Food, Drinks & Traditional Dishes in Canberra

What began as a small, beloved red food caravan near the lake has exploded into the most famous burger institution in the capital. These massive flame grilled burgers are legendary for their high quality beef patties, gourmet blue cheese options, and incredible house made aioli. Waiting for a table here has become a rite of passage for locals and visitors alike. It perfectly represents the city's transition toward a highly successful, independent culinary scene.

The city boasts an incredibly strong tradition of high quality Turkish cuisine, heavily focused on freshly baked, boat shaped flatbreads. Establishments in Dickson and Yarralumla serve these massive, wood fired breads stuffed with spiced lamb, spinach, and feta. It is deeply ingrained in the local fast casual dining culture and serves as the ultimate comfort food. The quality and ubiquity of these bakeries rival those found anywhere else in the country.

This outrageous, calorie heavy dessert phenomenon was actually invented right here in the capital before taking the internet by storm globally. They are monstrously oversized milkshakes overflowing with whole slices of cake, pretzels, brownies, and massive dollops of whipped cream. Eating one is as much a photographic event as it is a culinary challenge. It highlights the playful and highly creative side of the local cafe culture.

The high altitude and sharp temperature drops of the surrounding wine district produce an incredibly elegant and distinctive style of Shiraz. Unlike the heavy, bold wines of warmer regions, these are celebrated for their subtle spice, white pepper notes, and smooth finish. The local wineries, particularly those near Murrumbateman, are internationally renowned for this specific varietal. Tasting it straight from the cellar door is a quintessential local weekend activity.

The crisp, cold winters in the surrounding region create the absolute perfect conditions for cultivating these highly prized culinary fungi. During the winter harvest, local restaurants infuse truffles into everything from fine dining risottos to casual cafe breakfasts. You can even join a truffle hunt with trained dogs at farms just outside the city borders. It provides a luxurious and distinctly regional gastronomic experience.