Restaurants 10 of Canberra’s favourite places to dine out
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Canberra is home to more than 300 restaurants, cafes and pubs, so you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to eating out. There are four main dining precincts: head to the city centre for good value eateries or fine dining in West Row in the Melbourne Building; Kingston and Manuka for modern Australian, Spanish, Malaysian, French, Thai, Chinese and Italian and Dickson for Asian food.
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1. Silo Bakery: this bakery/café recently won the Best Breakfast award at the Australian Restaurant and Catering Australia Awards for Excellence. Its bread and pastries are among Australia’s best. Many of the lunch dishes are regional French or Spanish in their inspiration. 36 Giles St Kingston. Tel: (02) 6260 6060. www.silobakery.com.au
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2. Alto Restaurant: fresh from a complete restaurant makeover, the revolving restaurant at the top of Canberra’s Telstra Tower is light, airy and contemporary with a new menu of modern Australian dishes. It has great views at lunch and a special ambience at night when the city lights sparkle in the distance. Black Mountain Drive, Canberra. Tel: (02) 6247 5518. www.altotower.com.au
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3. Chairman and Yip: seriously good Asian fusion cuisine with a focus on seafood and exotic fare such as sea snails and sea cucumber. Try the iconic Shanghai duck pancakes. The wine list is one of Canberra’s best and the desserts are exquisite. 108 Bunda St, Canberra City. Tel: (02) 6248 7109. www.thechairmanandyip.com
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4. Waters Edge: minimalist décor, vaulted ceilings, crisp linen and luxurious leather chairs and sweeping views across Lake Burley Griffin to the Australian War Memorial. Commonwealth Place, Parkes. Tel: (02) 6273 5066. www.watersedgecanberra.com.au
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5. Milk & Honey: there’s a happy buzz about this spot, which offers everything from light snacks, smoothies and milkshakes to full restaurant meals. The food is reasonably priced and contemporary and the décor is 1970s retro. There’s also a great choice of alcoholic drinks from the bar, including cocktails, and a big range of freshly squeezed fruit juices. Centre Cinema, 29 Garema Pl, Canberra. Tel: (02) 6247 7722.
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6. The Habit Cafe, one of Canberra's best cheap eats. With main meals ranging from $8-$20, this great looking cafe combines excellent food and service. 1 McPherson Street, O'Connor. Tel: (02) 6162 0033.
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7. Axis Restaurant: one of the best views in Canberra from its prime location in the National Museum of Australia. Modern and innovative cuisine complemented by an extensive boutique wine list. National Museum of Australia, Acton Peninsula, Acton. Tel: (02) 6208 5176.
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8. Woodstock Steak and Pizza House: Canberra’s original steakhouse and an eating institution. The menu might be simple, but the pizzas and steaks are huge. 185 City Walk, Canberra City. Tel: (02) 6249 7969.
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9. The Ginger Room: impressive menu that combines French and Vietnamese cooking traditions with an extensive wine list. The Ginger Room is located in part of the refurbished 1927 dining room of Old Parliament House, and combines the original decorative panels on the walls of the dining room with striking contemporary design. Old Parliament House, King George Terrace, Parkes. Tel: (02) 6270 8262. www.gingercatering.com.au
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10. Grazing: this cosy restaurant with its open fireplaces offers a menu uniquely focused on the Canberra district, showcasing the best local fresh farm produce and probably the world’s largest Canberra district wine list. The Royal Hotel, corner Cork and Harp Streets, Gundaroo. Tel: (02) 6236 8777. www.grazing.com.au
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