What Food To Try in Canberra and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Canberra for 2025.
National currency: Australian Dollar, symbol — A$ (international currency code AUD).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Canberra cafes and restaurants
$29.2
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $11.96
$129.6
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $59.82
$10
Combo Meal
Starting from $9.8
What to Try in Canberra
Must-try Dishes
Big Brekky - Hearty Breakfast - A filling plate loaded with eggs, bacon, sausage, mushrooms, and toast. Locals often indulge in this on weekends at cafes, savoring a leisurely brunch.Halal Snack Pack - Street Food Delight - This dish combines chips, meat (usually kebab), and garlic sauce, all piled into a paper box. It's a popular late-night option after pub-hopping, commonly enjoyed at food trucks and casual eateries.
Barramundi - Fresh Fish Fillet - A succulent fillet of barramundi, grilled or pan-seared, often served with a side of seasonal vegetables. You'll typically find this at upscale restaurants during dinner, where it's a favorite for its local freshness.
Quolla - Quinoa Salad - A colorful salad featuring quinoa, fresh vegetables, and local herbs, usually dressed with lemon and olive oil. During the summertime, it's a refreshing light meal that's enjoyed during outdoor picnics and gatherings.
Roasted Pumpkin Wedge - Seasonal Variation - Sweet pumpkin wedges roasted until tender and served with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. This dish is often highlighted in autumn menus, as it celebrates seasonal produce.
Sushi Toast - Surprising Combination - A twist on traditional sushi, featuring crispy rice and toppings like tuna or avocado on toasted bread. Locals enjoy this unique fusion during lunch, and it’s perfect for those craving something different.
Stout Infused Pie - Local Specialty - Hearty meat pie made with tender chunks of meat simmered in rich stout, encased in flaky pastry. Perfect for chilly evenings, locals frequently grab these from bakeries to enjoy with mates while watching footy games.
Desserts & Drinks
Flat White - Flat White (smooth coffee) - Silky espresso combined with steamed milk, creating a perfect balance of strong coffee flavor and creaminess. Locals often sip this at their favorite café, particularly on chilly mornings in the cooler months, as it offers just the right amount of comfort. Capital Brewing Co. XPA - XPA (extra pale ale) - A crisp and refreshing craft beer brewed with Australian hops, offering tropical fruit notes and a light body. Many Canberrans enjoy it at local pubs during weekend gatherings, with a common pairing of a meat pie or chips (seriously, don't ask for it 'warm' – it's missing the point).
Aussie Iced Coffee - Iced Coffee (chilled coffee drink) - A delightful blend of strong brewed coffee, milk, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream, topped with whipped cream. This is a popular treat during hot summer days, especially at outdoor festivals, where the mix of caffeine and sweetness is simply heavenly – just make sure to drink it quickly before it melts!
Pavlova - Pavlova (meringue dessert) - A light and airy dessert with a crisp meringue shell topped with whipped cream and fresh seasonal fruits, mainly strawberries and kiwis. Canberrans whip this up for celebrations, and it's often the highlight of birthdays or holidays; just remember, a common mistake is calling it 'Pavlova cake' – it's all about that fragile meringue!
Froyo - Frozen Yogurt (creamy cold treat) - This tangy frozen yogurt comes in various flavors, often topped with fresh fruits and nutty granola. A favorite during hot afternoons, you'll see crowds lining up at local shops; to avoid disappointment, check the flavor of the day, as they often run out of the most popular choices early!
Food and Groceries in Canberra
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $2.4 |
| Bananas | $2.56 |
| Oranges | $3.48 |
| Potatoes | $2.63 |
| Apples | $3.31 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $1.9 |
| 0.5L Local Beer | $4.39 |
| Imported Beer | $5.52 |
| Wine Rating >4.0 | $13.29 |
| Milk 1L | $1.78 |
Various Groceries
| Meat (Beef or Pork) | $17.09 |
| Chicken | $8.4 |
| Cigarettes | $23.26 |
| Rice | $2.29 |
| Local Cheese | $12.62 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
The first thing that hits you about Canberra's food prices is how they can vary significantly depending on the area. For instance, a hearty lunch in one of the bustling cafes around the city center might run you about $20-$25 (think smashed avocado on toast paired with a flat white), while venturing a bit further out to a neighborhood like Belconnen could yield the same meal for around $15. This kind of contrast is fascinating and definitely something that visitors often overlook (I’ve definitely had friends shocked by the prices here).
When it comes to meal times, Canberra operates on a slightly different rhythm. Forget everything you know about lunch hours—many locals dine between 12:30 PM and 2 PM. This means if you’re looking to score a good seat at a popular spot, you’d best avoid the rush. I’ve personally learned that getting there around 1 PM can mean the difference between a long wait and comfortably enjoying your meal.
Locals often pay their bills via card, which is a huge relief for anyone who might find scrounging for cash a little cumbersome. However, here's a word of caution for tourists: be mindful of your card’s foreign transaction fees! I regretfully ended up shelling out a bit more than anticipated due to that. And while tipping isn’t strictly necessary here (most places expect around 10% for exceptional service, but it's not mandatory), I’ve found that leaving a few bucks for a friendly server definitely isn’t frowned upon.
One unique dining habit I've picked up on is the tendency to linger over meals, especially on weekends. It’s common to see friends enjoying a leisurely brunch for hours, soaking up the social atmosphere, which really reflects Canberra’s laid-back vibe. In contrast, I’ve had tourists tell me they felt rushed in similarly vibrant cities, which is quite the opposite experience here.
As we get into spring, we can expect the emergence of more outdoor dining options. With the warmer weather, many cafes open their patios, making for a lovely experience (just be sure to reserve a table—you might find them buzzing on sunny weekends). The seasonal aspect impacts menus too, with fresh produce being a highlight.
Understanding these nuances really unlocks a whole new level of enjoying food in Canberra. It’s about savoring the moment and realizing that, as the weather changes and meal traditions evolve, the local dining experience becomes richer. Whether that means grabbing a quick bite or sitting down with friends on a sunny terrace, there’s always something delightful waiting to be explored.
When it comes to meal times, Canberra operates on a slightly different rhythm. Forget everything you know about lunch hours—many locals dine between 12:30 PM and 2 PM. This means if you’re looking to score a good seat at a popular spot, you’d best avoid the rush. I’ve personally learned that getting there around 1 PM can mean the difference between a long wait and comfortably enjoying your meal.
Locals often pay their bills via card, which is a huge relief for anyone who might find scrounging for cash a little cumbersome. However, here's a word of caution for tourists: be mindful of your card’s foreign transaction fees! I regretfully ended up shelling out a bit more than anticipated due to that. And while tipping isn’t strictly necessary here (most places expect around 10% for exceptional service, but it's not mandatory), I’ve found that leaving a few bucks for a friendly server definitely isn’t frowned upon.
One unique dining habit I've picked up on is the tendency to linger over meals, especially on weekends. It’s common to see friends enjoying a leisurely brunch for hours, soaking up the social atmosphere, which really reflects Canberra’s laid-back vibe. In contrast, I’ve had tourists tell me they felt rushed in similarly vibrant cities, which is quite the opposite experience here.
As we get into spring, we can expect the emergence of more outdoor dining options. With the warmer weather, many cafes open their patios, making for a lovely experience (just be sure to reserve a table—you might find them buzzing on sunny weekends). The seasonal aspect impacts menus too, with fresh produce being a highlight.
Understanding these nuances really unlocks a whole new level of enjoying food in Canberra. It’s about savoring the moment and realizing that, as the weather changes and meal traditions evolve, the local dining experience becomes richer. Whether that means grabbing a quick bite or sitting down with friends on a sunny terrace, there’s always something delightful waiting to be explored.
