First Edition Bar & Dining

First Edition Bar & Dining brings modern Australian cuisine and crafted cocktails to the heart of Canberra. Located on the first floor of Novotel Canberra at 65 Northbourne Avenue, the restaurant offers an elevated dining experience with views overlooking the city streets. The venue is a hidden oasis that combines a warm, family-friendly atmosphere with a commitment to seasonal, locally sourced produce. Whether you're joining us for a leisurely breakfast, a business lunch, or an intimate dinner, our team delivers attentive service and dishes that celebrate the best of the Australian Capital Territory and surrounding regions.

Our location directly opposite the light rail transport interchange makes us a convenient meeting spot for locals, tourists, and hotel guests alike. We are proud to be part of the Accor hospitality group, which means guests can earn and redeem ALL loyalty points while enjoying our authentic, paddock-to-plate menu. From handcrafted cocktails at the bar to multi-course dinners, every visit to First Edition Bar & Dining is designed to be a memorable one.

Services & Facilities

First Edition Bar & Dining operates as both a welcoming restaurant and a versatile events venue. Our main dining room serves breakfast and dinner, while the bar opens daily from 4pm, providing a relaxed setting for after-work drinks or pre-dinner cocktails. The space is fully licensed and features a menu that changes with the seasons to showcase fresh ingredients from local growers and artisans.

• All-day bar — open daily from 4pm, featuring specialty cocktails, Australian wines, and craft spirits.
• Dinner service — available Monday through Saturday from 5:30pm to 10pm and Sunday from 5:30pm to 9pm.
• Breakfast service — Monday to Friday 6:30am-9:30am, Saturday and Sunday 6:30am-10:30am, and public holidays 7am-10am.
• Family-friendly dining — a diverse seasonal menu that caters to all ages, with high chairs and a welcoming environment for children.
• Private function rooms — bookable for celebrations, corporate events, birthday parties, reunions, and hens nights.
• Cashless payments — all transactions are card-only for speed and security.

What We Offer

Our culinary team is passionate about creating dishes that reflect the Canberra region's vibrant food culture. We source ingredients from trusted local suppliers such as Fedra Olive Grove, Tilba Dairy Farm, and Three Mills Bakery. These partnerships allow us to present a menu that is both authentic and responsive to what is fresh and in season.

Seasonal Menus

The dinner menu is an a la carte journey through modern Australian flavors. Guests might begin with sweet potato fries accompanied by truffle mayo, or French beans prepared with care, before moving on to mains like a perfectly cooked beef fillet with broccoli. Vegetarian options are clearly marked, and many dishes can be adapted upon request.

Curated Beverages

Our bar program pays homage to the award-winning wineries and distilleries of the Canberra region. Alongside a carefully selected wine list, we serve specialty cocktails that range from classic to contemporary, all crafted by bartenders who understand balance and presentation.

Breakfast Favorites

Morning menus emphasize fresh, energizing ingredients. Whether you crave a full hot breakfast or something light and healthy, the kitchen prepares each plate to order using eggs, dairy, and baked goods from local farms and bakeries.

Why Customers Choose Us

Visitors consistently highlight the combination of fantastic food and sensational service. Staff members like Jay, Mia, and Antony are mentioned in reviews for their attentive, friendly approach that makes every meal feel special. The restaurant's elevated position on the first floor provides a sense of retreat from the bustling Northbourne Avenue below, without sacrificing convenience.

• Elevated city views — large windows fill the dining room with natural light and offer a unique perspective on Canberra’s streetscape.
• Genuine local sourcing — ingredients come from named farms and producers within the Capital region, ensuring freshness and supporting the community.
• Flexible dining options — dine-in, takeaway, and room service for Novotel Canberra guests are all available.
• Accor loyalty rewards — members of ALL – Accor Live Limitless earn points on every qualifying spend.
• Accommodating for changes — the reservation team is flexible and works to adjust booking times when needed.

Serving Canberra & Australian Capital Territory

Situated at 65 Northbourne Avenue, Canberra ACT 2601, First Edition Bar & Dining is embedded in the daily rhythm of the nation's capital. The restaurant is easily accessible via public transport, with the light rail interchange just steps from the entrance. For those driving, paid parking options are available nearby. Being inside the Novotel Canberra also means we are a natural choice for interstate and international visitors staying in the city center.

The ACT's unique food culture — shaped by cool-climate wines, artisan cheese makers, and innovative growers — is reflected throughout our menu. We actively collaborate with the region's producers to bring ingredients from farm to table with minimal handling, ensuring every plate tells a story of its origin. Diners can taste the difference in a simple salad dressed with Fedra olive oil or a bread basket featuring Three Mills Bakery sourdough.

Hours, Location & Directions

Planning your visit is straightforward. Our address is Level 1, 65 Northbourne Ave, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia. The entrance is accessible from the hotel lobby, with elevator access available. We observe Sunday and public holiday surcharges of 10% and 15% respectively, as noted on our menus.

• Breakfast — Mon-Fri 6:30am-9:30am, Sat-Sun 6:30am-10:30am, public holidays 7am-10am
• Bar — Open daily from 4pm
• Dinner — Mon-Sat 5:30pm-10pm, Sun 5:30pm-9pm

For reservations, call +61 2 6245 5000 or book online via our website. Walk-ins are welcome, though we recommend booking for dinner, especially on weekends and during major events in the city.

Questions Visitors Ask

Many first-time guests have similar inquiries, and we're always happy to clarify. Below are some common questions and answers.

Do you accommodate dietary requirements?

Yes. Our kitchen can handle vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free requests. Please inform your server when ordering so the chef can prepare your meal appropriately.

Is First Edition Bar & Dining suitable for large groups?

Absolutely. We have private and semi-private function rooms that can host formal dinners, corporate functions, and social celebrations. Contact our events team for capacities and packages.

Can I bring children?

We are a family-friendly restaurant. Children are welcome during all service periods, and we offer menu options that appeal to younger palates.

Is parking available?

There is no dedicated restaurant parking, but several public car parks and paid street parking options are within a short walk. The light rail and bus exchange is directly opposite the building.

Do you offer takeaway or delivery?

Yes, we provide takeaway service. While delivery is not always highlighted, we can arrange it during certain periods — please call ahead to check availability.