Warm and cosy places to eat and drink when Canberra gets cold

The moody interiors of Bootleg create a speakeasy feel with southern charm, tucked below in the bunker for a cosy night out. Homestyle eats like wings, fried chicken and burgers will warm you up from the inside out.

29 Garema Place, Canberra City

Corella offers a Mod Oz menu heavy on Native Australian ingredients, with a long list of yummy cocktails which (despite the chilly weather) will be perfect for a winter dinner.

14 Lonsdale Street, Braddon

Ok, so it’s a little off the beaten track but once you get there, Grazing is well worth it. Request a seat in front of the fire to really stay snug and enjoy some of the region’s best cuisine.

Cork Street, Gundaroo

This dive-bar-inspired underground bar with a ’70s aesthetic and classic jazz and rock soundtrack, Blackbird will make all your mid-winter fantasies come true.

112 Alinga St, Canberra City

This Peruvian/Japanese fusion will not only be a beautiful escape from the wind and cold, but you’ll be able to grab a few snaps for the ‘gram at a night out to INKA.

148 Bunda Street, Canberra City

Take the drive out to the sleepy town of Hall and indulge in Kynefin’s crazy-popular picnic table menu option, which holds an array of delicious handmade bakery treats and mini drinks.

2-4 Victoria Street, Hall 

The Meat & Wine Co. is an Afro-centric steakhouse with a decidedly glamorous edge. The intimate cosy atmosphere pairs beautifully with a good glass of wine and an exceptionally flavoured tender steak.

Constitution Place, Canberra City

An unpretentious Euro-style brasserie dishing up real comfort food—think Gnocchi Parisienne, Beef Bourguignon with French Style Mash or Coq au Vin. The service at Ondine is as warm as the space—a perfect cool-weather dining destination.

7 Duff Place, Deakin

Hotel Realm’s Ostani Bar is an enticing drinks destination all year round—the airy beer garden perfect for a summer sip, while a seat near the spectacular open gas fireplace is pole position in the cooler months. A menu of elevated pub staples and a creative cocktail list completes the offering.

Hotel Realm, 18 National Circuit, Barton

Leave your coat at the door; you won’t need it at this Monster kitchen and bar, located in Ovolo Nishi in NewActon. With a fireplace, electric atmosphere, and an amazing plant-based menu, it’s a must for a snug night out. Another bonus? You don’t even have to go outside if you’re heading to the movies after – Palace Electric Cinema is just a few steps away.

25 Edinburgh Ave, New Acton 

This suburban treasure is the fancy cousin of popular Edgar’s Inn, with an industrial-themed space and fine-dining menu options. It also offers up an ideal vantage point to gaze over Mount Ainslie and the surrounding heritage rooftops.

Level 1, 1 Edgar Street, Ainslie Shops

At Verity Lane Market, the industrial interior and curated range of pop-up restaurants and bars such as Louie Louie and Pizza (and Pasta) Artigiana will warm your belly on those cold Canberra days! Explore the rest of the precinct and discover Dear Prudence and Brew Nation—also excellent autumn picks.

Sydney Building, 50 Northbourne Avenue, Canberra City