Go-to Dining Spots: The Best Restaurants in Canberra

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.

1 Edgar Street, Ainslie

Pilot.

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. 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. 

1 Wakefield Gardens, Ainslie

Carlotta 

Restaurateur Chris Lucas has just opened Mediterranean eatery Carlotta in Canberra and the warm and vibrant space has delivered on a relaxed, holiday-inspired aesthetic. Swing by for a long lunch or aperitivo session. Hand crafted pasta, antipasti — including a dedicated mozzarella and salumi selection — house made focaccia, local wines and Sorrento Fizz just scratch the surface of the delights to be uncovered here.  

20 Scotts Crossing, Canberra  

Saint Malo 

There are so many things to love about Saint Malo. For one, there is their Spanish cuisine. Then there's the sunny courtyard designed for sharing tapas and cocktails. Think grilled octopus and black garlic, slow-roasted lamb shoulder and soft polenta and jamon serano pinxtos. Oh, and there's the 300-year-old oak doors that form the entrance to this multilevel fantasy. They even have their very own theatre from which they host all kinds of mesmerising shows. No Euro summer? No worries! 

23 London Circuit, Canberra 

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

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

Compa 

Chef Matt Moran's latest opening is already causing a fuss in the very best way. An Italian steakhouse channelling Moran's ethos of sustainable and seasonal produce, many of the ingredients come straight from the family farm, including the Black Angus and charcuterie cuts from their Berkshire pigs. Pair your choice of protein with fresh pasta and a swathe of tasty sides. The fun selection of antipasto plates makes Compa the perfect spot to host a good old-fashioned catch-up or group gathering. 

148 Bunda Street, Canberra 

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 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?

Shop B11A, 148 Bunda Street, Canberra

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

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

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 catchups. Their food is unique but still works perfectly when you want something quick. 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.