Bars and restaurants with the best views of Canberra

One of Canberra’s newest sweethearts on the elevated casual dining scene, OHNO! in Griffith boasts a relaxed cocktail bar upstairs wherein you can have a tipple while you wait to enjoy your meal downstairs. In the presence of house DJ’s, with a delightful snack spread, and an extensive wine list, a drink at OHNO! sounds like just the ticket for us.

Right around the corner, you can delight in the long-time crowd favourite Public Bar. And while the upstairs cocktail bar might be small, it hits hard with a sharp menu and drinks list. Sitting by the wall of windows is the perfect spot to enjoy a drink while looking out onto the goings-on of the street below.

With panoramic views of the lake and delicious food, Snapper & Co. is the perfect lakeside spot to spend this summer. Serving local beers from Capital Brewing Co. and local wines from the likes of Lake George Winery and Mount Majura Winery, alongside a delightfully summery cocktail menu, you can sit back and watch the sailboats soar past, taking your worries with them.

The Jetty beer garden is open during the warmer months, serving groovy tunes, good times, and great beer. Located lakeside at Lake Burley Griffin, you can enjoy the sunset across the water as you take in the views, the brews, and the feed at the unbeatable location.

Be greeted by sweeping skyline views of the leafy city, Lake Burley Griffin, and beyond from one of the Inner South’s nicest rooftop bars, Leyla Bar. And with breezy, coastal vibes and a menu packed full of delicious Spanish tapas, it’s (literally) an elevated drinking experience.

Local favourite Edgar’s in Ainslie has beautiful secret upstairs that they’ve named The Inn. Stepping into the refined extension from the laidback vibe of Edgar’s, you’ll enjoy a wood-lined bar, raw concrete walls, and magical views of the sun setting over the leafy streets.

With a private, lush, greenery-filled terrace overlooking London Circuit and City Hill, Highball isn’t just a bar – it’s a destination. With a fresh and fun vibe (and a very, very extensive rum menu), even with the reminder just out the window, you’ll forget you’re in the heart of Canberra’s city.

The Kingston Foreshore is a fantastic place to enjoy as the weather warms up. One spot not to miss is Walt and Burley; the perfect spot to soak up the ambiance of the foreshore as you enjoy a pub feed and a few drinks with your favourite people.

Casual eats and views that can’t be beat – Yaki Boi in Braddon is often soaked with sunshine and packed with pizzas, burgers, and cocktails. A great location to kick off your day or end your night, with a Japanese fusion-inspired menu, perch yourself on this patio.

Whether you want to catch the latest sport with a beer in hand, enjoy a perfectly cooked meal or dance to some live music, The Dock will have you sorted. Big on supporting locally sourced food, drinks and talent, give back to the community and have a great time doing it.