Top Family Restaurants in Canberra - Australian Traveller

Your go-to guide to Canberra’s best family restaurants, no matter the age of your kids.

After a long day seeing the sights, sit down for dinner at one of Canberra’s many family restaurants.

The nation’s capital is known for its dining scene and it’s good to know you can find a whole range of restaurants, cafes and food experiences that welcome little ones, tweens and teens to the table.

1. Wildflour Bakery

Canberrans take their leisure time seriously, and you will find many of them starting their weekend right by sitting down to breakfast at Wildflour Bakery . Expect a beguiling cast of locals consuming their body weight in artisan baked goods at this family-friendly Canberra institute, which has an undercover courtyard overlooking play equipment. This will keep the kids happy until their French toast and chocolate croissants arrive.

Take your pick between classic options like smashed avo on sourdough and more intriguing dishes such as ube pancakes. If you’re on the move, get caffeinated with a cup of ONA coffee and pick up paninis to go.

pastries and coffee at Wildflour Bakery, Canberra — Pick indulgent pastries and treats at Wildflour Bakery. (Image: VisitCanberra)

Address: 8 Townsville Crescent, Fyshwick ACT

2. Edgar’s Inn

While Ainslie locals love waking up with a coffee at Edgar’s Inn , they can also be found lingering at The Inn and Wakefield’s Bar & Wine. The two reimagined venues regularly rank on guides to the best places to have a drink in Canberra.

Edgar’s has been drawing families for decades thanks to crowd-pleasing options breakfast burgers and French toast. Order well off the lengthy menu; little ones will love the bite-sized kids pancakes, which come with either bacon or fruit and always topped with a generous dollop of maple syrup.

a table-top view of food, The Inn at Edgar's, Canberra — Dine flavourful meals at Edgar’s. (Image: The Inn at Edgar’s)

Address: 1 Edgar Street, Ainslie ACT

3. Agostinis

There’s a lot to take in at Agostinis , located on the ground floor of Canberra’s East Hotel. This family-run restaurant is always full of all ages due to its friendly waiters, and serious dedication to serving great Italian pizzas and pastas that will suit even the pickiest eaters.

It’s airy, light-filled dining room becomes moodily lit after dark, transporting you to Italy via delicious menu staples. Delight in polpette al sugo, slow-cooked Waygu beef mince and Italian pork sausage meatballs. Or try the capricciosa pizza with rosciutto cotto, mushrooms, artichokes and olives – it’s a crowd pleaser.

slices of pizza at Agostini’s, Canberra — Grab a slice of pizza at Agostini’s.

Address: 69 Canberra Avenue, Kingston ACT

4. Tiger Lane

The neon-bright signs pointing toward the Tiger Lane precinct in Canberra’s heart are hard to miss. Or simply follow the crowds of families and friends meeting up for shabu-shabu (Japanese-style hot pot) at Taki. Kids will love the interactive element of cooking food in the simmering hot pot.

Those with teens in tow can also head next door to Inari, which is a wonderland of fun led by so-called sushi shaman and Tiger Lane executive chef Shaun Presland. Also onsite is Mrs Wang, a contemporary take on traditional Chinese food, and Thai powerhouse, Supalove – as well as numerous take-away stalls for dinner on the go.

Inari, Tiger Lane, Canberra — Drop by Inari to meet sushi shaman, Shaun Presland.

Address: 148 Bunda Street, Canberra City ACT

5. East Row

Bring your Instagram-obsessed teenagers to East Row so they can refresh their social feed at this delightful Canberra cafe. With an ever-changing seasonal menu, you’ll be treated to the best produce the state has to offer. Choose from the all-day breakfast menu or opt for something from the lunch list.

Kids can choose from sweet and savoury dishes, including waffles, fish and chips and croissants. The contemporary cafe is housed in the revitalised Sydney Building and is full of hip locals who arrange themselves artistically on the apple-green banquettes.

Address: 101-103 London Circuit, Canberra ACT

6. CBD Dumpling House

You will get dinner and a show at CBD Dumpling House, as the chefs prepare thousands of dumplings a day in full view of their customers and passers-by.

This noted dumpling den – the go-to choice for everyone from fat-cat politicians to students – is a decidedly fun place to enjoy xiao long bao (Shanghai soup dumplings) until you pop. Kids love the ice cream with waffles, which arrive with a snowfall of sprinkles.

empty chairs inside CBD Dumpling House, Canberra — Pull up a chair at CBD Dumpling House. (Image: VisitCanberra)

Address: 148 Bunda Street, Canberra ACT

7. Verity Lane Market

In suitable weather, the laneway tables within the iconic Sydney Building maximise Canberra’s chilled hipster vibe. But, like most places in the country’s capital, Verity Lane Market is not too cool for school and you’ll get a warm welcome when it’s cold outside.

The street-food market has a convenient CBD location, where families can choose between vendors like Seoul Chicken, Rasa Rosa, Pizza Artigiana, Petite Saigon and La Cocina Pura.

Verity Lane Market in Canberra — Sit outside and enjoy a family meal. (Image: Verity Lane Market)

Address: 50 Northbourne Avenue, Canberra ACT

8. Brodburger at Capital Brewing

The original red caravan where Brodburger began is now housed in the family-friendly courtyard at Capital Brewing Co. It’s a wonderful place to stop in, as kids can run around outside while mum and dad watch on, sipping an on-tap brew.

The flame-grilled burgers are beyond brilliant. Grown-ups should get the bigger-than-your-head Deluxe stuffed with eggs, bacon, lettuce and onion. Over 10 of the caravan’s burgers come in a ‘Baby Size’ option, making it the perfect pit stop for hungry tummies.

Brodburger in Canberra — Many Brodburger bites come kid-sized, too. (Image: VisitCanberra)

Address: 3/1 Dairy Road, Fyshwick ACT

9. Snapper & Co

Sit outside at the Southern Cross Yacht Club in Yarralumla and enjoy the crisp Canberra air while the kids kick a ball around. As the name suggests, the eatery is right on Lake Burley Griffin and overlooks Black Mountain.

There are multiple venues on site, but Snapper & Co is a must at least once. Sit on the deck or in the courtyard and order some of the best fish and chips in the region, which arrive wrapped in a custom newspaper printed with dad jokes. What’s not to love?

Snapper & Co in Canberra — Sit down for some of the best fish and chips in the city. (Image: VisitCanberra)

Address: Mariner Place, Yarralumla ACT

10. Lazy Su

Teach your children to appreciate good food and retro-chic decor at Lazy Su in Lonsdale Street, where these two components collide to great effect. Watch the chefs cook up a storm, with dishes everyone seems to order like Wagyu beefsteak spring rolls, Japanese roast chicken and miso butter carrots.

Don’t look past the desserts either; the whole family will want seconds of the bubble tea crème brûlée. And at $15 a pop, why not? Families should arrive early for dinner at the Japanese-Korean-Americana eatery, as the place turns up the volume as the night progresses.

Chinese golden cats hanging on the wall at Lazy Su, Canberra — Kids will love the golden cats that adorn the walls. (Image: Lazy Su)

Address: 1/9 Lonsdale Street, Braddon ACT

11. Monster Kitchen & Bar

Have you got a few vegetarians in the family? Monster Kitchen & Bar is the in-house vegetarian restaurant at Ovolo Nishi and will have something to suit, regardless of how rampant a carnivore you are.

Expect generous portions, pretty plating and fantastic service. The restaurant has big windows looking out onto the leafy street, a statement chandelier and clubby panelling. In short, it has a rebellious, fun spirit that will please the pickiest of eaters.

Monster Kitchen at Ovolo Nishi in Canberra — Kids will love the parmesan churros. (Image: Ovolo Nishi)

Address: 25 Edinburgh Avenue, Canberra ACT

Makers, bakers, artists, chefs, crafters – Ballarat and its surrounds are overflowing with creative spirits. All dedicated to keeping traditional skills alive for a city that is humming with artful energy.

Modern makers: a new generation of artists and artisans

“Keeping craft alive is a noble cause,” says Jess Cameron-Wootten, a charming and passionate master leathercrafter and cordwainer, who handmakes traditional leather boots and shoes in Ballarat’s old Gun Cotton Goods Store.

Ballarat was recognised in 2019 as a UNESCO Creative City of Craft and Folk Art, and today it’s a place where craft traditions converge with contemporary needs. Nothing quite captures this convergence as a visit to Wootten , the workshop and store of Jess Cameron-Wootten and his partner Krystina Menegazzo.

heritage buildings in Ballarat — Ballarat’s streets are lined with heritage buildings. (Image: Matt Dunne)

Jess’s father was an artisan bootmaker, or cordwainer. Now Jess and Krys and their small team of artisans continue the tradition, but with a modern spin. The company’s boots and shoes, made completely from scratch, are renowned for their quality and longevity. Wootten also craft shoes, bags, belts, leather aprons, wallets and more.

Cosy beanies, gloves, alpaca socks, “unbreakable” shoelaces and various other goods – many from local craftspeople and small-scale makers – fill the shop’s shelves. “We’re always happy to support a mate,” says Jess. “People love to see the workshop and where things are made. Our clients care about quality and sustainability,” Krys comments. The company slogan ‘Made for generations’ says it all.

Ruby Pilven’s ceramics at Ross Creek Gallery. (Image: Tara Moore)

For Ruby Pilven, craft is also in the DNA – both her parents were potters and with her latest porcelain ceramics, Ruby’s young daughter has been helping add colour to the glazes. “I grew up watching my parents in the workshop – I’ve always been doing ceramics,” she says, although her Visual Arts degree was in printmaking. That printmaking training comes through particularly in the rich layering of pattern. Her audacious colour, unexpected shapes and sudden pops of 12-carat gold are contemporary, quirky – and joyful.

You can see Ruby’s handcrafted ceramics, and work by other local and regional artists, at Ross Creek Gallery , a light-filled space surrounded by serene bushland, across from the mudbrick house her parents built in the 1980s. A 10-minute drive from Ballarat, it’s a tangible link to the region’s well-established craft traditions.

How Ballarat is preserving the past

artisans making crafts at the Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades, Ballarat — The Centre for Rare Arts & Forgotten Trades holds workshops to preserve crafts and skills.

While tradition is ongoing, there’s a danger that many of these specific type of skills and knowledge are fading as an older generation passes on. Step forward the Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades .

The seven purpose-built studios occupy a fabulous modern building adjacent to Sovereign Hill, with state-of-the-art facilities, enormous windows and landscape views across to Warrenheip and Wadawurrung Country.

artisanal works at the Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades, Ballarat — Check out artisanal works at the Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades.

Practising artisans run hands-on workshops. Fancy making your own medieval armour? Or trying your hand at blacksmithing, spinning wool, plaiting leather, weaving cane or craft a knife? Book a class and learn how. “It’s about creating awareness and also sharing knowledge and skills before they are lost,” explains Deborah Klein, the centre manager.

A city steeped in food and flavours

Chef José Fernandez preparing American streetfood at Pancho — Chef José Fernandez creates vibrant South American street food at Pancho. (Image: Ballarat Tourism)

One skill that hasn’t been lost is that of cooking. Ballarat’s burgeoning gastronomy scene runs the gamut from an artisan bakery (the atmospheric 1816 Bakehouse) to cool coffee shops, speakeasy cocktail bars and distilleries to fine-dining venues. But I’m still surprised to find Pancho , José Fernandez’s South American street food restaurant, serving fried cheese tequeños, fiery fish tacos, Argentinian grilled chicken.

The room is as lively as the food – a whirl of colour filled with gifted and thrifted paintings, photos, tchotchkes (trinkets), plants. There’s a Mexican abuela aesthetic going on here. Even before the music and mezcal kick in, it’s fun. Heads up on the drinks menu – an authentic selection of mezcal, tequila, South American wines and Mexican cerveza.

a cocktail at Itinerant Spirits, Ballarat — Enjoy a cocktail at Itinerant Spirits. (Image: Ballarat Tourism)

The spirit is willing, so after lunch we head towards the gold rush-era Ballarat train station and across the line to the old 1860s Goods Shed for Itinerant Spirits . At one end, a massive German copper still looms behind a wall of glass. The fit-out embraces deep olive-green tones, original bluestone walls, steamer trunks as coffee tables, heritage timber floors, oversized lamp shades and cognac-hued modernist leather seating.

the Itinerant Spirits Distillery & Cocktail Bar, Ballarat — The distillery operates from an old goods shed. (Image: Ballarat Tourism)

Gallivanter Gin, Vansetter Vodka and Wayfarer Whiskey – the key spirits distilled – star at the bar. The spirits are crafted using grains from the Wimmera Mallee region, and native botanicals foraged in the Grampians. Seasonal cocktails are inspired by local people and places (I loved The Headland, inspired by Sovereign Hill and flavoured with old-fashioned raspberry drops). Sample the spirits, and join a cocktail masterclass or a distillery tour. It’s a seductive setting – you’ll likely find yourself ordering a charcuterie platter or pizza as the evening progresses.

The Ballarat stay combining history and luxury

one of the rooms at Hotel Vera, Ballarat — The rooms at Hotel Vera have a contemporary style. (Image: Ballarat Tourism)

New lives for old buildings keeps history alive. Vera, Ballarat’s boutique five-star hotel, has taken it to the next level: it’s a palimpsest, a subtle layering of early 1900s and 1930s Art Deco architecture with a sleek new wing. There are seven spacious suites, each a dramatically different colour, with designer chairs, blissful bathrooms. High-end pottery and hand-picked artworks imbue the spaces with personality.

Vera’s intimate, award-winning restaurant, Babae, is subtly theatrical with sheer drapes and gallery lighting, its bespoke timber furniture and brass-edged marble bench setting the stage for food with a sharp regional focus. “We have goat’s cheese from a local supplier, handmade granola from local Vegas & Rose, truffles from nearby Black Cat Truffles, fresh food from our garden, and regional wines,” says joint owner David Cook-Doulton.

Celebrating the local makers, bakers, growers and producers, and the master chefs who work their magic is all part of the rich tapestry that links Ballarat’s history to its vibrant present.

A traveller’s checklist

Getting there

It’s 90 minutes from Melbourne, either on the Western Freeway, or hop on a V/Line train from Southern Cross Station.

Staying there

Hotel Vera is a centrally located Art Deco boutique hotel. Consider Hotel Provincial , which feels like a sleek country house, but with its own restaurant, Lola.

a contemporary room at Hotel Provincial, Ballarat — Hotel Provincial has country house vibes.

Eating there

dining at Mr Jones, Ballarat — The table is set at Mr Jones. (Image: Tony Evans/ Visit Victoria)

Culinary whiz Damien Jones helms Chef’s Hat winner Mr Jones Dining with quiet assurance. His modern Asian food is deceptively simple with deep, intense flavours. Low-key, laid-back ambience, lovely staff, thoughtful wine list.

Cocktails are definitely a thing in Ballarat. Reynard (fox in French) is foxy indeed, a clubby space with top-notch cocktails and small bites. Grainery Lane is extravagantly OTT with its massive 1880s bar, myriad chandeliers, brass gin still, Asian-inspired food and lavish cocktails.

dining at Grainery Lane, Ballarat — Dining at Grainery Lane.

Playing there

a laneway filled with artworks in Ballarat — An artful laneway in the city. (Image: Ballarat Tourism)

Check out local design legend Travis Price’s wall murals in Hop Lane with its colourful canopy of brollies, or in Main Street. The Art Gallery of Ballarat’s off-site Backspace Gallery showcases early-career artists in a stylish, contemporary space. First Nations-owned and run Perridak Arts connects people to place, bringing together art and crafts in this gallery/shop.

a woman admiring artworks at Perridak Arts Gallery — Perridak Arts is a First Nations-run gallery. (Image: Tony Evans)

The wineries of the Pyrenees are close at hand with their welcoming cellar doors and robust reds. Join a behind-the-scenes tour at the Centre for Gold Rush Collections .

Don’t forget the giant bluestone Kryal Castle , ‘the land of adventure’, for a little medieval magic, and not just for the kids: get ready for Highland-style feasting, jousting, even overnight stays.

The top 11 family restaurants in Canberra