Just when you think Canberra has no space for new food and drink venues, a handful pop up. Canberra’s growing food scene shows no sign of slowing down and that means my ‘to eat’ list isn’t getting any shorter. Check out these new hots spots that are opening from today and over the coming months.
Taco Taco
My dreams have come true! I’ve been hoping someone would open a Mexican eatery specialising in tacos and unique flavours (I even considered opening one myself) for a long time. The team behind Barrio Collective must have heard my call because Taco Taco opened in Canberra TODAY! With a street food vibe, their menu is influenced by Mexican flavours, while drawing inspiration from dishes around the world. Expect seasonal, fresh, vibrant and flavoursome dishes served in a funky space.
Address: Shop 8, No Name Lane, 40 Marcus Clarke St, Canberra City (they’re on Alinga St)
Morning Glory
The team from XO Restaurant (one of my favourite restaurants in Canbera) have taken over the space where A.Baker in New Acton previously was. Morning Glory is all about daylight dining and will combine the teams different South East Asian cultural backgrounds to create a unique menu. So what is daylight dining?
“Simply put, we are looking to bring the same inventiveness light-hearted approach and top quality product that has come to define XO to breakfast and lunch. In doing so, we are also looking to strike a balance between the traditionally more casual approach of a café with the best aspects of the rigour and discipline of restaurant service,” said Co-owner Greg Lally.
When it comes to food you can expect in-house baked goods including miso carrot cake, soursop smoothies, xiu mai, eggs and soldiers with kaya (kaya toast is one of my must-try foods in Singapore – love it!), bacon and egg roll featuring char sui bacon (OMG!), plus a couple of curve balls including sardines and black sesame waffles.
So when will the doors to Morning Glory open?
Like with XO, the team consulted with Kent’s (one of the owners) aunt in Vietnam. She travels into the mountains to meet with the monks who advise an optimal opening date based on the people involved.
“Honestly, this sounds like a very ‘Braddon’ response, but it really does take place,” Lally said.
The verdict – 10 September.
I’m sooooo excited for Morning Glory to open and I have a feeling I’m not going to disappointed. I’ll be sharing more about Morning Glory and a sneak peak of their menu soon.
Baby Su
The team behind Braddon’s popular Lazy Su is bringing a new family member to Canberra. Baby Su is going to be a fast-paced version of Lazy Su. If the menu food and vibe is anything like Lazy Su then we’re in for a treat. I don’t have a date yet but Baby Su is opening soon in No Name Lane, corner of Alinga St and West Row.
Rebel Rebel
Monster’s Executive Chef, Sean McConnell, is spreading his wings and leaving to open his own all-day restaurant. After working in the New Acton precinct for seven years, five at Mocan and Green Grout and two at Monster, Sean has secured the spot where TwentyOne Cafe was. I spoke with Sean this week and he remained tight lipped about the menu but said it will be all-day dining with breakfast, lunch and dinner available.
The food will be modern Australian with a European influence. There will also be a small bottle shop and a wine bar with share-style plates. Sean has forged great relationships with local producers and suppliers over the years and will have a curated selection of Canberra-region wine, Australia wine and international wine on the menu.
One of Sean’s oldest friends, Sam Rice, who has created award-winning designs will be creating a unique and stylish venue from scratch that will form the home of Rebel Rebel. The team are hoping to open in November at the earliest. I can’t wait to check it out and reveal more to you all when the time comes.
Address: Shop 1, 21-23 Marcus Clarke St, Canberra.
I’ll share more information about each restaurant as I find out more.
Feature photo: One of Sean McConnell’s creations that I took at the Monster Mash event (part of Good Food Month) last year.
Amelia Bidgood
Amelia is the Founder and Editor of Eat Canberra and the Founder and Managing Director of Eat Canberra Food Tours. She's a qualified journalist, presenter, freelance writer and also runs a boutique communications agency working with small business owners on all things social media, content creation and marketing. She's taught cheesemaking classes, judged hospitality and tourism awards, completed the WSET Level 1 Award In Wines, loves to cook and has travelled to 23 countries. She's also passionate about mental health and has recently started studying to become a Counsellor.