There’s never been a better time to eat and drink your way around Canberra and the South Coast. From exciting new restaurants bringing fresh flavours to the table, to recently opened neighbourhood favourites that are already making a name for themselves, there are a wave of tasty spots worth putting on your list this spring - and we’ve tried most of them!
Photography by Edward Howell
CANBERRA
AZUMA DEN
Azuma Den is one of Canberra’s newest restaurant openings located in Kingston’s East Hotel. This Korean-Japanese restaurant opened in late 2025 and has a brilliantly curated share-style menu that will make you want to come back over and over again. Dishes include crispy wagyu beef tartare tacos, Korean fried chicken served two ways, freshly grilled flamed scallops with citrusy yuzu butter and salmon roe, house-made dumplings, hibachi grill options and so much more. Their menu also offers a range of
delicious vegan selections too, like Japchae sweet potato noodles and deep-fried tofu in miso broth. Desserts include mochi wraps and their special Crème Brûlée with mandarin puree, yuzu and ginger.
Our Take: “Highly recommend! We love Jun’s fried chicken, the cucumber kimchi and the eggplant! The service is friendly and efficient - all with the lively hotel vibe”.
69 Canberra Avenue, Kingston
HUNTER & BARREL
Hunter & Barrel steakhouse brings a sophisticated yet comfortable dining experience to Canberra built around quality produce and primal cooking techniques. At the heart of the menu is fire, with every steak cooked over open flame and white hot coals, delivering a distinct smoky, charred flavour. Expect to find a menu with premium tomahawks, tender lamb and chicken skewers, beef and pork ribs as well as a variety of fire-cooked meats and seafood dishes with bold, authentic flavours.
Our Take: “Couldn’t recommend more! We loved the creamed spinach mac and cheese and the skewers are a show stopper. The atmosphere was rustic and chic”.
20 Scotts Crossing, Canberra
Photography by Ash Edmonds
CURIOSA BAR
The atmosphere of this intimate Italian wine bar is warm and inviting, inspired by contemporary enotecas and neighbourhood haunts across Italy. Curiosa’s wine list is approachable and designed for by-the-glass pours, plus they have cocktails, beer, cider and non-alcoholic options too. While you’re here enjoy some of their authentic Italian dishes made for sharing, including pasta and delectable desserts. Every Wednesday to Sunday from 4pm until 6pm they host Curiosa Hour with a half-price by-the-glass menu, complimentary aperitivo snacks, Aperol Spritz from $8, beers from $6 and wines from $5.50.
Our Take: “The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and the service was attentive and friendly. But the real star of the lunch was the steak”.
148 Bunda Street, Canberra
7 CUTZ STEAKHOUSE
7 Cutz Steakhouse delivers a refined yet lively dining experience serving top-tier chargrilled steaks, fall-off-the-bone ribs, and fresh seafood. The menu is inspired by South African flavours with the steaks and ribs cooked on a charcoal fire, a nod to the country’s social custom of cooking meat on an open flame called a “braai”. Expect to find wagyu and tomahawk steaks, oysters, king prawns, burgers, pork and beef ribs, and more. Be sure to leave room for one of their delicious desserts or unique cocktails.
Our Take: “Amazing serving size and quality for the price. We will absolutely be back to try other items on the menu”.
Photography by Hunter & Barrel
SOUTH COAST
OUTPOST BAR
Outpost Bar was built from the ground up by locals with a vision, Lee and Peter Louttie and daughter Casie. Located in Broulee, the bar’s purpose is to shine a light on Australian liquor, celebrate local producers, and create a place where locals and travellers can slow down, share a yarn, enjoy a drink and a bite to eat. The drinks menu here is fantastic, featuring an all-Australian collection of wines, crafted cocktails, crisp brews and ciders, as well as top-shelf spirits. Chef Pete Compton, former owner and chef of The River Restaurant in Moruya leads the kitchen, and has curated a menu filled with delicious sharing plates with bold, thoughtful flavours.
Our Take: “Couldn’t recommend more. The prawns are the hero — chargrilled, smoky, and just kissed with garlic and ginger. Dip them into that silky saffron aioli and suddenly everything feels a little more luxurious. Coastal, simple and seriously tasty”.
9/40 Train Street, Broulee
FOXDOG DISTILLERY
Foxdog Distillery sits on over 180 acres of picturesque farmland overlooking the Wandera Mountain and Mogo State Forest. This intimate distillery handcrafts varieties of gin and vodka using only the finest locally sourced ingredients and traditional artisanal distillation techniques. Visitors can enjoy cocktails, tastings and all day dining from 11am, Tuesday to Sunday. Be sure to check their website for workshops, live music and events. There are also six architecturally designed, self-contained villas a short distance from the main distillery, perfect for your next weekend getaway.
Our Take: “Great atmosphere and beautiful outlook — pizzas always hit the spot every time — crisp sourdough crust, soft centre, and the kind of tang that keeps you going back for another slice. Perfect with a glass of red by the fire”.
312 Tomakin Road, Mogo
BAYVIEW HOTEL
The Bayview Hotel has been a local landmark since its opening in 1879, but after two years of planning and a long closure, this pub is now boasting a full renovation since reopening late in 2025. Before its makeover, the Bayview Hotel featured a drinks bar, separate sports bar, outdoor beer garden, VIP lounge, fenced kids play area, a billiards table and a large screen. The floor plan is unchanged, but the pub has had a complete refit and has been painted inside and out. Be sure to check out the new look if you haven’t already, and enjoy a drink and some great food, plus events like trivia nights and pool competitions.
Our Take: “Highly recommend. If you’re craving a proper pub steak, this is your place. Simple, honest, cooked exactly how you ask — whether you’re into a big beefy sear or something tender and melt-in-your-mouth. Service is always friendly and warm”.
20 Orient Street, Batemans Bay
BAR SOMETHING
Bar Something is a cosy ‘70s-inspired neighbourhood wine and cocktail bar run by three friends and South Coast locals Bloss McClelland, Mathew Hatcher, and Fergus Lynch. The trio have extensive experience from different corners of the hospitality industry and had a vision to create a special place that people came back to — somewhere casual but considered, a place that you could drop into for one drink or settle into for the night. The drinks menu here showcases a variety of great Australian wines, some stellar house-made cocktails and a bunch of creative small bites such as drunk devilled eggs and $2 oysters on Tuesdays. Open 3pm until late, Tuesday to Saturday.
Our Take: “Working our way through the drinks list on each visit. Cocktails here are a bit of fun — whether you’re after a classic Martini done just right or something more playful. Fruity, spiced, bitter or bold, there’s always something that fits the mood”.
60 Vulcan Street, Moruya
Enjoy this complimentary magazine, and continue to feel inspired to find endless possibilities to enhance your own living.
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