Happy’s Chinese Restaurant

Since opening its doors in 1962, Happy’s Chinese Restaurant has held a special place in Canberra’s dining scene. Founded by the legendary ‘Mr Happy,’ this was the very first Chinese restaurant in the city. Today, more than 50 years later, the restaurant continues to welcome guests from its iconic underground location in Garema Place. It’s a spot where locals and visitors alike come to experience traditional Cantonese cuisine in a warm, family-friendly environment. The space might be tucked away beneath the hustle and bustle of Civic, but what awaits downstairs is a Canberra institution filled with decades of happy memories and consistently delicious food.

Now in its third generation, the restaurant is proudly run by Mr Happy’s grandson, Gavin Chan. He works tirelessly to uphold the traditions that made this place famous while ensuring every guest feels like part of the family. Stepping down the stairs into the dining room feels like entering a secret retreat. The large mural of the Great Wall of China, painted by a member of the family team, sets the scene for a meal that balances time-honored techniques with a genuinely welcoming Australian spirit. The menu stays true to its Cantonese roots, featuring dishes that have been enjoyed by loyal customers for decades.

Cantonese Cuisine & Signature Dishes

The kitchen at Happy’s focuses on the delicate flavors and fresh ingredients that define traditional Cantonese cooking. This isn’t fusion food or a modern reinterpretation; it’s classic family-style dining where generous portions and balanced sauces take center stage. Many of the recipes have been passed down through three generations, ensuring a consistency that keeps regulars coming back week after week.

• Seafood Combination: A popular choice featuring a medley of fresh catches, perfectly cooked to highlight the natural sweetness of the ocean.
• Fried Rice Noodles: A beloved staple that showcases the essential Cantonese skill of wok hei — that smoky, charred essence from a well-seasoned wok.
• Spring Rolls: Crispy, golden, and packed with savory fillings, these are an ideal way to start any meal.
• Banquet Menus: For groups of five or more, the restaurant offers six distinct banquet options, making it easy to plan a diverse and satisfying shared feast.

Dining Options & Venue Features

Whether you’re planning a quick workday lunch or a relaxed dinner with friends, the restaurant adapts to the occasion. The dining room is spacious and secluded, offering a calm escape from the busy streets of the city center. It’s a fully licensed venue with a carefully chosen lineup of local Canberra beers and wines, so you can enjoy a perfect pairing with your meal. While the atmosphere is packed with history, the service style is practical and attentive, catering to modern needs.

• Dine-In Experience: Take a seat at the table and enjoy the full-service hospitality that has defined Happy’s for over 60 years.
• Takeaway & Delivery: Order online for pick-up or have your favorites delivered straight to your door via partnered platforms.
• Special Functions & Groups: With diverse banquet menus and a welcoming attitude toward bookings large or small, the restaurant is a favorite for family gatherings, celebrations, and corporate events.
• Gift Cards: Share the experience with friends and family by purchasing a gift card that can be used for a memorable meal.

Location & Atmosphere

Finding Happy’s Chinese Restaurant is part of the adventure. You’ll enter through a discreet doorway at Unit 1/17 Garema Place and head downstairs, leaving the modern city behind. The underground setting creates an intimate, cozy vibe that feels worlds away from the typical chain restaurants. One entire wall features a striking mural of the Great Wall of China, a proud artistic contribution from a family member. The combination of soft lighting, traditional decor, and the gentle hum of happy diners creates an atmosphere that’s both nostalgic and refreshingly unpretentious.

The team at Happy’s takes pride in being a place where everyone is welcome. Whether you’re a longtime Canberra local or a first-time visitor exploring Civic, the service is designed to make you feel at ease. The restaurant is LGBTQ+ friendly, and the family ownership ensures a personal touch that corporate venues often miss.

Serving Canberra & Australian Capital Territory

As Canberra’s original Chinese restaurant, Happy’s has grown alongside the city itself. Located in the heart of Civic, the restaurant isn’t just a place to eat; it’s a living piece of the capital’s cultural history. For more than half a century, it has served as a gathering spot for politicians, families, students, and tourists exploring Garema Place. The Garema Place location puts you right in the middle of the city’s shopping, entertainment, and cultural precinct, making it an easy choice for a meal before or after exploring nearby attractions.

The restaurant’s enduring popularity has been featured in major publications and projects, including the book Chopsticks or Fork? and stories by SBS World News, The Canberra Times, and RiotACT. These features celebrate not only the food but the legacy of a family business that has weathered decades of change while keeping the core of its Cantonese menu proudly intact.

Visiting & Hours of Operation

Planning your visit to this Canberra landmark requires a quick look at the distinct lunch and dinner schedules. The restaurant is closed on Tuesdays, so plan accordingly. Lunch service is tight but efficient, perfect for those working in Civic who need a fast, high-quality meal without sacrificing flavor. Dinner hours extend later on weekends, allowing you to settle in and take your time with the extensive menu.

• Lunch: 11:45 AM – 1:45 PM, 6 days a week (Closed Tuesdays)
• Dinner (Sunday – Thursday): 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Dinner (Friday – Saturday): 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Questions Visitors Ask

Is Happy’s Chinese Restaurant BYO?

No, Happy’s is a fully licensed venue and does not offer BYO. They have a strong lineup of Canberra beers and wines available to complement your meal perfectly.

Where exactly is the restaurant located?

The restaurant is located underground at Unit 1/17 Garema Place in Canberra’s city center. Look for the doorway and head downstairs to discover the hidden dining room.

What style of food does Happy’s serve?

The kitchen proudly serves traditional Cantonese cuisine. The menu is built on classic techniques and recipes that have been loved by the Canberra community since 1962.

Does the restaurant cater for large groups?

Absolutely. Happy’s welcomes bookings large and small. They offer six different banquet menus designed for gatherings of five or more people, making it easy to cater for functions and celebrations.