What's new for Canberra's restaurant and cafe scene

It’s time to take your tastebuds to South America. Joining the other culinary delights in Verity Lane Market, La Cocina Pura is now open to bring the freshness and “pureness” found in South American cooking to the city.

Think Empanadas, Paella, Barbeque Asado, and so much more… Who needs to book a holiday overseas when you can just head here?

After a long day exploring the region, you have to admit that nothing sounds better than a cold, salt-rimmed glass filled with tequila, triple sec, and lime. Luckily, Canberra’s newest bar, Cabo, is here, and it’s a venue where tequila reigns supreme (they had us at ‘build your own margarita’).

Bringing a fresh Mexican flare to the city, you can select your margarita’s tequila, style, and salt,  nibble on taco platters, and indulge in Churros dusted in cinnamon sugar with dulce de leche.

If you have a sweet tooth, this one is for you! Max Brenner is now open and with all the classics available—from their famed Chocolate Fondue for Two, Tutti Frutti Waffles, and dessert pizzas—you’ll be in a sugar coma in no time.

Visitors to  Canberra will be the first in Australia to experience the chocolate gelato crafted from Max Brenner’s unique recipe of premium milk, white, and dark chocolate – as well as an exciting new savoury range that boasts the ultimate cheese toastie waffle ‘The Toffle’. Yummo.

Drink coffee, do good—this is the motto of Campbell’s newest addition: Purple Rain Café.

Open seven days a week (and serving everything from matcha lattes to Italian paninis, slow-cooked pork ribs and bacon, and egg rolls), for every coffee purchased they donate $1 to CafeSmart to support people at risk. Your morning coffee run just got a whole lot sweeter.

Fonda Mexican has thrown open its doors to its Canberra casa in the heart of the Canberra Centre.

Known for their fiery flavours, good times and (of course) guac, you’ll find the perfect combination of tacos, tequila, quesadillas, Mexican bowls, and burritos. Add in a margarita-tasting paddle and you’re in for a good time.

This modern Southeast Asian bar and diner has us saying “OH YES” to dinner in Manuka this season.

Created by the team who brought The Pedlar to Campbell, OHNO! promises fun, frivolity and fine food—everything the Inner South precinct needs. How does a Sesame Prawn Donut, with prawn mayo, bonito, and coriander cress or Mango and Cardamom Brûlée sound?

Tarts from the east, cheese from the west. Hokkaido Baked Cheese Tart is now open in Gungahlin to bring us tiny—and addictive—tarts that are reigniting our obsession with cheesecake. Having to choose between salted caramel, yuzu, matcha adzuki, or the iconic original three-cheese tart will be the hardest decision of your life. Our recommendation? You can never go wrong with one of each.

A slice of France has opened in Belconnen for those who craving a coffee and croissant with a side of their shopping.

La Sable Patissierie is always prepped for you to pick up all your favourite traditional pastries, Danishes, and Petit Gâteaus—as well as some hot and savoury offerings (including pies and quiches).