Go-to Dining Spots: The Best Restaurants in Canberra

Move over Sydney! The ever-evolving Canberra is becoming a dining destination in its own right and we’re mighty proud. We’ve got Italian, we’ve got Japanese, we’ve got Mexican and we’ve got every cuisine in between. From fine dining joints to casual haunts, pasta bars to tasting menu extravaganzas, it’s all right here. 

Struggling to pick? Not to worry! Use this edit as a guide and you can’t go wrong. Read on for the best restaurants in Canberra.

Minima

This cosy, moody restaurant and wine bar showcases share plates that celebrate third-culture cuisine—blending the heritage of brothers Mork and Ben with the culture they grew up in. Expect bold, vibrant dishes inspired by the Chinese diaspora and Southeast Asian flavours. 

Pilot.

Pilot. is hidden away in the Ainslie shops, but behind its mysterious facade lies a beautiful dining space filled with dark wood, warm lighting and rich velvet. The whole dining experience is rather exciting from start to finish. While you do know you’re in for a seven-course degustation, you don’t know what kind of food you’ll be enjoying until you arrive on the night. 

1 Wakefield Gardens, Ainslie

The Inn (Image Credit: Megann Evans) 

The Inn

The Inn has an intimate feel in a space that is sophisticated yet unpretentious with a wood-lined bar, raw concrete walls, brass embellishments and luxe finishings. Perfect for a dinner date or a group celebration, this Ainslie favourite offers both a la carte and a set menu with snacks, starters and mains that champion local produce.

1 Edgar Street, Ainslie

Carlotta 

Restaurateur Chris Lucas’ Mediterranean eatery Carlotta boasts a warm and vibrant space that delivers on the relaxed, holiday-inspired aesthetic. Swing by for a long lunch or aperitivo session. Hand-crafted pasta, antipasti — including a dedicated mozzarella and salumi selection — house-made focaccia, local wines and Sorrento Fizz just scratch the surface of the delights to be uncovered here.  

20 Scotts Crossing, Canberra  

Lunetta

Atop Red Hill, tucked inside one of Canberra’s modernist landmarks, Lunetta offers a light-filled dining experience. Relish sweeping views as you indulge in caviar service, porchetta, and ravioli, finishing with a perfectly crafted digestif. 

Level 1/60 Red Hill Drive, Red Hill 

Image Credit: Ashley St George) 

Wilma 

Wilma is a progressive Asian barbeque restaurant, which uses rich Australian ingredients to create a crowd-pleasing menu. Think prawn and chicken larb, sticky eggplant, truffle and egg fried rice, and Balmain bug with egg noodles, chilli and coriander. Of course, the big winner here is their barbecue; they’ve got everything from char sui pork to hot smoked black bean and chilli beef short rib. 

1 Genge Street, Canberra 

Corella

Right across the road from their sister, Assembly, Corella offers fine dining, elegance and blow-your-mind cocktails. The décor is chic and inviting, with soft pastel greens and a pop of blush. Inside seating is intimate, with only 30 seats and the warmer weather promises meals and drinks shared outside as you watch the world go by.

14 Lonsdale St, Braddon

Compa 

An Italian steakhouse channelling chef Matt Moran’s ethos of sustainable and seasonal produce, many of the ingredients used at Compa come straight from the family farm, including the Black Angus and charcuterie cuts from their Berkshire pigs. Pair your choice of protein with fresh pasta and a swathe of tasty sides. The fun selection of antipasto plates makes Compa the perfect spot to host a good old-fashioned catch-up or group gathering. 

148 Bunda Street, Canberra 

Raku

If you love Japanese food you will love Raku. End of story. One of the best Japanese restaurants in town, you best order the tasting menu if you can’t decide what to eat. (Quietly, their Nasu Dengaku is sublime.) The atmosphere is also quite romantic, making it perfect for a couple’s outing. 

148 Bunda Street, Civic, Canberra

Inka

Inka has fused two of the tastiest and most unique cuisines together, Peruvian and Japanese. Hence why people cannot stop talking about it! It’s sleek, modern and the place to dine at, at the moment so why wait?

Shop B11A, 148 Bunda Street, Canberra

Such and Such

From the team behind award-winning Canberra hotspot, Pilot, comes Such and Such, your friendly neighbourhood watering hole in the heart of the nation’s capital. An all-day restaurant with a focus on wine and chilled vibes. Drop in for a snack and a glass of vino or a laid-back lunch or dinner. 

8/220 London Circuit, Constitution Place, Canberra

29 Bentham Street, Yarrlumla  

Lazy Su

The place to eat if you want to experience a flavour explosion. Also a great dining option for vegans. Lazy Su is fun and a great semi-casual restaurant to take your family to, the perfect place to catch up with your girlfriends or grab yourself a quick bite to eat before a movie. Their menu is jam-packed full of Instagram-worthy eats. Wagyu cheesesteak spring roll anyone?

1/9 Lonsdale Street, Braddon

Rebel Rebel

Rebel Rebel is loved by working locals for in-between meetings/ casual catchups. Their food is unique but still works perfectly when you want something quick. Ie. fancy a beef tartare for lunch? Or maybe you want to start your day with their cacao pops? If you can grab yourself a seat, it’s worth the wait. 

Shop 21-23 Marcus Clarke Street, Canberra

Eaten your way through the best of Canberra’s restaurants and food scene and ready for a little more? Check out our family-friendly guide to Canberra, or if you fancy a drink, take a look through our edit of the best bars in Canberra.