Canberra’s food scene has evolved far beyond its bureaucratic reputation — blending world-class fine dining with vibrant neighbourhood eateries, cutting-edge fusion spots and new restaurants earning acclaim from diners and critics alike. In 2025, the nation’s capital is firmly on the map for food lovers, with an eclectic mix of award-winning establishments and exciting newcomers showcasing local produce, global flavours and creative ambition.
1. Azuma Den — Canberra’s Hottest New Bistro
Located in Griffith, Azuma Den has quickly become one of Canberra’s most talked-about restaurants this year, blending Korean and Japanese flavours in an immersive setting. The East Asian fusion restaurant, launched in August 2025, has drawn attention for its hibachi-style dishes and bold, inventive menu — including Wagyu beef tartare tacos, flamed scallops with yuzu butter and lobster-filled dumplings. Its playful yet refined cuisine and atmospheric interior have made it a must-visit for both locals and visitors.
Atmosphere aside, Azuma Den’s desserts — such as coconut meringue with miso-yuzu caramel — showcase the kitchen’s flair for balancing tradition with contemporary creativity, cementing its place among Canberra’s best new restaurants in 2025.
2. Pavilion Dining – Fine Dining Highlight at Pialligo Estate
Pavilion Dining, part of the acclaimed Pialligo Estate, has become a standout in Canberra’s fine dining circuit. It picked up one of the highest scores in the 2025 Australian Good Food Guide Chef Hat awards, placing it among the top restaurants in the country.
With an emphasis on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, the restaurant serves meticulously crafted modern Australian cuisine that highlights the region’s cool-climate produce, including truffles and estate-grown vegetables. The menu’s seasonality and the restaurant’s elegant yet relaxed setting make Pavilion Dining ideal for special occasions or a memorable culinary experience.
3. Les Bistronomes – French Flair in Campbell
Another Canberra stalwart, Les Bistronomes in Campbell earned 14 Chef Hats in the 2025 Good Food Guide awards and is regarded as one of the city’s most consistently excellent restaurants.
Fusing French technique with contemporary Australian sensibilities, the menu features refined dishes that change with the seasons and a wine list that elevates the overall dining experience. The restaurant’s polished service and inventive approach draw both local foodies and regional travellers looking for high-end culinary artistry.
4. OTIS Dining Hall – Kingston’s Elegant Bistro
OTIS Dining Hall is a favourite for its blend of modern Australian and European-inspired cuisine. Located in Kingston, it shines with its rich flavour combinations, elegant plating and approachable fine dining ambience. The restaurant also earned 14 Chef Hats in 2025, reflecting its strong reputation among Canberra’s top eateries.
Known for hearty, beautifully balanced dishes — often featuring local meat, seafood and produce — OTIS is an excellent choice for both elevated lunch or dinner, and pairs well with Canberra’s growing list of cool-climate wines.
5. Pilot – Creative Tasting Menus in Ainslie
In Ainslie, Pilot stands out as an innovator in Canberra’s culinary landscape. Also awarded 14 Chef Hats, the restaurant offers creative tasting menus that reflect refined culinary technique and artistic presentation.
The experience at Pilot is often described as a journey through seasonal and textural excellence, with dishes that emphasize bold flavours and contemporary interpretations of classic techniques. It’s a favourite among diners seeking something adventurous and refined.
6. Raku Dining – Top Japanese Cuisine
For lovers of Japanese cuisine, Raku Dining is an essential stop on a Canberra food tour. With accolades from the Australian Good Food Guide and recognition among local awards, Raku delivers sushi, sashimi and robata grill selections in a sleek and modern setting.
The restaurant balances refined technique with approachable flavours, drawing both Japanese food devotees and those curious to explore thoughtfully prepared dishes rooted in quality ingredients.
7. Italian & Sons – Rustic Italian in Braddon
Italian & Sons brings the warmth of rustic Italian cooking to Canberra’s Braddon precinct with wood-fired pizzas, fresh pastas and classic regional dishes. Recognised in local awards and dining guides, the trattoria is a beloved local choice for casual yet high-quality Italian meals.
The atmosphere — warm, lively and welcoming — makes it a go-to for group dinners, family gatherings and authentic comfort fare that reflects Canberra’s multicultural culinary scene.
8. Lunetta – Red Hill’s Panoramic Dining Experience
Lunetta has rapidly become one of Canberra’s most talked-about openings of 2025, thanks to stunning views over the city from Red Hill, refined Italian-inspired fare and wood-driven cooking methods. It earned plaudits and awards such as Best New Restaurant from local food critics, affirming its rising status in the capital’s top tier.
Combining seasonal ingredients with panoramic views, Lunetta offers a dining experience as memorable for the location as for the cuisine — ideal for celebratory meals or special occasions.
9. Andre’s Osteria – Mediterranean Flavours in Weston
In Weston Creek, Andre’s Osteria offers Mediterranean warmth with a contemporary touch. This neighbourhood favourite pairs wood-fired dishes and carefully curated wine lists with an inviting interior that makes it ideal for both casual dinners and longer, indulgent meals.
Its welcoming vibe — blending personal hospitality with high-quality cuisine — has helped it quickly earn a place among Canberra’s must-try restaurants.
10. Classic and Local Favorites
Beyond the capital’s fine and modern dining destinations, Canberra’s readers’ choice and local awards highlight a range of beloved spots across the culinary spectrum:
- Capital Brewing Co — popular American-style fare in Fyshwick.
- Blu Ginger Indian Restaurant — celebrated Indian cuisine in Canberra’s CBD.
- China Tea House — regional Chinese offerings praised in community awards.
- Salters at Dirty Janes — casual yet delicious dining recognised by readers.
These venues underscore Canberra’s diversity of dining options — from casual comfort food to international flavours and local hidden gems.
Canberra’s Culinary Identity and Future
Australia’s capital has matured into a food destination with serious credentials, blending top-tier fine dining with globally inspired casual restaurants and neighbourhood favourites. Its dining scene celebrates local produce such as cool-climate wines, truffles and farm-fresh ingredients, while welcoming exciting new chefs and eateries that keep the city’s offerings dynamic and memorable.
Whether you’re searching for a tasting-menu experience that’s worth a special trip or a lively local favourite for an easy dinner, Canberra’s restaurant scene in 2025 delivers breadth, quality and creativity — making it a must-visit for food lovers exploring Australia.
7 years in the field, from local radio to digital newsrooms. Loves chasing the stories that matter to everyday Aussies – whether it’s climate, cost of living or the next big thing in tech.
