Best Restaurants, Must Try Places in Portsea

"This modern-hawker style venue encapsulates some the best Asian-fusion dining available in the Canberra region. Home to many tasty morsels, extensive sake list, and a raw bar this venue has character in spades. Akiba describes itself as “pan-Asian,” fusing the cuisines of the East Asia region to create an incredible and diverse menu, showcasing the many styles of Asian barbecue, modern-day Dim Sum, raw food, and so much more."

"At AKIBA, we’re inspired by the informal and exciting atmosphere of great food halls and dining rooms throughout the East-Asia region. The food showcases the many styles of Asian barbecue, raw bar and modern day Dim Sum, and demonstrates a dazzling array of fresh flavours. Cooked over live...See More"

"Raku has become a favourite on the Canberra fine dining scene. Their philosophy is to combine the precision and artfulness of Japanese culinary traditions with the vibrant energy of modern Australian dining to create unique and exciting dishes. With a selection of set menus as well as delicious items such as the melt-in-your-mouth unagi foie gras nigiri and their wide selection of maki rolls, Raku is here to provide you with not just a meal, but an experience."

"Chef Hao Chen is a master with the sushi blade and that is evident when your food is placed before you. Located in the heart of the city, stop in at Raku for a cheeky lunch break or take your time with a leisurely dinner. More good news: their Japanese whiskey collection is off the charts."

"Get yourself a tasting menu if you can’t decide what to eat and share some of their most popular dishes. (Quietly, their Nasu Dengaku is sublime.) The atmosphere is also quite romantic, making it perfect for a couples outing. 148 Bunda Street, Civic, Canberra"

"Last but certainly not least, Marble & Grain’s casual vibe, sophisticated food, comforting yet contemporary interiors  and top drops continuously draw in the afterwork crowd. Located on the ground floor of theAvenue Hotel, this European steakhouse inspired Gastro pub offers daily happy hours from 4pm to 6pm and a true paddock-to-plate menu. Pop past at lunch and grab a bite to eat from the $15 lunch specials menu, which is on offer everyday between 12pm and 2pm."

"It’s one of those rare places that’s as comfortable for breakfast as it is for midnight cocktails, and you never EVER think you’re sitting in a hotel foyer. There are nooks to hide away in, a fire to warm yourself next to, and the elegant salon right next door, should you decide to head in for something more substantial. The great thing about Monster isn’t Sean McConnell’s inventive cuisine (although it’s amazing), or the carefully crafted cocktails and interesting wine list; it’s that this is a place that transcends generations."

"Vegetarians will understand the disappointment when dining out and having limited options to choose from. However, Monster Kitchen and Bar is entirely vegetarian – and extremely delicious at that. In fact, we promise you’ll impress your meat eating friends here with a whole head cauliflower – that actually hits the spot."

"The Soi Noodle Bar serves up a generous range of dishes for families to enjoy. This includes mini dishes such as soup, gyoza, spring rolls, crab buns, tempura, and more, as well as main dishes, noodles, salad, ramen, curry, and so much more. Head over to the Soi Noodle Bar website for a full menu list and prices."

"At the base of the Canberra Centre you’ll find a fusion of Asian flavours with a strong slant towards Thai and Japanese tastes. Soi Noodle Bar is built on the premise of street food, with the meals packed with zest and the service fast. Enjoy some people-watching from the open window in summer."

"At this intimate modern eatery incorporating modern wood-paneled décor, produce-driven tapas and sharing plates are served. Follow the restaurant’s South Coast oysters with savory dishes such as grilled Jurassic quail with pumpkin cooked in embers and cumin yoghurt, as well as sweet plates like Imcah Farm raspberries with white chocolate and bee pollen mousse, shiso and raspberry granite, or opt for the local cheese. A chef’s degustation menu is available too."

"I was impressed with the Green House’s ricotta and date pancakes with banana, salted butterscotch sauce, whipped vanilla mascarpone and candied walnuts. The pancakes were fabulously fluffy and soft, lightly drizzled in an amazing sticky butterscotch sauce with a good portion of banana, blueberries and strawberries. The portion was smaller than I would have liked but that just means less calories!"

"Canberra’s very own place of coffee worship, The Cupping Room is a concept cafe that takes its customers on a flavour journey across a range of coffee blends. The team includes world champion barista Sasa Sestic, so you’re in safe hands here. Coffee comes from sister spot, Ona Coffee, which is a great specialty coffee roaster."

"If you are looking for a great place where you can enjoy contemporary Chinese cuisine, this is an excellent restaurant for you. Truly, you will be taken on a unique culinary journey as you will be introduced to a new dimension of authentic Chinese dishes. In addition to that, they take pride in their dishes’ authentic flavours and textures."

"Blu Ginger serves up a delicious assortment of Indian cuisines for families to enjoy, with plenty of flavours to satisfy everyone. The menu includes tandoori chicken, naan bread, seafood curry, and heaps more. Banquets are also available for $25.90 per person."

"If you’re craving a Vindaloo or Tikka Masala, Blu Ginger is a central restaurant offering fresh, aromatic Indian meals. They use the freshest, locally sourced produce, along with authentic spices imported from the sub-continent."

"It has a pool for a hot day and a decent Indian Restaurant as well. We love the free warm cookies on arrival."

"Ciao Cafe & Cakes Braddon is located at the heart of Canberra. It is a well-loved locally owned café and bakery. They are famous for their authentic coffee and baked goods."

"Whether you’re in the mood for the perfect espresso, pour over or cold brew, Harvest will sort you out with a solid refuel. It’s been a long-term favourite for coffee fans in Canberra thanks to its range of quality coffee serves. They also sell beans to take home, so you can try to replicate your brew."

"I liked the generous portion of buttermilk pancakes with seasonal fruits, lemon yoghurt sauce, house made honeycomb and vanilla ice cream. I loved the lemon infused yoghurt that thickly coated the pancakes providing tartness to the otherwise sweet dish. The vanilla ice cream, also a generous serve (about 2 scoops!) was served in a small bowl on the side."

"You’re also assured of excellent customer service from their staff. Dobinsons opened its kitchen in 1994. They have been continuously providing quality cakes for Canberrans ever since."

"Although I haven’t actually tried the pancakes yet, I have tried the French toast version with orange infused maple syrup, mascarpone, mint, strawberries and blueberries. I loved the mascarpone which had also been infused with orange. The contrast of elements worked so well together."