(Slightly) hidden restaurants in Canberra you might not know about
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You’ll have to head into the suburbs, down side streets, and into car washes for these delicious dining destinations.
Here in Canberra, we’re spoiled for choice when it comes to places to eat – and while everyone has their go-to favourites (Akiba, Bar Beirut, Raku, and Bar Rochford are some that instantly come to mind), we sometimes forget about the amazing gems are located away from the main CBD (as well as a few that are scattered throughout unassuming side streets in the city).
So, inspired by this Facebook post on the Canberra Notice Board Group, we’ve rounded up a few (slightly) hidden restaurants in Canberra that deserve some love, sorted by region. And from Sri Lankan fusion to a fresh Mediterranean feast, there are plenty of options to hunt down.
NORTH
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Muku Ramen (Scullin)
Opening late last year at the Scullin shops, here you’ll find Shōjin and Hokkaido-inspired food and drinks that are a little different from your usual ramen bar offering. Think: potato mochi dumplings with house-made cashew mozzarella, parmesan, and Japanese BBQ sauce, gluten-free gyoza, Muroran curry ramen, and a matcha panna cotta with strawberry compete and a dusting of pistachio. Yum.
Shop 5/9 Scullin Place, Scullin | Open Wednesday to Sunday, 5 pm – 9 pm | mukuramenbar.com
3rd Space (Hackett)
Perfect if you’re looking for a classic and comforting Italian-inspired meal, 3rd Space serves pizza, pasta, burgers, and some mouth-watering stone grill options that you cook yourself. Sizzle your own steak or seafood while you sip on a cold beer for a relaxed night out.
14 Hackett Place, Hackett | Open Tuesday, 5 pm – 9 pm, Wednesday 3 pm – 8 pm, Thursday, Friday and Saturday 3 pm – 9 pm and Sunday 3 pm – 8 pm | 3rdspacecanberra.com.au
Dewat-e-Punjab (Holt)
Samosa’s, Onion Bhaji, Chicken Tikka, Veg Korma, and more – is your mouth watering yet? Dewat-e-Punjab is always delicious. If you’re craving Indian food, making a trip to Holt sounds well worth it. Just don’t blame us if you want to lick the plate clean.
Shop 123/68 Hardwick Crescent, Holt | Open Monday to Wednesday 5 pm – 9 pm, and Thursday to Sunday, 12 pm – 2 pm (lunch) and 5 pm – 9 pm (dinner) | facebook.com/Dawatepunjab
Kevin’s Place (Holt)
Something of a hidden gem, on Hardwick Crescent you’ll find a one-stop-shop for all of your favourite Asian dishes – from Chinese to Vietnamese and Thai! Who can say no to a Surf and Turf, Hong Kong-style?
9/118-126 Hardwick Crescent, Holt | Open Tuesday to Friday 11.30 am – 2.30 pm (lunch) and 5 pm – 10 pm (dinner) | kevinsplacekippax.com.au
Bella Vista (Belconnen)
Love Italian food? Bella Vista promises a lakeside dining experience you won’t forget. The perfect combination of a relaxed ambiance and scrumptious food, it’s an authentic taste of Italy without having to leave the country.
84 Emu Bank, Belconnen | Open Monday to Friday, 12 pm – 2 pm (lunch) and 5.30 pm – 9 pm (dinner). Open Saturday for dinner only | bellavistarestaurant.com.au
The Hungry Buddha (Belconnen)
Bringing Northsiders a range of Nepal’s most famous dishes (including Momo and Chowmein), from sweet to spicy, you’ll find options from the Kathmandu and Pokhara Valley and even some Indian curry favourites.
Unit 8/8 Luxton Street, Belconnen | Open Monday to Friday 5 pm – 9.45 pm, and Saturday to Sunday, 12.30 pm – 9.45 pm | thehungrybuddha.com.au
SOUTH
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Anatolia Restaurant (Erindale)
From the talented team behind the beloved Turkish Grill in Erindale, at Anatolia, you’ll find a Mediterranean feast. From a breakfast menu that includes big breakfast you need to share with someone else (it has olives, feta, cucumber, tomato, halloumi, fresh fig jam, natural homey, fresh fruit, eggs with sucuk, gozleme, pastries, fresh cay, fresh caffee AND freshly squeezed juice) to a dinner menu featuring homemade dips, a Lamb Rack and Spiced Kofte, you’ll be taken on a culinary odyssey.
9 Gartside St, Wanniassa | Open Tuesday to Thursday, 6 pm – 10 pm, Friday 12 pm – 10 pm and Saturday to Sunday, 8 am – 10 pm | anatoliarestaurant.com.au
Lamsheds (Yarralumla)
A refined wine bar that’s hidden in the affluent suburb of Yarralumla, at Lamsheds you can pop in for an afternoon prosecco or dine in on Pambula oysters and cured kingfish. And with a menu and wine list that focuses on quality over quantity, why not spend an afternoon here?
27 Bentham Street, Yarralumla | Open Tuesday 5.30 pm – 8pm, Wednesday to Saturday 12 pm – 2.30 pm (lunch) and 5.30 pm – 8.30 pm (dinner) and Sunday 12 pm – 2.30 pm | lamsheds.com.au
La Cantina (Narrabundah)
Looking for fresh and authentic Italian in the south? Open since 2009, at this family-run restaurant, you’ll be transported to Italy with each bite. Hand-making all of the pasta in house daily, the menu is a mix of traditional and modern Italian fare that changes with the seasons – and it’s all eccellente.
4 Iluka Street, Narrabundah | Open Tuesday 5.30 pm – 9 pm, Wednesday to Saturday 12 pm – 2 pm (lunch) and 5.30 pm – 9 pm (dinner) and Sunday, 5.30 pm – 9pm | la-cantina.com.au
Abell’s Kopi Tiam (Griffith)
If you’re looking for somewhere to eat in Manuka, don’t walk past Abell’s Kopi Tiam. Here you’ll find a tantalising fusion of Chinese and Malaysian cuisine, from Beef and Potato Curry Puffs to Chilli and Basil Chicken. Who can resist a Nyonya Coconut and Pandan Pancake with ice cream?
7 Furneaux Street, Griffith | Open Tuesday to Thursday, 5 pm – 9 pm, Friday to Saturday 5 pm – 9.30 pm and Sunday 5 pm – 8 pm | abellskopitiam.com.au
Antica Ricetta (Manuka)
Tucked away in Palmerston Lane, if you’re after pizza, pasta, and vino you’ll need to stop here. We’re talking Pappardelle Al Salmone, Cotoletta Alla Milanese, Gamberi pizza, and Aperol Spritz’s. Hungry yet?
Shop 13-14 Manuka Shopping Centre, Palmerston Lane, Manuka | Open Tuesday to Sunday, 12 pm – 2 pm (lunch) and 5.30 – 9 pm (dinner) | anticaricetta.com.au
CITY
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Banana Leaf (City)
Seeni Sambol Gnocchi, Curry Glazed Duck, Lamb Back Strap, and more – Banana Leaf offers Sri Lankan fine-ish dining, and who doesn’t love flavoursome comfort food with a twist? Perfect for stopping off for a meal before the theatre or for something a little different when catching up with friends, this fusion experience will quickly become a favourite.
2 Akuna Street, Canberra City | Open Monday to Friday, 12 pm – 2 pm (lunch) and 5 pm – 9 pm (dinner) and Saturday to Sunday, 5 pm – 9 pm | bananaleafrestaurant.com.au
Bamiyan (Braddon)
Casual dining and amazing Afghan cuisine – name a better combination? Dig into a variety of dishes (including kababs, Afghan dumplings, skewers, naan bread, and more), and treat yourself to something a little different the next time you dine out (or grab something to have in).
62/10 Lonsdale Street, Braddon | Open Monday to Sunday, 12 pm – 3 pm (lunch) and 5 pm – 10 pm (dinner) | bamiyanrestaurant.com.au
BanMe (Braddon)
This is Vietnamese street food worth finding a park in Braddon for. No, really. The food is crisp and fresh and feels good for you (especially if you are a carnivore)…and darn delicious. Sink your teeth into a truly superior line of Banh Mi and thank us later.
15 Lonsdale Street, Braddon | Open Monday to Sunday, 8 am – 9 pm | banme.com.au
1980 Chinese Restaurant (City)
Looking for some classic Chinese dishes that don’t disappoint? 1980 Chinese Restaurant is the place to go. You might have originally known it as Spicy Ginger Café but even after rebranding in 2021, this eatery is still known for serving top-notch Chinese cuisine. We recommend the rainbow dumplings – pretty and delicious!
2/25 Childers Street, Canberra City | Open Tuesday to Sunday, 11.30 am – 2.30 pm (lunch) and 5.30 pm – 9.30 pm (dinner) | 1980chineserestaurant.com.au
Bistro Nguyens (City)
With a large selection of heartwarming soups, flavourful stir fry, and mouth-watering rice dishes, how could you forget about Bistro Nguyens? A great stop-off for a quick and filling meal (think overflowing Pho and fresh Banh Mi), the best part is eating here won’t break the bank.
78-80 Alinga Street, Canberra City | Open Monday to Sunday, 11.30 am – 2.30 pm (lunch) and 5.30 pm – 9.30 pm (dinner) | bistronguyens.com.au
Blu Ginger (City)
Using fresh, locally sourced produce, authentic Indian spices and traditional recipes with a modern twist, Blu Ginger promises to be a memorable dining experience in the city. First established in Sydney in 2000, if you haven’t been here (or haven’t been back for a while), stop off for some classic curries and mouth-watering street food.
2/5-21 Genge Street, Canberra City | Open Monday to Sunday, 11.30 am – 3 pm (lunch) and 5 pm – 10 pm (dinner) | bluginger.com.au
Feature image: BanMe.
