Seven seriously underrated Canberra restaurants
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Maybe you’ve heard of them but have never been in for a bite, or maybe you didn’t know they existed – either way, these restaurants deserve some love.
From veterans in the foodie scene to newbies that don’t get talked about enough, here are seven restaurants in Canberra that are seriously underrated (for a number of reasons).
Dada (Woden)
Located on Furzer Street in Phillip, Dada is something of a hidden gem for Southsiders. Serving Asian-fusion food, what makes this restaurant underrated is the fact that not only does the menu cater to as many dietary needs as possible, but it’s all seriously delicious – and it doesn’t break the bank.
For $86 per person, the tasting menu is overflowing with mouthwatering dishes packed with flavour. It’ll be some of the best food you put in your mouth.
G4, 12 Furzer Street, Phillip | Open for lunch Wednesday to Saturday, 12 pm – 2 pm, and for dinner Tuesday to Saturday, 5.30 pm – 9 pm | dadarestaurant.com.au
Corvina (Swinger Hill)
Corvina isn’t a stranger to the foodie scene (in fact, it’s been open for about a decade), but it’s always worth a visit. Very popular amongst locals, at this gem you’ll find traditional Italian cuisine in a modern and relaxed setting.
From mushroom arancini balls to traditional tiramisu, you’ll want to try everything – but the house-made pasta should be at the top of your list. And once you’ve been, you’ll want to visit Corvina again and again.
10/84 Ainsworth Street, Mawson | Open Tuesday to Saturday for dinner, 6 pm – 9 pm | corvinarestaurant.com.au
OHNO! (Manuka)
This modern Pan-Asian Bar and Restaurant is playful, beautiful and ideal for a night dining out – and in our opinion, very underrated.
Located in Manuka not only is it easy to get too, but the casual-yet-creative space offers a stunning location to enjoy Southeast Asian share plates, wine and cocktails.
Have some dietary no-nos? Their menu is also very adaptable so you can invite anyone to sip and snack with you.
13 & 15 Flinders Way, Griffith | Open for dinner Tuesday to Sunday, 12 pm – 11 pm | oh-no.com.au
Casey Jones Pub (Casey)
This pub is a diamond in a rough because with great food, cold beers and reasonable prices, everyone will be happy here.
From pizzas to pasta and pub classics, you won’t leave Casey Jones hungry. The highlights at this underrated restaurant? The prawn and prosciutto pizza, the slow-cooked brisket burger with slaw and chilli aioli, and the mussels in a mild yellow curry. Yum.
15 Kingsland Parada, Casey | Open Monday to Tuesday, 3 pm – late and Wednesday to Sunday, 11.30 am – late | caseyjones.pub
Precinct Pasta (Nicholls)
If you don’t know about this suburban restaurant, now you do – and you can thank us later.
Treating tastebuds with Italian-inspired cuisine, diners won’t be disappointed at his gem. Dig into huge servings of seafood risotto, Calabrese pasta, eggplant parmigiana, beef carpaccio and more in the intimate venue. Perfect for casual dining and special occasions, Precinct Pasta is highly underrated but (we think) deserves rave reviews.
24/88 Kelleway Avenue, Nicholls | Open Tuesday to Sunday, 5 pm – 9.30 pm | precinctpasta.com
Herbert’s at Evatt (Evatt)
A little pub hidden in the north of Belconnen, those looking for a casual location to enjoy a craft beer with some good grub need to add this to their bucket list. Opening in 2020, at Herbert’s, you can find a relaxed atmosphere, a menu that celebrates freshness and a great selection of drinks.
From bar bites (like baked brie and cheeseburger spring rolls) to burgers, head in to try the seasonal menu and soak in the good vibes.
2/21 Heydon Place, Evatt | Open Wednesday, 3 pm – 9 pm, Thursday to Saturday, 11,30 am – 9pm, and Sunday 11.30 am – 3.30 pm | herbertsatevatt.com.au
Braddon Merchant (Braddon)
Good location, good food, and a good venue – Braddon Merchant tickets all of these boxes but we’re the first to admit that it isn’t always front of mind when deciding where to eat. It’s time to change that.
Position in the heart of Canberra’s coolest city precinct, the all-day modern Australian menu is packed with dishes like Vannella mozzarella with compressed honeydew, glazed lamb ribs with pomegranate molasses and a burnt cauliflower mash. And with great bars nearby (including Midnight Bar), you can start or end your night here.
1 Elouera Street, Braddon | Open for breakfast Monday to Sunday, 6.30 am – 10.30 am, and All-Day Monday to Saturday, 12 pm – late | braddonmerchant.com.au
Feature image: OHNO! via Instagram.
