Over the last decade, Canberra’s been steadily rising in social, cultural and culinary status, not just in Australia but around the globe. No longer up-and-coming, it’s firmly established itself as a foodie capital and lays claim to some of the country’s best restaurants.

Located in perfect proximity to a wealth of local, seasonal produce and world-class vineyards, Canberra deserves to be top of mind as a fine dining destination. If you’re planning a visit, even if only for a weekend, here are all the top spots you need to tick off while there.

Arriving Friday 

Dinner at: Bar Rochford, CBD

Located in the iconic Melbourne building, Bar Rochford would fit right in down south with its natural-leaning wine list and rotating lineup of vinyl. But its uniquely local twist is what’s earned its spot as one of Canberra’s best bars. 

The space features stunning views over London Circuit and a mostly snacky menu perfectly designed for drink pairing. From smoked beef tongue skewers to turnips with beurre blanc and kombu, there’s something for everyone. But if you can’t decide, go for the set menu, available in standard or vegetarian.

Saturday 

Start with: Kyo Coffee Project, Braddon

There’s no better way to start your day than at Kyo, a tranquil and secluded Japanese-inspired cafe tucked  in a quiet corner of Braddon. While dishes like creamy egg and shiitake congee or gooey kimchi toasties pull a crowd, the house-roasted coffee alone is well worth a visit – and if that’s not your thing, the matcha is stellar as well. 

Move on to: BentSpoke Brewing Co, Braddon

Canberra’s been pumping out some of Australia’s best craft beers as of late, and there’s no better way to sample them than straight from the brewery. Based in Braddon, you don’t have to go far to visit this one. They’ve got 18 varieties of beer and cider available at any given time, all brewed on-site using fresh Canberra water. 

Morks, The Kingston Foreshore

The brothers behind this contemporary Thai eatery have a family history of hospitality, but none before them did it quite like this. At Morks, they bring an innovative spin to traditional Thai dishes. 

Betel leaf is transformed into pesto that’s slathered on egg noodles and topped with roast pork belly; and beef larb is given the tartare treatment, served raw with a side of rich bone marrow. Meanwhile for dessert, don’t go past the signature fried ice cream.

Dinner at: Pilot, Ainslie

With just 30 seats and a seasonal menu that’s only revealed as you’re dining, Malcolm Hanslow’s degustation restaurant is designed to be an intimate experience. 

Though relatively new, the venue has secured its place as a top Canberra destination thanks to its refined farm-to-table fare. Plates are immaculately presented and beverages are just as impressive with a sizable selection of mostly local wine.

Sunday

Start with: Space Kitchen, Phillip

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, look no further than Space Kitchen. Their beautiful EATERY is out of this world with whimsical confections like mushroom-shaped strawberry mousse cake and New York baked cheesecake that looks like a wedge of swiss cheese. 

For something a bit heartier, tuck into their breakfast menu. You can’t go wrong with the lemon souffle hotcakes, lemon curd and smashed shortbread French toast or, perhaps, one of each.

Move on to: Rebel Rebel, Acton

Rebel Rebel is located in the neighbourhood of Acton, home to the NewActon arts area and a wealth of standout bars and eateries. With its striking crosshatched roof, vegetable-heavy menu and impressive wine selection, this one tops the list. 

Most drops are sourced from Canberra and work just as well by night as they do by day, paired with plates of black pudding, fried eggs and pickles or a hearty brekkie shawarma stuffed with lamb merguez and boiled eggs.

The Canberra Distillery, Mitchell

No matter your drink of choice, the small-batch spirits produced at this award-winning distillery are sure to take your interest. Gin is their main area of expertise but they also craft vodka, whisky and liqueurs, all available to sample on-site. 

The best way to experience the distillery is through a group tour or tasting, either booked directly through the venue or via a tour company.

Dinner at: Monster Kitchen & Bar, CBD

Accommodation and fine dining rarely overlap but several new spots including this Ovolo eatery are revamping the reputation of hotel restaurants. In line with the Ovolo’s commitment to go meat-free across all their Australian and Hong Kong venues, Monster is completely vegetarian without sacrifice. 

Produce like savoy cabbage stuffed with vegan mince and comte or peri peri cauliflower with macadamia and chimichurri are the star of the show, but there’s also dairy-free cheese plates and a decadent vegan chocolate pudding with salted coconut sorbet, miso caramel and cookie crumb.

Australia’s capital city is a paradise for foodies with a truly eclectic mix of dining styles, cuisines and experiences, with award-winning restaurants, vineyards and baristas. Discover more than you expect in Canberra.