Canberra’s winter dining scene heats up with new openings and old favourites

It’s peak winter in Canberra, and while temperatures have dipped below zero on several mornings this month, the city’s dining scene is serving up plenty of warmth. New cafes and restaurants have opened in recent weeks, and established venues are rolling out seasonal menus built around local produce.

This matters because Canberra’s food culture has matured rapidly over the past decade. Once known mainly for its institutions and public-service lunch crowds, the capital now punches above its weight with a mix of high-end degustations, casual wine bars and multicultural eateries. The winter period, when tourism dips and locals hunker down, is when many chefs experiment with heartier, more inventive dishes.

Where to eat right now

In Braddon, the precinct around Lonsdale Street remains the epicentre of Canberra’s dining scene. Newcomer Bar Rochford has drawn attention with its European-leaning small plates and a wine list heavy on natural and organic producers. A few doors down, Grease Monkey continues to draw queues for its burgers and craft beer selection, with a plant-based burger option that regulars swear by.

Down in the Kingston Foreshore, Bacchus has launched a winter tasting menu that highlights truffles from the nearby NSW Southern Tablelands. The five-course offering, available Wednesday through Saturday, runs at $120 per person and includes a truffle-infused parfait and a slow-cooked lamb shoulder. Reservations are booking out two weeks in advance, according to staff.

In the inner south, the Manuka strip has seen the return of The Pedlar, which reopened after a short refurbishment. The new menu focuses on share plates, with a smoked eel dip and roasted cauliflower with tahini proving popular among the after-work crowd.

Weekend markets and hidden gems

For those who prefer to cook at home, the Capital Region Farmers Market at EPIC in Mitchell runs every Saturday morning from 7:30am to 11:30am. Winter means citrus, root vegetables and brassicas are in abundance. Several stallholders are offering pre-ordered truffles for pickup this month, with prices starting at around $3 per gram.

A short drive south, the Old Bus Depot Markets in Kingston are open Sundays from 10am to 4pm and feature a rotating lineup of food stalls. This winter, vendors are serving everything from hand-rolled gnocchi to Filipino sisig tacos.

For a drink after dinner, Molly in the CBD maintains its reputation as a low-lit cocktail bar with an impressive selection of Australian whiskies. The bar does not take bookings and often has a line by 8pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

Practical advice: book ahead for degustation venues and popular weekend brunch spots. Many restaurants have adjusted their hours for the colder months, with some closing between lunch and dinner service. Check individual venue websites or call ahead, especially if travelling from outside the city centre. Parking remains tight around Braddon and Manuka, so consider catching a bus or rideshare during peak times.