Escape the City: Canberra’s Best Hidden Dining Gems
For locals, Canberra often feels like a city that moves at its own rhythm. Between workdays, weekend markets, and city cafés, it’s easy to stick to the familiar. But just a short drive away lies a world of culinary experiences that transform an ordinary meal into an adventure. Beyond the parliament buildings, embassies, and urban buzz, the surrounding regions offer restaurants where locally sourced ingredients, seasonal produce, and inventive menus take centre stage.
These destinations are about more than food, they’re about atmosphere, discovery, and stepping into a different pace of life. A winding country road, a quaint village, a vineyard-dotted hill—these are as much a part of the experience as the meal itself. Sometimes, the best culinary discoveries are just around the corner. Take the time to slow down and enjoy the drive along rolling hills before you arrive at a boutique restaurant where each dish is crafted with care.
Must-Visit Restaurants and Experiences Near Canberra
Grazing – Gundaroo
Just a 30minute drive from Canberra, Grazing Restaurant in Gundaroo is a standout destination for locals seeking an elevated rural dining experience. Housed in a lovingly restored 1860s heritage building that once served as the Royal Hotel, the restaurant artfully balances rustic charm with contemporary finesse, creating a space that feels both welcoming and refined. The ambience alone — with its mix of open lawns, edible gardens, weeping willows, and historic interiors — sets the tone for something special.
Menus evolve with the seasons, celebrating the region’s bounty in every dish. Expect the freshest harvest-to-plate vegetables, ethically raised meats sourced from neighbouring farms, and housebaked artisan breads that showcase the very best of the Southern Tablelands. Each plate is composed with intention, designed to let local ingredients sing and honour the growers and producers behind them. Whether it’s the ashrolled roasted kangaroo with native wattleseed or a delicate pasta crafted from produce straight from the chef’s own garden, the culinary creativity here is palpable.
Clonakilla Winery – Murrumbateman
For wine enthusiasts and adventurous locals alike, Clonakilla Winery in Murrumbateman is a must visit destination just under an hour’s scenic drive from Canberra. Renowned internationally for its elegant Shiraz Viognier blends and exceptional cool climate Rieslings, Clonakilla has become one of the region’s most iconic cellar doors. Here, each bottle reflects meticulous craftsmanship, terroir driven character, and a deep respect for the vineyard’s unique microclimate.
A visit to Clonakilla can be as relaxed or immersive as you like — pair a wine tasting with a selection of local cheeses, charcuterie and freshly baked artisan bread, or simply savour a glass while taking in the rolling vineyard vistas.
Gundog Estate Cork St Cellar – Gundaroo
Just next door to Grazing, the Gundog Estate Cork Street Cellar is a boutique cellar door that offers an exceptional Canberra District wine tasting experience right in the heart of Gundaroo. Set in beautifully restored historic stables adjacent to the village’s charming main street, this boutique venue invites locals to explore a thoughtfully curated selection of award winning cool climate wines — from crisp Riesling and elegant Semillon to rich Shiraz — with knowledgeable staff guiding every pour.
What makes this cellar door especially appealing for a daytime escape is its relaxed, friendly ambience. Visitors can taste and purchase premium wines while enjoying small seasonal plates and gourmet snacks often prepared in collaboration with nearby Grazing. Alfresco seating on the terrace encourages lingering afternoons, and the space is even dog friendly, making it a great stop for locals taking a weekend drive out of the city.
Exploring Canberra’s outskirts offers locals the chance to blend gastronomy with mini-getaways. A morning bushwalk, a visit to a local gallery, or a stroll through a scenic village can seamlessly lead to a lunch at one of the region’s hidden gems.
Combine sensory delight with relaxation. These excursions remind locals that the region’s beauty and cuisine are inseparable. Scenic vistas, artisanal foods, and charming villages make the journey as rewarding as the destination.
Why Venturing Beyond the City Makes Dining Special
Dining beyond Canberra transforms a simple meal into an experience. Every trip is an opportunity to discover flavours, meet passionate chefs, and immerse yourself in the unique character of the region. For locals, these excursions offer variety, creativity, and a reminder that some of the best meals come with a side of adventure.
By exploring rural and suburban gems, Canberrans contribute to a thriving culinary ecosystem. Each visit supports local chefs, farmers, café owners, and producers, ensuring that high-quality, innovative dining experiences continue to flourish. It’s a way to celebrate the people, the landscapes, and the creativity that make Canberra’s surrounding regions so special.
