The Best Restaurants in Canberra for 2026

Immerse yourself in a symphony of flavour at Chop Chop, one of the best Asian restaurants in Canberra serving modern Japanese with a few innovative twists. The chefs utilise traditional Japanese cooking techniques and add their own contemporary touches to deliver a refreshingly exciting menu. Think bao buns with soft shell crab in a spicy mayo, Wagyu beef steak with yakiniku, miso-glazed eggplant and fresh oysters with passionfruit ponzu, alongside a lengthy sushi and sashimi menu. Heat things up with a spicy yuzu margarita or cool them down with a refreshing mango mule cocktail. And for special occasions, there are three private and semi-private dining areas available, from The Cozy Booth for intimate events to The Long Table and The Sakura Hall for larger gatherings. Full venue buyout may also be available on select dates for parties of up to 250 people.

Heavily connected to the Australian wine scene, No.10 Restaurant + Bar Belconnen is a warm and inviting space ideal for relaxing over a boozy brunch or lingering over that final glass after a leisurely lunch with the gang. Ask your waiter for the perfect pairing or choose your own from the extensive wine list. Start your day with cinnamon and ricotta pancakes or a healthy green bowl with a soft poached egg. Lunch on saffron risotto with grilled prawns or an Asian salad with a chilli kick. For dinner, perhaps a chargrilled steak cooked to your liking and served with duck fat char potatoes. And with daily deals, you can enjoy all this for less. Happy hour + a half runs every weekday from 4:30 pm, as do daily express lunch specials for just $17. Plus, each day has its own unique special offer, such as $12 cocktails on Thursday evenings and $25 steak sandwich and beer deals on Fridays. 

A casual yet beloved food, wine and bottle shop inspired by David Bowie’s hit single, REBEL REBEL has a relaxed vibe and interiors with just a touch of glam. It’s a great spot for catching up with friends over a bottle (or two) of curated wine and plates of tempting nibbles, with sunny outdoor seating so you can really make the most of those summer months. Awarded One Hat by the Sunday Morning Herald’s Good Food Guide, REBEL REBEL has been known as one of the best restaurants in Canberra among locals and visitors for over 40 years. The wine list has an Australian slant, with a few carefully chosen international vintages thrown into the mix. Food-wise, expect seasonally changing dishes, which may include fried quail with harissa and lemon, Appellation Sydney rock oysters with pink peppercorn, blue mackerel with pickled fennel and confit duck with cavolo nero and chestnut.

A local favourite known as one of the best steak restaurants in Canberra, Diplomat Bar & Grill ensures a memorable dining experience from breakfast right through to dinner. Sample dishes such as a truffle-infused smoked ham and cheese toastie or a Diplomat salad bowl with ginger and lemon dressing for breakfast. For lunch or dinner, the set menu offers great value for money with two or three courses for just $49 or $59 per head. Or, go a la carte, where you can choose from dishes including sauteed garlic and chilli prawns with chorizo, slow-cooked beef cheeks with truffle-infused potato mash and Sri Lankan chicken curry with pickled cucumber and onion – or, of course, a premium cut of steak. Happy hour runs from 5 pm until 6 pm Saturday to Thursday and from 4 pm until 7 pm on Fridays, where you can pick up house beers, wine and spirits for $6 and cocktail specials for $12.

Amara Indian sources ingredients from local producers and crafts them into classic Indian dishes with a twist. As one of the best Indian restaurants in Canberra, this is a must-try for lovers of spice. Group bookings are more than welcome, with a variety of banquet menus, while the express lunch menu is ideal when you just need to refuel in the middle of the day. Vegans and vegetarians are well catered for, with a variety of innovative dishes including dopiaza with fresh baby okra, paneer in a spinach sauce and a creamy coconut vegetable curry. For meat and seafood enthusiasts, there are options such as slow-cooked and tender goat curry, classic lamb rogan josh, Goan ling fish in coconut sauce and a hot and spicy beef vindaloo. The quality of the meals is matched only by that of the warm hospitality.

Sometimes all you want to do of an evening is relax. With PJs In The City on your doorstep, you can now get that chilled-out vibe while getting out and about. As one of the best restaurants in Canberra for quality pub grub and local craft beers, make going out the new staying in and soak up the warm ambience and relaxed atmosphere. Weekday happy hours offer great deals on drinks between 4 pm and 6 pm, while Fridays and Saturdays join the party with offers on late-night feeds such as pizzas and parmas until midnight and live DJs. You can start your week with Monday night trivia and win great prizes. The menu is comfort food at its finest – think juicy burgers, herb-crumbed schnitzels, velvety pastas, pizzas and steaks. Top it off by discovering your new favourite tipple from the rotating craft beer taps.

Soaring ceilings, picture windows and an outdoor terrace with lake views make La Rustica more than just one of the best restaurants in Canberra – it’s a destination in itself. Get your Insta game on point over morning coffee, a lunch with the gang or a hearty Italian dinner, with stunning lakeside vistas at no extra cost. The expert team crafts local, seasonal produce into dishes featuring the flavours of Italy. Discover all your pizza and pasta classics, from capricosa and marinara to lasagne and spaghetti pescatore, plus innovative starters and mains. Try tuna carpaccio, saffron and cheese arancini or deep-fried scallops to start, then add grilled lamb cutlets in a spicy red wine sauce, or a new take on surf and turf with pan-fried veal and tiger prawns sauteed in a garlic and white wine sauce. Regularly changing daily specials means there’s always something new to try.

Queenies Restaurant & Bar, nestled in Kingston, offers a dining experience with a relaxed and friendly vibe. The decor features a blend of timber and rattan, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Diners can enjoy the outdoor seating area, perfect for soaking up the ambience. For a more intimate gathering, a private dining room is available. The menu boasts a range of enticing options, with the espresso martini standing out as a must-try. With its inviting atmosphere and tasty drinks, Queenies is a great place to visit. From the menu, sample torched kingfish sashimi with pomegranate and green chilli, miso eggplant with spiced macadamia, tender lamb cutlet with honey roast carrots and, of course, Queenie’s signature miso and caramel cheesecake. Every dish on the menu is 100% gluten-free, and the venue supports local winemakers and musicians for your entertainment while you dine.

Briscola Italian is one of the best restaurants in Canberra for a meal with the family. Offering a modern Italian dining experience with a focus on wood-fired pizza and fresh pasta, the vibe is relaxed and contemporary, complemented by stylish decor. Group bookings are welcome, with a choice of menus for larger parties and special event menus for tables of 10 or more. Choose from lunchtime deals or pizza and pasta banquets, right through to 10-course chef’s tasting menus for a VIP experience. Dishes inspired by Italy include porcini mushroom arancini, garlic and chilli linguine with frutti di mare, milk-fed veal medallions with pancetta in a garlic cream sauce and pumpkin and ricotta ravioli with a burnt sage butter. Look out for special seasonal menus for holidays and events, including Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day and more.