Canberra Food

Eating in Canberra

Like most Australian cities, Canberra has a lively food culture with fine dining, grungy cafes and everything in between. The city can be divided into several distinct precincts, each of which has a unique food experience to be enjoyed.

The precinct of Dickson is fast growing into Canberra’s foodie haven, with cuisines from virtually all over the world represented in the restaurants here – including Thai, Japanese, Korean, Malaysian, African, Indian and more. The precinct has a small yet bustling China Town, with a selection of dumpling houses and Yum Cha restaurants at a variety of prices – a wallet-friendly option for the budget conscious student or traveller. The precinct is also home to many traditional Irish and English-style pubs and clubs which offer large, wholesome meals at affordable prices, as well as a selection of Australian and imported beers and ales.

The inner city Civic Precinct has all the buzz of a trendy CBD, with many bustling cafes serving quality coffee to Canberra’s cosmopolitan population. Fine restaurants, homely pubs, wine bars and vodka bars can be found around this area, particularly in Northbourne Avenue, the Canberra Centre, Bunda Street and the Melbourne Building.

Nearby, the eclectic precinct of Braddon has a quirky, artistic atmosphere, which translates to the colourful mix of restaurants and bars. The fashionable Kingston and Manuka Precincts also have a buzzing food culture, with gourmet specialty stores, bakeries, award-winning restaurants and trendy pubs serving delicious food in a relaxed, sophisticated setting.

Visitors can step back in time in the historical precincts of Acton and Gold Creek Village, with many restaurants serving modern Australian cuisine, fine wines and boutique beers. For food with a view, visit one of the many restaurants and cafes around the blue waters of Lake Burley Griffin – for a cheaper option, pack a picnic and enjoy the parkland around the lake.

Another alternative to eating out is to pick up some fresh produce from the many farmers markets around the city and make your own food at home. Many of Canberra’s markets specialize in organic and seasonal delicacies – including fruit, vegetables, meat, nuts, grains, legumes, cheese, chocolate, coffee, baked goods, seafood and delicious small goods. The Fyshwick Fresh Food Markets, the Capital Regional Farmers Market at Exhibition Park, the Belconnen Fresh Food Markets, the Old Bus Depot Markets, the Woden CIT campus and the Hall Markets are some of the most popular in the city. Shopping this way can be a fun and affordable day out, with the lively bustle of crowds and street performers making the experience more fun than any supermarket.