Canberra Restaurant Tips by Kakapo2

Rasa Sayang: Malaysian Masters at Work

Before I found this restaurant I thought I was in the wrong film - or my taxi driver was completely mad. When he had dropped me off at my Lyneham motel I had asked him if there were any restaurants at walking distance, and he sent me to Dickson, saying there were lots of Chinese and other Asian restaurants.

So I walked through the pouring rain, just crossing Northbourne Ave and then straight ahead. Then I reached a commercial centre, and everything I could see were a petrol station, a supermarket and a McDonald's or KFC, or whichever fastfood chain it was. Ok, I thought, I have no other choice, as I did not want to get wet to the bones, and walked across the petrol station. That was when I spotted a tiny Chinese takeaway - and walked around the corner. And there a world of culinary delights lay in front of my eyes. Restaurants, pubs, cafés and bars around a square, so I had the full choice - and chose Rasa Sayang which serves Malaysian and Chinese food.

I ordered a Malaysian dish for a change, as this is less common than Chinese, and it was delicious.

The only thing that did not work was my drink. The wine by the glass I had ordered was horrible, so I gave it back, but instead of bringing me a new glass from another bottle, they happily told me that they would not charge me for the wine I had not drunken LOL As I considered this experience a test I kept to my water - but ordered wine again the next time I went there. I had already thought they remembered my face and would not serve me any more wine, but that time everything was fine :-)

Good value for money. Starter (herb roti) cost $3, main (Ikan Asam) 13.50 and rice 1.60.

Address: 43 Wooley Street, Dickson

Comparison: about average

Directions: On a square hidden by a petrol station, supermarket and fastfood outlet. Coming from Northbourne Ave, turn right into the commercial zone, and you will find it. Coming from Lyneham, cross Northbourne Ave, straight ahead, then to the right into carpark.

Phone: (02) 6249 7284

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 4

Theme: Other

Website: http://www.yourrestaurants.com.au/guide/rasa_sayang/

Old Canberra Inn, Lyneham: Step Back into the Good Old Days

An absolutely great place! Unfortunately I could not check in very often because their and my schedule were rather incompatible when I was there.

I was rather intrigued when walking past this old building which was built in 1857, using pioneer building techniques. The conservation and continuous renovation have led the National Trust of Australia to recognise it as a Heritage building.

On nice days you can sit outside and have a drink in one of the three beer gardens. But the real great thing is the lounge, totally made up in dark wood, and with a low ceiling. You would not be surprised to see cowboys walk into this pub LOL

The meals served are hearty. I would not call it health food ;-) But I liked it. And at least my prawn cutlets and chips were accompanied by a nice salad :-) You get the full range of bar meals like burgers, schnitzels, steaks, fried seafood, fish'n'chips and so on. So not sophisticated haute cuisine but well-prepared simple food at reasonable prices.

They have a huge selection of beers and also a good choice of wines, many available by the glass.

The pub/restaurant is open daily, opening hours are flexible.

Sunday to Wednesday 11am to 9pm (or later)
Thursday 11am to 1am (or later)
Friday and Saturday 11am to midnight (or later)

On days with long opening hours they have live music in the evening.

Lunch is from 12pm to 2pm and dinner from 6pm to 8.30pm. They always had blackboard specials and promotions.

The Old Canberra Inn is located on Mouat Street in the northern suburb of Lyneham, close to the National Hockey Centre (just across the road).

Address: 195 Mouat Street, Lyneham, A.C.T. 2602

Comparison: about average

Other Contact: Email: oci@bigpond.net.au

Phone: 02 6257 6380

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 4

Theme: Local

Website: http://www.oldcanberrainn.com.au/

Mama's Trattoria: Italian Delights

After having had dinner at Mama's Trattoria I went back there again and again. I absolutely loved their pasta dishes which were perfectly authentic, and also the atmosphere.

Depending on the weather you can sit outside and watch the busy pedestrian scene of small Garema Place which can be packed on weekends. This square clearly was the liveliest place I have seen in Canberra. Probably there is more - but my time in the evenings was limited as I had to work on most days until late.

Inside the restaurant is furnished with dark wooden tables and chairs. Simple but nice and warm. As the room is separated into several areas by wooden arches it even has a cosy atmosphere. You can also sit at the front counter at the window and just have a coffee and read a magazine.

As already mentioned, the cuisine is authentic, with the stress on rustic Mama style and hearty portions. You get frittata, polenta, bruschetta, all kinds of pasta, meat and fish dishes, and panna cotta or gelato for dessert.

I absolutely loved the Penne al Pepe which was penne pasta with beef, mushrooms and spinach in a creamy green peppercorn sauce, and once I had fabulous salmon pasta (I think fettucine) in a creamy tomato sauce which was also delicious.

As I am a pasta addict I cannot tell you a lot about the pizze (I only have them as a takeaway) - but they looked great and the people seemed to enjoy them.

Everything was good value for money, all mains were under AU$ 20.

Open daily from 10am to 10pm.

Address: 7 Garema Place, Canberra City

Comparison: about average

Phone: (02) 6248 0936

Price: US$21-30

Rating: 4

Theme: Italian

Website: http://www.yourrestaurants.com.au/guide/mamas_trattoria/

Café in the House: Fabulous Dining in Old Parliament House

I found everything perfect in this restaurant where we had lunch. Fabulous food, great service, wonderful location.

The "Café in the House" is located in the courtyard of Old Parliament House, but contrary to this heritage building it is a stylish, modern and fresh place. You feel a bit like on a peaceful island, as there is no traffic around, just other diners, and you can totally focus on the food, your conversation - ok, and watching other people ;-) In total, a totally relaxed atmosphere.

You can expect fantastic fresh food, as this place was awarded the Best Café Restaurant at the NSW Restaurant and Catering Awards in 2005.

It offers breakfast, brunch and lunch into the afternoon, and on Fridays also for dinner. I was there with several colleagues, so we tested quite some different dishes and desserts, and everybody was totally delighted, be it lamb, prawns on coconut rice or fish, followed by mousse, tiramisù and sorbet. For people who only want a small meal they served nice looking gourmet sandwiches and wraps.

The restaurant is open daily from 9am to 5pm. Every Friday it is open from 9am till late, with happy hour from 5pm to 7pm.

Address: Old Parliament House, King George Terrace, Parkes

Comparison: about average

Other Contact: info@gingercatering.com.au

Phone: (02) 6270 8156

Price: US$21-30

Rating: 5

Theme: Local

Website: http://www.yourrestaurants.com.au/guide/cafe_in_the_house/