Best new places to eat and drink in Canberra
Updated 4 Jun 2025
When it comes to new and exciting food and drink offerings, Canberra delivers in spades
Canberra’s food and drink scene is buzzing with new venues popping up and promising to elevate your dining and drinking experiences. From cosy cafés to unique restaurants and vibrant bars, the city’s latest venues are making waves. Whether you're a coffee connoisseur, a fan of innovative cuisine, or someone who enjoys a classic hearty meal, these newly opened spots are worth getting on your radar.
Shaw Estate
Offering a menu deeply rooted in Italian tradition while celebrating local and seasonal ingredients, Shaw Estate’s highly anticipated new restaurant brings refined yet relaxed dining to the heart of Murrumbateman’s countryside. Of course, the new Shaw Estate restaurant also offers a carefully curated wine list featuring both Shaw Wines and select national and international varietals that perfectly complements the menu, inviting guests to slow down and savour the moment.
Andre’s Osteria
Canberra does Mediterranean cusine well and Andre's Osteria which opened in Weston Creek is a welcome addition. The meals are centred on quality, seasonal, and locally sourced produce. A simple yet flavourful menu features standouts such as wagyu short-rib lasagne and pangrattato and pistachio crème brûlée for dessert.
Fresca Cafe
Just neighbouring Canberra, Fresca Café in Queanbeyan brings a fresh and exciting lunchtime experience with Italian flair. The cafe heroes Tuscan Schiacciata, a crisp and airy Italian flatbread originating from Tuscany. Their schiacciata bread is crafted in-house and filled to order with the freshest local and imported artisanal products. For the daring, there are a range of specialty beverages available which include an Iced Beetroot and Blue Matcha latte.
AK’s Diner
There’s a new street food eatery at the bottom of Ovolo Nishi building in New Acton. Former owner and chef at XO opened AK’s Diner as a Southeast Asian takeaway for Monday to Friday lunches. Ak’s Diner is all about stripping away all the things that are not related to the food: no expensive fit-out, no fancy wine, it’s just tasty, comfort food on a plate.
Contentious Character
You don’t have to leave Canberra for a cellar door experience. Contentious Character is an urban winery in Fyshwick's thriving Dairy Road Precinct. From their beginnings in the rolling hills of Wamboin to the new inner city digs, one thing has remained constant—a commitment to nuanced wines, good old-fashioned hospitality and experiences that win the hearts and minds of their beloved customers.
Cartel Taqueria
After opening two years in Queanbeyan, Cartel Taqueria has expanded to Canberra’s northside, bringing its bold flavours and vibrant energy along for the ride. The new Belconnen location features a fun, eye-catching fit-out that sets the perfect scene for tacos that truly melt in your mouth. Surprisingly for Mexican cuisine, around 90% of the menu can be made to be gluten-free friendly, simply by swapping the flour tortilla for a corn one. Plus, Cartel Taqueria proudly sources its beef and chicken from a certified halal butcher.
Clover Wafu Italia
In the heart of the city, Clover Wafu Italia brings together Italian cuisine with the delicate flavours of wafu, a style of cooking rooted in Japanese flavours. The restaurant aims to create a culinary experience that celebrates both cultures through innovative dishes, a welcoming atmosphere, and a focus on freshness and quality.
Uptown Vibes
Serving breakfast and lunch daily and dinner from Tuesday to Saturday, Uptown Vibes has opened up a multi-level venue on the iconic Lonsdale Street. It’s all about European-based cuisine with modern Australian twists. Come for a cheeky drink from an eclectic wine list and snacks at the bar for a casual dining experience.
On Lonsdale
Serving award-winning ONA coffee, On Lonsdale Café is where specialty coffee meets Japanese/Korean-inspired sandos in the heart of Canberra's famous Lonsdale Street, Braddon. Once a bustling mechanics shop, the space has been transformed into a modern, cosy cafe with a nod to its industrial roots. Whether you’re in for a quick bite or a leisurely coffee break, On Lonsdale is your new go-to spot for a delicious, laid-back experience.
