All the hippest and hottest places to eat in Canberra
Canberra is a hub of foodies and coffee lovers, I’ve just come back from a recent trip to my new favourite city (Canberra… if you couldn’t already tell…) and thought I’d share all my favourite places to eat and drink!
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Lonsdale Street:
The new-kid-on-the-block Barrio Collective They offer a simple menu highlighting seasonal local produce and coffee crafted by masters of both traditional and contemporary brewing methods. It’s a perfect for a caffeine fix, people-watching or a weekend brunch.
The Lonsdale Street Roasters have gained a loyal following among Canberra coffee addicts, due to the high quality, locally roasted coffee they supply. On a busy Saturday Lonsdale Street Roasters customers can get up close to the roasting process, taking in the sights, sounds and the aroma of freshly roasted coffee. Sit downstairs and watch the coffee masters at work or head upstairs for a great view over Lonsdale Street.
The Elk & Pea serves an eclectic menu with a South-American twist and serves up great breakfast martinis (as well as lunch and dinner). However if you are looking for a healthier option check out Sweet Bones vegan café
Other places worth a mention and a great place for dinner – Eightysix, Italian & Sons, Barcaro (wine bar located behind Italian and Sons).
Hang out at the The Hamlet – an outdoor pop up urban village in vibrant Braddon. Working your way through the amazing food offerings from BrodDog, the Spit Shak, Chasing Mr Morris, April’s Caravan, Mr Papa and many more. Hidden behind the food vans you will find a number of local designers have opened pop-up shops selling jewellery, fashion, furniture and homewares. Trading: Wednesday – Sunday, 12.00pm – 9.00pm.
End your food-travagant day at the “uber cool” Frugii Dessert Laboratory by Canberra’s John Marshall. Try the delicious one of the crazy flavours…. Like black licorice flavoured ice cream, salted butter caramel, candied orange, musk stick, popcorn, and Sambuca are just some of the hits. Frugii also makes delicious pastries and choux (grab one to take back home/to your hotel).
New Acton:
Explore the NewActon precinct – Here you will a mix of residential and commercial buildings incorporating landscaped gardens, public art, cafes, restaurants, bars, community gardens, Nishi Gallery, an art-house cinema and the uber-cool Monster Kitchen and Bar.
Other places worth a mention Mocan & Green Grout, and Parlour Wine Room.
Kingston:
Kingston is the oldest suburbs of Canberra, housing the heritage listed “Old Bus Depot Markets” and Canberra Glassworks. Spend a Sunday at the markets before veering off looking for some delicious food.
Grab one of the best burgers in town at the Brodburger café Or at Silo Bakery or Me & Mrs Jones.
Manuka:
Patissez– Home of the Freakshake and very good looking waiters/door men…hot!… Anyway focus…. The Freakshakes….all I can say is, It’s diabetes in a jar but it is so amazing and so worth is!!
Barton:
Malamay is a hip Shanghainese Restaurant with a large vegetarian menu, Lilotang is a Japanese cuisine served in a slick restaurant with blonde-wood panelling and ceiling-high windows, Ostani Bar and Lounge is a stylish hotel setting for wood-fired pizza and tapas, with warm colours and leather lounges and my favourite Chifley’s bar and grill, located in the Hotel Kurrajong, the services and food here is fantastic!
Canberra City:
A few city highlights are:
Akiba, who offer creative dishes with pan-Asian flavours in a modern venue with steel and recycled wood finishes.
Temporada is a smart, modern eatery with wood-panelled decor, making produce-driven tapas and share plates.
Shorty’s is a airy, open-plan venue with the diverse decor, serving gourmet pub classics with an international twist.
The Cupping Room, Da Rosario are all located on London Circuit, city west. The popular Cupping Room serves up great coffee and delicious meals (check out their Instagram for an overload of deliciousness) and is owned by the 2015 World Barista Champion, Sasa Sestic.
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