Our guide on where to eat, play, and stay in Canberra
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Think of this as your ultimate insider’s guide.
Because who better than us to tell you the best things to do, see, and eat?
As seasoned locals dedicated to discovering the best of life (Canberra style), we know a thing or two about what’s happening in our lovely city. And because we always get asked the same questions – Where should I book? What should I do? What should be at the top of my itinerary? – it felt like the right time to create a dedicated guide.
Whether you’re a seasoned local searching for something new to do or a visitor looking for the best ways to spend your days, here’s our guide on where to eat, play, and stay in Canberra.
EAT + DRINK
Nobody knows the food and drink scene like we do – and with so many amazing options available, Canberra is a veritable paradise for foodies. From award-winning restaurants to cosy cafes, here are some places you should visit.
Casual eats and brunch inspiration
Wildflour. Image supplied.
For those searching for the perfect way to start the morning, Canberra is home to a plethora of cafés. Barrio Collective is the place to go in Braddon for superb coffee and simple dishes, while Teddy Picker’s is always a popular pick amongst locals. Fox and Bow (which is located in both Farrer and Red Hill) is a hidden gem that fuses the best of the Canberra community with uncomplicated – but mouth-watering – breakfast options, while Sweet Bones in Scullin and Braddon is an uber cool locally owned café and bakery dedicated to making delicious vegan meals – and it’s risen to cult-like status thanks to their cinnamon scrolls.
Craving a baked good? Three Mills, Wildflour, Under Bakery, Sonoma, and Silo are the places to go – and don’t forget to try some of the best local coffees (as voted by our readers) to wash it down.
Looking for lunch or dinner options? Verity Lane Market and Tiger Lane are Canberra’s premium dining halls (without the feel of being in a musty mall), while Brodburger, Grease Monkey, and Sandoochie have made a name for themselves for those craving carbs laden with hearty fare.
Award-winning dining and top-ranking eateries
Brunello. Image supplied.
If you’re looking to try a venue that ranks higher on the fine end of Canberra’s dining scene, you won’t be disappointed – our food is up there amongst the best in the country. From Such and Such being named the best ACT and NSW restaurant of 2023 to hatted Rebel Rebel, Onzieme, Mu, Brunello, Raku, and Inka, there are plenty of options for fine dining.
Want some more suggestions? Monster Kitchen and Bar, eightysix, Corella, and The Boat House will also level up your dining experience – one you’ll remember long after the night is over.
New places to check out
Beltana Farm. Credit: James Souter.
As a city with more restaurants per head of population than anywhere else in Australia, there’s always something new popping up in Canberra. Wonderburger, Beltana Farm, Med, OHNO! and Louis have all been open for less than a year and are making waves in the local dining scene and are a stark reminder of how lucky we are to have such amazing culinary talent. Try them for yourself to see – and don’t blame us if you end up going more than once.
Must-go locations for a drink
Bar Rochford. Credit: Lean Timms.
For a ‘must’ visit location for a cold drink, you can’t go past Bar Rochford (which has previously been named Gourmet Traveller’s best bar). But there are plenty of other options to choose from around town.
In the city Bar Beirut and Dear Prudence are known as locations that have cracking drink lists and immaculate vibes while Volstead Repeal and Rizla in Braddon are local favourites for a reason.
Looking for a place with moody, Melbournesque vibes? 11e Cave is unassuming, located in an old bank vault and inspired by small French cellar bars – and it has plenty of drink options available.
Joe’s Bar in East Hotel is small and vibrant, offering the perfection fusion of curated drinks with a contemporary Italian menu while Leyla in Barton is known for its stunning, sweeping view over Barton and the surrounding area – but the drinks are also major talking points.
PLAY
Installation view: John Constable. Cenotaph to the Memory of Sir Joshua Reynolds. 1833-6. © The National Gallery, London. Bequeathed by Miss Isabel Constable as the gift of Maria Louisa Isabel and Lionel Bicknell Constable, 1888.
As the nation’s capital, Canberra is home to an abundance of cultural icons – 13 in fact.
Take some time to visit the National Gallery of Australia, Questacon, National Film and Sound Archive, National Museum of Australia, Australian War Memorial, Museum of Australian Democracy (MoAD) at Old Parliament House, Australian Parliament House, National Archives of Australia, Royal Australian Mint, National Portrait Gallery, National Capital Authority and National Library of Australia to immerse yourself in some of the country’s most precious, interesting and thought-provoking collections – because no matter which you visit, there’s always something to see.
Nature lovers can’t go past the National Arboretum and National Botanic Gardens, but for those who want to hit the water, booking a few hours on an electric Go Boat or Love Boat will offer a different perspective of the city.
For food lovers seeking an adventure, you can meet the makers of Canberra’s wine region at their cellar doors. Just a short drive from the city, you can spend hours tasting some cool-climate drops while learning the tricks of the trade.
Keen to shop until you drop? Braddon and Kingston are home to many bustling boutiques, there are plenty of independent bookstores to support and on a Sunday, at the Old Bus Depot Markets you’ll find everything from hand-crafted wares to clothing. Our tip? Spend a morning at the lovely (and iconic) Haig Park Village Markets for your fix of food and fresh produce before wandering down to Braddon’s fashion and homeware stores.
STAY
No matter if you’re booking a vacation or a staycation, there’s plenty of accommodation with character in Canberra.
At the newly opened Beltana Farm you’ll find a cottage and three luxurious yurts that all offer a blend of country charm with modern glamour (perfect for a tranquil escape), while Ovolo Nishi offers a vibrant inner-city base with an artsy atmosphere. Up the road, QT Canberra exudes luxury while Braddon is home to Midnight Hotel, putting you right in the bustling and beating heart of Canberra. Little National, Hotel Kurrajong, Vibe, Hotel Realm and the Hyatt Hotel also all offer accommodation with charisma – it just depends what you’re looking for.
And this is just a taste of what the city had to offer. Need some more inspiration? Check out our ultimate guide to navigating Canberra.
Credit: Rob Mulally for VisitCanberra.
