The latest on the location of Capital Brewing’s Lager House, an Asian cuisine renaissance, and more: here’s your first bite of Foodie News 2026
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Your first bite of Foodie News is here for 2026 and it’s more like a giant mouthful.
Canberra’s food scene is starting the year with serious flavour. Whether you’re hunting for the perfect steak, craving authentic Punjabi comfort food, or ready to slurp your way through the best new ramen spots, here’s your ultimate guide to what’s fresh, what’s new, and what’s absolutely worth the wait.
New places to eat
Have Reddit sleuths uncovered the location of Capital Brewing Co’s new Lager House?
It looks like an historic, leafy inner-north suburb might be getting a new pub.
For anyone who has been waiting for the announcement of where Capital Brewing Co.’s Lager House is set to open, one hard-working Canberra local has done the work for us (thank you @r/ctn1ss).
Hunting down where they’ll be pouring fresh, seasonal lagers very soon, this local sleuth says all signs point to Campbell. Intrigued? We sure are. Read more here.
Craving steak? The Weston Bull has you sorted with a 1.5kg Tomahawk
Taking over the space previously home to The Meating Room, the Weston Bull has finally opened in Weston Creek, and they had us at a steak the size of a table.
Open seven days a week from 12 pm until 10 pm, the menu is pub food done very well, ranging from snacks like mushroom arancini to steak and chorizo pizza and more. With Bhishup Abichandani (of Otis Dining Hall and Pialligo Estate) as Head Chef, you know it’s going to be good.
Canberra’s first Matcha Specialty Store opens
Matcha lovers have been in a froth with the opening of Ujin Matcha House – Canberra’s first Matcha Specialty Store – in the city. Sourcing matcha directly from Japan, hand whisking each individually to order as well as serving matcha desserts – including a cheese tart, Basque cheesecake and Hokkaido soft serves – it’s no wonder that they sold 1,200 matchas in the first two days.
Read all about it here.
Authentic Amritsari Kulcha and Punjabi street food comes to Bruce
Things are looking extra delicious in the north of Canberra with the opening of Krispy Kulcha & Sweets, a new restaurant serving what they describe as “classic Punjabi comfort food meets Aussie fusion”.
Specialising in Kulcha – a type of buttery and flaky bread that’s similar to naan – the menu traverses both the traditional with Chole Bhature to the modern with Indo-Aussie wraps.
Also serving staple North Indian dishes (yes, including butter chicken), you can find them on Thynne Street.
We’ve found your next stop for casual Japanese comfort food
Ramen, rice bowls, sushi and more – Suchi’s does it all. Now open at Bailey’s Corner at 143 London Circuit, from crispy katsu chicken swimming in silky curry to a spicy, cheesy chicken sushi roll, and chashu pork ramen, their menu is perfect for when you’re craving comfort without the fuss.
Slurp your way through the menu at Toli Ramen
Ramen lovers, grab your chopsticks because a new restaurant has opened in the city. Toli Ramen can be found on City Walk, and it sounds delicious.
Described by local food blogger @foodpornjournal as “Ramen that stopped me mid-slurp” and “Deep, rich, insanely flavourful”, the broth is house-made, taking you straight to the streets of Japan. Black truffle Paitan, anyone?
Big Z’s Halal Fried Skewers is now open in Canberra
For those who can’t resist street food, Cabramatta’s Big Z’s Halal Fried Skewers has made its way to the city, opening next to Lukumades. Serving so many skewer options it’s almost not funny (think cabbage, squid head, Wagyu M3-5, mochi, chicken gizzard and quail egg, just to name a few), simply order and choose your spice level for a tasty experience.
Moves, improves, and ones to look out for
38 Katsu is moving to permanent digs?
Loved at Verity Lane Market for their dedicated katsu menu, 38 Katsu signage has been spotted in the city on Bunda Street, perhaps marking a move to a more permanent location. Haven’t made it to Verity Lane to try it yet? Their menu is packed with classic katsu options including chicken, pork, fish and a vegetarian option, all served alongside steamed rice Japanese-style curry and fresh cabbage salad. Yum. We’ll update you when it’s open.
From Roman to New York-style pizza, Sliceria expands its repertoire
The city’s most highly awarded pizza master, Chef Hem of Sliceria, is expanding his horizons – from the rectangular Roman-style pizza he is known and loved for, to the New York style of pizza famous for large, thin, foldable slices with a chewy-crisp crust. The new style will be cranked out of the oven for the first time at dinner service this Thursday.
Between the two styles of pizza and his epic schiacciata sandwiches, we are thinking 2026 is not the year to avoid carbs…
Same menu, same cheese pull but a whole new space awaits at Yarralumla Turkish Halal Pide House
For nearly 30 years, this very humble takeaway counter has been struggling to cope with demand, with customers patiently waiting in a long line for their enormous fresh roll to make it out of the oven.
But this year sees a whole new look for the shopfront, which has moved next door to larger, new-look takeaway. Read all about it here.
A new Italian restaurant is coming to Belconnen
Gianni’s Italian is set to open this year, and we’re hungry to know more. While they have set to announce an opening date, it will be a delicious addition to the area. Keep an eye out, we’ll update you when we know more.
Foodie events and more
Such and Such is having a house party
Yep, you’re invited. On Sunday 25 January, go along to the award winning resturant to help celebrate its third birthday – and you’ll need to BYO your own picnic blanket and dancing shoes. With no bookings required, you’ll chomp down on a chicken sambo and some chippies (with a vego option available), slurp on some house-made Zooper Doopers and sip on beer, and their new house wines.
Find out more here.
This wine tasting night will take you around the world
It’s literally called the ‘Around the World’ Wine Tasting Night’. Hosted by VICE and taking place on Thursday 5 February, the event is being held as part of the National Multicultural Festival and will explore a handful of standout wine regions – including Italy, Australia and Spain.
For $130 per person, your ticket will also include a set menu paired with five wines, hosted by Mark Davis of Joval Wines Australia with live Greek music from 7.30 pm. Book your ticket here.
Southern Harvest is helping Canberrans eat deliciously and sustainably
Trying to eat more tastefully, ethically and locally in 2026? You’ll want to hear about this. Southern Harvest is a volunteer-run, farmer-to-consumer cooperative that has been connecting Canberra foodies (including some of our most lauded restaurants) directly with farmers from the local region and the fresh fruit (and veg) of their labours.
Running since 2011, it has been producing a produce box scheme for members of the community since 2018. It’s akin to having a farmer’s market delivered to your door.
Read all about it (and how to order) here.
Treat yourself to an evening of Italian food and wine
Italian Jazz, spritzes, wine and tiramisu – it doesn’t get more Italian than Amici del Vino. Taking place on Thursday 5 February from 6 pm, head along to the Italian wine bar and Dei Amici for a pairing of live Italian-style music with classic drinks specials and generous hospitality. Book your spot here.
An Indigenous-led beverage brand has your summer sips sorted
Who can resist the idea of a non-alcoholic native iced tea made with local Indigenous expertise and botanicals? Created in partnership between beer producer Cypher Brewing Co and Indigenous-owned business Australian Native Bush Co, the drink has been brewed with wild rosella, strawberry gum and peppermint gum and will be launched at the National Multicultural Festival in early February.
Find out more here.
You can feast with Jennifer Wong
Jennifer Wong (comedian, queen of puns, and co-author of Chopsticks or Fork?: Recipes and Stories from Australia’s Regional Chinese Restaurants) is coming to Canberra and you’d better be excited. Appearing at Happy’s Chinese Restaurant in the city for a post-show Lunar New Year Banquet following Canberra Theatre Centre’s ‘FEAST with Jennifer Wong and Friends’, she’ll join guests in a special Cantonese banquet.
You’ll enjoy a special menu of Chinese Australian and Cantonese classics, with dishes featured in Chopsticks or Fork?: Recipes and Stories from Australia’s Regional Chinese Restaurants as you’re guided by Wong on all things food and New Year-related. With just 38 places available, book your spot here.
Feature image: @38katsu.cbr
