Canberra's Food Scene Is Genuinely World-Class
It's one of Australia's best-kept secrets: Canberra has more restaurants per capita than Sydney or Melbourne, a craft beer scene built by passionate independents, and a food culture shaped by embassies, diplomats and world-class universities demanding world-class produce.
Craft Beer Capital
Bentspoke Brewing has won national awards for years running. Capital Brewing Co, Barley Griffin and Zierholz all produce exceptional ales, lagers and IPAs in dedicated taprooms with food menus to match.
Braddon Precinct
Canberra's answer to Fitzroy or Surry Hills. A former industrial suburb transformed into a buzzing strip of breweries, wine bars, specialty coffee roasters and celebrated restaurants — all within 1km.
Capital Region Farmers Market
Every Saturday at EPIC — 170+ stalls of local cheese, fresh pasta, heritage produce, artisan pastries and specialty coffee. One of Australia's best farmers markets and a beloved Canberra institution.
Cool-Climate Wine Country
Canberra's vineyards (Murrumbateman, Lake George) produce some of Australia's finest Shiraz and Riesling. Many winemakers also make craft beer — the crossover is uniquely Canberra.
Exceptional Coffee Culture
Canberra's specialty coffee scene is driven by a highly educated, discriminating population. Ona Coffee (Canberra-born) has won World Barista Championships. The city's café culture is genuine and refined.
Paddock to Plate
Surrounded by rich farming country in the Southern Tablelands, Snowy Mountains and ACT lowlands — chefs have extraordinary access to seasonal local produce that drives a genuinely farm-to-fork dining culture.
Canberra's Must-Visit Craft Breweries
Whether you're visiting independently or on a guided tour, these are the breweries that define Canberra's craft beer identity.
Canberra's flagship craft brewery — founded by a former Moo Brew brewer and a champion cyclist. Multiple GABS awards, outstanding taproom and kitchen in the heart of Braddon.
- Crankshaft IPA — their signature and Australia's most-awarded craft IPA
- Full kitchen with excellent food to match every beer style
- Brewery tours available at the Braddon taproom
- Beer and cheese or charcuterie pairing menus
Canberra's biggest independent craft brewery with a sprawling taproom, rotating food trucks and a gorgeous courtyard. Coast Ale is their year-round staple; rotating seasonals are always worth seeking out.
- Coast Ale — the most-loved Canberra craft beer
- Huge outdoor courtyard with rotating food trucks
- B-Corp certified — sustainability-first brewery
- Monthly release events and collaborative brews
Named for the famous lake, Barley Griffin is a beloved neighbourhood brewery with a relaxed taproom, excellent core range and friendly local crowd. Perfect for a longer, slower afternoon session.
- Strong community-focused ethos and regular events
- Excellent lager and pale ale core range
- Small-batch specials and seasonal brews
- Dog-friendly outdoor area
Guided Food & Beer Tour Experiences
Cooee's signature food tour — the Capital Region Farmers Market (Saturdays), Braddon brunch, brewery visits at Bentspoke and Capital Brewing, with a foodie guide who knows every chef in town.
- 7:30am start at Capital Region Farmers Market — Australia's best
- Guided market tour with a local foodie narrator
- Brunch at a celebrated Braddon café or restaurant
- Brewery visit and tasting at Bentspoke (2–3 beers)
- Afternoon visit to Capital Brewing Co with food trucks
- Wine bar optional wrap-up in Braddon
- Maximum 12 guests for an intimate, unhurried experience
Visit 3 of Canberra's best craft beer venues in 3 hours with a passionate local guide. Rated 4.8★ on GetYourGuide and consistently called out as one of Canberra's hidden gems.
- 3 carefully selected breweries and tap rooms
- Guided beer tasting and style education at each venue
- Passionate local guide with deep craft beer knowledge
- Food pairings at select stops
- Insider brewery stories and behind-the-scenes access
- Tends to sell out — book ahead
Ready to Eat & Drink Your Way Through Canberra?
Farmers markets, award-winning craft breweries and celebrated Braddon restaurants — Canberra's food scene punches hard above its weight. Come hungry, leave impressed.
Questions? Call Cooee: +61 409 661 342
What Foodie Visitors Say
Honestly the best day we had in Canberra. The Farmers Market at 7:30am was a revelation — we'd never seen quality like it. Bentspoke was extraordinary. Our guide knew everyone and got us into the back of house. Absolute highlight.
The 3-in-3 craft beer tour was a fantastic afternoon. Our guide knew every brewer personally and the stories behind each venue were brilliant. Capital Brewing's courtyard with food trucks was the perfect finish.
I came to Canberra purely for a conference and did Cooee's food tour on the Saturday. I've been recommending it to everyone since. The Braddon brunch, the market, the brewery afternoon — it was perfection from start to finish.
Canberra Food & Beer FAQs
What are the best craft breweries in Canberra?
The big three are Bentspoke Brewing (Braddon), Capital Brewing Co (Fyshwick) and Barley Griffin Brewing. Bentspoke is considered the flagship — their Crankshaft IPA is a multiple-time national award winner. Capital Brewing is the biggest, with a huge outdoor taproom and rotating food trucks. Both are essential Canberra visits for any craft beer lover.
When is the Capital Region Farmers Market?
Every Saturday morning from 7:30am to 11:30am at EPIC (Exhibition Park in Canberra), Flemington Road, Mitchell. It runs year-round in all weather and features 170+ stall holders. Arrive by 8am for the best selection — popular stalls like the fresh pasta, artisan cheese and pastry makers sell out early.
What is the Braddon food precinct?
Braddon is Canberra's inner-north dining and bar neighbourhood — a former light-industrial area that transformed from 2014 into the city's most exciting food strip. Mort Street and surrounding blocks host Bentspoke Brewing, numerous award-winning restaurants, specialty coffee roasters, wine bars and a changing roster of food pop-ups, all within an easy 10-minute walk.
Is Canberra really good for food?
Unequivocally yes — and it's often a surprise to first-time visitors. Canberra has more restaurants per capita than any other Australian city, driven by a highly educated and discerning population, diplomatic community, and proximity to some of Australia's best farming country. The craft beer scene, wine region and specialty coffee culture are all genuinely world-class by national and international standards.