Eight new places to eat and drink in Canberra this spring
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Spring is universally recognised as a season of rebirth, so why not use it as an excuse to try some new places to eat and drink in Canberra?
Ranging from Canberra’s very first Nigerian kitchen and eatery to a takeaway chicken shop that has locals in a flap, consider this your sign to shake up your usual foodie routine with something new, fresh and a little bit different.
Side Chick (Phillip)
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This new takeaway chicken shop has been ruffling feathers since they opened in August – and that’s because it’s cluckin’ good.
Serving up extra-large, juicy organic and halal rotisserie chicken, hand-cut chips, potato scallops and delicious salads, the menu is packed with everything from crispy schnitzel and gravy rolls, plus rich creamed potatoes sitting right where all that delicious rotisserie chicken dripping lands.
They also have gluten-free options and even offer a special discount for hospital staff who deserve fast, flavourful food. But is it worth cheating on the supermarket roast? All we’ll say is it’s well worth chicken out.
10 Chaseling Street, Phillip | @sidechickshop
Bar Nova (Kingston)
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This new bar and restaurant from Canberra hospitality wunderkind Kierain Bunton has exploded onto the Kingston dining scene.
Bringing an electric reset for the Kennedy Street address once occupied by Onzieme, the menu at Bar Nova is curated, intentional and bold, with dishes like mussels on toast with curry and herbs, and zucchini flowers with Laos sausage.
Other must-try bites include the octopus with escabeche and potato, tuna with ajoblanco and Calabrian chilli, and a 9+ skirt steak with chimichurri. As for dessert? Think: a trifle of kumquat, Earl Grey and chocolate and a soft-serve with Jack Daniel’s caramel and banana.
5/39 Kennedy Street, Kingston | barnova.com.au
Fresca (City)
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Queanbeyan fave FRESCA has opened a new Italian-inspired sandwich bar in City West, and you’ll want to get there pronto. Bringing the warmth of an Italian family table to the city, FRESCA promises to be a polished city destination for schiacciata, coffee, sweets, drinks and share-style moments.
At the heart of the business is 91-year-old Rosa, the matriarch of a large Calabrian-Australian family whose food traditions have shaped the menu from day one. In fact, each schiacciata pays tribute to a relative and is named after different grandparents, parents, aunties, and uncles.
Our top picks? The Carmela (Nonna Rosa’s mum) loaded with prosciutto, pecorino crema, rocket, and sun-dried tomato, and the Luigi (Nonna Rosa’s brother), featuring hot soppressata, truffled eggplant crema, hot honey, and parmesan. Prefer to build your own? A front counter stocked daily with fresh ingredients lets you choose your own culinary adventure.
27/40 Marcus Clarke Street, City | @fresca.au
Yo-Bar (City)
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Tucked on the corner of Genge Street and Bunda Street, this premium self-serve fro-yo bar will have you in dessert heaven.
Alongside a rotating selection of premium frozen yoghurt flavours (including the much-loved signature options), you can build your perfect bowl at an extensive toppings bar loaded with fresh fruit, premium chocolates, biscuits, lollies, sauces, nuts, and crunchy toppings.
There are also limited-edition flavours (like Banoffee) as well as seasonal toppings. With the weather finally warming up, what are you waiting for?
Corner of Genge Street and Bunda Street, Canberra Centre | yobar.com.au
MAKC (Braddon)
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Also known as Mama Africa Kitchen and Cake, MAKC is Canberra’s very first Nigerian kitchen and eatery. If you’re an adventurous eater or simply looking for authentic new flavors to try, this is the spot for you.
Expect bold, layered Nigerian staples like smoky Jollof Rice, hearty Egusi Soup, traditional Swallows served with rich stews, grilled meats, fried plantain, flaky Nigerian meat pies, golden Puff Puff, and refreshing Zobo. And yes, they make incredible cakes, too.
G02/2 Batman Street, Braddon | @eatmakc
Café Momo (Braddon)
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After serving its first meal in 1996 in the slightly out-of-the-way location of Fern Hill Park in Bruce, Café Momo has leaped to Braddon.
Located off Cooyong Street in the leafy courtyard of Founder’s Lane, the café will trade from 6.30 am until 9 pm, serving everything from light breakfasts and coffee through to lunches, salads, burgers, pizzas and a range of pasta and other dinner options. With plenty to choose from, expect everything locals loved about the original spot, just wrapped in a fresh, vibrant new location.
61 Cooyong Street, Braddon | cafemomo.com.au
Hungry Beagle (Giralang)
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Hungry Beagle is bringing pizza, pasta, coffee, wine, and a family- and dog-friendly community feel to the long-awaited Giralang Shops precinct.
Whether you’re after authentic Italian pizza, handmade pasta, steak frites, or a quick coffee before the school run, there’s no rush or fuss here. Built around the idea that good food, great coffee, and a relaxed place to gather are exactly what this pocket of Belconnen needed, go for the wood-fired slices and stay for the warm neighborhood vibe.
72 Canopus Crescent, Giralang | hungrybeagle.com.au
Easy Boy (Scullin)
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Taking over the former Muku Ramen Bar site at Scullin Shops, EASY BOY! is Benn and Mork Ratanakosol’s latest venture and has quickly become a local favorite.
The menu blends Vietnamese flavors with broader Southeast Asian influences. Standouts include pork nem nướng spring rolls, mini bánh xèo pancakes with scallop and chive, taro croquettes with hot sauce, and caramelized fish sauce chicken wings. Just make sure to leave room for the kingfish ceviche with pineapple salsa and the slow-cooked beef short rib with young chili relish.
5-9 Scullin Place, Belconnen | @eat.easyboy
