As a Canberra food writer, these are the best meals I had in 2024

2024 was a year of ups and downs in the hospitality scene. While the city continued to punch above its weight in the culinary sense, we also lost a few favourites: Muse, Temporada and Miss Van’s to name a few of my personal favourites. There’s never been a more important time to support the Canberra venues you love, so here are a few of my favourite meals from 2024 (and what I’m looking forward to in the new year).

Best fine dining experience

The Ratanakosol brothers untethered themselves from Thai food when they closed foreshore favourite Morks and introduced Canberra to Third Culture Cuisine at Minima. Essentially this means chef Mork gets to cook whatever he feels, and trust me when I say he has great taste! The dishes are distinct, yet the menu flows and the intimate space is expertly navigated by Benn and his team as they guide you through the excellent drinks list. I can’t wait to go back. Read more about Minima.

Honourable mention to The Inn at Ainslie for its top-notch modern Australian menu.

Best newcomer

Despite all the closures, we also saw quite a few new openings this year: most notably from celebrity restaurateurs Chris Lucas and Matt Moran. And there were also a few re-openings: Pialligo Estate found new operators and Ottoman has also reopened its doors. But my best newcomer is Beltana Farm with a local produce-driven menu and a setting that takes you out of the city (but is still close enough to catch an Uber). Plus its truffle events and menus in winter showcase the best of such a unique ingredient. Read more about Beltana Farm.

Honourable mention to Azima for its Lebanese feasts in the city.

Best Casual Dining

I’ve narrowed this down to three favourites (although trust me, I have plenty more). Wonderburger in Kingston has quickly become a guilty lunch favourite for its ‘so bad it’s good’ fried chicken and burgers (my favourite is the Nashville Hot Chicken Burger). Ethiopian on Northbourne is another local delight dishing up delicious and authentic Ethiopian food from a family who’ve been showcasing their national cuisine to Canberrans for decades now – and you can see why they are so well loved.

And XO fans were delighted to see chef AK open another venue: AK’s Diner. Celebrating his Malaysian heritage, this is the spot for perfect roti and incredible curries.

Best Place for a Drink

At Romanée Wine Bar in Braddon, owner Chester Mok opens the cellar and takes you into a world of aged, interesting and esoteric wines. You never know what you’re going to get, but there will always be something to your taste. It’s worth it for the wines alone, but the snacks menu is a good time too. Now we just need Chester to open on a Wednesday… Read more about Romanée.

Honourable mentions to sommelier of the year Caitlin Baker at Such and Such, Peacemaker Saloon in the wild west of Braddon and the cocktails of Ambrosia at Fyshwick.

Best Breakfast

Catbird in Campbell has become the go-to location for brunch catch-ups thanks to its California sunshine-infused menu. While I’m reliably informed there’s plenty to love on the menu I’m yet to make it past a cowboy burrito. I can confirm they are an ace way to fuel your weekend – or cure a hangover – along with coffee or a house-made cold drink. Read more about Catbird.

Shoutout to the lovely Recess in Griffith for its fabulous food, incredible coffee and commitment to audio excellence (the speaker system is chef’s kiss and so are the vibes). Get the pancakes and thank me later.

What I’m looking forward to in 2025

While there’s plenty of food I’m looking forward to, I’m most excited about witnessing the rapidly changing culture of the hospitality industry. I hope we will see the hard work of Venus Vinifera pay off next year with regulatory and education changes made to make the industry safer and more inclusive for everyone.

What was your favourite meal of 2024?