The landscape is pristine, the community is diverse, and the culinary scene is outstanding. Here’s why Canberra should be on every food lover’s radar.
By: Amy Van
PHOTOS: VISIT CANBERRA AND TOURISM AUSTRALIA
Canberra might sometimes be perceived as a little bit formal and sterile – at least to those unfamiliar with its hidden charms. Unlike the bustling energy of Sydney or Melbourne’s reputation as a diverse food capital with a strong coffee culture, Canberra offers a unique and understated culinary scene. Here, you can enjoy café hopping in neighbourhoods like Braddon, where the trendy set mingle and sip on expertly brewed coffee from artisan coffee roasters.
Beyond dining, this destination is also a thriving cool-climate wine region whose cellar doors are within easy reach from the city. Autumn brings the added joy of truffle hunting among hazelnut and oak trees, followed by fabulous truffle-inspired meals.
Another bonus point is Canberra’s convenience: most attractions and activities are within a 15-to 20-minute drive, free from the traffic jams that plague larger cities. The city’s proximity to stunning natural landscapes only adds to its appeal. And to get there is easy — just one-hour flight from Melbourne or three hours’ drive from Sydney.
Modern Dining
Sightseeing can be accomplished in a day or two in Canberra, but be sure to weave in culinary experiences or a caffeine fix when you are in town. Firstly, swing by one of the city’s modern restaurants, which rival those in Melbourne and Sydney.
The funky younger sibling of Canberra’s renowned Pilot, Such and Such (220 London Cct) is in the heart of the city, just a short stroll from the Canberra Theatre, a major performing arts venue. The restaurant’s eclectic interiors features terrazzo flooring, coloured lights, and offbeat artwork. There’s also an outdoor courtyard, perfect for summer dining.
The menu offers a contemporary take on nostalgic classics, with options that include snacks, share plates and larger dishes. Start with the crumpet-like sourdough flatbread, followed by anchovy and sage cruller with tuna tartare and artichoke. Mains might include pork cutlet, fired up over charcoal and laced with a sweet and sour sauce. Otherwise, try the duck with fish sauce caramel and kumquat or Rangers Valley striploin with smoked fat and mushroom butter. The drinks list ranges from organic, low-intervention wines to thoughtfully crafted non-alcoholic alternatives.
Akiba (40 Bunda St), also situated within the city centre, showcases the many styles of Asian barbecue — cooked over wood and charcoal. The casual menu is complemented by an exotic cocktail and drinks list. Under the snacks and street food category, all manner of buns and dumplings and pancakes are offered. Think: Japanese fried chicken bun balanced with kewpie, sriracha and pickles, or the pork belly bun with char siu and Asian slaw. There’s also a raw bar section dishing out items like ocean trout tartare, brown butter, yuzu, dashi, and sesame.
Share plates consist of proteins like beef short rib with tamarind caramel, shiso chimichurri, and crisp shallot, or barramundi with miso lemon butter, pickled enoki, and pickled chilli. Akiba’s informal and convivial atmosphere makes it a great spot for chilling out with friends.
Glass making, burgers and beers
Visit the suburb of Kingston, about 4km from the city centre, where you will find Canberra Glassworks, the largest glass making facility in the Southern Hemisphere dedicated to studio glass. The state-of-the-art studios and exhibition space offer a unique experience for art enthusiasts. You can enjoy contemporary glass art exhibitions, watch artists at work in the Hotshop, take a self-guided tour of the facility, and shop for unique handmade items in the Gallery Shop.
After your visit, pop by next door for a good meal of burgers and beers. Capital Brewing Co is one of the largest independent craft breweries in Australia. Be sure to try their seasonal releases, which is rolled out three times a year. These special editions are designed to complement the Core Range and Special Release beers, and are often crowd favourites from previous small batch releases.
On cooler evenings, huddle at the long communal tables and enjoy cold beer right next to the tank where it was brewed. Match your drinks with some of the best burgers around. Capital Brewing’s team collaborated with Brodburger to offer top-notch burgers and hotdogs. The range of creations include flamed-grilled beef patties stacked with bacon, homemade aioli and tomato relish. For something even more substantial, go for the sirloin steak with bacon, egg, caramelised onion, beetroot, bbq aioli and tomato relish.
Truffle hunting
For a unique experience, visit Beltana Farm, a small truffle orchard (truffière) that boasts luxe accommodations and a superb restaurant. Tucked away in picturesque Pialligo, Beltana Farm is planted with over 800 trees. “We started out as just a hobby and maybe a retirement plan, but we fell in love with it and get to share the farm with people,” says owner Alice O‘Mara, who established Beltana 11 years ago with and her husband Doug.
Alice explains that the trees are a mix of hazelnut and oak, inoculated with fungi and spread across about three and a half acres. “The truffle starts its life cycle roughly in October, become fully grown by January and February depending on the weather, and starts to ripen in May,” she shares. During truffle season from June to August, Alice’s adorable and enthusiastic resident dog, Drake, sniffs out the tubers, which are later used in the restaurant’s menu.
There are plenty waiting to be unearthed here. Visitors can embark on truffle hunts on crisp winter mornings and enjoy superb gourmet farm-to-table dining with shared plates in the restaurant. The seasonal menu features the best of the farm and regional produce and suppliers.
Beltana Farm “hunt and dine” experience allows a select number of guests to participate in truffle hunts throughout the winter months. They can learn firsthand how truffles are grown, checked for maturity, and then harvested. It’s actually more than a hunt – it’s an immersive, hands-on activity.
For those looking to extend their stay, Beltana offers luxury farm stay accommodations, including a contemporary two-bedroom cottage; two-bedroom yurt for small groups and families; and other options. Each accommodation nestled within the property boasts plush furnishings, a self-contained kitchen, a cosy fireplace, and all the modern amenities you need.
Cool climate wine tasting
From Beltana, consider exploring the renowned Mount Majura Vineyard nearby. The small cellar door at Mount Majura is located only 15 minutes from Canberra’s city centre. Book a wine tasting which comes with cheese platter and cold cuts. The range of wines include regional favourites such as Riesling and Shiraz as well as the flagship variety, Tempranillo. The winery also features emerging and rare varieties like Graciano and Ansonica.
Mount Majura’s Local Favourites Wine Tasting is a great way to get acquainted with their selection. You might sample local favourites Pinot Gris and Rosado or exciting new varieties like Graciano and Mondeuse. The Winemakers Choice Tasting is a terroir-driven tasting experience that highlights their Tempranillo wines. The tasting also includes Canberra District varieties such as Riesling and Shiraz – showcasing the best of Mount Majura Vineyard, the Canberra District and the region.
Both tastings include six wines plus a small complimentary tasting platter and takes around an hour. Tip: Lug home a bottle or more of their fine wines at the cellar door as they aren’t available in many places outside of Australia.
Canberra is like a “boutique” city that offers many special moments and experiences – from culture to excellent cuisine and wines. If you’ve never thought of visiting Canberra, why not set aside a couple of days for this destination when you are in Australia — you will be duly charmed.