Ashley St George

The restaurateur’s 120-seat Mediterranean diner flaunts an Italian-made woodfired oven and a dedicated pasta room. And soon, it’ll have a sibling – Lucas has just announced the opening of a second Canberra venue in 2025.

There’s a “boring” reason why Shaun Quade, the former chef-owner at innovative Melbourne restaurant Lume, has joined the capital’s thriving dining scene, opening an energetic bar and restaurant, and a laid-back Italian kiosk where everything is made from scratch.

A little larrikin, a little retro and a lot quirky art gallery – there’s plenty going on at this new wine bar. Drop in for a snack of crunchy and spicy school prawns or share a substantial meal of duck with sweet-and-sour sauce.

It’s a moody, dramatically lit space filled with statues and hangings from Peru. You’ll find Peruvian anticuchos alongside nigiri and sashimi with South American tweaks, and there are three kinds of ceviche to try.

Paranormal Wines’ owner has worked in some of Australia’s best venues, including LP’s Quality Meats in Sydney and Melbourne’s Movida Aqui. Stop by for a vino or two and a charcuterie board, or buy a bottle to take home – or to the park across the road.