Six places to enjoy a long lunch this autumn
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As the leaves change colour and Canberra is adorned with autumn hues, we start thinking about how to enjoy a leisurely weekend with a long, relaxed lunch.
What better way to connect with friends or family than over a comforting meal?
We have compiled a list of six must-visit places this autumn, where you can enjoy delicious food while watching the leaves change colour, all in the company of great friends.
Beltana Farm (Pialligo)
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Beltana Farm has a relaxed vibe that makes it perfect for a long lunch. The rows of truffle trees create a sense of being away from it all, even though you’re just a short drive from the city.
The menu here is designed for sharing, encouraging guests to settle in and sample a bit of everything, dishes that highlight seasonal, locally-sourced produce, crafted with thoughtfulness but without pretension. Pair your meal with a delightful Australian wine and allow the afternoon to unfold at its own pace, and before you know it, you’ll find yourself enjoying “just one more glass,” almost effortlessly.
14 Beltana Road, Pialligo | https://beltanafarm.au/
Heywood (Wallaroo)
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A visit to the Nick O’Leary Wines cellar door is less about rushing in for a tasting and more about making an afternoon of it. The drive out sets the tone, and once you arrive, it’s easy to lose track of time.
Start with a tasting, then ease into a spread of share plates, something to nibble on at first that quickly becomes a full table. Whether you’re grazing on charcuterie or leaning into something more substantial like their spiced roasted lamb shoulder or the Riverine bone-in Rib-eye, it’s the kind of place where conversation flows, bottles linger, and no one’s checking the time.
149 Brooklands Road, Wallaroo | nickolearywines.com.au
Brindabella Hills (Wallaroo)
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If your idea of a long lunch includes a view that does most of the talking, Brindabella Hills Winery delivers. Open for weekend lunches, it’s the perfect excuse to block out an afternoon and head out of town. The set menu keeps things simple, with dishes that lean toward hearty and seasonal, such as their 12-hour braised beef cheek and baked barramundi. Add on their wine pairing and enjoy the open skies and that golden autumn light that seems to stretch the day a little longer.
156 Woodgrove Close, Wallaroo | brindabellahills.com.au
Pialligo Estate (Pialligo)
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For something close to home that still feels like an escape, Pialligo Estate is a go-to. Surrounded by greenery and set along the Molonglo River, it’s made for those slow, sun-filled afternoons.
The food is generous and grounded in local produce, with flavours that suit the season and a setting that encourages you to linger. Find a table next to their floor-to-ceiling windows, order a few dishes to share, and let the pace of the afternoon take over. This is the kind of place where lunch easily drifts into late afternoon.
18 Kallaroo Road, Pialligo | pialligoestate.com.au
The Inn (Ainslie)
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Upstairs and slightly removed from the buzz below, The Inn feels like a hidden spot made for settling in. It’s refined without being formal, exactly what you want for a long lunch that leans a little indulgent.
The menu revolves around the Asado grill, so expect bold, flame-cooked flavours alongside thoughtful vegetable dishes. It’s best approached slowly: a few plates to start, something from the grill to share, and a drink that turns into two.
Level 1/1 Edgar Street, Ainslie | edgarsinn.com.au/theinn
Lunetta Trattoria (Red Hill)
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Perched above the city, Lunetta Trattoria is the kind of place where a quick lunch was never really an option. The view alone is enough to make you stay, especially as the trees shift into their autumn colours.
The menu leans classic Italian, comforting, generous, and perfect for sharing across the table. Order a pasta (or two), something a little indulgent, and a crafted cocktail or bottle to match. With the restaurant sitting peacefully at the top of Red Hill, it becomes less about lunch and more about the whole afternoon.
Downstairs/60 Red Hill Drive, Red Hill | lunettatrattoria.au
Feature image: Beltana Farm. Credit: James Souter.
