With the warm summer sun finally showing its face, Canberrans are sure to be looking for that perfect outdoor dining venue. Whether it be a midday smoothie and salad or a cheeky beverage in the afternoon, a sun-drenched beer garden or courtyard is just the ticket for the perfect summer get-together. Here are OutInCanberra’s favourite places to socialise in the great outdoors.


Edgar’s Inn
1 Edgar Street, Ainslie

Nothing says summer like a freshly poured brew at your local! And at Edgar’s Inn, this is paired with great eats and an outdoor dining space perfect for summer! Whether you’re in the mood for a substantial meal or a few pub snacks, this Ainslie local has going out for a feed in summer sorted!

Double Shot Café
18 Duff Place, Deakin

For those of you on a summer health kick, Double Shot has an outdoor area to help you soak up the sun – and it’s even open in time for a healthy snack on your way back from your early morning cycle at 7am! With a number of smoothies, juice and fruit options on the menu, it’s easy to stay in shape and work on that all important tan at Double Shot!

Hopscotch Bar

5 Lonsdale Street, Braddon

It wouldn’t be summer in Canberra without sinking a few beverages in the beer garden at Hopscotch. Cool down with a ‘Poptail’ as you munch on a plate of buffalo wings and enjoy the summer sun in all it’s glory this season with Hopscotch!

Rose Cottage (pictured)
Isabella Drive, Gilmore

Over on the south side of Canberra, you can’t go past the beautiful sun-drenched beer garden, courtyard and deck areas of Rose Cottage. The cottage is surrounded by bushland, which provides the feeling of a home away from home with no shortage of seating areas and function spaces both inside and out. During the summer, Rose Cottage is a great place to relax with friends and family over a cool beverage and substantial pub-eats!

Floresco in the Gardens 

Australian National Botanic Gardens

For a truly unique outdoor dining experience drop into Floresco in the Garden for breakfast, brunch or lunch this season. Immersed in the gardens, take a seat in Floresco’s sun-drenched deck area and enjoy a coffee, dishes made with fresh produce and a selection of Australian bush food with friends.

Café MoMo
14 Thynne Street, Bruce

If you find yourself in north-side suburbia during the week or on a Saturday morning, Café MoMo is sure to tick all the boxes. Whether it’s to get your morning coffee fix before work, soak up some rays whilst having a quick read of the paper over an eggs benny, or a long boozy lunch with friends, MoMo’s sun-drenched deck is fully-licensed and a welcome addition to any summer agenda.

The Lighthouse Pub
80 Emu Bank, Belconnen

Located on the water’s edge of Lake Ginninderra, The Lighthouse is the perfect venue for all your summertime festivities. Relax in the waterfront beer garden on lazy summer afternoons and let the stresses of the rat race be washed away by its refreshing local and boutique beers.

Mint Garden Bar
Gorman House Arts Centre, Ainslie Avenue, Braddon

Celebrate the end of the work week with a cocktail or local brew at Sage’s Mint Garden Bar. With a range of canapés and eats to share, this the perfect outdoor spot to unwind with a couple friends and soak up some Vitamin D.