canberra CBD

Such and Such

Restaurant

A little larrikin, a little retro and a lot quirky art gallery – there’s plenty going on at this wine bar. Drop in for a snack of crunchy and spicy school prawns or share a substantial meal of duck with sweet-and-sour sauce.

Inka

Restaurant

This Nikkei-stye restaurant brings together the flavours of Japan and Peru. It's in a moody, dramatically-lit space filled with statues and hangings from Peru. Expect Peruvian anticuchos alongside nigiri and sashimi with South American tweaks.

Mezzalira

Restaurant

A classic Italian trattoria in the heart of Civic. Come for traditional hand-cut pastas, rustic *secondi* and wines sourced from small Italian producers. Mezzalira also has an alfresco offshoot called Da Rosario that’s primed for a street-side espresso.

Raku

Restaurant

The pace of modern Australian dining and the precision of Japanese cuisine come together on a seafood-heavy menu that goes all-in on premium produce. To drink, it’s sake, Japanese-influenced cocktails and a dizzying list of European and Australian wines.

Mu Omakase

Restaurant

A refined, counter-style experience that’ll transport you to the omakase bars of Japan. Each of the 12 seats puts you up-close and personal with the chefs as they transform seasonal ingredients into contemporary Japanese dishes. Expect knife skills, seafood and plenty of sake.

Akiba

Restaurant

This energetic, late-night East Asian diner is filled with neon lights and has one of the largest sake lists in Australia.

Sandoochie

Cafe

A creative sandwich bar that’s become a Canberra lunch-hour staple. Try the poached chicken with celery, almonds and rocket; or the potato rosti with French onion dip and pesto.

Mocan & Green Grout

Cafe

An eclectic, community-minded cafe with a laser focus on seasonality. Enter to find a fit-out by a team of local artisans, plus a menu of fresh all-day fare (the mushroom roll is a standout) and a tight list of lo-fi wines and Canberra-made spirits.

The Cupping Room

Cafe

Get your fix of Ona Coffee and novel breakfasts, right in the centre of town.

Bar Rochford

Bar

Natural wines, great food and a tasteful soundtrack – it's no wonder this is Canberra’s most acclaimed bar. Set within an 1920s heritage building with a window overlooking London Circuit, it also happens to be one of the capital’s best-looking venues.