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Best Food in Canberra (2026)
π³ Breakfast and Brunch Spots
Start your day at Lonsdale Street Roasters in Braddon (3 Lonsdale St), where the house-made crumpets with honeycomb butter cost around $14 and the coffee is roasted oβ¦ π³ Breakfast and Brunch Spots
Start your day at Lonsdale Street Roasters in Braddon (3 Lonsdale St), where the house-made crumpets with honeycomb butter cost around $14 and the coffee is roasted on-site. For a heartier brunch, try The Cupping Room in Civic (1/1-3 University Ave), known for its seasonal menu and single-origin pour-overs, with mains ranging from $18 to $26. On weekends, expect a queue at Ona Coffee in Manuka (4/18 Franklin St), but the wait is worth it for the signature 'Foundry' breakfast plate at $24.
π Street Food and Markets
The Forage, held every Sunday from 8am to 11:30am at the Old Bus Depot Markets in Kingston (21 Wentworth Ave), is a great spot for street food like Taiwanese bao ($8) and wood-fired pizza slices ($6). For a quick lunch, head to the Hamlet in Braddon (16 Lonsdale St), a cluster of food trucks and stalls where you can grab a pulled pork burger from Smokin' Joe's for about $15. On Friday nights, the Night Noodle Markets at Commonwealth Park (April only) offer dishes like bao buns and satay skewers for $10 to $15.
π½οΈ Modern Australian Dining
For a special dinner, book a table at Aubergine in Griffith (18 Barker St), where the tasting menu is $120 per person and highlights local produce like Canberra truffles and Riverina lamb. Eightysix in Braddon (Elouera St) serves share plates with a modern twist, such as the famous fried chicken with kimchi mayo for $24, and mains around $40. For a more relaxed vibe, The Pedlar in Campbell (65 Constitution Ave) offers a seasonal menu with mains from $28 to $38, focusing on wood-fired dishes.
π Asian Cuisine Highlights
Canberra's Asian food scene is thriving, with Raku in Civic (148 Bunda St) serving excellent Japanese dishes like sashimi platters ($28) and ramen ($18). For authentic Chinese, try Dickson's Dumpling House (Shop 6/18 Woolley St), where a plate of 12 pork dumplings costs $12.50 and the mapo tofu is a standout at $16. Thai food lovers should visit Thai Herb in Belconnen (Shop 5/54 Benjamin Way) for its green curry ($18) and pad thai ($16), both packed with flavor.
π° Sweet Treats and Cafes
Frugii Dessert Laboratory in Braddon (27 Lonsdale St) is a must for ice cream enthusiasts, with unique flavors like lavender honey and salted caramel at $5 per scoop. For pastries, check out the Flute Bakery in Fyshwick (8 Barrier St), where almond croissants are $6.50 and the sourdough loaves are baked fresh daily. If you're after a sit-down cake experience, the Tea Lounge at the Hyatt Hotel (120 Commonwealth Ave) offers a high tea set for $55 per person, including scones and petit fours.
π· Wine Bars and Evening Eats
Canberra's cool-climate wines shine at Bar Rochford in Civic (1/65 London Cct), a cozy wine bar with a by-the-glass list starting at $9 and small plates like cured meats ($14) and cheese boards ($22). For a lively evening, head to The Pot Belly Bar in Belconnen (5/18 Lathlain St), which offers craft beers on tap and pub-style meals such as steak frites for $28. Late-night bites are available at Knightsbridge Penthouse in Braddon (1/34 Mort St), where the kitchen serves until 10pm and cocktails are around $18.
π° Budget-Friendly Eats
You don't have to spend a lot to eat well in Canberra. The Civic food court at the Canberra Centre (148 Bunda St) has options like a large bowl of pho for $12 or a banh mi for $8. For a cheap and cheerful dinner, the King O'Malley's pub in Civic (131 City Walk) offers a $15 steak night on Tuesdays and $12 fish and chips on Fridays. The student area of Acton also has affordable eats, such as the ANU food co-op (3 Rimmer St) where a hot meal costs around $10.
π Getting Around for Food
Most of Canberra's food precincts are easily accessible by public transport. The light rail runs from Civic to Gungahlin, stopping at Dickson (for Asian eats) and Braddon (for cafes and bars), with a single trip costing about $5. If you're driving, parking in Braddon is free for the first two hours in most lots, but Civic parking can cost up to $20 per day. For a car-free food crawl, use the Canberra Centre as a hub and walk to nearby Lonsdale Street and Civic restaurants.
Start your day at Lonsdale Street Roasters in Braddon (3 Lonsdale St), where the house-made crumpets with honeycomb butter cost around $14 and the coffee is roasted oβ¦ π³ Breakfast and Brunch Spots
Start your day at Lonsdale Street Roasters in Braddon (3 Lonsdale St), where the house-made crumpets with honeycomb butter cost around $14 and the coffee is roasted on-site. For a heartier brunch, try The Cupping Room in Civic (1/1-3 University Ave), known for its seasonal menu and single-origin pour-overs, with mains ranging from $18 to $26. On weekends, expect a queue at Ona Coffee in Manuka (4/18 Franklin St), but the wait is worth it for the signature 'Foundry' breakfast plate at $24.
π Street Food and Markets
The Forage, held every Sunday from 8am to 11:30am at the Old Bus Depot Markets in Kingston (21 Wentworth Ave), is a great spot for street food like Taiwanese bao ($8) and wood-fired pizza slices ($6). For a quick lunch, head to the Hamlet in Braddon (16 Lonsdale St), a cluster of food trucks and stalls where you can grab a pulled pork burger from Smokin' Joe's for about $15. On Friday nights, the Night Noodle Markets at Commonwealth Park (April only) offer dishes like bao buns and satay skewers for $10 to $15.
π½οΈ Modern Australian Dining
For a special dinner, book a table at Aubergine in Griffith (18 Barker St), where the tasting menu is $120 per person and highlights local produce like Canberra truffles and Riverina lamb. Eightysix in Braddon (Elouera St) serves share plates with a modern twist, such as the famous fried chicken with kimchi mayo for $24, and mains around $40. For a more relaxed vibe, The Pedlar in Campbell (65 Constitution Ave) offers a seasonal menu with mains from $28 to $38, focusing on wood-fired dishes.
π Asian Cuisine Highlights
Canberra's Asian food scene is thriving, with Raku in Civic (148 Bunda St) serving excellent Japanese dishes like sashimi platters ($28) and ramen ($18). For authentic Chinese, try Dickson's Dumpling House (Shop 6/18 Woolley St), where a plate of 12 pork dumplings costs $12.50 and the mapo tofu is a standout at $16. Thai food lovers should visit Thai Herb in Belconnen (Shop 5/54 Benjamin Way) for its green curry ($18) and pad thai ($16), both packed with flavor.
π° Sweet Treats and Cafes
Frugii Dessert Laboratory in Braddon (27 Lonsdale St) is a must for ice cream enthusiasts, with unique flavors like lavender honey and salted caramel at $5 per scoop. For pastries, check out the Flute Bakery in Fyshwick (8 Barrier St), where almond croissants are $6.50 and the sourdough loaves are baked fresh daily. If you're after a sit-down cake experience, the Tea Lounge at the Hyatt Hotel (120 Commonwealth Ave) offers a high tea set for $55 per person, including scones and petit fours.
π· Wine Bars and Evening Eats
Canberra's cool-climate wines shine at Bar Rochford in Civic (1/65 London Cct), a cozy wine bar with a by-the-glass list starting at $9 and small plates like cured meats ($14) and cheese boards ($22). For a lively evening, head to The Pot Belly Bar in Belconnen (5/18 Lathlain St), which offers craft beers on tap and pub-style meals such as steak frites for $28. Late-night bites are available at Knightsbridge Penthouse in Braddon (1/34 Mort St), where the kitchen serves until 10pm and cocktails are around $18.
π° Budget-Friendly Eats
You don't have to spend a lot to eat well in Canberra. The Civic food court at the Canberra Centre (148 Bunda St) has options like a large bowl of pho for $12 or a banh mi for $8. For a cheap and cheerful dinner, the King O'Malley's pub in Civic (131 City Walk) offers a $15 steak night on Tuesdays and $12 fish and chips on Fridays. The student area of Acton also has affordable eats, such as the ANU food co-op (3 Rimmer St) where a hot meal costs around $10.
π Getting Around for Food
Most of Canberra's food precincts are easily accessible by public transport. The light rail runs from Civic to Gungahlin, stopping at Dickson (for Asian eats) and Braddon (for cafes and bars), with a single trip costing about $5. If you're driving, parking in Braddon is free for the first two hours in most lots, but Civic parking can cost up to $20 per day. For a car-free food crawl, use the Canberra Centre as a hub and walk to nearby Lonsdale Street and Civic restaurants.
Become a Local Guide
in Canberra to earn up to $50.00/hour by helping travelers that are interested in Canberra and want to connect to learn about the current climate, discover hidden gems, or get help planning their itinerary.
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solid list, but teh Fyshwick markets on a Sunday morning are worth adding for cheap eats. the bakery there does a mean bacon and egg roll for under $10 and parking is free. way less crowded than Braddon.
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Chairman & Yip, Kingston, for the banquet.
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Book a table at Aubergine, they fill up fast.
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3 Days in Canberra: Itinerary 2026
πΊοΈ Day 1 Morning: Civic
Start your day at the Canberra Museum and Gallery (Civic Square, open 10am-5pm, free entry) to get a quick overview of local history. Then walk 5 minutes to the Canberra Ceβ¦ πΊοΈ Day 1 Morning: Civic
Start your day at the Canberra Museum and Gallery (Civic Square, open 10am-5pm, free entry) to get a quick overview of local history. Then walk 5 minutes to the Canberra Centre for a coffee at one of the many cafes, such as The Coffee Club or a local favorite like Lonsdale Street Roasters (10 Lonsdale St, Braddon, a 10-minute walk). Allow about 2 hours for this area before heading to your next stop.
ποΈ Day 1 Afternoon: Lake Burley Griffin
After lunch, head to Lake Burley Griffin for a scenic walk or bike ride. Rent a bike from Cycle Canberra (1 Commonwealth Ave, $15/hour) and ride around the central basin, stopping at the National Library and Questacon. The entire loop takes about 1.5 hours at a leisurely pace, and you can finish with a visit to the National Gallery of Australia (open 10am-5pm, free entry).
π½οΈ Day 1 Evening: Braddon
For dinner, explore Braddon's lively dining scene. Try the popular Italian spot Italian and Sons (7 Lonsdale St, mains around $30) or the trendy Eightysix (Corner of Elouera and Lonsdale St, mains $35-$45). After dinner, grab a drink at the BentSpoke Brewing Co (38 Mort St, open until late) which offers a range of local craft beers.
πΏ Day 2 Morning: Parkes
Begin day two with a visit to the Parliamentary Triangle. Start at Parliament House (open 9am-5pm, free entry) and join a free guided tour (every 30 minutes). Then walk 10 minutes to the National Portrait Gallery (open 10am-5pm, free entry) or the Museum of Australian Democracy (open 9am-5pm, $2 entry).
π Day 2 Afternoon: Russell
After lunch, take bus route 2 from Parliament House to the Australian War Memorial (Treloar Cres, Campbell, open 10am-5pm, free entry). The bus ride takes about 10 minutes. Spend 2-3 hours exploring the memorial's extensive galleries and don't miss the Last Post Ceremony at 4:30pm daily.
π· Day 2 Evening: Kingston
Head to Kingston for a relaxed evening. Dinner options include the Kingston Hotel (73 Canberra Ave, mains around $25) or the more upscale Otis Dining Hall (29 Jardine St, mains $40+). After dinner, take a stroll along the Kingston Foreshore and enjoy the waterfront views.
π¦ Day 3 Morning: Acton
Start day three at the National Museum of Australia (Lawson Cres, Acton, open 9am-5pm, free entry) to learn about the country's social history. Then take a 15-minute walk to the Australian National Botanic Gardens (Clunies Ross St, open 8:30am-5pm, free entry) and explore the native plant collections.
πΆ Day 3 Afternoon: Belconnen
For a change of pace, take bus route 3 from Civic to Belconnen (about 20 minutes) and visit the Belconnen Arts Centre (118 Emu Bank, open 10am-4pm, free entry) for local exhibitions. Then enjoy a late lunch at the Belconnen Markets (12 Lathlain St, open until 5pm) where you'll find a variety of food stalls.
Start your day at the Canberra Museum and Gallery (Civic Square, open 10am-5pm, free entry) to get a quick overview of local history. Then walk 5 minutes to the Canberra Ceβ¦ πΊοΈ Day 1 Morning: Civic
Start your day at the Canberra Museum and Gallery (Civic Square, open 10am-5pm, free entry) to get a quick overview of local history. Then walk 5 minutes to the Canberra Centre for a coffee at one of the many cafes, such as The Coffee Club or a local favorite like Lonsdale Street Roasters (10 Lonsdale St, Braddon, a 10-minute walk). Allow about 2 hours for this area before heading to your next stop.
ποΈ Day 1 Afternoon: Lake Burley Griffin
After lunch, head to Lake Burley Griffin for a scenic walk or bike ride. Rent a bike from Cycle Canberra (1 Commonwealth Ave, $15/hour) and ride around the central basin, stopping at the National Library and Questacon. The entire loop takes about 1.5 hours at a leisurely pace, and you can finish with a visit to the National Gallery of Australia (open 10am-5pm, free entry).
π½οΈ Day 1 Evening: Braddon
For dinner, explore Braddon's lively dining scene. Try the popular Italian spot Italian and Sons (7 Lonsdale St, mains around $30) or the trendy Eightysix (Corner of Elouera and Lonsdale St, mains $35-$45). After dinner, grab a drink at the BentSpoke Brewing Co (38 Mort St, open until late) which offers a range of local craft beers.
πΏ Day 2 Morning: Parkes
Begin day two with a visit to the Parliamentary Triangle. Start at Parliament House (open 9am-5pm, free entry) and join a free guided tour (every 30 minutes). Then walk 10 minutes to the National Portrait Gallery (open 10am-5pm, free entry) or the Museum of Australian Democracy (open 9am-5pm, $2 entry).
π Day 2 Afternoon: Russell
After lunch, take bus route 2 from Parliament House to the Australian War Memorial (Treloar Cres, Campbell, open 10am-5pm, free entry). The bus ride takes about 10 minutes. Spend 2-3 hours exploring the memorial's extensive galleries and don't miss the Last Post Ceremony at 4:30pm daily.
π· Day 2 Evening: Kingston
Head to Kingston for a relaxed evening. Dinner options include the Kingston Hotel (73 Canberra Ave, mains around $25) or the more upscale Otis Dining Hall (29 Jardine St, mains $40+). After dinner, take a stroll along the Kingston Foreshore and enjoy the waterfront views.
π¦ Day 3 Morning: Acton
Start day three at the National Museum of Australia (Lawson Cres, Acton, open 9am-5pm, free entry) to learn about the country's social history. Then take a 15-minute walk to the Australian National Botanic Gardens (Clunies Ross St, open 8:30am-5pm, free entry) and explore the native plant collections.
πΆ Day 3 Afternoon: Belconnen
For a change of pace, take bus route 3 from Civic to Belconnen (about 20 minutes) and visit the Belconnen Arts Centre (118 Emu Bank, open 10am-4pm, free entry) for local exhibitions. Then enjoy a late lunch at the Belconnen Markets (12 Lathlain St, open until 5pm) where you'll find a variety of food stalls.
Become a Local Guide
in Canberra to earn up to $50.00/hour by helping travelers that are interested in Canberra and want to connect to learn about the current climate, discover hidden gems, or get help planning their itinerary.
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kingston foreshore markets, sunday mornings only
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Day 3 is packed. the botanic gardens deserve more than a quick walk, the rainforest gully alone eats an hour. if u can, swap belconnen for a wander round the national library reading room instead
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Solid plan overall. One tweak: the free Parliament House tours fill up fast, so book a slot online the day before rather than just rocking up. Also the Last Post Ceremony at the War Memorial draws a crowd, get there by 4:15 if you want a decent spot.
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