20 places to eat at these holidays…starting now

Posted on 24 December, 2014

Whether you’re having a ‘stay-cation’ in the capital or welcoming guests this Christmas, Canberra often goes a little dormant as the countdown to the new year begins. This means that your options to eat out become a little diminished along with the thought of another leftovers dinner. But rather than do the ring around trying to determine which eateries are open, we’ve done the hard work for you and put together a (bucket) list of where to eat this Summer. Just note that we’ve listed the days these places are closed, (regular opening hours can be found by clicking on the name).

Bon appetit and happy eating!

A. Baker

Perfect for breakfast, lunch or dinner A.Baker’s menu is short but far from simple so you know you’ll be served something done really, really well. Eat up big until 11.30am or feast on one of the all-day options doing double duty for lunch and dinner.

The essentials
The place: A.Baker
Where: New Acton Pavilion Unit 2, 15 Edinburgh Avenue, New Acton
When: Open throughout the Christmas/New Year week but closed public holidays including Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
Phone: (02) 6287 6150

Akiba

Falling somewhere between Asian barbecue, raw bar and modern day Dim Sum, AKIBA is a restaurant for the people and bring New Asian cuisine to the nation’s capital. The cocktails are contemporary and creative and the space inviting, lively and buzzing.

The essentials
The place: Akiba
Where: ActewAGL House, 40 Bunda Street City
When: Closed only Christmas Day
Phone: (02) 6162 0602

Autolyse

Nestled next to Repco in Lonsdale Street, Autolyse is a friendly and unpretentious chic commercial bakery where patrons can enjoy handcrafted pastries and (from a quick straw poll) very decent coffee. Order freshly made light meals, bakery delights and coffees at the counter, and away you go or pull up a chair at one of the outdoor tables and enjoy a bite to eat in the sun.

The essentials
The place: Autolyse
Where: 21 Lonsdale Street, Braddon
When: Open throughout the Christmas/New Year week but closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Phone: (02) 6262 8819

BentSpoke

Braddon’s very one microbrewery, Bentspoke, spans two floors with a relaxed, industrial feel throughout. Its 10 massive brew tanks and seven fermenters are the main attraction, proudly displayed for customers to admire whilst they sample the product. Downstairs has a lively pub vibe, with a long bar and high tables while upstairs, you can expect a relaxed and family friendly dining experience, with a contemporary pub menu designed to complement the boutique beers and ciders on tap.

The essentials
The place: Bentspoke
Where: 38 Mort Street, Braddon
When: Closed only Christmas Day and open from 2pm New Year’s Day
Phone: (02) 6257 5220

Les Bistronomes

Its menu is a real slice of France and reads like you’d expect to find in your typical Parisian bistro, but you’d be mistaken for thinking this is simple French cuisine…this is seriously sophisticated food. Dine in for brunch, lunch or dinner.

The essentials
The place: Les Bistronomes
Where: 26 Elouera Street, Braddon
When: Closed public holidays including Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day
Phone: (02) 6248 8119

Jamie’s Italian

Authentic, honest and affordable Italian food made with love and delivered with knowledge and passion is exactly what Jamie’s Italian is all about. In a big and buzzy space, the interior is an eclectic mix of booths, colourful chairs and vintage furniture, while the outdoor area is expansive. From antipasti to sliders, arancini balls to focaccia and your typical Italian favourites, you certainly won’t go hungry at Jamie’s. There’s a great kids menu too!

The essentials
The place: Jamie’s Italian
Where: 125 Bunda Street, City
When: Open throughout Christmas/New Year week, closed only Christmas Day
Phone: (02) 6268 0400

Koko Black

The mayhem of Christmas and now you have some downtime to enjoy that long overdue catch up with friends. Pop into Koko Black for an iced chocolate or coffee that’s sure to both cool you down and satisfy your sweet tooth this summer. Go the whole hog and book in for the summer dessert degustation after dinner at Jamie’s next door. Need a last minute gift? It’s perfect for that too!

The essentials
The place: Koko Black
Where: Ground floor (outside) Canberra Centre, Bunda Street City
When: Closed only Christmas Day
Phone: (02) 6230 4040

Lonsdale St Roasters #23

Needing a good, strong coffee to start your day right? Drop by Lonsdale Street Roasters at #23 for your caffeine kick and maybe a quick bite to eat for breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up. But don’t worry if you’re not a coffee-kinda-gal, they do chai and a selection of teas too.

The essentials
The place: Lonsdale Street Roasters #23
Where: 23 Lonsdale Street, Braddon
When: Closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day
Phone: (02) 6247 9882

Mocan and Green Grout

If you’re after a clean, healthy breakfast then you can’t go past NewActon’s Mocan & Green Grout, but sadly you’ll have to wait until after Boxing Day to replenish your energy. An ethical cafe that serves fair trade coffee, choose from delicious dishes including organic pastries from Dream Cuisine, sourdough with ricotta and honey (if you like to keep it simple and light), granola with rhubarb and yoghurt…or get a little meaty and try the grilled chorizo with fried eggs, corn and avocado. It’s just really good, wholesome food.

The essentials
The place: Mocan & Green Grout
Where: 19 Marcus Clarke Street, NewActon
When: Closed Wednesday 23 to Friday 26 December, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
Phone: (02) 6162 2909

Wood & Coal

It’s worth leaving a little room and wearing your baggiest of pants if you plan on eating at Wood & Coal following Christmas Day. With a filling Mediterranean spit-style menu, the dishes are generous and can be eaten by one or shared with many. Ideal for a family lunch or casual, up-market dinner.

The essentials
The place: Wood & Coal
Where: 125 Bunda Street, City
When: Closed only Christmas Day and New Year’s Day
Phone: (02) 6162 0055

38 Espresso

Head out of the city and over to the foreshore in nearby Kingston for coffee, cake and the best water views in Canberra. As this little joint is but only an espresso bar, you’ll be sadly disappointed if expecting anything more than a light bite to eat. Serving up breakfast including smashed eggs with bacon, and muesli with yoghurt along with a selection of (giant) rye sandwiches, 38 Espresso is where to go for that something different.

The essentials
The place: 38 Espresso
Where: 4/2 Trevillian Quay, Kingston
When: Closed only Christmas Day
Phone: (02) 6162 3027

Chifley’s Bar & Grill

This is where you go when you’re hanging for a decent piece of meat that just melts in your mouth. Set among the regality of the Hotel Kurrajong, Chifley’s tries hard to distance itself from being just a hotel restaurant. Classy, relaxed and up-market this isn’t a ‘jeans and thongs’ kinda establishment. When ordering a main be sure to order a side, otherwise it’s all steak. Having only recently re-opened, be sure to take a little patience with you as the staff are still finding their feet, but otherwise an overall enjoyable experience.

The essentials
The place: Chifley’s Bar & Grill
Where: Hotel Kurrajong, National Circuit Barton
When: Open through Christmas/New Year week including Christmas Day lunch.
Phone: (02) 6234 4444

Me & Mrs Jones

If you’re looking for a mad, passionate affair to keep the excitement of Christmas rolling, then you must eat at Me & Mrs Jones in Kingston. The summer breakfast options are delish including a frozen yoghurt parfait served with fresh stone fruit salad and a crunchy pistachio crumble. Some serious thought has gone into creating dishes that aren’t run-of-the-mill alongside a diverse lunch menu highly adored by many-a-Canberran who share a secret love for this local favourite.

The essentials
The place: Me & Mrs Jones
Where: 26 Giles Street, Kingston
When: Closed only Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
Phone: (02) 6162 3355

Pod Food

Pialligo is an area of town often overlooked but filled with many hidden treasures worth exploring and meandering through, including Pod Food. So whether you’re a local or just visiting, then you must indulge in their delicious cuisine. Sourcing local and regional ingredients, prepared by expert chefs, Pod is known for an innovative menu that constantly changes with the seasons.

The essentials
The place: Pod Food
Where: Beltana Road, Pialligo
When: Open for lunch on Christmas Day, closed only Boxing Day and New Year’s Day
Phone: (02) 6257 3388

Little Brooklyn

Hot dawg. That’s how they say it in NYC and it’s exactly what you’ll find on the menu at Kingston’s Little Brooklyn. A casual place to hangout, it’s an American-style gastropub with several big screen TVs for all the sports nuts out there. But the outdoor area is just as impressive. There’s plenty of beer on tap alongside a decent selection if wine. The NY-inspired pub grub has everything from finger lickin’ ribs, burgers, pulled meats and of course, good ol’ hot chips (rumour has it they taste better when served in a paper cup).

The essentials
The place: Little Brooklyn
Where: Green Square, 44 Jardine Street Kingston
When: Closed Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day
Phone: (02) 6260 8150

Public Bar

An upmarket pub with a touch of class on one side and a slightly more formal dining area on the other, Public is a pleasant cross between a bar and a pub offering the dishes you’d expect of such an establishment. Pizzas, burgers, fish and chips are all favourites on a menu that’s all about casual food not fatty, greasy stodgy pub fare. But don’t despair if you’re after something a little ‘fresher’, Public caters to other tastes including top-quality raw dishes including kingfish carpaccio and the tuna tartare (both gluten free too).

The essentials
The place: Public Bar
Where: Corner Flinders Way and Franklin Street, Manuka
When: Closed only Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day
Phone: (02) 6161 8808

San Churro

It’s love at first bite. Whether you’re in need of a sweet tooth craving or after somewhere fun to take the family. In addition to the signature churros, there’s an amazing selection of macrons, cakes, ice creams and pile and piles of chocolate delights. And plenty of delicious drinks including Spanish hot chocolate.

The essentials
The place: San Churro
Where: Bradley Street, Phillip
When: Closed Christmas Day and opening after 6pm on New’s Year Eve and New Year’s Day
Phone: (02) 6260 3087

Urban Pantry

Rock on up to the Urban Pantry if you’re looking for a more substantial meal, be it for breakfast, lunch or dinner. They’ve got a great kids menu too so leave the stress at home. Offering warmth and sophistication to Canberra’s leafy inner south, blackboard specials dominate the walls alongside a pantry where you can purchase a range of gourmet and local ingredients used in the kitchen.

The essentials
The place: Urban Pantry
Where: 5 Bougainville Street, Manuka
When: Closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day
Phone: (02) 6162 3556

Walt & Burley

A huge 300-seater gastropub, Walt & Burley boasts an appealing pub grub menu with light starters, substantial mains and daily blackboard dishes and that’s not mentioning the ‘smokehouse’ meals or dessert selection either. Oh and there’s beer and ciders too perfect for a lazy Sunday sesh overlooking Lake Burley Griffith.

The essentials
The place: Walt & Burley
Where: 21 Eastlake Parade, Kingston
When: Closed only Christmas Day
Phone: (02) 6239 6648

Neighbourhood Food

Designed to serve the people of Gungahlin, Neighbourhood Food is simple home cooking in a relaxed dine in atmosphere. Perfect for an affordable night out without breaking the bank, it’s a well-kept secret perfect for a low-key dinner, pasta and wine with friends or casual catch-up with mum.

The essentials
The place: Neighbourhood Food
Where: 54 Ernest Cavanagh Street, Gungahlin
When: Closed Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day
Phone: (02) 6241 5819