The Sitchu Awards 2025 Finalists – Australian Capital Territory

After an incredible wave of nominations from our readers, the results are in — the finalists for the very first Sitchu Awards have been revealed. These are the venues, businesses, and neighbourhood favourites across the Australian Capital Territory that you told us make life that little bit more extraordinary.

From romantic restaurants to artisan bakeries, boutique wellness havens to foodie escapes, this is your chance to celebrate the very best of local living — the places and people who make ACT shine.

Now it’s time to cast your vote for the winners in each category. By voting and supporting your favourites, you will go in the running to win *$1,000 cash.

The Categories & Nominees

Best Date Night Venue

• Bar Beirut (Canberra)
• Bar Rochford (Canberra)
• Lunetta (Red Hill)
• Mínima (Yarralumla)
• Raku (Canberra)

Best Deli or Sandwich Spot

• Al’s Deli & Diner (Canberra)
• Caffè al Lago (Gungahlin)
• Dom’s Deli (Acton)
• Melted Toasted Sandwich Emporium (Fyshwick)
• Sandoochie (Canberra)

Best Bakery

• Le Bon Mélange Café Pâtisserie (Gungahlin)
• Little Sutton Bakehouse (Sutton)
• Silo Bakery (Kingston)
• Three Mills Bakery (Multiple Locations)
• Under (Mawson)

Best Neighbourhood Bar

• 11e cave (Kingston)
• Bar Beirut (Canberra)
• Bar Rochford (Canbera)
• Edgar’s (Ainslie)
• Tintino (Kingston)

Best Region For a Weekend Escape

• Southern Highlands
• South Coast NSW – Eurobodalla Shire
• Southern Tablelands – Hilltops Region
• South Coast NSW – Shoalhaven
• Blue Mountains

Best New Restaurant Opening of 2025

• Andre’s Osteria (Weston)
• Bar Lola (Canberra)
• Southbound Clubhouse & Grill (Greenway)
• Clover Dining (Canberra)
• Lunetta (Red Hill)

Best Coffee Spot

• Barrio Collective Coffee (Braddon)
• Coffee Collective (Kingston)
• Good Neighbour (Kingston)
• Pollen (Acton)
• Recess Coffee (Griffith)

Best Small Local Business – Lifestyle, Beauty, Fashion, Wellness

• POP Canberra (Braddon)
• Gracias Flower Studio (Fyshwick)
• Mayflower Designs (Ngunnawal)
• Reverie (Campbell)
• The Green Vine Plants (Braddon)

Best Foodie Suburb

• Braddon
• Kingston
• Mawson
• Ainslie
• Red Hill

Voting has now closed, thank you for taking part! Winners will be revealed on 12 November. Subscribe to our newsletter or follow us on Instagram to be the first to know.

*Terms and conditions apply, view them here.