Bentham St Bar Tapas Pizza

For a dining experience that blends Mediterranean-inspired tapas with artisan pizza, Bentham St Bar Tapas Pizza delivers a vibrant European flair right into the heart of Yarralumla. Tucked quietly into the suburbs of Canberra, this spot has carved out a name for itself as a go-to destination for Italian-style pizza, creative small plates, and a welcoming bar atmosphere. The team behind Bentham St describes the venue as an “amazing little slice of European Flair in the heart of one of Canberra's amazing suburbs,” and that promise comes through in everything they do. Located at Unit 2/29 Bentham Street, the restaurant feels both local and delightfully unexpected. Guests frequently comment on the fresh ingredients and the warm, inviting space that suits everything from weeknight dinners to special celebrations.

At its core, Bentham St embraces a simple philosophy: quality food, honest drinks, and a relaxed environment. The menu doesn't try to do too much, but what it does, it does exceptionally well. While the pizza is one of the main attractions, it’s the tapas that encourages sharing and conversation. The combination of a casual wine bar with approachable dining makes it easy to pop in for a quick bite or settle in for a long evening with friends. With a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps from 182 reviews, the restaurant has won the loyalty of a broad range of customers across Yarralumla and beyond. The venue identifies as women-led, adding a distinctive community-centered touch to its operation, and offers a variety of dining options including dine-in, takeaway, and contactless delivery.

Menu Highlights at Bentham St Bar Tapas Pizza

The menu at Bentham St brings together the comfort of pizza with the variety of Spanish-influenced tapas. While the full menu is available on their website, several items stand out based on customer feedback and the restaurant's public highlights. Pizza remains the centerpiece, but diners quickly discover the small plates are just as memorable. The compact but well-curated selection means every dish is treated with care.

Wood-Fired Pizzas

Pizza at Bentham St is cooked to achieve a perfect balance of texture and flavor. One Google Maps reviewer, celebrating a birthday dinner with a group of eight, called their Marinara pizza “the best pizza I've had in Canberra in a long time” and praised it for being “fresh and delicious.” The crust, toppings, and seasoning all received high marks, making the wood-fired approach a frequent highlight. Another favorite is the ham and cheese pizza, a classic that appears among the restaurant's featured menu photos.

Tapas & Shared Plates

The tapas selection encourages exploration and pairing. Calamari is prominently featured, described in multiple reviews as a must-order. Prawns are also mentioned as a popular choice, often ordered alongside wine. The layout of the menu provides a smooth transition from nibbles to pizza, making it ideal for groups with varying appetites.

The Dining Experience

The atmosphere at Bentham St combines the charm of a neighborhood bar with the sophistication of a curated dining room. The physical space is intimate without feeling cramped, lending itself equally well to a catch-up with a friend at the bar or a longer table reservation for a special occasion. The blend of bar seating and dining tables creates a natural flow from drinks to food.

When you walk in, the lighting and decor aim to evoke a European sensibility — warm, unpretentious, and a little rustic. It’s a wine bar aesthetic that works just as well for a solo visitor as it does for a larger party. Customer reviews often describe the energy as relaxed but lively, particularly on weekends when the small shop-front transforms into a buzzing neighborhood hub. Because the restaurant is compact, reservations can be a smart move, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings. The website points visitors toward an online reservation system, making it easy to lock in a table ahead of time. For those who prefer to eat at home, Bentham St offers both takeaway and contactless delivery, extending its reach beyond the immediate Yarralumla area without compromising on quality.

Customer Reviews & Ratings

Bentham St Bar Tapas Pizza holds a solid 4.5-star rating on Google Maps, drawing praise from a variety of diners — locals, visitors from Melbourne, and even those making a quick stop near nearby medical facilities. The reviews paint a consistent picture of high-quality food, personable service, and excellent value for the price range of 20–40 AUD per person. Common themes across multiple reviews include the freshness of the pizza, the care taken with tapas, and the accommodating nature of the staff.

What Diners Are Saying

One local guide, celebrating a birthday dinner for eight, called the Marinara pizza among the best in Canberra and added that everyone in the group enjoyed their meals. Another reviewer, who was visiting the city from Melbourne, noted they chose the restaurant for a special occasion and “were not disappointed,” highlighting that the food and atmosphere lived up to their expectations. In a more spontaneous scenario, a reviewer who stopped in quickly because the nearby maternity clinic lacked evening cafe options was equally impressed, commending the staff for quickly accommodating a walk-in guest for a fast bite.

Customer feedback on Google Maps consistently points to a team that is both skilled and approachable. Reviewers mention the staff going out of their way to make groups feel welcome and to handle individual requests with ease. The atmosphere is also frequently described as “relaxed” and “enjoyable,” with the wine and tapas combination resonating strongly across both casual drop-ins and planned events.

Bentham St Bar Tapas Pizza in Yarralumla

Finding Bentham St is straightforward for locals and visitors alike. The restaurant sits at Unit 2/29 Bentham Street, nestled among the quiet suburban streets of Yarralumla. For those navigating from the city center, it’s a quick drive and close enough to landmarks like the John James Maternity Clinic that hospital visitors occasionally wander in for a fast, high-quality meal.

The neighborhood itself is one of Canberra's most well-established, known for its leafy streets, embassy residences, and a relaxed pace that makes Bentham St feel like a genuine local secret. Street parking is generally available, though the restaurant's popularity means it’s worth arriving a few minutes early to find a spot on busier evenings. Bicycle access and public transport links are listed in the business's Google Maps data, making it reachable by multiple modes of transport. The location is also street-view accessible and noted on Maps with outdoor imagery that captures the unassuming, charming storefront. For specific accessibility needs, the restaurant's small footprint means you should reach out directly to confirm any particular requirements.

Hours, Reservations & Contact

Bentham St operates from Wednesday through Sunday, opening at 5:30 pm and closing at 9:00 pm. This evening-only schedule reinforces the bar-and-dinner vibe and makes it essential to plan visits around these limited windows. The restaurant is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, as well as for an extended break in January — the team notes they will return on Friday, 6th February 2026.

Booking a table is handled through the online reservation link on the restaurant's official website. Walk-ins are certainly possible, but given the small size and the popularity reflected in Google Maps reviews, a reservation is highly recommended, especially for groups. For inquiries about functions or larger gatherings, the restaurant asks that guests call directly at +61 2 6282 7741. The same number can be used for any questions about takeaway or delivery logistics.

Common Questions

Does Bentham St Bar Tapas Pizza take reservations?

Yes, reservations are accepted and can be made online through the link on the restaurant's official website at benthamst.com. For function inquiries or larger group bookings, guests are encouraged to call (02) 6282 7741 directly.

What are the opening hours for Bentham Street Bar Tapas Pizza?

The restaurant is open Wednesday through Sunday from 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm. It is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, and the team takes an annual break in January, returning in early February.

What type of food is served at Bentham St?

Bentham St specializes in pizza and tapas, offering a menu that blends Italian-style wood-fired pizzas with a variety of shareable small plates, including calamari and prawns. The venue also operates as a wine bar with a curated drinks list.

Does Bentham Street Bar Tapas Pizza offer takeaway?

Yes, both takeaway and contactless delivery are available. The business supports online ordering, making it easy to enjoy the menu at home across Yarralumla and surrounding Canberra suburbs.

Is Bentham Street Bar Tapas Pizza a family-owned business?

The business identifies as women-led, and the suburban, community-focused atmosphere is reflected in the way the team interacts with guests. For additional details about ownership or history, it's best to ask the staff during your visit.

What is the best pizza at Bentham St?

The menu features several popular pizzas, with the Marinara and the ham and cheese pizza frequently mentioned in customer reviews. Many diners also recommend pairing a pizza with a few tapas dishes to get the full menu experience.

Whether you’re a local looking for a fresh dinner spot or a visitor keen to eat like a Canberran, Bentham St Bar Tapas Pizza makes a strong case for a place on your list. We encourage you to browse other Yarralumla restaurant profiles here on Ilistify before booking your next meal — you might just discover a new favourite.