Canberra - beyond the museums and galleries.

Alison
Canberra - beyond the museums and galleries.

Coffee

Corner University Ave and London Circuit One of the best coffee shops in Australia, if not the world - their baristas have won the World Championships. They don’t take bookings so on the weekends expect a queue of people waiting for a table – it’s worth the wait, or get there just before opening. The food is excellent and the coffee even better. *Our favourites: - Flat White on Raspberry Candy blend. - Avo. - Salted Caramel Popcorn Milkshake 7am to 4pm weekdays, 8am to 3pm weekends. Hint: There’s a takeaway window around the corner for coffee and pastries (near the grassy area)
43 locals recommend
The Cupping Room
1-13 University Ave
43 locals recommend
Corner University Ave and London Circuit One of the best coffee shops in Australia, if not the world - their baristas have won the World Championships. They don’t take bookings so on the weekends expect a queue of people waiting for a table – it’s worth the wait, or get there just before opening. The food is excellent and the coffee even better. *Our favourites: - Flat White on Raspberry Candy blend. - Avo. - Salted Caramel Popcorn Milkshake 7am to 4pm weekdays, 8am to 3pm weekends. Hint: There’s a takeaway window around the corner for coffee and pastries (near the grassy area)
Phillip Law St, New Acton Next door to the Palace Cinema – Good coffee and live music events throughout the year.
9 locals recommend
Makeshift by Red Brick
2 Phillip Law St
9 locals recommend
Phillip Law St, New Acton Next door to the Palace Cinema – Good coffee and live music events throughout the year.
Good coffee and standard breakfast fare. Has stood the test of time, nothing fancy other than the decor. Sit upstairs and people watch Lonsdale Street from the big windows.
28 locals recommend
Lonsdale Street Cafe
23 Lonsdale St
28 locals recommend
Good coffee and standard breakfast fare. Has stood the test of time, nothing fancy other than the decor. Sit upstairs and people watch Lonsdale Street from the big windows.
They love their coffee and their lunches are quick, filling and healthy. Also located on Allara Street and Barton. The best place in Civic to pick up lunch for work trips.
Brew and Brew - 2 Constitution Ave
2 Constitution Ave
They love their coffee and their lunches are quick, filling and healthy. Also located on Allara Street and Barton. The best place in Civic to pick up lunch for work trips.
Mezzalira is a Canberra dining institution. During the day they operate a tiny hole in the wall cafe Da Rosario. To find it, Mezzalira is on the corner of London Circuit & Moore St. Da Rosario are the tables out the front on London Circuit from 7am - 3pm approx. Great Italian coffee, sublime pastries & other snacks. *I recommend the $8 coffee & sfogliatelle to get the day started.
6 locals recommend
Mezzalira Italian Restaurant
55 London Cct
6 locals recommend
Mezzalira is a Canberra dining institution. During the day they operate a tiny hole in the wall cafe Da Rosario. To find it, Mezzalira is on the corner of London Circuit & Moore St. Da Rosario are the tables out the front on London Circuit from 7am - 3pm approx. Great Italian coffee, sublime pastries & other snacks. *I recommend the $8 coffee & sfogliatelle to get the day started.

Drinks

Kendall Lane. Their weekday lunch special $20 for meal & wine is a bargain. On Friday afternoon and weekends make sure you reserve a table
19 locals recommend
Parlour
16 Kendall Ln
19 locals recommend
Kendall Lane. Their weekday lunch special $20 for meal & wine is a bargain. On Friday afternoon and weekends make sure you reserve a table
First Floor, 65 London Circuit (Melbourne Building, look for the doorway to the left near Lemongrass Thai – also recommended) Good Food 2018 Bar of the Year winner - need we say more. Tuesday – Thursday 5pm – Late Friday - 3pm - 1am Saturday 5pm – 1am
28 locals recommend
Bar Rochford
65 London Cct
28 locals recommend
First Floor, 65 London Circuit (Melbourne Building, look for the doorway to the left near Lemongrass Thai – also recommended) Good Food 2018 Bar of the Year winner - need we say more. Tuesday – Thursday 5pm – Late Friday - 3pm - 1am Saturday 5pm – 1am
Speakeasy - Wooden Door, Odgers Ln Find Lemongrass Thai, go down the laneway, look for the wooden door on the right hand side, go up the stairs, keep going… Great whiskey and cocktails.
35 locals recommend
Molly
Odgers Lane
35 locals recommend
Speakeasy - Wooden Door, Odgers Ln Find Lemongrass Thai, go down the laneway, look for the wooden door on the right hand side, go up the stairs, keep going… Great whiskey and cocktails.
If you want to hang out and soak in the atmosphere of Nishi or Monster Bar, without going for the full dining experience (or while you wait for a table), grab a drink & snack around the fireplace in the foyer of the Ovolo hotel. *Hint: The ‘Penicillin’ will cure all the woes of the world.
58 locals recommend
Monster Kitchen and Bar
25 Edinburgh Ave
58 locals recommend
If you want to hang out and soak in the atmosphere of Nishi or Monster Bar, without going for the full dining experience (or while you wait for a table), grab a drink & snack around the fireplace in the foyer of the Ovolo hotel. *Hint: The ‘Penicillin’ will cure all the woes of the world.
Locally brewed beer, cider and trendy pub food
55 locals recommend
BentSpoke Brewing Co.
38 Mort St
55 locals recommend
Locally brewed beer, cider and trendy pub food
Formerly known as Black Market. High Jinks has taken it up a notch with even better cocktails and atmosphere. Friday night happy hour starts 5pm. Hidden cocktail bar underneath Morning Glory in NewActon. Saunter through the garden opposite the Nishi building, and head for the elevator or walk through Morning Glory and pop downstairs. Tuesday-Saturday 5pm-late
7 locals recommend
Black Market
15 Edinburgh Ave
7 locals recommend
Formerly known as Black Market. High Jinks has taken it up a notch with even better cocktails and atmosphere. Friday night happy hour starts 5pm. Hidden cocktail bar underneath Morning Glory in NewActon. Saunter through the garden opposite the Nishi building, and head for the elevator or walk through Morning Glory and pop downstairs. Tuesday-Saturday 5pm-late

Cinema

Small cinema complex with arthouse and mainstream movies. Keep an eye out of events and movie festivals. Great bar and snacks menu. *Hint: You don't have to go see a movie, stop past to pick up their home-made choctop icecreams. Cafe Grande is the best flavour.
43 locals recommend
Palace Electric Cinema
2 Phillip Law St
43 locals recommend
Small cinema complex with arthouse and mainstream movies. Keep an eye out of events and movie festivals. Great bar and snacks menu. *Hint: You don't have to go see a movie, stop past to pick up their home-made choctop icecreams. Cafe Grande is the best flavour.
The main local cinema. All the usual movies plus a good range of alternative and art house movies. The premium lounge is extremely good - book ahead.
39 locals recommend
Dendy Cinemas Canberra Centre
148 Bunda St
39 locals recommend
The main local cinema. All the usual movies plus a good range of alternative and art house movies. The premium lounge is extremely good - book ahead.

Groceries

Small supermarket with a good range of standard groceries, gourmet goodies and good selection of beer/wine. Short walk.
Spar
119 Marcus Clarke St
Small supermarket with a good range of standard groceries, gourmet goodies and good selection of beer/wine. Short walk.
Large, busy supermarket. Good if you don't have a car to go further afield
26 locals recommend
Coles Canberra Civic
Bunda Street
26 locals recommend
Large, busy supermarket. Good if you don't have a car to go further afield
All the essentials.
Woolworths Majura Park
18-26 Spitfire Ave
All the essentials.
Fyshwick Fresh Food Market – Highly recommended (Veggies, Meat, Fish and numerous delis and bottle shops) 36 Mildura Street, Fyshwick, ACT 2604. Open Thursday and Friday from 10am to 5pm. Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 5pm.
33 locals recommend
Fyshwick Fresh Food Market
36 Mildura St
33 locals recommend
Fyshwick Fresh Food Market – Highly recommended (Veggies, Meat, Fish and numerous delis and bottle shops) 36 Mildura Street, Fyshwick, ACT 2604. Open Thursday and Friday from 10am to 5pm. Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 5pm.
Canberra Airport, 39-41 Mustang Ave, Majura Park ACT 2609 Membership Required. Cheap, bulk food and groceries. *Also cheapest petrol in Canberra
Costco Canberra
39-41 Mustang Avenue
Canberra Airport, 39-41 Mustang Ave, Majura Park ACT 2609 Membership Required. Cheap, bulk food and groceries. *Also cheapest petrol in Canberra

Services

Pharmacy: Chemist on Northbourne 65 Northbourne Ave, Canberra 7am – 11pm 10 minute walk
6 locals recommend
The Pharmacy on Northbourne
65 Northbourne Ave
6 locals recommend
Pharmacy: Chemist on Northbourne 65 Northbourne Ave, Canberra 7am – 11pm 10 minute walk
Physio / Massage / Osteopathy: Canberra Health Network (less than 10 minute walk). Monday to Friday 7am to 7pm, Saturday 8am to 4pm Phone: 02 6247 0733, online booking available Level 1, 71-73 London Circuit, Canberra
Canberra City Osteopathy
71-73 London Cct
Physio / Massage / Osteopathy: Canberra Health Network (less than 10 minute walk). Monday to Friday 7am to 7pm, Saturday 8am to 4pm Phone: 02 6247 0733, online booking available Level 1, 71-73 London Circuit, Canberra
2/14 Childers St, Canberra ACT 2601 Phone: (02) 6262 9297
Thai Bliss Therapeutic Massage
14 Childers St
2/14 Childers St, Canberra ACT 2601 Phone: (02) 6262 9297
Flow Yoga hold classes in the Nishi Gallery in NewActon Monday 6:15pm Tuesday 12:00pm Wednesday 7.15am Wednesday 6:15pm Saturday 8:00am Sunday 8:30am
Flow Yoga Canberra
1 Dairy Road
Flow Yoga hold classes in the Nishi Gallery in NewActon Monday 6:15pm Tuesday 12:00pm Wednesday 7.15am Wednesday 6:15pm Saturday 8:00am Sunday 8:30am

Food scene

Corner University Ave and London Circuit One of the best coffee shops in Australia, if not the world - their baristas have won the World Championships. They don’t take bookings so on the weekends expect a queue of people waiting for a table – it’s worth the wait, or get there just before opening. The food is excellent and the coffee even better. *Our favourites: - Flat White on Raspberry Candy blend. - Avo. - Salted Caramel Popcorn Milkshake 7am to 4pm weekdays, 8am to 3pm weekends. Hint: There’s a takeaway window around the corner for coffee and pastries (near the grassy area)
43 locals recommend
The Cupping Room
1-13 University Ave
43 locals recommend
Corner University Ave and London Circuit One of the best coffee shops in Australia, if not the world - their baristas have won the World Championships. They don’t take bookings so on the weekends expect a queue of people waiting for a table – it’s worth the wait, or get there just before opening. The food is excellent and the coffee even better. *Our favourites: - Flat White on Raspberry Candy blend. - Avo. - Salted Caramel Popcorn Milkshake 7am to 4pm weekdays, 8am to 3pm weekends. Hint: There’s a takeaway window around the corner for coffee and pastries (near the grassy area)
Bottom of Marcus Clarke St, New Acton (Look for the Modern Man sculpture out the front – you’ll know it when you see it) Crowded, quirky and friendly. Mostly local produce. *Our favourites: Porridge or the Ricotta & Honey Toast 7 am Monday to Saturday, 8 am on Sundays. Dinner from 6pm Tuesday – Saturday.
34 locals recommend
Močan & Green Grout
19 Marcus Clarke St
34 locals recommend
Bottom of Marcus Clarke St, New Acton (Look for the Modern Man sculpture out the front – you’ll know it when you see it) Crowded, quirky and friendly. Mostly local produce. *Our favourites: Porridge or the Ricotta & Honey Toast 7 am Monday to Saturday, 8 am on Sundays. Dinner from 6pm Tuesday – Saturday.
Inside Peppers Hotel on Edinburgh Ave. Traditional Italian and Wine Bar *Our favourites: Campagnola pizza, red wine & whiskey sours. Hint: ask for a table in the bar area, the restaurant gets noisy.
19 locals recommend
Bicicletta Restaurant
15 Edinburgh Ave
19 locals recommend
Inside Peppers Hotel on Edinburgh Ave. Traditional Italian and Wine Bar *Our favourites: Campagnola pizza, red wine & whiskey sours. Hint: ask for a table in the bar area, the restaurant gets noisy.
Monster Bar has become the poster child of Canberra ‘cool’. The main dining area is worth a visit. The menu is mostly share plates of local produce. Try to get a table near the fireplace. Reservations highly recommended
58 locals recommend
Monster Kitchen and Bar
25 Edinburgh Ave
58 locals recommend
Monster Bar has become the poster child of Canberra ‘cool’. The main dining area is worth a visit. The menu is mostly share plates of local produce. Try to get a table near the fireplace. Reservations highly recommended
1/80 Alinga Street (Corner Northbourne Ave) Cheap, Fast, Authentic Vietnamese. Reservation recommended on weekend evenings *Our Favourites: Roll your own rice paper rolls or the goat curry Monday – Sunday. Closed on the last Sunday of every month. Lunch: 11:30am – 2:30pm Dinner: 5:30pm – 9:30pm
Bistro Nguyen's
78-80 Alinga St
1/80 Alinga Street (Corner Northbourne Ave) Cheap, Fast, Authentic Vietnamese. Reservation recommended on weekend evenings *Our Favourites: Roll your own rice paper rolls or the goat curry Monday – Sunday. Closed on the last Sunday of every month. Lunch: 11:30am – 2:30pm Dinner: 5:30pm – 9:30pm
Hidden next to Makeshift – go down the stairs, turn right. Only open at lunchtime. A Canberra institution. The best curries you will ever find.
Fekerte’s Ethiopian
2 Phillip Law Street
Hidden next to Makeshift – go down the stairs, turn right. Only open at lunchtime. A Canberra institution. The best curries you will ever find.
Phillip Law St, New Acton Next door to the Palace Cinema – Good coffee and live music events throughout the year.
9 locals recommend
Makeshift by Red Brick
2 Phillip Law St
9 locals recommend
Phillip Law St, New Acton Next door to the Palace Cinema – Good coffee and live music events throughout the year.
CBD (Capitol Bar & Grill) – inside the QT hotel. Worth going in just for a look around. Great bar and excellent restaurant. The best steaks you’ll find in Canberra. They do a great job of catering for vegetarian and vegan if you let them know.
7 locals recommend
Capitol Bar & Grill Restaurant
1 London Cct
7 locals recommend
CBD (Capitol Bar & Grill) – inside the QT hotel. Worth going in just for a look around. Great bar and excellent restaurant. The best steaks you’ll find in Canberra. They do a great job of catering for vegetarian and vegan if you let them know.
Local and seasonal produce. Beautiful coffee Breakfast and lunch
Gather Cafe
24 Mort St
Local and seasonal produce. Beautiful coffee Breakfast and lunch
Wood fired Mediterranean cuisine – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
12 locals recommend
Black Fire Restaurant
38 Mort St
12 locals recommend
Wood fired Mediterranean cuisine – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Laos-Thai Street Food. Mid price. Super Tasty.
Zaab
9 Lonsdale St
Laos-Thai Street Food. Mid price. Super Tasty.
A classic pub that hasn't changed much over time, other than big tables and reliable menu. Great for groups looking for quick feeds. Lots of pool tables out the back. Always screens major sports events.
12 locals recommend
The Civic Pub
8 Lonsdale St
12 locals recommend
A classic pub that hasn't changed much over time, other than big tables and reliable menu. Great for groups looking for quick feeds. Lots of pool tables out the back. Always screens major sports events.
Cheap and easy feeds for families and big groups. Standard pub food and cook your own steak menu.
9 locals recommend
Kingston Hotel
73 Canberra Ave
9 locals recommend
Cheap and easy feeds for families and big groups. Standard pub food and cook your own steak menu.
The best thai restaurant in Canberra. 1 hat in the Good Food Guide. Operated by the nicest brothers you could happen to meet & their team are amazing.
26 locals recommend
Morks Restaurant
19 Eastlake Parade
26 locals recommend
The best thai restaurant in Canberra. 1 hat in the Good Food Guide. Operated by the nicest brothers you could happen to meet & their team are amazing.
Vegan cafe with the best cupcakes in Canberra
16 locals recommend
Sweet Bones Bakery and Cafe
18 Lonsdale St
16 locals recommend
Vegan cafe with the best cupcakes in Canberra

Dessert

Dessert Laboratory - Need we say more. Messina is nearby but Fruggi is the best. The flavours can be a little strange, but ask them for a tasting before making the commitment. *Hint: the 1 litre tub for $20 is amazing value.
14 locals recommend
Frugii Dessert Laboratory
28-30 Lonsdale St
14 locals recommend
Dessert Laboratory - Need we say more. Messina is nearby but Fruggi is the best. The flavours can be a little strange, but ask them for a tasting before making the commitment. *Hint: the 1 litre tub for $20 is amazing value.
The best chocolate you'll ever eat. Their truffles are incredible. Hint: Try the burnt honey truffles.
Enigma Fine Chocolates
30 Lonsdale St
The best chocolate you'll ever eat. Their truffles are incredible. Hint: Try the burnt honey truffles.