What’s the Budget (for Lunch)?

With the Federal Budget and Federal Election fast approaching, who has time to make their own lunch? We certainly don’t.

Join the Nexus APAC team as we take a break from politics and focus on what truly matters: the five best places to have lunch within the Parliamentary Triangle.

1. Koto Japanese Restaurant

Located on the Lawns of Old Parliament House, Koto Japanese Restaurant offers diners an authentic fine-dining Japanese experience. Situated in the famous walls of the Lobby Restaurant, Koto brings a slice of Japan to the Bush Capital. Everything about this restaurant is authentic, all the way down to the gardens, which Master Gardener Shinya Ueda designed to symbolise Lake Burley Griffin.

The kitchen is led by Sushi Master and Executive Chef Nakano. Prior to Koto, Chef Nakano worked in the kitchens of Nobu and Kisume in Melbourne, where he was awarded two hats from the Good Food Guide for his 18-course omakase-style menu. Bringing his expertise to the lawns, Chef Nakano has created a truly authentic menu that would be a hit in his hometown of Osaka. Open from 12 pm to 3 pm for lunch, Koto offers its regular night menu, as well as an express bento box for those in a rush. If you’re lucky enough, you may even see the Japanese delegation – they have labelled Koto as the restaurant of choice for their Embassy.

Koto also offers an extensive wine list, showcasing Australian and international wines, alongside signature cocktails and a variety of sakes.

We recommend pairing their freshly shucked pacific oysters, signature lunch bento, nasu dengaku, and the nigiri platter with a carafe of Dassai 45.

2. Ottoman Cuisine

Following the trend of other nations’ cuisine in Australia’s capital, Ottoman Cuisine promises to bring the flavours of Istanbul to the streets of Barton. Originally opening 30 years ago in Manuka, Ottoman pioneered seafood cuisines in Canberra and has continued to set the benchmark. Located at 9 Broughton St, Barton, Ottoman reopened its doors in 2024, following a temporary closure in 2021. Although only open for lunches on Friday, it is one you won’t want to miss.

Returning from the 3-year close, head chef and owner Serif Kaya says that his time spent in Turkey has given him ideas to continue bringing the Mediterranean to Canberra. Since reopening, Canberrans have been quick to welcome back the much-loved restaurant and secure front-row seats to some of the best Turkish food in the city.

In true Turkish style, all dishes are designed to be shared amongst everyone, with their banquet menu and tasting being the standouts for the restaurant. Ottoman also offers an extensive wine list, highlighting wines from around the globe, alongside a selection of classic and house cocktails.

We recommend the Karídes–Queensland king Prawns, Pírzola Kekíklí—thyme and sea salt-seasoned Cowra lamb cutlets, and the kingfish slices, accompanied by a glass of 2021 Dog Point Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand.

3. Bottega

If you’re looking for a quick slice of heaven whilst ducking briefly out of the office, Bottega Barton is the place. Tucked away in the bustling Barton Shops, Bottega is often full of public and private servants alike. Serving up tasty delights – including coffee, bagels, and Italian drinks – it’s no wonder why those in Barton have quickly labelled it a favourite.

Pre-cooked and heated up in a fast-cooking oven, there’s no better place to indulge your pizza cravings. At less than $10 a slice, Bottega will give you a budget surplus in the coming weeks.

Open from 7 am – 2:30 pm Monday to Friday, Bottega is the true weekday getaway.

We recommend trying their meat lovers and BBQ pizzas, mushroom vegetarian pizza, and signature bagel, as well as a latte to get through the cooling Canberra days.

4. Med

Opening in late 2023, Med has become a highlight of the ever-evolving Barton precinct. Located on the ground floor of the Burberry Hotel, Med has entertained locals and tourists alike with its fusion of Greek, Lebanese, and Turkish Cuisine. Like Ottoman, the restaurant décor draws upon the cultures of the East Mediterranean to provide diners with an immersive experience.

The Mediterranean cultural influence doesn’t  stop at the décor. Med’s menu highlights the Mediterranean lifestyle with a focus on large share plates and recipes passed down through generations. This is evident in their banquet-style menu, which features house-made pide and signature hummus.

The dining experience is complemented by their selection of international wines, with a special emphasis on lesser-known ones from Lebanon’s thriving wine industry.

Open for lunch Tuesday through Friday, Med is a must-try when venturing to the capital. Should you visit, be sure to say hello to our Canberra team – we’re just around the corner.

We recommend the vegetarian Turkish-style shepherd’s salad, traditional lamb cutlets, and beef shashlik, finished with their famous Turkish delight cocktail.

5. Rosa’s

Located alongside Koto within the walls of the famous Lobby Restaurant on the Lawns of Old Parliament, Rosa’s offers their customers a relaxed, fun environment. Open from 7 am until late every day, Rosa’s serves every need and desire. During the day, you can grab pizza, coffee, sandwiches, and pastries on the go. Surrounded by departments, you’ll often see public servants quickly dipping in for a slice of pizza and an Aperol spritz at lunch. By night, the location is illuminated with fairy lights, offering a beautiful view of the surrounding lawns and the glistening Lake Burley Griffin.

Rosa’s has been open for over a year now and has already solidified themselves as the go-to place for quick, delicious lunches and dinners. Headed by award-winning Australian Chef Shaun Quade, it’s no wonder their woodfired pizzas have been all the rave in the Parliamentary Triangle. Whether you’re looking for a quick on-the-go breakfast or lunch or a relaxing dinner accompanied by local wines and spritzes, Rosa’s is the place to be.

We recommend their wood-fired margherita, marinated olives, brekky roll, and chef’s selection of panini, paired with their rosé or a refreshing Aperol spritz.

Photo credit: JJ Harrison