2016 was an unforgettable year for Canberra with cafés, restaurants and bars opening left, right and centre. If you haven’t already been to these exciting new spots, replace your New Year’s resolutions with this hit list.
Friday afternoon…
The Pedlar (As pictured)
65 Constitution Ave, Campbell
Campbell’s very first local pub opened its doors in 2016. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week, The Pedlar is sure to be the new go-to for Campbell residents.
The Pedlar has a range of great quality pub classics such as cheeseburgers, schnitzels and steak with chips, as well as some more curious and unusual dishes including the crispy prawn dumplings and smoked trout betel leaves.
With a sensational wine list, craft and tap beers and creative cocktails to accompany its exciting menu, The Pedlar is the perfect place to relax on a sunny afternoon.
Open Tuesday – Saturday, 6:30am-12am
2 Trevillian Quay, Kingston Foreshore
This tropical-themed bar opened its doors in January 2016 on the Kingston Foreshore, featuring a giant parrot mural covering the outside wall, quirky patterned wallpaper, multi-coloured outdoor chairs and a fully stocked bar.
Betti Bravo’s is the ideal place to go for a laidback afternoon drink and nibbles with some friends. Be sure to take advantage of the summer heat and chill out in the comfy outdoor lounge area, with great views of the lake and delicious Caribbean-style share plates.
Open Tuesday – Sunday, 12pm-12am
Saturday night…
102 Alinga Street, Canberra City
Less than a month old, Brew Nation is already one of our Saturday night favourites. The locally owned and operated bar stocks a range of local craft beers, including BentSpoke Brewing Co., Capital Brewing Co. and Pact Beer, as well as an impressive wine list and an array of gin.
Being architects themselves, owners Al and Shai designed the entire fit-out themselves, creating a beautiful and comfortable space for people to be able to enjoy their local offerings.
Open Tuesday – Saturday, 4pm-12am
Verity Lane, Canberra City
Canberra’s first underground Japanese bar opened its doors in Civic in early 2016.
Suke Suke has an upbeat atmosphere serving Japanese-inspired food, including edamame, gyoza and fried chicken, as well as an extensive drinks menu featuring beers, whisky, saké, Canberra district wines and a range of over 60 gins.
For something a little different, step into the bustling streets of Japan, in the heart of Canberra’s CBD.
Open Wednesday – Saturday, 4pm-12am
Date night…
Corner of Macquarie Street and Broughton Street, Barton
Vincent is a new concept restaurant in Barton, hidden amongst the government departments. The restaurant specialises in pairing exquisite food with unique wines.
Vincent brings an exciting vibe to the Canberra dining experience, with a dark and moody, yet warm and ambient interior that beckons local foodies.
Open Tuesday – Wednesday, 4pm-10pm
Thursday – Friday, 12pm-10pm
Saturday, 4pm-10pm
155/43 Eastlake Parade, Kingston Foreshore
Located at the far end of the Kingston Foreshore, Molto Italian is the perfect combination of modern and traditional Italian cuisine.
The restaurant is a celebration of classic Italian food and culture with a modern finesse, all set against the picturesque backdrop of Lake Burley Griffin. The menu features hand cut pastas, wood-fired pizzas and an extensive stuzzichini menu designed to share.
Open Monday – Sunday, 12pm-11pm
(closed 3pm-6pm on Tuesdays & Wednesdays)
Sunday morning…
4/19 Bougainville Street, Manuka
Perfect for a hearty Sunday breakfast, 1or2 Café is a quaint and casual family-run café that is set to be a Manuka favourite this summer.
The exciting new addition to the Lawns of Manuka opened in spring in the old Grande’s space, serving up great coffee and even better food. The café is going back to basics with the menu, serving classic simple dishes that the family loves to make at home.
Open Monday – Sunday, 6am-4pm
53/65 Constitution Ave, Campbell
The new Campbell café serves delicious breakfast and lunch with simple, fresh and locally sourced ingredients. The minimalist loft space could be straight out of New York with comfy lounges, a vinyl collection and a record player upstairs.
The team is comprised of local hospitality geniuses Caleb Evans, Olivia and Matt Rollings and Mark Raets. It’s safe to say this group knows what they’re doing, with previous experience from years spent at The Cupping Room, ONA on the Lawns, Stand By Me, and The Artisan.
Open Monday – Friday, 7am-3:30pm
Saturday – Sunday, 8am-3pm
