Jewel of India - Manuka, ACT
For a burst of vibrancy in both flavour and culture in Manuka, book in for a delectable culinary experience at Jewel of India restaurant on Bougainville Street. Recently refurbished, Jewel of India’s spacious interior is set in tones of deep blue, from thick carpet to upholstered chairs with intimate tables laden in white linen for formal dining, while wide windows provide a sunny outlook to the greenery of nearby trees. Finding a balance between dishes inspired by authentic recipes and creating a modern take on classics sees a loyal local following returning for mouth-watering feasts.
Perhaps opt for mildly spiced battered fried prawns to start, followed by fish cooked in Goan spiced coconut curry, or hot and spicy beef vindaloo with sides of steamed rice, garlic naan and papadums. The careful selection of traditional spices creates a symphony of flavours that transport your taste buds straight to the heart of India, while the ambience allows for a relaxed dining experience.
Make sure to book your table today!
Portia's Place - Kingston, ACT
Take in the sounds of sizzling hot pots and tantalising aromas wafting from the kitchen at Portia’s Place on Kennedy Street in Kingston. This restaurant comes alive with the consistent hum of lively chatter in warm and inviting surroundings, making it a hub of food and fun for Canberra locals. Showcasing around 50 main dishes, Portia’s à la carte menu is a feast for the eyes and an experience for the senses, carefully crafted with seasonal and local produce.
Choose from starters of duck spring rolls and crunchy black fungus, or sesame prawn toast; for the main, opt for crispy boneless lamb ribs in Shangtung sauce with steamed rice and stir-fried seasonal vegetables. Curry lovers delve into Penang beef and Malaysian chicken, or devour a vegetable and fried tofu hot pot with vermicelli, ensuring every visit offers something fresh and exciting to savour.
Reserve your spot at Portia's Place for a delightful culinary adventure!
SoLita Pizzeria & Pasta Bar - Canberra CBD, ACT
Follow the tantalising aroma of pizza cooking in the wood-fired oven to find SoLita Pizzeria & Pasta Bar on London Circuit in the heart of Canberra. Emphasising welcoming and friendly service and with a name meaning ‘stand alone', this CBD dining destination dishes up traditional home-style Italian cuisine in a vibe of a mosaic-tiled bar, wood paneling and black and white artwork. From perfect pasta plates to pizza slices and hearty mains, there is something on the menu for every diner.
Perhaps share tender calamari, flash-fried and served with salsa verde mayo to start, or shaved veal arancini with tomato, peas, mozzarella, tomato salsa, Parmesan and aioli. Slow-roasted baby back pork ribs tempt the carnivore with balsamic and honey glaze and fried potatoes, or rigatoni with guanciale, adding an authentic Italian essence to your meal.
Don't miss your chance to indulge at SoLita—book now!
Frankies at Forde - Gungahlin, ACT
Since opening in 2014, Frankies at Forde on Francis Ford Boulevard in Gungahlin has established itself as one of Canberra’s best suburban venues. A café by day and fully licensed bar and restaurant at night, this sleek venue blends black subway tiles with rustic recycled timber for a chilled-out vibe ideal for lingering over a meal with family and friends or a romantic rendezvous. Join the brunch crowd for corn, halloumi and zucchini fritters with sour cream, avocado, tomato, smoked tomato relish, peperonata and a poached egg.
Evening guests begin with hoisin sticky pork belly bites, pickled radish, ginger and sesame aioli before memorable mains such as grilled blackened Moroccan snapper fillet, roast sweet potato mash, peperonata, buttered green beans and sweet chilli mango dressing. The eclectic menu pairs beautifully with a carefully curated selection of wines, making for an exceptional dining experience.
Experience the magic at Frankies—secure your booking today!
Capital Eatery - Canberra CBD, ACT
The ideal spot for a morning coffee, wholesome lunch, casual meeting or afternoon indulgence, head to Capital Eatery on Northbourne Avenue in the heart of Canberra’s CBD to refuel and recharge. This contemporary café oozes style with granite counters, polished timber floors and softly glowing downlights inviting lingering over a bite and brew with friends. Breaky plates such as poached eggs, smashed avocado, cherry tomato, feta and balsamic glaze on sourdough toast never disappoint; or devour eggs, creamy mushrooms and mixed herbs with multigrain toast.
Weekly lunch specials like chicken quesadillas, guacamole and sour cream are sure to entice, along with pan-fried herbed Atlantic salmon, mashed potato and asparagus while burger lovers opt for the Capital with a side of crunchy chips. No matter the time of day, the relaxed atmosphere paired with delicious offerings guarantees a delightful visit.
Join the locals at Capital Eatery—book a table now!
Café Viin - Pearce, ACT
Café Viin on Hodgson Crescent in Pearce is a café by day while evening sees the mood shift to an ever-evolving French set menu ideal for a romantic rendezvous. A full glass frontage brings the outside in while recycled timber, neon signage and intimate tables set the scene for memorable meals with family and friends. Those dining during the day opt for avocado on toast with jalapeño hummus, lemon labneh and puffed quinoa; or devour a sous vide chicken breast sandwich with avocado, bacon and aioli on sourdough.
For an evening meal, guests can revel in Burgundy escargot with garlic and herb butter followed by grilled octopus, celery, goats’ cheese and orange; for the main, think chicken Wellington with truffle Hollandaise and parsnip. Finish off with chocolate sponge, mousse and strawberry, ensuring the culinary experience lingers long after you leave.
Savour the French flair at Café Viin—make your reservation today!
Rakkas Restaurant - Kingston, ACT
Blending the rich culinary traditions of Istanbul with the vibrant culture of Australia, head to Rakkas Restaurant on Eastlake Parade in Kingston for an unforgettable dining experience. This Canberra hotspot takes diners on an enchanting journey through Turkish flavours, seasonal cocktails named after famous Turkish cities and delicious dishes, all served in moody surrounds of subdued lighting, sparkling glassware and intimate table settings. Start your adventure with scallops wrapped in Turkish pastrami with XO butter, pickled daikon, caviar and black tahini hummus.
Then delve into char-grilled lamb backstrap, smoked eggplant begendi, red wine jus and apricot marmalade. Perhaps the Wagyu rump skewers hit the mark with porcini and pearl barley keshkek, red wine jus and Turkish chilli—each dish tells a story, reflecting the rich heritage that inspires them.
Embark on a culinary voyage at Rakkas—book your table now!
From the bustling streets of the CBD to the serene suburbs, Canberra's culinary scene offers a wealth of gastronomic delights waiting to be discovered. Each venue, with its own unique ambience and standout dishes, creates a tapestry of flavours that truly embodies the spirit of this vibrant city. Whether you're in the mood for Indian spices, decadent Italian pastas, or innovative Australian twists, these restaurants are your ticket to an exceptional dining experience in the ACT.
