Diners' Choice: Best Ambiance restaurants in Canberra

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants with the best ambiance in Canberra? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Queenies Restaurant & Bar

4.6

4.6 (375)

$41 to $100

Dining Bar

Kingston

About the restaurant

Queenies at Kingston is now 100% Gluten Free!

Serving a wide variety of Canberra Region wines, selected spirits and a rotating selection of craft beers from independently owned breweries.

Seasonal and free range produce with a uniquely native twist. Meals to share with friends, your special person or in splendid solitude.

Book online for groups of 8 or more.

What do I do if I want a booking for less than 8 people? Walk In! Don't be concerned as we are a large venue with both indoor and outdoor seating.

Top review

Jenny

Dined 6 days ago

I was so excited to dine at a coeliac friendly restaurant and Queenie’s in Kingston didn’t disappoint. The staff were lovely, the atmosphere was nice and the food was great. We will definitely be back soon.

COMPA

4.5

4.5 (164)

$101 and over

Italian

Canberra City

About the restaurant

Step into COMPA, here the servings are generous and
the atmosphere is effortlessly sophisticated. It feels
instantly familiar. Descending into the space is like giving
an old friend a long overdue hug.

For Matt Moran’s ACT debut - antipasto, pasta and charcoal
dishes bring a touch of Tuscany to your table. As with all
his establishments, at the heart of his menu is quality
produce that is fresh, seasonal and locally sourced.
COMPA is built on a simple, often forgotten pairing: good
food and good company.

Top review

Christine

Dined on Jun 26, 2025

So glad we got to dine here, we came up from the south coast especially for it based on Matt Moran’s reputation and diners reviews … we left looking forward to our next visit based on the wonderful professional and friendly service & fabulous food we experienced ! Steaks were perfectly cooked to order, pasta just delicious and my trout heavenly! Entree were perfectly tasty treats to set us up for a really special meal. Wine choices were made thanks to Dario who was more than happy to talk us through options, regions and styles. Our waiter was so efficient and personable as was the lovely fellow whose name I missed but who looked after us keeping our glasses topped up whether it was dealing water or wine!! Overall just a fantastic night 🙏

Discover more

Experience

$49pp Compa, Pronto! 1-hour express menu

Experience

$110pp Compa Set Menu

Experience

$130pp Fiorentina Set Menu

REBEL REBEL

4.8

4.8 (1301)

$41 to $100

Modern Australian

Canberra City

About the restaurant

REBEL REBEL is a casual eatery, wine bar and bottle shop in Newacton

Top review

Elisabeth

Dined 2 days ago

Amazing food and service. Great ambience though the music was a little to loud. Highly recommend.

Two Before Ten Greenway

4.7

4.7 (586)

$41 to $100

Café

Greenway

About the restaurant

Six-metre ceilings, wrapped in beautiful glass, facing north-east with views of the water.

Serving all of our favourites, some of the best coffee in Canberra, and awesome vibes all year long. It’s our sunny site for the south side and we couldn’t be prouder.

Come for breakfast, brunch or lunch, or grab a takeaway coffee, chai or hot chocolate before setting off towards Lake Tuggeranong.

Greenway is a nod to everything we hold dear, not least of all, the fact that it’s a collaboration with friends. Tim and Tristan, who used to manage Aranda but spent 2016-2019 setting up their own successful store Atlas on Hibberson in Gungahlin, helped us make this (rather large!) slice of paradise a reality.

Top review

David

Dined on Jun 25, 2025

Great service in a lovely location overlooking the lake

Briscola Italian

4.8

4.8 (575)

$41 to $100

Italian

Canberra City

About the restaurant

Since 2010, Briscola has firmly established itself on the Canberra food scene and is arguably this town's most popular Italian restaurant. Now with a newly refurbished venue, it offers an unpretentious yet stylish approach to an authentic Italian dining experience.
At the forefront it’s about the food: simple, wholesome and traditional without being old fashioned. The “old fashioned” is evident in the service with Gianni and his incredible staff focusing on giving the diner a charming experience.
What sets it apart is how they transport you to Italy. Start with an aperitivo to open the palate, enjoy a local or Italian wine varietal and finish with a soothing digestive.
Briscola is situated conveniently in the heart of the city near hotels and public transport.
Sit inside or alfresco, Briscola seems to suit anyone… families, young couples, group functions and corporate luncheons. You can walk-in, but please book, it gets busy!

Top review

Adrian

Dined 1 day ago

We always love our nights out at Briscola with great service, food and atmosphere.

Discover more

4.7

4.7 (99)

$41 to $100

Middle Eastern

Canberra City

About the restaurant

Named one of the nation's top cocktail bars by TimeOut and The Australian; Canberra's Favourite Middle Eastern Restaurant (2021, 22, 23 & 24); and winner of Best Cocktail Lounge and Small Bar (2022, 23 & 24), indulge in daring dishes, top-self cocktails, eclectic beats, and captivating belly dance and burlesque performances.

Nine-to-fivers, local poppers-in, out-of-towners, clocked-off hospo workers, and anyone who knows a good cocktail and bite to eat is knocking on the door from 6pm ‘til late. The vibe is charged with electricity, laughter, and love; everyone is here for the fun.

Whether you’re bringing the whole family to feast, a group to celebrate, a partner to spoil on a date night, or you just want to nibble, drink and ponder the world as you bop your head by yourself into the early hours, the welcome at Bar Beirut is as warm after midnight as it is just before sunset.

Yalla habibi!

Top review

Dion

Dined 1 day ago

Amazing experience, The staff were very friendly and fun. The food and cocktails were exotic and delicious. And the atmosphere with the belly dancing was unique and memorable. Will be coming back!

Discover more

Experience

Belly Dance + Dinner

Experience

Belly Dance + Dinner + Drinks 150pp

Experience

Burlesque @ Bar Beirut

The STHRN

4.0

4 (20)

$40 and under

Australian

Canberra City

About the restaurant

The Southern promises to breathe new life into the area as a vibrant and inviting pub, set to become a new favourite spot for sports, a good feed, and a lot of local entertainment – perfect for families and friends alike.

Top review

Mallory

Dined on Jun 27, 2025

The food was delicious and service was fast and friendly, thanks team!

Discover more

Experience

Happy Hour

Two Before Ten Aranda & 10 Yards

4.5

4.5 (918)

$40 and under

Australian

Aranda

About the restaurant

Our Aranda café is located in the old Aranda shops site on Bandjalong Cres. What was once a derelict building is now a bustling community hub where people can come to enjoy a quick coffee after dropping the kids to school, spend a lazy afternoon in the courtyard garden, or meet up with friends for a tasty weekend brunch. BOOKINGS BETWEEN 7AM & 1:30PM

10 Yards - Regional Wine Bar & Tap House
Offering a comprehensive range of Canberra Region Wines by the glass & bottle. A suburban bar since 2016, also offering local craft beer & cider alongside a full kitchen menu. BOOKINGS AFTER 2PM ONWARDS

DISCLAIMER**** Shade is not guaranteed when booking an outdoor table, please specify if shade is a requirement. Sunscreen is available on site.

Top review

alec

Dined on Jun 14, 2025

Had a table for four and everyone enjoyed,the food and coffee

Discover more

Experience

10Yards Saturday Social Club

Kivotos Wine Bar

4.8

4.8 (64)

$40 and under

Greek

Braddon

About the restaurant

LIVE MUSIC THIS MONTH!
Friday, 20th June 2025 & Saturday, 21st June 2025

Step into the heart of Greece at KIVOTOS, an intimate and authentic Greek food and wine sanctuary nestled in the pulsating rhythm of Braddon, Canberra. Offering an unparalleled culinary voyage through the flavors of the Mediterranean, KIVOTOS invites you to Indulge in authentic Greek food, lovingly crafted with fresh ingredients and a passion for traditional recipes. Accompany your meal with a glass of carefully selected, fine Greek wines and liquors, chosen to complement the culinary journey. KIVOTOS promises an unforgettable dining experience that celebrates the essence of Greek cuisine, wine, and warmth, creating a sanctuary for those who yearn for a taste of Greece.

LIVE MUSIC - Check 'experience' for details on performances and date.

Please give us a call 0430363683 if having difficulties with the bookings

Top review

Rosey

Dined on Jun 26, 2025

Fabulous food and wine. A favourite of ours

La Rustica

4.4

4.4 (84)

$41 to $100

Italian

Kingston

About the restaurant

Our team- With 17 years of experience cooking in the finest restaurants, our head chef is excited to present his vision to you and all our guests. Our caring and committed staff make sure you have a fantastic experience.

Dine in or takeaway- We have worked to package our meals in a way that lets you bring the quality of our meals into your home. We always love to see you in person, but even when we can't, we ensure that your dining experience is top notch!

Seasonal & Local- Indulge in the authentic flavours of Italy with our delicious dishes made from fresh, local ingredients. Join us for an unforgettable dining experience.

Top review

Sandra

Dined 7 days ago

We've been here a few times now on our visits to Canberra. Great food & service - love this restuarant 💕

Explore Diners' Choice best of Canberra

Explore more Diners' Choice lists