Outdoor dining spots for lunch and dinner
Updated 27 Oct 2023
All for alfresco
From lakeside to laneways, the alfresco dining scene just keeps getting better in Canberra. Whether you’re a family of four or more, coupled up or getting the gang together, enjoy a myriad of choices when it comes to lunch and dinner outdoors.
Group get-togethers
Revel in variety at Verity Lane Market
With dining options of ramen, pizza and tapas at the one location, you know you’ve hit variety jackpot at Verity Lane Market. This magnificent food hall features chef-driven cuisine and world-class drinks right in the heart of Canberra. Located in the historic Sydney Building, sit out in the extra-long tables in a laneway steeped in Canberra history.
Taste exciting Asian cuisine at AKIBA
Fun and fast-paced, the contemporary Asian dishes at AKIBA are designed to be shared between laughs with friends. The food showcases the many styles of Asian barbecue, raw bar, and modern-day dim sum. So, round up the troops to get the ‘Feed Me’ banquet, a collection of AKIBA’S top eight dishes.
Cheers with beers and burgers
Capital Brewing Co.’s brewery 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.
Enjoy more than your average pub
Head to Edgar’s Inn in Ainslie and relax in the sunny beer garden, a best-kept-secret of the inner north and only a 15-minute stroll to the city. If a light-filled lakeside pub appeals to you, Walt & Burley on the Kingston Foreshore is for you. Enjoy a sunset session as you overlook it’s glistening namesake: Lake Burley Griffin.
Combine hearty pub meals, ten craft beer taps, plus a rustic building from 1857 and you have the Old Canberra Inn, one of the earliest licensed pubs in the capital. A quick drive from the city centre you will find Woden’s hub for food, drink, fun, and games: The Alby. Since opening its doors in 2021, this energetic venue has been bringing good vibes and good eats to its patrons. Make time to try its in-house duckpin bowling after your meal. Or hide out in Braddon for one of Canberra’s favourite beer gardens at Assembly.
Date night
Enjoy an elegant affair at Dear Prudence
Tucked in 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.
Share Spanish tapas at Parlour
Relax at Rizla
Rizla is all about good times and seriously good food and wine, delivering a relaxed experience that makes drinking wine fun. With the focus on Riesling and matching share-plates designed specifically to pair with the wine list, you’re in good hands. Featuring Canberra’s best new vintage and cellared Rieslings, side by side with iconic Australian and international producers, Rizla also proudly features many of the region’s other top red and white varietals, right in the beating heart of Braddon.
Take in the views of Lark Hill Winery
Set high on the escarpment above Bungendore, 30 kilometres north east 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.
Fun for the Family
Dine in a botanic oasis at Pollen Cafe
Enjoy views of Aussie flora and native birdlife while you dine at Pollen Cafe. Hidden in the Australian National Botanic Gardens, take a day to wander through the world’s most comprehensive display of living native Australian plants after your fuel stop. This café breathes life into you with its fresh flower decor and vibrant, healthy dishes.
Snap a good feed at Snapper & Co.
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. This casual eatery on green grass next to Lake Burley Griffin makes for the perfect kid-friendly setting. Plus, live music is back on from 1 October and sure to create an unmissable atmosphere.
Experience farm to table with the Kitchen Garden at Rodney's
Dine amongst striking lush grounds with lots of potted plants and green spaces at the Kitchen Garden at Rodney's. This café at Rodney's nursery sources produce from on-site gardens and nearby farms, which is just one of their many charms. Take a stroll around the nursery which is the largest all-weather garden centre in Canberra. The kids will go crazy for the play area which features cubbies, sandpits, slides, rocking horses and even a helicopter.
Try out much-loved Kinn Thai
Expect flavourful meals and exciting mocktails at Kinn Thai, conveniently located in the city at the Canberra Centre. The atmosphere is relaxed yet energetic in their large outdoor area, which is fitted with modern wooden benches and friendly service. Sit back and relax in the light and airy space as you enjoy classic Thai meals with a contemporary influence.
Uncover more dining options
Each meal will be more delicious than the last with this guide to everything from the best brunch spots and hatted restaurants through to popular pub grub and vegetarian eats.
