In recent years, Canberra has transformed into a destination that is bound to please discerning travellers. A new wave of cafes, restaurants, shops, and hotels have popped up, raising the bar in the nation’s capital. We hit the road in a MINI Clubman to re-discover Canberra, seeking out some of the best new and classic venues the city has to offer.
Eat & Drink
Barrio Collective Coffee
ORI Building, 59/30 Lonsdale Street, Braddon
Barrio Collective is a cosy, welcoming space that serves some of the best coffee in Canberra. They utilise both traditional and contemporary brew methods to showcase the versatility of their coffee. Barrio Collective also has an accompanying food menu with simple dishes made from fresh, seasonal produce, as well as a wine list championing local talents.
Vincent
48 Macquarie Street, Barton
When the mood for fine dining strikes, head to Vincent in Barton. The modern cuisine here is second to none, with a stellar wine selection to match. The space is intriguingly dim yet enticing, and the wine list displayed via Scrabble-style letters on the wall adds a playful vibe.
Bar Rochford
First floor, 65 London Circuit, Canberra
Bar Rochford offers all the appeal of a classic wine and cocktail bar, but delivers it in a fresh space built with beautiful, raw materials. When you head up the stairs from the street entrance, you’re met with a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere. A refined bar menu accompanies the meticulously curated wines, beers, and cocktails.
Capital Brewing Co.
Building 3, 1 Dairy Road, Fyshwick
The aptly named Capital Brewing Co. is a must-visit if you’re into craft beer. This warehouse space is a relaxed environment to enjoy the brewery’s creations, which range from a crisp California common ale through to a warming coffee and oatmeal stout. Remember to grab a few for later before you leave, and if you’re there on a weekend, be sure to book a brewery tour too.
Capitol Bar & Grill
1 London Circut, Canberra
Capitol Bar & Grill is QT Canberra’s in-house restaurant. The “Italian themed concept” offers options like mouthwatering antipasto plates, an exclusively sourced ribeye, and vanilla custard injected doughnuts, served with honey from the hotel’s own apiary. As per the dress code, you should dress to impress when you come here for a meal, if only to reflect the restaurant’s premium interior design.
Ritual Coffee
21 National Circuit, Barton
Found on the bottom level of Little National hotel in Barton, Ritual Coffee is a perfect pit stop for a weekday caffeine fix. Though the cafe’s primary focus is serving up beautifully crafted espresso-based coffees, they also have a neat selection of bites if you’re hungry. The space is open and bright, filled with natural light and a healthy dose of indoor plants; the ideal spot to enjoy a coffee break.
Rye
9 Lonsdale Street, Braddon
Relatively new to the cafe scene in Canberra, Rye opened in 2016 with the aim to serve healthy and hearty food, excellent coffee, and some of Australia’s best wine to locals and visitors alike. It’s all offered in a beautifully designed, timber-clad space that has a decidedly Danish feel to it – undoubtedly an homage to one of the co-owners’ Danish heritage.
Frugii Dessert Laboratory
30 Lonsdale Street, Braddon
If the tub of ice cream you have sitting in the freezer isn’t quite cutting it anymore, then Frugii Dessert Laboratory is a must-visit. The mad scientist at the helm of the lab, John Marshall, experiments with ice cream flavours like blue cheese, durian, and roast pumpkin, to name a few. If those are a little too extreme, there are still old faithfuls like salted caramel, dark chocolate, and vanilla bean on the menu.
Shop
Oscar Wylee
Canberra Centre, Bunda Street, Canberra
Oscar Wylee has an extensive range of both sunglasses and optical frames of all styles, colours, shapes, and sizes. The store is an open and comfortable environment to try on a few different eyewear designs after having your eyes tested. What’s more is that for every frame purchased from Oscar Wylee, the brand will help provide eye care to those in need in developing countries.
Men’s Biz
Canberra Centre, Bunda Street, Canberra
Men’s Biz in Canberra Centre has you sorted for all your grooming needs. Get a haircut or hot towel shave in the barber area and then peruse the rows of skin, body, and hair care products to take home with you. Men’s Biz carries an array of top brands including Baxter Of California and Triumph & Disaster. Their expert staff are always on-hand to help if you’re not sure what you’re looking for too.
Goodspeed Bicycle Company
19 Kendall Lane Canberra
Canberra is arguably Australia’s most bike-friendly city, so it makes sense they craft some impressive rides there. Goodspeed Bicycle Company has been around since 2012, designing and manufacturing steel bikes with an instantly recognisable curved frame. Pop by their converted shipping container in NewActon cultural precinct for all your bike repair needs.
Stay
Little National
21 National Circuit, Barton
Little National is a contemporary hotel found in the suburb of Barton. Ideal if you’re travelling by yourself or with a partner, the hotel’s rooms are compact yet well-designed. Interiors are minimalist and clean, and the bathroom offers premium Appelles amenities. Little National is a great spot to base yourself in Canberra. It’s close to some of the major sights like Parliament House and the National Gallery. Rent a bike from the hotel and ride along the nearby river and Lake Burley Griffin; an excellent way to experience the city.
Ovolo Nishi
25 Edinburgh Avenue, Canberra
More than just somewhere to rest your head, Ovolo Nishi is a must-visit destination in and of itself. The boutique hotel’s epic recycled timber staircase is just the beginning of its unique offerings. The rooms are artistic and modern, with a focus on sustainable design. Some feature decadent bathrooms with large walk-in showers and an oversize bathtub. The hotel has an undeniably eclectic aesthetic, providing a luxury stay with a distinct quirkiness that you wouldn’t expect to find in Canberra.
This guide was produced by Hey Gents in partnership with MINI Australia.
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