Canberra Dining
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One of the greatest joys of summer is alfresco dining. A lazy, relaxed meal outdoors is indulgent, but oh so very satisfying. You know, the sun dappling through the trees, the soft warm breeze that reminds you how alive you are. Luckily, Canberra dining has some great restaurants and cafés that offer top food and service with irresistible outdoor options.
Enjoy the glorious spring weather by dining alfresco in the nation's capital. Relax in a stylish café, dine with a lake view, or taste the freshest regional produce amongst the vines at a delicious winery restaurant or café. Canberra is a great destination for food lovers and with over 300 venues to choose from, the dining scene just gets better and better.
The city's premier venue for getting a dose of live culture is the Canberra Theatre Centre, which is located within a short walk of many great restaurants, cafés, bars and pubs. Don't just go see the show: make an occasion of it by meeting for dinner beforehand or enjoying a drink or three after the curtain falls. Or perhaps it's lunch you need, or a little coffee and cake? Try some of the favourite places nearby.
The ACT's Canberra, features a wining and dining scene that will come as a pleasant surprise to many visitors. For a city of its size, there is a great variety of restaurants, cafés and bars; ranging from upmarket venues catering to politicians and executives, through to cheap and cheerful establishments frequented by university students.
You will find an abundance of international restaurants, trendy cafés, tapas bars and stylish dining venues. Pavement dining is particularly popular and "Canberrans" can spend hours over a leisurely lunch in the sun! The quality of cuisine in the region is excellent, thanks to a smorgasbord of fresh produce, including seafood and excellent local wines.
Being the well-planned place it is, Canberra's main drinking and dining venues tend to be clustered in certain suburbs. However, there are a few notable establishments located outside the main centres that are definitely worth a visit.
Manuka is the home of Canberra's stylish café society. The streets are lined with boutiques, restaurants and cafés. Tables and chairs spill onto the street and many people come simply to "be seen" sipping flat white coffees under the trees! A consistent favourite with locals and visitors alike is Caph's, a well-established, bustling restaurant and café. For something more up market, try The Tryst, which offers sophisticated, mid-priced modern cuisine; patrons can sit inside or people-watch from the outdoor tables. Fine dining is also well represented with Atlantic and Daniel's regularly patronized by Canberra's discerning diners.
Kingston is a bustling, picturesque square, famous for its outdoor cafés. Soak up the sunshine over a coffee and brunch at Zest Café, or gossip over champagne and lunch at the Holy Grail. Come evening, the Holy Grail transforms into a trendy night-spot with live bands and an upwardly mobile clientele. La Rustica, with its Tuscan decor and hearty Italian food, is a perennial favorite and Tang Dynasty serves truly divine Asian cuisine in luxurious surroundings. Kingston is also the home of British pubs, with Filthy McFadden's and the Durham Castle Arms serving up Guinness, fine scotch and live music until late.
The central shopping area abounds with stylish restaurants and alfresco cafés. During the day, shoppers and executives relax in the sun over Mediterranean-inspired dishes at laid back cafés like Caffe Della Piazza, Red Back Café and Woodstock.
For a night out with a group of friends, you can not go past the party atmosphere (and a margarita or three!) at Montezuma's. Other destinations for get togethers are the Australian Pizza Kitchen and the ever-popular Little Saigon. Antigo's, with its friendly service, contemporary menu, modern decor and large outdoor seating area is where revellers ready themselves for a night on the town.
Civic is the hub of Canberra's eclectic nightlife, where virtually anyone is guaranteed a great Saturday night. Heaven Nite Club and the Red Room cater to the hard-core dance crowd, with live local and national DJ acts. Insomnia, Babylon and Pandora's attract the hip young things, with more mainstream dance music and plenty of neon atmosphere. Gypsy Bar is grungier, with pool tables, a dance floor, live music and a friendly, laid back feel. If you are after a beer and a laugh, head to the Wig and Pen or PJ O'Reilly's—both cosy wood-paneled pubs serving Guinness and steak and kidney pies to university students.
Canberra's new trendy strip is West Row, Civic. Attracting young executives, Touch and Chatfish serve up exquisite dishes for modern gourmets. Next door is Corvo's Wine and Oyster Bar which features an ice waterfall, a large range of imported beers and a well-heeled clientele.
Braddon is a main business district and tends to cater to the after-work crowd. Arguably the best bar in Canberra, All Saints Tapas Bar, with its cool interior, distinctly urban feel and friendly service, is a regular watering hole for many. Also worth a visit in Braddon are O Stratos (where you will actually believe you are on a Greek Island) and Mosaics, a fun, vibrant brassiere and bar.
Many of Canberra's suburbs harbor little gems known only to locals. Of particular note is Tilley's Devine Café and Gallery in Lyneham, an art deco lunch spot which becomes a great live music venue at night. All Bar Nun in O'Connor is an unpretentious, laid back bar, perfect for a quiet weekend drink. And if you are after top-quality international cuisine, head to Belconnen for Indian (The Tandoor, Taj Agra), to Weston for Thai (River Kwai, Thai House) and to Stavro's Restaurant at Phillip for an authentic Greek meal.
If you prefer to dine with linen tablecloths, matching napkins and superior wine lists, Canberra has a lovely selection of fine dining venues. Jean-Pierre avec Fringe Benefits serves French with a modern twist and the restaurant features a walk-in wine cellar. The Chairman and Yip is famous for its Asian-inspired cuisine. The Cavalier, located at the Red Hill lookout, and the Boathouse, set on Lake Burley Griffin, lay claim to some of the best views in Canberra. Visitors will be pleased to discover that the food, ambience, and caliber of these restaurants are most certainly of an international standard.
Visiting Canberra for your next holiday will not only have your days full but your tastebuds will also be thanking you! Canberra’s dining is for everyone.... style, budget and taste! Whatever you are looking for to chase the hunger away you will find it in Canberra.
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