Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in Canberra

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes 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!

Flui Restaurant - Canberra

4.9

4.9 (38)

$41 to $100

Modern Australian

Canberra City

About the restaurant

we serve modern australian food, with fine local ingredients, the vibe is casual yet relaxed, immerse yourself in a heritage building with high quaility food and wine

Top review

Nova

Dined on Jun 21, 2025

Flui has a great atmosphere: classy without being pretentious. They clearly have great attention to detail, the cutlery was adorable and the chairs so comfortable and sturdy (unlike a lot of places with annoying creaky chairs). We had the vegan set menu, and for a non-vegan restaurant it was so clear that the vegan menu was not an afterthought. The entree was incredible! One of the yummiest and most unique soups I’ve had. Each of the other courses was delicious. We loved the rich and super fresh gnocchi, which was balanced with a crisp sweet and salty salad. The staff were attentive but not overbearing, and they were all very friendly. I like places where the workers don’t have to act like robots, and at Flui they were funny and all had personality. They also didn’t rush the courses, they were well timed to take up the full booking slot and give patrons time to enjoy their evening. It’s nice when you’re not rushed out! Clearly a well thought out restaurant. Looking forward to going again!

Discover more

Experience

Flui's Chef Selection

REBEL REBEL

4.8

4.8 (1300)

$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

Noel

Dined 5 days ago

Rebel Rebel continues to achieve very high standards of food quality and presentation, while also being innovative in refreshing its menu. The attentive, friendly and professional staff are a huge asset for the business. They appear to enjoy their work and are supportive of the high standards and guidance set by the successful Owner and Chef - Sean McConnell.

Briscola Italian

4.8

4.8 (574)

$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

Dave

Dined 4 days ago

Fantastic proper Italian tastes.. lovely full G & GF pasta, great wine selection and the BEST service. Great night.

Discover more

4.7

4.7 (98)

$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

Mel

Dined on Jun 21, 2025

Beautiful food, awesome belly-dancing entertainment, great way to spend a birthday!

Discover more

Experience

Belly Dance + Dinner

Experience

Belly Dance + Dinner + Drinks 150pp

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 2 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.

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

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 5 days ago

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

$110pp Compa Set Menu

Experience

$130pp Fiorentina Set Menu

Experience

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

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 3 days ago

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

Atrium Bar And Restaurant

3.9

3.9 (60)

$40 and under

Australian

Dickson

About the restaurant

Start and end your day at Atrium Restaurant & Bar, set amongst our warm and inviting tropical garden atrium. Open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner & just minutes from the CBD and Dickson. Whether it's a special occasion or you just want to get out of the house; let us offer you an experience.

With an all day bar menu featuring dishes to share, salads, burgers, pizzas and other mains...plus don’t forget dessert, we’ve got you covered, whatever you feel; or try our A la carte dishes in Atrium Restaurant itself with produce sourced from our own independent local farm.

There’s no better way to unwind than with a drink in hand, surrounded by lush greenery at the Atrium Bar for Happy Hour; Monday to Friday 4pm - 6pm. Sample one of our signature cocktails or selection of regional wine.

Top review

Ray

Dined on Jun 4, 2025

Everything was OK. Service was very good. Ambience was nice

Discover more

Experience

Happy Hour Mon-Fri (4pm-6pm)

Monster Kitchen & Bar

3.8

3.8 (1200)

$41 to $100

Modern Australian

Canberra City

About the restaurant

Monster Kitchen and Bar wanders through the ground floor of Ovolo Nishi and embraces a fresh and contemporary approach to dining, championing locally sourced and seasonal ingredients to create dishes that are approachable yet full of depth and character.

The menu is designed to be shared and enjoyed in a social and welcoming environment, ensuring every meal is a celebration of good food and great company.

Monster Bar offers a curated beverage experience, featuring thoughtfully crafted cocktails that highlight seasonal ingredients and modern mixology techniques. Our drink menu pays homage to classic cocktails while infusing them with a unique, playful twist.

Complementing our dining philosophy, the wine list is an eclectic mix of locally and internationally sourced selections, ensuring that each glass is a perfect match for the relaxed and inviting ambiance of Monster Kitchen & Bar.

The Monster is an omnivore.

Top review

Scott

Dined on Jun 3, 2025

We enjoyed sharing a smashed avocado and granola. Service was a little absent at times. Loved the space and engaging decor.

Discover more

Experience

Express Lunch

Explore Diners' Choice best of Canberra