Outdoor dining spots for lunch and dinner

At AKIBA, the neon light-filled atmosphere complements a menu of contemporary Asian dishes, crafted to share between laughs with friends. The food showcases the many styles of Asian barbecue, raw bar, and modern-day dim sum. Gather your crew for the ‘Feed Me’ banquet, which showcases eight of AKIBA’S standout dishes, including kingfish sashimi and pork belly buns. 

Capital Brewing Co.  in Fyshwick is a weekend delight, with expansive outdoor seating and a Brodburger van serving mouth-watering burgers and hotdogs. Capital Brewing Co. is in the artistic Dairy Road precinct, home to many other creative (and delicious) local vendors, with plenty of seating inside and out. 

Tucked into the centre of the city, Dear Prudence offers a list of local and global undiscovered wines in an alluring and charming atmosphere. By the glass wines change weekly, there’s always something new to explore. Dear Prudence serves small plates and snacks to pair with your favourite glass of wine. Outdoor tables amongst the bustling Alinga Street provide a front-row seat for people-watching. When the sun goes down and the warm candlelight glimmers on your wine glass time will – even for just a moment – seem to stand still.

Set amongst the NewActon precinct is a dining and drinking treat, Parlour. Plating contemporary food with a modern Australian feel and Spanish flair, you can expect to be wowed by the tapas from the kitchen, local and international boutique wine, as well as classic and house cocktails. Conveniently located opposite the Ovolo Nishi Building – home to the trendy Monster bar and Palace Electric cinema – Parlour is an ideal spot for pre or post-show dining.

Entirely alfresco, Rizla is all about good times and seriously good food and wine. With the focus on Riesling and share-plates designed specifically to pair with the wine list, you’re in good hands. Located right in the beating heart of Braddon, Rizla pours Canberra’s best new vintage and cellared Rieslings, side by side with iconic Australian and international producers, and many of the region’s other top red and white varietals.

Set high on the escarpment above Bungendore, 30 kilometres northeast of Canberra is the endearing Lark Hill Winery. Book a table on the deck of this remarkable venue, which has a deep commitment to biodynamic practices to achieve truly sustainable wine. Add to that healthy natural yeast ferments, and each glass of vino is unique with a flavour that reflects the region and conditions of the year. 

Enjoy views of Aussie flora and native birdlife while you dine at Pollen, a café hidden in the Australian National Botanic Gardens. Pollen breathes life into you with its fresh flower decor and vibrant, healthy dishes. Spend the day wandering through the world’s most comprehensive display of living native Australian plants after your fuel stop.

For the freshest fish and chips and a cool beverage, look no further than Snapper & Co. It doesn’t get any more open-air and spacious than this, with plenty of lakeside table seating and picnic options to choose from. This casual eatery on green grass next to Lake Burley Griffin makes for the perfect kid-friendly setting.