Tables at Muse, 69 Canberra Ave, Kingston

©George Francis Dunford/Lonely Planet


This bibliophile restaurant-bookshop on the corner of the East Hotel effortlessly juggles its roles. Start with a drink from the Australian-only drinks list then move on to 'Chapter One’, including seasonal delights such as beetroot tartare. Larger 'Chapter Two' dishes, which come with a glass of local wine, include a ploughman's board, steak and kingfish. Downstairs, a well-curated bookshop makes for a charming post-meal browse. Book ahead for the popular weekend brunch.

Muse hosts a variety of events, including literary lunches and regular talks with the country’s biggest authors. Like any good page-turner, you’ll find it hard to tear yourself away.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Canberra attractions

1. Manuka Oval

0.17 MILES

This popular local sports stadium was inaugurated in the 1920s and now plays host to AFL and cricket matches, including its first game of International…

2. Australian Parliament House

1.06 MILES

Built in 1988, Australia's national parliament building is a graceful and deeply symbolic piece of architecture. Sitting atop Capital Hill, the building…

3. Museum of Australian Democracy

1.27 MILES

The seat of government from 1927 to 1988, this elegantly proportioned building offers visitors a taste of the political past. Displays cover Australian…

4. Aboriginal Tent Embassy

1.32 MILES

First erected in 1972 as a protest against the government's approach to Indigenous land rights, this camp on the lawn in front of Old Parliament House…

5. National Gallery of Australia

1.32 MILES

This Australian national art collection is showcased in an impressive purpose-built gallery within the parliamentary precinct. You can justifiably bypass…

6. Red Hill Lookout

1.35 MILES

The lookout at the top of Red Hill (720m) is a great spot to get a vantage north over Canberra's centre. There are plenty of walking trails winding…

7. High Commission of India

1.36 MILES

The design of the elegant, symmetrical Indian High Commission was inspired by classical Mughal and Hindu architecture. The grounds include a moat and…

8. High Commission of Papua New Guinea

1.36 MILES

One of the most interesting embassies in Canberra, the High Commission of Papua New Guinea building is based on the design of a Haus Tambaran, a…