On a beautiful Canberra day, there is nothing better than sitting down to catch up with friends over a bottle of wine, tasty all-day eats and platter or two. With the warmer weather just around the corner, it’s good to have a few of these local places up your sleeve for when you plan your next catch up. Here are a few of our favourites…
With a fun Japanese-style interior, Lazy Su has quickly become a local favourite for lunch, dinner or a late night drink. However, with a number of snacks, small plates and a fully equipped bar, it’s also the perfect place for an all-day graze. Be sure to opt for at least one Wagyu Cheesesteak Spring Roll, these are unbelievably tasty and it will be really hard to stop after just one!
Ostani Lounge, Bar and Restaurant
Atmosphere is everything when it comes to all-day grazing. With a gorgeous interior and covered outdoor space, perfect for any weather, Ostani is a great choice. Start light with a bowl of Smoked Nuts or Semi-dried Olives before moving onto a hot selection of finger-lickin’ Wings and Soft-shell Tacos.
Zaab’s Street Food section of the menu was made to be shared with friends over a drink. Ringing true to the venues name, Zaab’s street food is tasty, spicy in parts and is the perfect excuse to take your time at the Braddon favourite. We recommend the Betel Leaf and the Son-in-Law Eggs to add to your list of dishes.
For something a little finer, walk past Ostani and into its French neighbour Buvette. No matter the time of day you get there they run an all-day menu to enjoy alongside a glass of wine from its award-winning list. Indulge in the Oysters alongside a lemon and shallot vinegar or a serving of the delicious house Duck Liver Parfait.
Grazing and gambling … surely the two go hand-in-hand, right? Well, the guys at Casino Canberra and Natural 9 certainly think so. A glass of white alongside a serving of Braised Peanuts or the famous Five-spice Pork Crackling is sure to bring you luck at the tables!
The Canberra Wine House, tucked inside the Dickson Tradies is all about unwinding and feeding the soul – that time in the afternoon when it’s too early for dinner but wine and moreish nibbles are all you need. Head into The Canberra Wine House for a selection of olives, plates of dips and platters of cheese, alongside a beautiful selection of local wines.
For a laid-back, casual vibe drop into Western local, the Meating Room. Open all-day with great brews on tap and nibbles like the crispy Arancini Balls and Pulled Pork Sliders, you won’t want to leave.
Manuka local Public is a beautiful, open space that invites you to settle in for a solid day of chats, drinks and eats. With a lush, green colour-scheme, the venue screams springtime! Be sure to sample the trio of Goats Cheese Tarts or the Public Platter of cured meats, grilled vegetables, olives, hummus and bread.
Smack bang in the middle of the Deakin’s business park is an oasis away from the corporate world for drinks and nibbles. Stay for an hour or a day, either way, there are plenty of delicious snacks to try. Some of our favourites include the Tequila Chicken Wings and the lemon and black pepper dusted Calamari Strips.
On a pleasant Canberra day, Jones & Co. opens the windows and brings the outside in for a relaxing space to eat and drink the day away. With arguably one of the best oyster and raw bars in town, be sure to start your culinary journey with oysters served four different ways or wine and dine with the exquisite Jones & Co. Meat Board.
Sit back, relax and take in the beautiful Lake Burley Griffin at Walt & Burley. Boasting the best views on the foreshore, this is the perfect place for an all-day grazing session with a group of your best mates. They have an extensive wine list and brews on tap to enjoy alongside a bite to share. Be sure to add the Porcini Mushrooms and Smoked Mozzarella Arancini – delicious!
With the warmer weather just around the corner, Betti’s is ramping up for some amazing all-day grazing sessions. Grab a group of friends and chill-out on the deck chairs out the front with a fruity cocktail in hand and a few small plates to share. We recommend the Mexican Street Corn and the anchovies, tomato and bread to kick off your day with Betti.
Everyone has a suburban go-to a place that welcomes you with open arms, great food and a brew waiting for you at the bar; for Crace locals, this would have to be The District. Sitting back at The District with a wine in hand, you can’t help but be immersed in the relaxed lifestyle of the Gungahlin suburbs. If you find yourself at The District be sure to tuck into the Stuffed Mushrooms and the Salt & Pepper Calamari.
The Duxton is probably the first venue that comes to mind when you think of a relaxed, casual atmosphere, a fully-stocked bar with a decent wine list and tasty food. Grab a drink and settle in for the day with great nibble options including a large range of pizza, wings, olives, oysters and cured meat platters.
When it comes to a great platter you can’t walk past Marble & Grain. Grab a drink at the bar settle in with the deli tasting board complete with a venison terrine, a selection of cheese, cured meats and a tasty grilled sour dough. Or try the ‘Our Favourites’ board with grilled jalapenos, feta gozleme and arancini balls.
Chills over a brew or two are the best! Make a day of it at Bentspoke Brewing Co. in Braddon! Grab a house made brew and indulge in some of our favourites including the Smoked Mac ‘n’ Cheese Balls and Ricotta Stuffed Mushrooms.
