Five intimate places to eat and drink in Canberra
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Small in size and big on vibes, these intimate places to eat and drink pack a mighty punch.
Tuck yourself away and let the world go by.
Mínima (Yarralumla)
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Nestled in the heart of Yarralumla, this charming 22-seat gem (pictured above) is all warm wood, olive tones and low lighting – an intimate wine bar and restaurant from brothers Benn and Mork Ratanakosol, serving what they call “third culture food”.
Inspired by the tiny restaurants and bars of Japan, it has a distinctly Canberra ease, complete with a two-person hideaway under the stairs, affectionately dubbed “The Harry Potter cupboard”.
Book it, disappear into it, and let the night unfold from there.
29 Bentham Street, Yarralumla | eatminima.com.au
MU (City)
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Hidden off Constitution Avenue, this 10-seat counter dining experience is Canberra’s answer to intimate omakase – and it’s as much an experience as a meal.
With traditional 10-person counter-style seating, it’s moody, minimalist and deliberately understated, designed so all attention stays exactly where it should be: on the food.
And when you’re done? Mirco-bars Cicada and Karl next door keep the intimate energy going strong.
1 Constitution Avenue, City | chairmangroup.com.au
Močan & Green Grout (NewActon)
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Part café, part hidden sanctuary, it’s easy to tuck yourself away at Močan & Green Grout.
Tucked into the city’s cultural precinct, this retro-inspired nook wraps you up in warmth the moment you step inside. Maybe it’s the hum of the open kitchen, maybe it’s the leather booths – either way, you’ll probably stay much longer than you intended. Order a Fair Trade coffee, claim a corner seat, and let the outside world do what it likes without you.
1/19 Marcus Clarke Street, City | mocanandgreengrout.com
Devil You Don’t (NewActon)
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This small-capacity subterranean cocktail bar is perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle of the streets. All about creating a boutique cocktail experience by serving classic drinks reimagined, and the vibe is effortlessly luxe – everything about it encourages you to stay for just one more round.
It’s an ideal spot for date night, an intimate catch-up with friends or a very intentional nightcap.
Basement 2/15 Edinburgh Avenue, City | @devil_you_dont
Corella (Braddon)
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Seating just 30 inside, Corella is all about intimate fine dining, wine and cocktails with a twist. Serving a bespoke and delicate menu inspired by native ingredients and shaped by modern Australian cuisine, the food changes with the seasons, while the drinks list has something for everyone.
And with a muted colour scheme of soft pastel greens and low lighting, it’s not hard to imagine yourself here, perched in a corner on a chilly afternoon.
14 Lonsdale Street, Braddon | corellabar.com.au
Feature image: Ashley St George, Pew Pew Studio
