Canberra’s food scene is truly thriving this summer, with heaps of new venues around the city showcasing different cuisines and experiences for you to enjoy. There’s no need to have holiday envy if you’re staying in Canberra when you’ve got these goodies to try out!
Taki
The first venue to open as part of the Canberra Centre’s new Asian hawker hall-inspired food hall, Taki showcases a mix of Japanese shabu shabu and yakiniku. Led by former Sake chef Shaun Presland, the restaurant features elevated hot pots and local and important wagyu – all complemented by a contemporary Japanese a la carte menu.
Highball
After reopening in a new location with a trendy new fit-out and elevated menu, Highball is back! Showcasing some of the tropical cocktails you know and love, including the Zombie cocktail and signature punch bowls, the beverage menu also features some exotic newbies such as a very cool six-person daiquiri tree. Influenced by South American cuisine, the expanded food menu sees new dishes such as scallop ceviche, kingfish taquito, empanadas and tacos.
Blue Eyes Bar & Lounge
Inspired by the soulful songs of Frank Sinatra and the old Hollywood bars he would have frequented, Blue Eyes is the newest glittering bar to hit Garema Place. Transporting guests to the golden ages with its glamorous interior, sit in intimate booths or lounges amongst glittering chandeliers, plush velvet curtains and live music. The curated food menu too complements the luxurious setting, with oysters, charcuterie, caviar and expertly crafted signature cocktails.
Inari
Opening just in time for summer, Tiger Lane’s second venue Inari focuses on sushi. Paying homage to Japanese 1960s retrofuturism, the restaurant’s layout is balanced by a restrained and nostalgic colour palette. Heroing sushi, expect dishes such as a dynamite roll with 7 pepper and chilli soy marinated tuna, the Inari Shojin roll with tofu atsuage, and the Inari tempura roll with tuna, salmon and kingfish.
Edo Canteen
From Edo Tori, Yaki Boi and B One comes a new Japanese fusion takeaway restaurant at Westfield Woden. Perfect for a quick lunch or snack, Edo Canteen’s menu includes small bites such as fried chicken, gyozas and tempura, as well as sushi rolls, katsu sandos and donburi.
Cartel Taqueria
Your new Mexican haven, Cartel Taqueria’s authentic tacos are sure to hit the spot. Think Birria-braised beef, crispy corn and zucchini fritters, Michoacán-style braised pork shoulder, house-made guac and caramelised pineapple and chilli salsa, all with an epic flavoured margarita to wash it down with.
Fox & Bow Red Hill
Woden’s café hotspot, Fox & Bow has opened a second store in Red Hill. Promising their signature breakfast and brunch menu with all the tasty, Spanish-inspired flavours you know so well, drop past on your next brekky outing.
Two Before Ten Gungahlin
Expanding Canberra-wide, Two Before Ten has opened another cafe in the Gungahlin town centre. As one of their smaller locations, the new café offers its iconic locally roasted coffee paired with easy lunch options, while still keeping their sustainability efforts at the forefront.
Rasa Rosa
One of the newest venues to join Verity Lane Market, Indonesian restaurant Rasa Rosa comes bearing an exciting menu. Think, spicy beef curry, coconut rice with crispy beef, sambal eggs and anchovies and banana fritters.
