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Winter is officially here—but forget locking yourself indoors. Why not venture outside for some alfresco dining?
Yes, really.
Now I know Canberra can get a tad cold (and by a tad, I mean absolutely freezing and I often fantasise about working remotely from Queensland), but there is something about enjoying a nice warm meal outside with friends when the weather turns chilly—surrounded by heaters and the appropriate weather protection, of course.
Whether you’re looking to avoid indoor public places where you can’t wear a mask (because COVID is still a real thing) or just looking for a way to enjoy some fresh air without losing a toe, here are seven places to eat outside in winter.
Akiba (City)
Go undercover at Akiba to enjoy heaters, sake, and some of the best shared menus in town. With plenty of weather protection in place (and creative East Asian dishes to choose from), you won’t even feel the temperature drop outside.
40 Bunda Street, Canberra City | akiba.com.au
Kinn Thai (City)
With an expansive outdoor dining space right in the heart of the city (that is also nice and toasty thanks to some very big overhead heaters), Kinn Thai will also warm you from the inside with their comforting Thai dishes. After all, what’s better than Penang curry on a cold day?
Shop FG03_04/148 Bunda Street, Canberra City | kinncanberra.com.au
Gelato Messina (Braddon)
Gelato? In winter?! Yes—and we stand by this choice. The good news is if you’re like us and willing to brave frostbite and brain freeze all on the same night, Gelato Messina in Braddon is a toasty place to go for a sweet treat. How do we know? Our Online Editor Bea was there recently and said it was so warm, she almost had to get another scoop to cool down. (Editor’s note from Bea: Don’t come for me, Canberra. I’ve seen you all in line!)
Shop 4/21 Lonsdale Street, Braddon | gelatomessina.com
Assembly (Braddon)
Just because it’s cold outside, it doesn’t mean you need to avoid a trip to the beer garden. Surrounding a big, beautiful oak tree and large picnic tables (perfect for a few bevies and a burger), there are plenty of heaters at Assembly to keep the winter chill away both out the back and fronting onto Lonsdale Street for optimum people watching.
11 Lonsdale Street, Braddon | thepeoplespub.com.au
Yaki Boi (Braddon)
A rooftop balcony with city views (and very large heaters)—what more could you want? Head along to enjoy Friday sunsets with a mocktail or sake in hand, or a chilly Sunday morning brunch with a snack smorgasbord of dumplings, takoyaki, tempura, and more.
ORI Building, 72/30 Lonsdale Street, Canberra, Braddon | yakiboi.com.au
Edgar’s (Ainslie)
Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Edgar’s at Ainslie is a great outdoor dining space if you’d like to escape the bustle of Civic—and with heaters and weather protection available, it’s the perfect venue for a frosty catch-up. Or for a more elevated experience (literally) you can also dine on the terrace at The Inn, which offers a unique panorama of Telstra Tower and Mount Ainslie.
1 Edgar Street, Ainslie | edgarsinn.com.au
The Pedlar (Campbell)
With an undercover alfresco area complete with fairy lights and heaters, The Pedlar in Campbell is a great spot to linger on a cold evening. Serving comforting yet elevated pub fare, make sure to check out their warming winter menu. Sweet potato soup, anyone?
65 Constitution Ave, Campbell | thepedlar.com.au
Tilley’s Devine Café Gallery (Lyneham)
When you go to Tilley’s, you go for the killer atmosphere—and then the food. Boasting plenty of undercover seating outdoors, no matter the weather you’re sure to have a good time at this popular Lyneham jazz café. Did we mention it was the first licensed outdoor venue in Australia? That alone makes it worth booking a table in the fresh air.
Brigalow Street and, Wattle Street, Lyneham | tilleys.com.au
Two Before Ten (Aranda)
The original home of Two Before Ten at the bustling hub of Aranda has plenty of cosy outdoor seating to keep you warm on a cold day. Overlooking their urban farm (which includes an expansive vegetable garden, beehives, and fruit trees), we promise that you’ll soon forget about the dismal weather.
68 Bandjalong Crescent, Aranda | twobeforeten.com.au
Feature image: Yaki Boi, Braddon. Via Facebook.