12 of the best new restaurants and bars in Canberra to enjoy in 2023

Vincent is a concept restaurant hidden amongst the beautiful leafy suburb of Barton. Specialising in pairing exquisite food with unconventional, specifically sourced wines from around the world, Vincent brings an exciting vibe to the Canberra dining experience. While you're so close to the National Triangle, why not take a stroll through Old Parliament House Gardens before your meal to enjoy the roses?

The team behind one of Canberra’s most acclaimed restaurants, Pilot, has opened a new modern city eatery in the heart of Canberra City, Such and Such. Created as a nostalgic but modern take on flavours, with a fun locally leaning drinks menu and design that shines a light on creative Canberrans, it has been set up to be a ‘drop in’ place with plenty of room for drinkers and diners to have a little more fun with their foodie experience.

Located on the busy and creative Lonsdale Street in the Braddon precinct, you’ll find one of the area’s newest local foodie paradises, Corella Bar. Come in to discover their bespoke menu inspired by native ingredients and shaped by modern Australian cuisine, with the stunning interior that feels like a classic Parisian corner bar. You’ll quickly discover why they were named one of the ‘Top 5 Restaurants in Canberra’ in Gourmet Traveller’s 2023 Restaurant Awards.

The Woden precinct’s foodie culture just got a little more delicious with the addition of Dada, which serves up modern Asian dishes with serious flavours. The space is sleek and minimalist, with subtle curves that are anchored by sneak glimpses of co-owner and chef, Peter Kang, at work. Asian-fusion dishes for all tastes and serious vibe are what you’ll find at Dada. 

Ask any local in the know where Canberra’s best ramen is, and it’s likely they’ll give a shout out to Ramen O. Backing popular demand at their Belconnen location, they added a Woden location to accommodate their loyal fan base and continue to never cease to impress with their Tonkotsu broth. Duck in for an unforgettable (and affordable) meal on either side of town.

In a city where there’s a new restaurant opening weekly, Canberra Centre is going big. Unveiling a delicious new dining precinct inspired by the hawker centres of Asia, meet Tiger Lane. Spanning 2000sqm, it features 12 dining outlets and bars split into different sections reflective of their cuisine and country of origin, including Japan, South Korea, Southern China, Northern China and South East Asia. It's open 7 days for lunch and dinner - there's something for everyone at Tiger Lane.

If you’re looking for a mini holiday right in the vibrant heart of the city, look no further than Highball. With Canberra’s best tropical cocktails, boozy punches, and flavoursome bites, you’re sure to feel like you’re in another world when enjoying a signature tipple. Newly relocated in the Melbourne building, this local favourite also hosts salsa dancing events to bring its celebration feeling and vibrance to the next level.

On the fringe of Canberra’s CBD, you’ll find Black Mountain and a lesser-known icon within Canberra’s foodie scene. Take an afternoon walk up the Black Mountain trails before celebrating your climbing feat with tapas and wine at Temporada. From the creators of long-time favourite local restauranteurs, comes this smart, modern eatery with wood-panelled décor that makes produce-driven tapas and share plates to pair with their impressive drinks list.

The ramen fandom continues with a trip to the inspiring Dairy Road precinct for lunch or dinner at Canteen Ramen Bar and Bottle Shop. From the creators of a Verity Lane Market local favourite Ramen Daddy, comes a new space that promises to preserve the time-honoured precision for ramen while adding a flair of modern cookery. Enjoy a full menu of Japanese classics and street food, alongside Red Brick coffee, sake, and local wines. While you’re, browse through Dairy Road's maker precinct and enjoy a wander through Grainger Gallery or a gin tasting at Big River Distilling Co.

A classic favourite with a new glow up, comes Bar Beruit - one of Canberra's newest late night spots. A bar and Middle Eastern-Mediterranean meze restaurant, you'll find a cosy corner to tuck into with food and drink in hand, at this lovely little hideaway. Perhaps the boozy bubble tea or the extensive seafood menu will be enough to get you into the door, if the inviting decor doesn't enchant you first.

A glimmering new diamond in the Canberra cocktail scene, Blue Eyes has brought Hollywood glamour to Garema Place. A nod to Frank Sinatra and dimly lit lounge bars of olde, comes this intimate and unmissable addition to Canberra’s city centre. With cosy booths and a small stage for live acts, you can enjoy your glass of sparkling and charcuterie underneath the romantic light of chandeliers.

There's always something new and delicious to try at Verity Lane Market, and one of its newest additions comes as Rasa Rosa makes her entrance. From online business to brick-and-mortar store, Rasa Rosa serves up authentic Indonesian cuisine that's guaranteed to warm your body as well as your soul. While you're there, feel free to enjoy an after dinner apertif upstairs at Louie Louie.