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Go-to Dining Spots: The Best Restaurants in Canberra

From casual to luxe, these are the best restaurants in Canberra for a delicious dining experience.

Louis

Move over Sydney! The ever-wonderful 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.

The Inn (Image Credit: Megann Evans) 

The Inn

The Inn is a refined extension of the Edgar’s we all know and love and, dare we say it, might just be one of our favourite Canberra venues for a fancy feed. The Inn has an intimate feel in a space that is sophisticated yet unpretentious with a wood-lined bar, raw concrete walls, brass embellishments with luxe finishings. Perfect for a dinner date or a group celebration, The Inn offers both a la carte and a set menu with snacks, starters and mains that champion local produce and rich balanced flavours.

Veggos will be delighted with entrees like burrata with blistered persimmon, vincotto and rocket presenting a new take on traditional flavours and yellow and purple heirloom beetroot salad with rich cashew, rye and horse radish. Moving away from vegetarian dishes you'll find unique takes like a rich, gamey Kangaroo tartare with miso, black garlic and house-made potato chips and fresh and fun citrus-cured salmon with grapefruit, seasoned avocado and playful sea succulents. The mains are perfect for sharing. 

1 Edgar Street, Ainslie

Image Credit: Ashley St George) 

Wilma 

Get ready for one of the most exciting foodie collaborations. Two-hatted Chef, James Viles (ex-Biota Dining, Bowral) and Head Chef Brendan Hill's (formerly of Sydney’s Aria and 12-Micron) 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

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

Louis 

When you're next feeling sophisticated, we recommend popping into Louis, Canberra's latest dining destination jewel, located within the 5-star Hotel Realm. Expect classic European dishes paired with exquisite cocktails and a backdrop of luxe interiors. We're talking a custom-built mosaic bar, marble, leather, pendant lighting and bentwood chairs. 

As for food, you're in for a treat. Two-hatted chef Ben Willis has curated a seasonal menu inspired by Provence and the French Riveria. Think John Dory with braised beans and chorizo, Fougasse and tapenade, as well as Potato and leek Pithivier sublimed by salsa verde.

18 National Circuit, Canberra

Raku

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

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? Plus, Peruvian food is out of this world and needs to be experienced. 

Shop B11A, 148 Bunda Street, Canberra

Pilot

Pilot.

If a restaurant with 30 seats isn’t considered intimate, then nothing is. 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 – how much more romantic can it get?

Plus, 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. The staff are also friendly and the wine list is one of the best in Canberra. Trust us.

1 Wakefield Gardens, Ainslie

Akiba

Akiba

If you’re after an informal yet still exciting place to eat, then Akiba is perfect. Its menu is Southeast Asian inspired, so probably not the best choice for vegans/vegetarians as their options are quite meat-heavy. However, it’s still one of the best places to dine at in town. And let’s not forget about their cocktail menu! 

40 Bunda Street, Canberra

Such and Such

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

Italian and Sons

Italian and Sons

If fancy Italian food is your thing then you’ve come to the right place. Italian and Sons is home to authentic pizza and pasta you can depend on. (Like, comfort food at its finest!) There are however, only two seating times so you will need to book ahead.  

7 Lonsdale Street, Braddon

Lazy Su

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

Monster Kitchen and Bar

Monster Kitchen And Bar

Vegetarians will understand the disappointment when dining out and having limited options to choose from. However, Monster Kitchen and Bar is entirely vegetarian – and extremely delicious at that. In fact, we promise you’ll impress your meat-eating friends here with a whole head cauliflower that actually hits the spot. Trust us. 

25 Edinburgh Avenue, Canberra

The Meat & Wine Co

The Meat & Wine Co

The Meat & Wine Co's signature moody lighting makes for the perfect mid-week date night venue. The diverse menu features the finest cuts of meats prepared and grilled to perfection, as well as African-inspired delights like Boerewors, King Prawns marinated in traditional Mozambique peri-peri sauce, and a decadent Truffle Mac & Cheese. Enjoy it all with a sip from the extensive, curated list of international and local wines.

220 London Circuit, Ground Level, 1 Constitution Avenue, Canberra

Rebel Rebel

Rebel Rebel

Your new go-to hang if you want to up the ante on your boring weekday lunch. Rebel Rebel is loved by working locals for in between meetings/ casual catch-ups. Their food is unique too but work perfectly when you want something quick, but still unlike anything you could make at home. 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

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