If you’re anything like us, we’re always on the lookout for the best places to grab a bite to eat that taste delicious and a great atmosphere with awesome customer service. We are here to break down the top 5 restaurants in the Woden area based on real user reviews.
Rama’s Fiji Indian Restaurant
Pearce Shopping Centre
Established in 1991, this family-run restaurant is a popular one on the Canberra foodie scene. While offering the great classic Indian favourites like the Korma and Vindaloo, Rama’s offer a slightly different approach from traditional Indian cuisines while still being influenced by the Fijian style of Indian food. Based on reviews, the most things that were commented on were the service and atmosphere whereas the favourite dishes were the Beef Vindaloo, the Lamb Saag and the Goat Curry. They also offer gluten free and vegan options and can cater to most dietary needs.
Ethiopia Down Under
Pearce Shopping Centre
Another great restaurant coming from the Pearce Shopping Centre, Ethiopia Down Under offers Ethiopian cuisine and they profess that the food is spicy and hot but not spicy hot just to add to the confusion. Spices are used to emphasise flavour but not heat unlike other cuisines – it does not burn and is not considered an endurance test of the survival of the spiciest. Ethiopia Down Under’s food originates from the Tigray region of Ethiopia. The top things mentioned on reviews are the Mosob (traditional share plate/banquet) and the injera which is a sour fermented flatbread with a slight spongy texture. Ethiopians share similar dietary restrictions to Kosher and Halal and they do not use pork or seafood in any of their cooking. Though they offer vegetarian and vegan options.
Au Lac Woden Vegan Cuisine
Woden Westfield
Located on the outside of the Woden Westfield, Au Lac Vegan Cuisine is one of only a few Canberra restaurants that are fully vegan. Their delicious and innovative dishes will suit even the meat eaters’ taste buds. Being vegetarian or vegan doesn’t have to mean you miss out on certain foods or are limited in choices. They offer soy “meat” or vegetarian “meat” varieties that provide similar flavours and experiences to eating real meat. They also cater for further dietary restrictions such as no onion or garlic which is the main focal restriction of those who have Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Turkish Pide House
Woden Westfield
On the opposite end of the Woden Westfield, closer to the library, you’ll find the Turkish Pide House. Packed with flavours of the Mediterranean, their menu professes rich and hearty meals that will tantalise anyone’s taste buds. With a variety of options available including a plethora of entrees, mains, pides, sharing platters, banquets and chef specials, the banquets are the most talked about option among customers. The zucchini balls also gets an honourable mention as the second most talked about item on their menu. The Turkish Pide House offers a few vegetarian and vegan options and some gluten free options on request.
Dumpling Social
Woden Westfield
Don’t be fooled by the name, Dumpling Social does so much more than just dumplings. Located in the new dining precinct outside of Hoyts, this modern fusion blend includes a variety of small plates, dumplings & bao’s, bigger share plates, rice & noodles and sweet desserts. The two most popular dishes on their current menu were the Szechuan Dan Dan Noodles and the Lightly Fried Chicken and Kimchi Dumplings. Dumpling Social offers vegetarian, gluten – free and dairy free options as well as an index to notify you if a dish is considered a spicy dish.
If you are hungry like us after reading this article, you should take that hunger to one or all of these awesome restaurants around Woden in the south of Canberra. Go on, we dare you. And if that still doesn’t satisfy your cravings, just a little further than Woden, you’ll find Tuggeranong and you can check out the best restaurants in Tuggeranong.