 2009, Italian & Sons has been a cornerstone of Braddon’s dining scene, bringing rustic Italian flavours to the city with confidence and warmth. Inspired by traditional trattorias, it’s known for its woodfired pizzas, handmade pasta, and a menu that celebrates simple ingredients done exceptionally well.
With its lively atmosphere, open kitchen, and strong local following, Italian & Sons is proof that good Italian food never goes out of fashion.
7 Lonsdale Street, Braddon | italianandsons.com.au
Portia’s Place (Kingston)
A long-standing favourite in Kingston, Portia’s Place has been serving Cantonese Chinese cuisine to Canberrans since the mid-1990s. Known for its warm hospitality and reliably flavourful dishes, the restaurant has remained a steady presence in the capital’s dining scene – even as trends and tastes have changed around it.
From crispy duck pancakes assembled at the table to well-balanced stir-fries and classic favourites, Portia’s Place has built a loyal following over the decades, earning a reputation as a quiet Canberra institution.
11 Kennedy Street, Kingston | portiasplace.com.au
D’Browes (Narrabundah)
A true neighbourhood favourite, D’Browes Restaurant has been quietly serving generous, European-inspired comfort food in Narrabundah for decades. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and consistently hearty menu, the restaurant blends French and German influences with classic bistro hospitality.
From rich, slow-cooked dishes to traditional desserts, D’Browes delivers the timeless appeal of honest cooking and warm service, making it one of Canberra’s enduring suburban dining gems.
59 Boolimba Crescent, Narrabundah | dbrowes.com.au
King O’Malley’s (City)
Since opening in 2000, King O’Malley’s has become one of Canberra’s most distinctive pubs, bringing Irish-inspired warmth, live music, and community spirit to the heart of Civic. Named after the colourful politician who championed Canberra as Australia’s capital, the pub blends history, storytelling, and hospitality in equal measure.
With its warren-like rooms filled with vintage furniture, local artworks, and memorabilia – plus a strong reputation for live music, Guinness on tap, and lively Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations – King O’Malley’s remains a place where conversation flows as easily as the drinks.
131 City Walk, Canberra City | kingomalley.com.au
La Capanna (Kingston)
Tucked along Giles Street in Kingston, La Capanna has been serving comforting, no-fuss Italian food to Canberrans for decades. Known for its relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere and generous plates of pizza and pasta, the restaurant has built its reputation on consistency, affordability, and the simple pleasure of classic Italian cooking.
With thick-crust pizzas, traditional pasta dishes, and a cosy dining room, La Capanna remains a nostalgic favourite.
32 Giles Street, Kingston | la-capanna.com.au
