Canberra’s dining scene is a hidden gem, blending creativity, diverse flavors, and unique settings that foodies will love. Known for its fresh local produce, innovative chefs, and global cuisines, the city’s restaurants offer meals that are as memorable as their surroundings.
Imagine savoring modern Australian dishes at a lakeside venue like The Boat House, enjoying authentic Japanese omakase at Raku, or indulging in smoky barbecue at a retro-inspired diner like Soul Cartel. Craving something different? Try a vegan feast at Sweet Bones Café or an underground dining experience at Molly, a 1920s-style speakeasy.
Whether you’re after bold flavors, creative plating, or quirky vibes, Canberra’s restaurants bring it all. In this guide, we’re diving into 10 must-visit spots that redefine what it means to dine in the nation’s capital.
👉 Pro Tip: This private Canberra winery tour is a total vibe! You’ll visit top local vineyards, sip amazing wines, and enjoy a tasty lunch. It’s the perfect way to chill, learn about winemaking, and soak in the gorgeous views. A must for any wine lover!
Quirky places to eat in Canberra, Australia
Ready to explore Canberra’s best eateries? We’ve got everything from fusion dishes that blend Indonesian and Japanese cuisines to authentic Burmese meals that will transport you straight to Yangon. Join me on a tour of the quirkiest places to eat in Canberra.
Ever thought about savoring French onion soup in a spot that feels like a cozy Parisian bistro nestled in Deakin? Canberra’s dining scene has it all, ready for you to discover. Let’s dive into the most unique restaurants in Canberra.
1. Naadam Restaurant
- 📍 Location: City Centre
- 💲 Price range: $20 – $40 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Mongolian / Nomadic Cuisine
- 🔥 Standout Features: Authentic Mongolian dumplings, grilled meats, traditional nomadic decor.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Adventurous eaters, meat lovers, fans of Mongolian cuisine.
Get ready for a culinary expedition to the vast plains of Mongolia at Naadam Restaurant in Canberra’s city centre! This unique spot offers a genuine taste of nomadic cuisine, with traditional decor that transports you straight to a cozy ger. The air is fragrant with the scent of grilled meats and savory spices.
A true Mongolian feast here involves trying their incredible buuz (steamed meat dumplings) or the hearty khuushuur (fried meat pastries). Their grilled lamb dishes are also a standout. It’s a warm, welcoming place that offers a fascinating and delicious glimpse into a rarely found cuisine.
2. Bar Rochford
If you love hidden gems, Bar Rochford is tucked up on the first floor of an old building in Civic, and it nails that effortlessly cool Euro wine bar vibe. There’s an old-school vinyl soundtrack, moody green walls, and shelves stacked with rare spirits. The menu leans modern Australian with regular updates, but if you spot their signature cheese toastie or anchovy toast, don’t pass it up. Pair anything with a natural wine from the always-on-point list. This spot is perfect for a classy date or a catchup where it still feels like a secret, and I love that it’s just steps from the bustle of Garema Place and the Canberra Theatre. Rochford truly makes you feel like you’ve ducked into Melbourne or Berlin for the evening.
3. Kita
- 📍 Location: Narrabundah
- 💲 Price range: $15 – $30 per person (Primarily breakfast/brunch/cafe)
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Indonesian Cafe / All-Night Breakfast
- 🔥 Standout Features: Late-night Indonesian breakfast cafe, unique all-day comfort food.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Night owls, breakfast lovers, Indonesian food fans.
When those late-night cravings hit (or an super early breakfast calls!), Kita in Narrabundah is your shining beacon of deliciousness! This gem is renowned as Canberra’s only dedicated late-night cafe, often slinging amazing Indonesian-inspired breakfast and comfort food 24/7 on weekends. The aroma of sweet kaya toast and brewing coffee is a welcome scent at 3 AM.
You’ll be delighted by their signature Indonesian fried rice (nasi goreng) or the comforting bubur ayam (chicken congee). It’s a lifesaver for shift workers, students, and anyone who believes breakfast food is an all-day affair.
4. Lazy Su
Lazy Su lives up to its “Asian pop-culture diner” tagline in every way. It’s wildly colourful, playfully decorated with neon, and always buzzing with energy. The menu is a creative mashup – think Korean fried chicken tacos next to katsu sliders and the kind of cocktails that practically demand an Instagram shot. What blows me away? The cheeseburger spring rolls. Order them, trust me. The cherry blossom mural behind the bar is pure Tokyo fantasy. This is my go-to for a fun group dinner before hitting up Braddon’s bars or a laidback night out, especially if you want quirky comfort food done right.
5. Rama’s Fiji Indian Restaurant
- 📍 Location: Pearce
- 💲 Price range: $20 – $40 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Fijian-Indian
- 🔥 Standout Features: Fijian-Indian fusion curries, vibrant island flavors, family-run warmth.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Curry enthusiasts, South Pacific flavor seekers, casual family dining.
Bula! Get ready for a flavor-packed journey to the islands at Rama’s Fiji Indian Restaurant in Pearce. This beloved spot serves up authentic and incredibly delicious Fijian-Indian cuisine, a unique culinary tradition born from Fiji’s history. The air is fragrant with exotic spices, coconut, and simmering curries.
A visit here is an invitation to savor their incredible Fijian goat curry or the flavorful fish suruwa (fish curry with coconut milk). Their roti and dhal are also essential accompaniments. It’s a warm, welcoming place that offers a true taste of island hospitality and unique, vibrant flavors.
6. eightysix north
Eightysix north dishes up both chef-driven flavors and stripped-back, party-ready vibes in Braddon. The open kitchen means you can watch the chefs fling ingredients onto plates, and there’s a cheeky sense of humor throughout the menu (don’t miss the popcorn sundae – it’s as out-there as it sounds). There’s a buzz to this place, whether it’s a late-night dinner or a chill cocktail at the bar. If you’re already in Braddon, it’s a quick stroll from craft breweries and street murals galore. The pop-art aesthetic and friendly staff make it a spot I’d revisit in a heartbeat.
7. Myanmar Corner
- 📍 Location: City Centre
- 💲 Price range: $15 – $30 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Burmese / Southeast Asian
- 🔥 Standout Features: Authentic Burmese noodle dishes and salads, bold Southeast Asian flavors.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Explorers of Burmese cuisine, salad lovers, adventurous diners.
Discover the delicious and often under-explored flavors of Myanmar at Myanmar Corner! This city centre gem offers an authentic taste of Burmese cuisine, known for its unique blend of savory, sour, and spicy notes, and its incredible textures. The aroma of lemongrass, ginger, and fermented tea leaves is captivating.
You will be thrilled by their traditional laphet thoke (fermented tea leaf salad) or a comforting bowl of mohinga (fish noodle soup), Myanmar’s national dish. Their curries are also wonderfully aromatic. It’s a fantastic spot to broaden your culinary horizons.
8. Onzieme
Onzieme is the type of “in-the-know” wine bar that instantly makes you feel like a local. Set in Kingston, this intimate spot features a blackboard menu that showcases French-inspired, always-evolving small plates. Think rustic, perfectly blistered vegetables or the daily tartare – honestly, just ask the staff for their favorite. The decor is low-key chic with exposed brick, candlelight, and a soundtrack that always feels right. It’s the rare spot where you could settle in for a solo dinner at the bar or chat the night away with friends. And since it’s close to the Kingston Foreshore, grab a lakeside stroll afterwards.
9. Canteen
- 📍 Location: Dairy Road, Fyshwick
- 💲 Price range: $30 – $60 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Japanese / Izakaya / Small Plates
- 🔥 Standout Features: Industrial precinct location, no-frills vibe, red-lit interior, authentic Izakaya fare.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Casual dinners, Japanese food fans, and relaxed group hangouts.
This isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a slice of Tokyo tucked away in a cool industrial precinct. Canteen has a killer, no-frills vibe that’s all about the food. The whole space is bathed in this awesome, warm red light, making it feel buzzy and intimate.
You absolutely cannot leave without getting the legendary katsu sando, a perfect sandwich of crispy breaded pork or chicken. Another must-have is the ridiculously juicy karaage chicken. Even the simple edamame with smoked salt is a total game-changer.
10. Akiba
Akiba is where pan-Asian street food gets a slick, electric update. This huge corner space glows with neon, bustling energy, and an open grill with flames leaping behind the bar. If you eat one thing, make it the pork belly bao – melt-in-your-mouth umami perfection. The kingfish sashimi is another standout. Akiba’s cocktails are wild and inventive (the yuzu slushy hits the spot in summer). The vibe screams modern Tokyo meets Aussie casual, with communal tables for group feasts. You’re literally across from Canberra Centre, so shopping or galleries are within a stroll. I always leave Akiba with full belly and happy taste buds.
11. INKA
- 📍 Location: City Centre
- 💲 Price range: $40 – $80+ per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Modern Peruvian / Japanese Fusion (Nikkei)
- 🔥 Standout Features: Sophisticated Peruvian-Japanese fusion (Nikkei), artistic plating, elegant vibe.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Fine diners, fusion food lovers, special occasions.
Prepare for a breathtaking fusion of cultures and flavors at INKA in Canberra’s city centre! This stunning restaurant specializes in Nikkei cuisine, a sophisticated blend of Peruvian ingredients and Japanese culinary techniques. The decor is elegant and contemporary, setting the stage for an artistic meal.
A meal here is an invitation to explore dishes like exquisite ceviche with a yuzu tang, delicate sashimi with Andean influences, or perfectly grilled anticuchos (skewers). It’s a truly unique and memorable fine dining journey that will wow your senses.
12. Monster Kitchen and Bar
Step into Monster Kitchen and Bar inside Ovolo Nishi and it’s like entering an enchanted jungle – seriously, the lobby is lush with plants, stone, and dramatic art. The food is full-on plant-forward decadence, but you won’t miss the meat. The whole fried cauliflower is legendary, and any of the crafted veggie dishes come out looking like edible art. It’s great for lingering brunch or dinner, especially if you want a stylish place to impress or celebrate. Being in NewActon, you’ve got the Nishi Gallery and Palace Electric Cinema steps away. The setting alone makes Monster one of my favorite Instagrammable spots in town, and it somehow feels cozy and grand all at once.
13. Street of Asia
- 📍 Location: Tuggeranong
- 💲 Price range: $15 – $30 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Pan-Asian / Street Food
- 🔥 Standout Features: Wide variety of Asian street food, lively atmosphere, quick flavorful meals.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Groups with diverse tastes, casual dinners, street food fans.
Take a whirlwind tour of Asia’s best street food without leaving Tuggeranong at Street of Asia! This bustling spot offers a diverse and delicious menu featuring popular dishes from across the continent, from Thai curries to Japanese katsu and Vietnamese pho. The air is a tantalizing mix of soy, ginger, chili, and countless other aromatic spices.
You can’t go wrong with their flavorful pad see ew, a comforting bowl of laksa, or some crispy spring rolls. It’s the perfect place to go with a group when everyone’s craving something different but equally delicious.
14. Rebel Rebel
Rebel Rebel shakes up Canberra’s fine dining playbook with a groovy retro vibe, statement lighting, and a tight, seasonal menu that keeps regulars guessing. The focus is on hyperlocal produce and there’s often a bit of wizardry behind each course (I’m still dreaming about their signature aged duck and perfectly charred veggies). The playlist is always on point, and the staff take their wine pairings seriously but never snobbishly. It’s ideal for when you want to splurge and try something inventive. You’re right near Lonsdale Street’s little indie shops and coffee houses, so it’s easy to make a full Braddon day out of it.
15. Little Istanbul
- 📍 Location: Tuggeranong
- 💲 Price range: $20 – $40 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Turkish
- 🔥 Standout Features: Authentic Turkish kebabs, traditional meze, family-friendly environment.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Turkish cuisine lovers, casual family meals, hearty eats.
Get ready for a taste of Turkey that’s big on flavor at Little Istanbul in Tuggeranong! This spot serves up authentic and delicious Turkish cuisine in a warm, family-friendly atmosphere. The aroma of grilling meats, fresh herbs, and baking bread is simply irresistible.
For a true Turkish feast, be sure to order a platter of their succulent mixed grill kebabs or a selection of their flavorful meze, including hummus, baba ghanoush, and stuffed vine leaves. Their pide (Turkish pizza) is also fantastic.
16. Italian and Sons
Stepping inside Italian and Sons feels like you’re at the back room of a Roman trattoria: exposed wood, low lighting, and the unmistakable smell of wood-fired pizza. The pasta is hand-rolled, the margherita pizza is an art form, but for me the standout is the handmade gnocchi with burnt butter and sage. Their well-curated Italian wine list and house-made limoncello are must-tries. Great for date night, cozy family dinners, or just pretending you’re in Italy for an evening. And when you’re done, you’re a skip away from some of the best bars in Braddon for a nightcap. It’s authentic without ever being stuffy – I keep coming back for those pasta cravings.
17. Dada
- 📍 Location: City Centre
- 💲 Price range: $25 – $50 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Modern Australian / Asian Fusion / Eclectic
- 🔥 Standout Features: Creative modern Australian-Asian fusion, seasonal local ingredients, stylish setting.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Foodies, fans of innovative dishes, upscale casual dining.
Prepare for a culinary experience that’s as artful as it is delicious at Dada in Canberra’s city centre. This stylish restaurant offers modern Australian cuisine with strong Asian influences, resulting in creative, beautifully presented dishes that are a feast for the eyes and the palate. They have a keen focus on seasonal, local produce.
A visit here might include indulging in delicate kingfish crudo with yuzu and chili, or a perfectly cooked duck breast with Asian greens. It’s a sophisticated spot for a memorable meal that’s both innovative and deeply flavorful.
18. Pilot.
- 📍 Location: Ainslie Shops
- 💲 Price range: $100 – $180+ per person (Tasting Menu)
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Modern Australian / Innovative / Fine Dining
- 🔥 Standout Features: Acclaimed tasting menus, seasonal and unique Australian ingredients, creative and artistic plating.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Adventurous foodies, special occasions, fine dining enthusiasts, and experiencing innovative Australian cuisine.
Prepare for a culinary flight of fancy at Pilot. in Ainslie. This highly-regarded restaurant offers an innovative and exciting take on modern Australian fine dining, with a strong focus on seasonal, unique, and high-quality ingredients presented through creative tasting menus. It’s an adventure for your palate.
The menu changes frequently to reflect the best of what’s available. Expect dishes that are both visually stunning and incredibly flavorful, showcasing inventive techniques. You might find unique preparations of local seafood, creative vegetable-forward courses, or perfectly cooked Australian game.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the quirkiest restaurants in Canberra
Are you searching for more information about where to eat in Canberra? Here are some common questions (and answers) I get asked a lot about Canberra’s most unique restaurants.
What food is Canberra known for?
Canberra’s food scene is eclectic. You’ll find everything from hearty Australian classics to innovative fusion dishes. The city is particularly known for its truffles, especially during the winter months, and its vibrant café culture that serves up some of the best coffee and brunches around, making it one of the destinations for unique restaurants in Australia.
What is unique about Canberra?
Canberra is unique because it’s a city designed with purpose and nature in mind. Unlike other bustling capitals, it’s filled with green spaces, national parks, and lakes. Plus, its status as Australia’s capital means you’ve got access to some of the country’s most significant cultural institutions and monuments, making it an appealing destination for those who fly to Australia.
What is Canberra best known for?
Canberra is best known as the political heart of Australia, home to Parliament House, the High Court, and numerous national museums and galleries, making it a gem in Oceania.
Is Canberra a walkable city?
Yes, Canberra is surprisingly walkable, especially around the central areas and the parliamentary triangle. For a city of its size, it’s easy to get around on foot to explore Australia’s beautiful spots, including the major sights, parks, and lakes. Plus, there are plenty of bike paths and public transport options when you want to venture further, making it one of the top places to live and visit in Australia.
