City West’s hidden culinary circuit
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It may take a little extra effort to get to these days, but City West’s diverse dining and lifestyle precinct is worth it. All it takes is a little advance planning.
Tucked behind temporary light rail construction hoardings lies a hidden culinary circuit, where morning rituals flow into afternoon discoveries and evening indulgences. Here’s our guide to eating and drinking in City West.
Morning rituals worth rising for
The Cupping Room is a sure bet whether you’re seeking a delicious breakfast or great cup of coffee.
The day begins beautifully at any number of coffee sanctuaries scattered throughout the precinct. Café Alibi sets the tone with its inventive breakfast menu – we love the Brekkie Okonomiyaki (Japanese cabbage pancake, topped with bacon, fried egg, mayo, okonomi sauce, powdered nori). Just around the corner, Fav Cup Café has carved out a devoted following with their bagel specialties – you’ll find the OG cream cheese-style here as well as Asian-inspired fillings.
For those seeking something beyond the standard flat white, Hola Café delivers with their specialty teas and matcha offerings – try a raw coconut latte, brown sugar bubble tea or matcha while browsing collectibles including LABUBUs and Skullpanda. Meanwhile, The Cupping Room continues to elevate the local coffee conversation with their meticulous approach to brewing, and Roy Jr.’s sprawling interiors offer the perfect place to indulge in a breakky that’s anything but ordinary (Blue Swimmer Crab Omelette, anyone?).
Two Before Ten Hobart Place is the perfect spot for a relaxed brunch.
A little oasis from the hustle and bustle of the city, Two Before Ten’s Hobart Place venue offers the perfect place to escape and enjoy a stellar cup of coffee, and a tasty brekky or lunch.
3 Degrees Coffee rounds out the morning options with their coffee and pastries combination, which never fails to hit the mark, while Bite & Savor serves up French and Japanese pastries – a Charcoal Earl Grey Croissant sounds like the perfect light start to the day. East Row Café completes the breakfast circuit with its all-day offerings, proving that this precinct has truly mastered the art of starting the day right.
Močan’s Baked Eggs are worth seeking out.
Detour a little further to Mocan and Green Grout to discover exceptional breakfast and brunch options in a cosy space where chefs cook in an open kitchen (literally) next to diners. The baked eggs, chickpeas, tomato, chevre and sourdough never fail to satisfy.
Lunch discoveries that surprise and delight
Al’s Diner’s meatball sub is perfect winter lunch fare.
When midday hunger strikes, the choices become deliciously diverse. Genki Sushi in Pathway Place brings fresh Japanese flavours to the precinct, while Little Steamer has built a devoted following around their roast duck. Civic Noodle House delivers on the promise of warming, satisfying Asian cuisine perfect for cooler months – their laksa is the stuff of winter dreams.
Love a hidden gem? Bashan is a Chongqing noodle restaurant perfect for those craving flavour, heat and freshness in their food – here you’ll find everything from laksa to handmade wontons and other classic Chinese dishes.
The Blue Olive has been feeding city workers excellent, fully loaded sandwiches for many years, while Al’s Diner had us at Meatball Sub. Then there’s Sandoochie, which has gained something of a cult following with an ever-changing menu of seriously impressive sandwich creations stuffed in Under Bakery bread.
Verity Lane Market’s vendors have something for taste.
Canberra institution Mama’s Trattoria brings authentic Italian flavours to lunch and dinner service, creating a sense of European warmth that feels particularly welcome during winter. Meanwhile, Verity Lane Market continues to evolve as a destination in its own right, offering a street food market experience complete with a generous bar.
The Goods’ weekly-changing warm bowls are particularly brilliant for winter days when you need something nutritious but also comforting, while Baby’s Japanese-Korean-American bao burgers, ramen, poke bowls and crispy snacks are deeply satisfying.
Fancy lunch with a side of sports? Head to Bleachers for burgers, beers and 24 big screens.
Dinner destinations that deliver
Amara’s dosa has to be seen to be believed!
As the day transitions into evening, the precinct reveals its more sophisticated side. Lemongrass Thai and Madam Lu both bring punchy Asian flavours to dinner service, while Chop Chop delivers Japanese-Australian fusion dishes like Slipper Lobster Lettuce Bao. Yum. On the corner of Alinga Street and Northbourne Avenue, Bistro Nyugen’s moreish Vietnamese soups, flavourful stir fries and mouthwatering rice dishes are some of the city’s best.
Taj Mahal’s curries and Tandoori dishes have been warming Canberrans from the inside out since 1974, while its relatively new neighbour Amara impresses with their sophisticated Indian offerings and dosa specialty.
Feel like Italian for dinner? Mangia mangia! Head to the family-owned Briscola for an authentic experience that promises to transport you to Italy or to Amici for perfectly paired wines with cheese, meats and hand-stretched pizzas. Did we mention they do bottomless pasta on Tuesday nights?
Parlour Wine Room is a great pick for a night out with friends.
Long-time favourite Mezzalira has been delighting diners with high-quality seasonal Italian fare and wines for nearly three decades. Speaking of stalwarts, Charcoal Restaurant has held the mantel of one of Canberra’s best steak restaurants since 1962 – meat lovers, this is one for you. Nearby, Flui is all about fine dining without the fuss, an intimate space serving modern Australian food with global influences.
On the edge of City West, NewActon’s Parlour Wine Room, Rebel Rebel, and Bicicletta will sate any craving, no matter if you’re seeking cosy wine bar and bistro vibe, hatted Mod Oz dishes or classic Italian.
After-hours adventures
Luna is a sophisticated venue where both the cocktails and food star.
When dinner service winds down, the precinct transforms once again. Luna offers refreshingly creative cocktails, a menu of elevated street food and music that will take you right into the early hours of the morning, while Molly’s speakeasy vibes are worth seeking out (just look for the wooden door in Odgers Lane) – great whisky guaranteed. Speaking of speakeasies, High Jinks’ basement hideout is the place to go for serious cocktails and intimate conversations.
Bar Lola is one of the city’s newest wine bars.
Climb the stairs to discover excellent cocktails and food at Bar Rochford and Highball, or pull up a bentwood chair and select from the impressive aperitivo list at the newest addition to Verity Lane Market, Bar Lola. Wine bar Dear Prudence and beer den Brew Nation round out Verity’s bar options, together catering to oenophiles and lovers of craft beer.
Wanting to kick on? Look no further than Mooseheads, which has served as a hotspot for many generations of Canberra nightclubbers, or get out on the light-up dancefloor at 88mph,
Getting there and parking
While the light rail construction requires a bit more planning than usual, recent changes to parking regulations have made evening visits particularly attractive.
Free parking is now available Wednesday to Sunday evenings from 5:30 pm at several nearby public car parks, including Theatre Lane Car Park opposite Sydney Building, City Hill Car Park, and Canberra Olympic Pool Car Park in the city’s southeast.
View the printable City parking map to check out the most convenient spot to park in the city.
Given the ongoing construction activity, it’s worth checking opening hours before heading out, as some venues may have adjusted their schedules. But don’t let that deter you – the directional signage on the construction barriers will guide you to these culinary gems.
This is a precinct in transition, much like our city itself. By continuing to support these bars and restaurants during construction, you’ll help them continue to do what they do best long after the next stage of light rail is a reality.
Feature image: Amici Bar pasta
