Rebel Rebel

Rebel Rebel brings a fresh, independent spirit to the Canberra dining scene. Located at 23 Marcus Clarke Street in Acton, this is a place where thoughtful cooking meets a carefully curated selection of wines in a relaxed, contemporary setting. The team here believes that dining out should feel like a celebration of good food, great company, and genuine hospitality. With a menu that changes to reflect the seasons and an atmosphere that balances energy with intimacy, Rebel Rebel has quickly become a favorite for locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re stopping by for a long lunch on the weekend or settling in for an evening meal, the experience is designed to feel effortless but never ordinary.

The restaurant is open from 5pm until late Monday through Wednesday, and from 12pm until late Thursday through Sunday. This makes it a versatile choice for everything from a midweek dinner to a leisurely weekend afternoon. Rebel Rebel is known for its focus on quality produce, its creative yet approachable dishes, and a dining room that hums with warmth and character. It’s the kind of place that invites you to linger, explore the wine list, and discover something new each time you visit.

Dining Experience & Culinary Approach

The heartbeat of Rebel Rebel is a menu that celebrates the best of modern Australian cooking. Dishes are designed to be shared, encouraging a convivial table where everyone gets to taste a little of everything. The kitchen team takes pride in sourcing top-tier ingredients, with a particular focus on fresh seafood, ethically raised meats, and vibrant seasonal vegetables. The result is a lineup of plates that are bold in flavor but balanced in composition—familiar enough to comfort, inventive enough to surprise.

Highlights from recent menus include the ever-popular Beef Tartare, which has become something of a signature, as well as expertly shucked Oysters that arrive glistening and fresh. The Ribeye attracts serious praise from steak lovers, while the Roasted Quail offers a more delicate, gamey option that pairs beautifully with the wine list. For those who enjoy seafood beyond the raw bar, the Sea Bass and Mackerel preparations show off the kitchen’s skill with texture and precision. The Pork Chops offer a hearty, satisfying choice, and the dessert menu—often the reason many return—rounds out the meal with genuine flair. The kitchen adapts its menu to what’s at its peak, so repeat visits tend to reveal new dishes and rotating favorites.

Wine, Drinks & the Bottle Shop

The name “Rebel Rebel” hints at a bit of an independent streak, and that independence shines through most clearly in its approach to wine and drinks. The wine list has earned a reputation as one of the capital’s most thoughtfully assembled, with a mix of Australian and international bottles that favor small producers, interesting varietals, and wines with personality. The staff is well-versed in helping diners find the right bottle for their meal and their mood, whether that means a vibrant, chilled red in summer or a structured, age-worthy white in cooler months.

Beyond the restaurant list, Rebel Rebel operates a bottle shop that extends this philosophy into take-home form. You can stop by to browse a selection that mirrors the restaurant’s values—think minimal-intervention winemaking, lesser-known regions, and bottles that tell a story. There are also options for cocktails and spirits that suit relaxed at-home gatherings. It’s a service that turns regulars into collectors and encourages everyone to explore beyond the familiar labels.

Atmosphere & Design

Stepping into Rebel Rebel, you’re met with a space that feels both refined and relaxed. The design avoids stiffness, instead leaning into warm lighting, mid-century touches, and a layout that allows for both intimate corners and livelier communal energy. The open kitchen provides a sense of theater without being intrusive, while the greenery and curated playlists add to a vibe that is distinctly modern Australian. Service is attentive without hovering—friendly, knowledgeable, and tuned into the pace of the table. This isn’t a place where you’ll feel rushed; it’s somewhere you can settle in and enjoy the full arc of a meal.

Solo diners feel comfortable at the bar, couples find romantic privacy, and larger groups can commandeer a booth for a raucous, shared feast. The overall impression is of a restaurant that pays close attention to the details that make dining out memorable—the weight of the glassware, the softness of the lighting, the genuine enthusiasm of the team.

Location & What’s Nearby

Rebel Rebel sits right at 23 Marcus Clarke Street in Acton, placing it close to the Australian National University campus and a short stroll from the cultural heart of Canberra. Acton is home to a mix of academic life, arts institutions, and green spaces, making the restaurant a convenient stop before or after a campus event, an exhibition, or a walk along the lake. It’s also within easy reach of the New Acton precinct, known for its galleries, bars, and design-driven hotels, as well as the central business district just across the main avenues.

Getting here is straightforward whether you’re driving or using public transport. Paid street parking and nearby parking stations are available, and the area is well-served by bus routes. For those visiting from interstate or overseas, Rebel Rebel is a short drive from major hotels and only about 15 minutes from Canberra Airport, making it a realistic choice for a memorable meal during a brief stay. It’s common for guests to combine dinner here with a show at a nearby theater or a sunset walk along Lake Burley Griffin.

Bookings, Groups & Gift Cards

Because of its popularity and the relatively intimate size of the dining room, booking ahead is highly recommended. Reservations can be made online through a convenient external platform linked on the website, and the process is quick and straightforward. The restaurant welcomes group bookings, though for larger parties it’s best to get in touch early to discuss options and any special requirements. There is a 10% surcharge on Sundays and public holidays, and all card transactions incur a processing fee—these are standard Australian hospitality practices and are communicated clearly upfront.

If you’re looking for a gift that’s guaranteed to please, Rebel Rebel offers gift cards that can be purchased and redeemed with ease. They’re a popular choice for birthdays, anniversaries, or any occasion that calls for a night out with exceptional food and wine. The restaurant can also accommodate specific dietary needs with advance notice—just mention any preferences or restrictions when you book.

Why Canberra Diners Keep Coming Back

In a city that values both serious food culture and unpretentious hospitality, Rebel Rebel has carved out a niche by refusing to compromise on either. The restaurant manages to feel like a discovery even after many return visits—a place where the team’s curiosity and passion are always on display. Guests comment often on the balance between a high-level kitchen and a welcoming front-of-house, on the way the wine list opens doors to new favorites, and on the sheer consistency of the experience.

Whether you’re a wine enthusiast hunting for the perfect bottle, a food lover chasing Canberra’s best tartare, or simply someone who wants a reliable, feel-good dinner spot, Rebel Rebel delivers. It’s a venue that rewards curiosity and generosity, and it has rightly earned its place among Acton’s essential dining destinations.