The Canberra Foodie Bucket List (Part One)
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In 2018 we published an article that quickly became bigger than we’d ever anticipated.
Our Founder Amanda Whitley put together the ultimate ‘top 100’ Canberra Foodie Bucket List—and it went bananas.
However, sadly many of these foodie experiences can no longer be had due to closures and menu changes, so we asked for your help to refresh our list…and you certainly delivered.
With so many answers that we’ve had to split it into two parts, here is Part One of The Canberra Foodie Bucket List—your guide to 100 Canberra food experiences you must have before you die.
In alphabetical order of venues, here are the first delicious 100. Make a reservation and thank us later.
1. The Duck Laksa from Abell’s Kopi Tiam.
The Chicken Satay was also shouted out for its AMAZING sauce.
7 Furneaux Street, Griffith | abellskopitiam.com.au
2. Adore Tea’s Vanilla Sky.
It’s like drinking the clouds.
Unit 2 / 2 Dacre Street, Entrance on, Hoskins Street, Mitchell | adoretea.com.au
3. Akiba’s Miso Dengaku Eggplant.
View this post on Instagram
This vegan and gluten free dish always hits.
40 Bunda Street, Canberra | akiba.com.au
4. The Arabian Kafta Manoosh from Al Manoosh.
A pizza base topped with a special Kafta mix and garnished with fresh veggies, onions, parsley and sumac.
47 Mawson Place, Mawson | almanoosh.com.au
5. Alcove’s Clarified Tomato Gin Cocktail.
If you know, you know.
105/16 Lonsdale Street, Braddon | alcovebar.com.au
6. The Chicken Laksa from Dickson Asian Noodle House.
A spicy full flavoured curry and coconut broth with succulent chicken.
Shop 4/29 Woolley Street, Dickson | dicksonasiannoodlehouse.com
7. Au Lac’s Crispy Soy Beef with Chilli and Spices.
Just as good (if not better) than the real thing.
Westfield Woden, Shop G90A, Corinna Street, Phillip and 4/35-39 Woolley Street, Dickson | aulac-restaurant.com.au
8. The Pork Belly Bao-Ger from Baby Su.
Who doesn’t love braised pork belly, pickled cucumber and Korean pear slaw served between fluffy bao?
54 Alinga Street, City | baby-su.com.au
9. Bambusa’s Pan Fried Mushroom Dumplings.
Handmade and very delicious.
36 Franklin Street, Griffith | bambusaasiancuisine.com.au
10. The Slow Braised Lamb Shank from Bar Beirut.
View this post on Instagram
The Wasabi Martini and Yuzumi Cocktail also deserve a shout out.
25 Garema Place, City | barbeirut.com.au
11. Bar Rochford’s Roasted Rice Ice Cream, Yuzu, Pear, and Earl Grey Meringue.
Pair with one of their killer cocktails.
1st/65 London Circuit, City | barrochford.com
12. The Donuts from the Barton Grocer.
Donut mind if we do.
48 Macquarie Street, Barton | barton-grocer.myshopify.com
13. Bashan’s Dry Noodle With Braised Beef & Pickles.
Beef chunks, pickles and chives are the ultimate combo.
The Capitol G09, G06/39 London Circuit, City | bashan.com.au
14. Bean Culture Cafe’s Cold Brew.
There’s nothing better than a glass of cold brew on a hot summer day.
47, Ground Floor/49 Vicars Street, Mitchell | beanculture.com.au
15. Belluci’s Gin Cured Ocean Trout.
*Chef’s kiss.*
4 Irving Street, Phillip and Franklin Street and Furneaux Street, Griffith | bellucis.com.au
16. The Pizza from Bentham Street Bar & Pizza.
Because it’s all amazing.
29 Bentham Street, Yarralumla | facebook.com/benthamstreetbarandpizza
17. Biang Biang’s Noodles with Spicy Lamb.
View this post on Instagram
Mouthwatering and gloriously chewy.
Shop EG01B/148 Bunda Street, City | @biangbiangcanberra
18. Apple and Cinnamon Blondie from Blondiez & Browniez.
Find them at the local markets.
19. Blue Olive’s Sandwiches and Coffee.
Carina loves the “beautiful coffee art”.
56 Alinga Street, City | blueolivecafe.com.au
20. Braddon Merchant’s Saffron Infused Buttered Mussels.
Served with samphire, lemon myrtle and grilled sourdough. Drool.
1 Elouera Street, Braddon | braddonmerchant.com.au
21. Brodburger’s Brodveg Burger.
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A vego’s dream come true.
Various locations | brodburger.com.au
22. Apple Fritter Doughnuts from Buttermilk Doughnuts.
Find these freshly made old fashioned doughnuts at the EPIC Farmers Market.
23. Café Beetroot’s Kimchi Scrambled Eggs On Toast.
A café classic with a Korean twist.
281/311 Anketell Street, Greenway | @cafebeetroot_cbr
24. The Brown Butter Choc Chip Cookie from Café Stepping Stone Dickson.
Made fresh in-house.
8 Hawdon Place, Dickson | cafesteppingstone.com
25. Can Tho Vietnamese and Chinese Restaurant’s Rare Beef Noodle Soup.
Authentic Vietnamese street food that will leave you wanting more.
1/38 Weedon Close, Belconnen | facebook.com
26. Cannoli from the Cannoli Brothers.
To quote Tegan, “FOR THE LOVE OF ALL DELICIOUS SWEETS, VANILLA BEAN CANNOLIS”.
27. Canteen’s Pop Shrooms.
Specifically, the deep fried ones.
Building 3, Dairy Road Precinct, Fyshwick | eatcanteen.com.au
28. Cartel Taqueria’s Tacos.
View this post on Instagram
IYKYK.
Ray Morton Park, 6 Trinculo Place, Queanbeyan East | carteltacos.au
29. The Prawn and Pork Dumplings from CBD Dumpling House.
Simple and fresh.
Shop FG13C/26 Narellan Street, City | facebook.com/p/CBD-Dumpling-House
30. Champi’s Dancing Chilli Squid.
A flavoursome experience.
17 Kennedy Steet, Kingston | champi.com.au
31. Chapman Café’s Potato Scallops.
Nominated because they’re “to die for”.
Perry Drive, Chapman | chapmancafe.com.au
32. Chez Frederic’s Four Cheese Bread.
Blue cheese, mozzarella, parmesan, feta and fried onion. Name a better combination?
4/14 Lonsdale Street, Braddon | chezfreds.com.au
33. Chez Kimchi’s Fried Chicken.
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Choose from 14 “incredible” flavours.
68/70 Bunda Street, City | facebook.com/chezkimchi
34. China Teahouse’s Fish Fillets with Snow and Snap Peas.
Fresh and crunchy.
2/38-70 Gartside Street, Wanniassa | chinateahouseerindale.com.au
35. Contentious Character Winery’s Crispy Cone Bay Barramundi with Fettuccine.
With chorizo, heirloom cherry tomatoes, pickled radish, Napoletana sauce and fettuccine.
810 Norton Road, Wamboin | contentiouscharacter.com.au
36. Corella Bar’s House Focaccia with Saltbush and Buttermite.
The Seared Scallops, with Nori, Lemon Myrtle Butter and Pickled Chilli was also a hot contender (pun intended).
14 Lonsdale Street, Braddon | corellabar.com.au
37. The Jalapeño and Cheddar Sourdough from Crust Bakery.
Pick it up fresh from the Fyshwick Fresh Food Markets.
36 Mildura Street, Fyshwick | fyshwickmarkets.com.au
38. Department of Pizza’s Potato and Prosciutto Pizza.
With four ingredients, this is simple, traditional and authentic woodfire pizza.
12 Blamey Place, Campbell | departmentofpizza.com.au
39. The Shantung Lamb from Dickson Asian Noodle House.
“I’ve been eating this for more than a decade and it is always decadent and delish.” says Ash.
Shop 4/29 Woolley Street, Dickson | dicksonasiannoodlehouse.com
40. Dickson Taphouse’s Fungi Pasta.
Fresh pasta made in house and served with fungi, garlic and cream.
30 Woolley Street, Dickson | dicksontaphouse.com.au
41. Double Shot Deakin’s Peanut Butter Smoothie.
Hello Byron Bay peanut butter with banana, dates and almond milk.
Shop/7 Hopetoun Circuit, Deakin | doubleshotdeakin.com.au
41. “Any pastry” from Dream Cuisine.
According to Anahita “Best pastry you will ever try! Every bite is wonderful!”
42. Dumpling Social’s Chicken Wings.
This Sichuan style fried chicken wingette is served with chilli jam, Thai basil, and peanuts.
9 Bradley Street, Phillip | dumplingsocial.com.au
43. Eightysix’s Pumpkin & Mascarpone Tortellini with Sage Burnt Butter.
View this post on Instagram
This dish is so popular it was nominated several times (and we’re not surprised).
Corner of Eloura & Mode3, Lonsdale Street, Braddon | eightysix.com.au
44. Eighty/Twenty’s Vegan Buckwheat Waffle.
This gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan and vegetarian dish features date sauce, a macadamia crunchy crumble, seasonal fruits and ice-cream!
Various locations | eightytwentyfood.com.au
45. The Almond Croissant and Tarts from Evoke Bakery.
For Matt, these are the best of the best.
Curtin Shops, 2/44 Curtin Place, Curtin | @evokebakery
46. The Tasting Plate from Fekerte’s Ethiopian.
Don’t limit yourself to just one delicious dish.
2 Phillip Law Street, Acton
47. Fenway Public House’s Soy Duck Breast.
With mushroom puree, caramalised Dutch carrots, charred Romanesco, fried kale chips and ponzu jus you can see why this is a favourite dish of Head Chef Jacob Jankovic.
9 Bradley Street, Phillip | fenwaypublichouse.com.au
48. The Beef Brisket and Hand-Pulled Noodle Soup from Flavours of Jiangnan.
Focusing on fresh ingredients, everything is made in house.
G6/8 Cape Street, Dickson | flavours-of-jiangnan.business.site
49. Flute Bakery’s Texture of Milk Chocolate, Vanilla and Hazelnut.
“The most divine seven layered cake and a variety of other mouth-watering baked goods that are the best in Canberra!” says Priscilla.
8 Barrier Street, Fyshwick | theflutebakery.com.au
50. Fox and Bow’s Spanish Eggs.
View this post on Instagram
This is also a favourite of HerCanberra’s own Amanda Whitley who has not ordered another breakfast at Fox & Bow since she tried it.
4 Farrer Place, Farrer and 10 Duyfken Place, Red Hill | foxandbow.com.au
51. Fricken Chicken’s Spicy Slaw Burger.
Sriracha sauce and crispy chicken is a mouth watering combination.
58/10 Lonsdale Street, Braddon | fricken.au
52. Gami Chicken’s Potato Heaven.
Along with the amazing chicken, the signature potato dish with layers of creamy mashed potato, mozzarella cheese, and wedges, topped with sweet chilli sauce, tomato sauce and sour cream is a standout.
Shop FG07/148 Bunda Street, City | gamichicken.com.au
53. Gang Gang Café’s Chai Latte.
It’s house-made and there’s even iced options available.
Shop4/2 Frencham Place, Downer | ganggangcafe.com.au
54. The Dry Chilli Beef from Gary’s Kitchen.
The perfect spicy kick to your dish.
26 Denigan Street, Wanniassa | facebook.com/Garykitchen
56. Goodberrys’ Frozen Custard Concretes.
Get one of these in your mouth ASAP.
20 Gartside Street, Erindale and 4/25 Lathlain Street, Belconnen | goodberrys.com.au
57. The Frozen Salted Caramel Parfait from Grazing.
With hazelnut and chocolate cookie crunch…
42 Cork Street, Gundaroo | grazing.com.au
58. Grease Monkey’s Deep Dish Pizza.
View this post on Instagram
Cheesy, hot and Detroit style.
19 Lonsdale Street Braddon, Shop 63/33 Hibberson Street, Gungahlin, and Shop R04 Bradley Street Westfield, Woden | greasys.com.au
59. Gum Tree Pies’ Panang Pumpkin Curry Pie.
It’s award winning for a reason. Find them at the EPIC Farmers Market.
60. Hachiko’s Prawn Ochazuke.
This Japanese-Western dish is a combination of prawns infused with Napoli sauce, rice, wasabiko, shiso furikake and miso cream.
8/114 Emu Bank, Belconnen | hachikobelco.com
61. The Fried Prawns with Salt & Pepper from Happy’s Chinese Restaurant.
Tommy loves this traditional Cantonese cuisine.
1/17 Garema Place, City | happys.com.au
62. Howling Moon’s Limelight Cocktail.
A delicious drink.
Level 6/150 Northbourne Avenue, Braddon | thehowlingmoon.com.au
63. Hungry Brown Cow’s Friar Tuck.
This is a decadent burger overflowing with buttermilk fried chicken, cheese, tomato, HBC sauce and lettuce.
Holt Shops, 10 Holt Place, Holt | @thehungrybrowncow
64. High Tea at the Hyatt.
Finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with jam and cream, and a selection of tempting cakes and slices are the perfect way to celebrate a special occasion.
120 Commonwealth Avenue, City | hyatt.com
65. Indo Café’s Satay Chicken.
Traditional Indonesian cuisine that can’t be beat.
Nesuto Apartments, Ground Floor, London Circuit, City | facebook.com/indocanberra
66. Inka’s Wagyu Sirloin.
According to Frank, with chimichurri and yakiniku this is the “best high end steak in town.”
Shop B11A/148 Bunda Street, City | inka.com.au
67. Intra PRVN’s Bolognese Jaffle.
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Who knew the combination of beef Bolognese, Swiss, provolone, kewpie and bread would taste so good?
30/12 Provan Street, Campbell | intracbr.com.au
68. Italian and Son’s Tiramisu.
Need we say more?
7 Lonsdale Street, Braddon | italianandsons.com.au
69. Italian Continental Bakery’s Sfogiatelle.
Authentic Italian pastry that always hits the sweet spot.
1 Mawson Place, Mawson | facebook.com/ItalianContinentalBakery
70. The Hot Chocolate Bomb from Kates Bombs.
Just add milk for the ultimate treat. Pick up at Pop Canberra.
71. Kickstart Espresso’s Smoked Chicken Toastie.
Alexis says that this “Is criminally underrated… It is the best toastie in Canberra by far.”
1 Barrier Street, Fyshwick and 71-81 Woolley Street, Dickson | kickstartexpresso.com
72. Kingsley’s Fried Chicken.
It’s iconic.
Various locations | kingsleyschicken.com
73. The Duck Lychee Curry from Kinn Thai.
Red curry of roasted duck with pineapple, lychee and Thai basil. Yum.
Shop FG03_04/148 Bunda Street, City | kinncanberra.com.au
74. Kita’s Bubur Ayam.
This Indo-fusion dish is avalible from 6 pm until 6 am. Late night cravings? Sorted.
59 Boolimba Crescent, Narrabundah | kitakafe.com.au
75. Kneed Patisserie’s Ham and Cheese Roll.
So simple, so good.
Shop 18, Belconnen Fresh Food Markets, Ibbott Lane, Belconnen | @kneadbelconnen
76. The Schweinehaxe from Knuckles Restaurant.
AKA The Pork Knuckle. It’s their signature dish.
49 Jerrabomberra Avenue, Narrabundah | harmonieclub.com.au
77. KOTO’s Nasu Dengaku.
It might be the new kid on the block but the Nasu Dengaku is making waves.
1 King George Terrace, Parkes | kotodining.com.au
78. Hokkaido’s Baked Cheese Tart.
Three blends of cheese and baked fresh on site. Guaranteed to make everything better.
Kiosk 02/46 Hibberson Street, Gungahlin | hbctaus.com.au
79. La Baguette’s Pain Au Chocolate.
Take a trip to Paris in one chocolate filled bite.
105 Ellery Crescent, Acton | labaguette.com.au
80. La Empanada’s Spicy Pork Chorizo Empanada.
Closing down after eight years of feeding Canberrans yummy food, this deserves an honourable mention.
81. The Vanilla Slice from La Sable Patisserie.
Perfect with a coffee in the morning.
83/81-101 Lysaght Street, Mitchell | lasablepatisserie.com.au
82. Lazy Su’s Kimchi Fried Rice.
View this post on Instagram
Made with gochujang, kimchi, egg, shallots and nori.
1/9 Lonsdale Street, Braddon | lazy-su.com.au
83. Le Bon Melange’s Cruffin.
It will always hit the sweet spot.
G09/48 Gungahlin Pl & Bruning Street, Gungahlin | lebonmelange.com.au
84. The Le Bœuf en Croûte from Les Bistronomes.
A melt-in-your-mouth Beef Wellington, eye fillet, Mushroom duxelles and foie gras.
18 Blamey Place, Campbell | lesbistronomes.net
85. Lim Peh Wan Tan Mee’s Wantan Mee.
This dish can be served dry or as a soup. Try both to see which is your favourite.
Verity Lane Market, City | @limpehs_
86. Bahn Mi from Little Phat Rolls.
Their homemade sauces are their secret weapon.
17 Lonsdale Street, Braddon | facebook.com/littlephatroll
87. The Continental from Little Mez.
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Smokehouse bacon, double eggs, melted cheddar, caramalised onions, and peri mayo on Turkish bread. It’s like a leveled up B&E roll.
91 Hindmarsh Drive, Phillip | facebook.com/p/Little-Mez
88. Little Theo’s Short Stack.
Grass fed smashed beef patty, lettuce, Monterey jack cheese, tomato, caramelised Spanish onion, beetroot and your choice of sauce. Get your mouth around that.
3 Carleton Street, Kambah | littletheos.com.au
89. Locale Pizza’s Margarita Pizza.
The simple combination of San Marzano, buffalo Mozzarella and fresh basil is always a good choice.
Shop/5 Hopetoun Circuit, Deakin | localepizzeria.com.au
90. Lolo and Lola’s Bagnet.
You can never go wrong with this crispy fried pork belly with a spiced soy-vinegar dip.
Shop 2, 3 Watson Place, Watson | loloandlola.com.au
91. The Chicken Liver Parfait from Louis.
With brioche toast and fig jam, this appetiser is elevated without being too over the top.
18 National Circuit, Barton | louisdining.com.au
92. Madam Lu’s Belacan Okra.
This stir-fry is a must try.
20/42 West Row, City | facebook.com/Mama-Ming-Madam-Lu-Malaysian-Restaurant
93. Maestral Seafood Restaurant’s Prawn Saffron.
Croatian-style garlic prawns cooked in creamy saffron sauce.
13 Trenerry Street, Weston | maestral.com.au
94. Meat & Wine Co’s Skewers.
Served with crunchy chips or a house salad, it’s hard to choose from Mediterranean marinated lamb, Angus fillet, salmon with African chilli and Portuguese spiced chicken thighs.
Constitution Place, Ground Level/1 Constitution Avenue, City | themeatandwineco.com
95. Messina’s White Chocolate and Hazelnut Gelato.
If you had to choose just one…
38 Eyre Street, Kingston and Shop 4/21 Lonsdale Street, Braddon | gelatomessina.com
96. Midnight Bar’s Crispy Cauliflower with Kimchi Mayo.
It’s as good as it sounds.
Midnight Hotel, Ground Floor, 1 Elouera Street, Braddon | midnightbar.com.au
97. Miss Van’s Banh Mi.
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“They literally do Canberra’s best banh mi,” commented Charlotte. We don’t disagree.
Shop 4/113/119 Marcus Clarke Street, City | missvans.com.au
98. Molto Italian’s Mezze Maniche.
With a porcini mushroom ragu and truffle pecorino, this pasta is handmade on premises using Italian and local produce.
Element Building Unit Kingston, 155/43 Eastlake Parade, Kingston | moltoitalian.com
99. The Steamed Momos from Momos Taste of Tibet.
Choose from beef, pork or vegan options.
Shop 1-006 South.Point Shopping Centre, Corner Anketell Street and, Reed Street South, Greenway | facebook.com/MOMOsTOT
100. Morks’ Angel Prawns.
Mork’s signature dish.
18/19 Eastlake Parade, Kingston | morks.com.au
Feature image: Ben Calvert Photography.
