Best Nepali Restaurants in Canberra 2026 — Where to Find Authentic Momo & Dal Bhat

Canberra is not the first city people think of when it comes to Nepali food in Australia. That is their loss.

The ACT has quietly built a solid Nepali restaurant scene — 11 restaurants spread across Civic, Barton, Belconnen, Gungahlin, Farrer and Manuka. You will not find the sheer volume of Sydney or Melbourne, but what Canberra does have is quality. Several restaurants here hold Google ratings above 4.2, and the competition for the best momo in the capital is genuine.

Top-Rated Nepali Restaurants in Canberra

1. Tusa Canberra — Barton

Google rating: 4.5★ (1,953 reviews)

Tusa is the most reviewed Nepali restaurant in Canberra, and it holds its rating well. Located in Barton, it sits close to Parliament House and the parliamentary triangle, making it a popular lunch spot for public servants and a dinner destination for families. The menu leans towards modern Nepali with Indian influences — momo, dal bhat, curries and grilled dishes all feature. If you are visiting for the first time, try the jhol momo and a Thakali khana set.

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2. The Mustang Nepalese Restaurant & Bar — Farrer

Google rating: 4.2★ (1,078 reviews)

The Mustang sits in Canberra's south, in the suburb of Farrer. It is one of the few Nepali restaurants in the capital with a proper bar licence, which makes it a good pick for a relaxed dinner with drinks. The menu covers momo, sekuwa, choila and traditional curries. The Mustang is also known for its Newari khaja set — something you will not find at every Nepali restaurant in Australia.

3. The Hungry Buddha — Belconnen

Google rating: 4.5★ (99 reviews)

The Hungry Buddha is a long-standing favourite in Belconnen, serving the north side of Canberra. The restaurant focuses on traditional Nepali dishes — dal bhat, momo and sekuwa — with a menu that changes seasonally. It is smaller than Tusa, which gives it a more intimate feel. Reviewers frequently mention the friendly service and the quality of the achar.

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4. Nepalese Nomad & Co — Gungahlin

Google rating: 4.2★ (461 reviews)

Gungahlin is one of Canberra's fastest-growing suburbs, and Nepalese Nomad & Co has established itself as the go-to Nepali restaurant in the area. The menu is broad — momo in several styles, curries, fried rice and noodles. It is a practical choice for families living in Gungahlin or nearby Ngunnawal and Amaroo.

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5. Early Bird Nepalese Restaurant — Braddon

Google rating: 4.2★ (464 reviews)

Early Bird sits in Braddon, just north of Civic, in one of Canberra's most densely populated residential areas. It is a good option for apartment dwellers and workers in the city centre. The restaurant opens early (hence the name) and serves breakfast-style Nepali dishes alongside the standard momo and curry menu.

6. The Monkey Temple (The Momo Pot) — Belconnen

Google rating: 4.0★ (813 reviews)

The Monkey Temple, also operating as The Momo Pot, is one of the higher-volume Nepali restaurants in Belconnen. It is known for its momo varieties — steamed, fried and jhol — and the portion sizes are generous. The rating sits at 4.0, which is solid for a restaurant handling over 800 reviews.

Newer and Emerging Restaurants in Canberra

Several newer Nepali restaurants have opened in Canberra recently, including Friends and Momos in Gungahlin, Chomolungma Nepali Cuisine in Manuka, and The Kathmandu Mo:Mo House in Civic. These restaurants do not yet have enough Google reviews to establish a reliable rating, but they are worth watching as the Canberra Nepali food scene continues to grow.

What to Order in Canberra

If it is your first time eating Nepali food in Canberra, start with the basics:

• Jhol momo — steamed dumplings in a spicy sesame-tomato broth. Tusa and The Mustang both do this well.
• Thakali khana set — a complete meal plate with dal, rice, vegetables, curry, pickle and ghee. The Hungry Buddha is a good place to try this.
• Choila — spiced grilled meat, a Newari specialty. Look for it at The Mustang.
• Sekuwa — grilled marinated skewers. Available at most restaurants on this list.

Which Canberra Suburb Should You Visit?

Canberra's layout means your choice of suburb matters. If you work in the parliamentary triangle, Barton (Tusa) is the most convenient. If you live on the north side, Belconnen (The Hungry Buddha, The Monkey Temple) or Gungahlin (Nepalese Nomad & Co) will save you a drive. If you are in the inner north, Braddon (Early Bird) is walkable from Civic. For southside residents, Farrer (The Mustang) is the local option.

Browse All Nepali Restaurants in Canberra

This guide covers the highlights, but Canberra has more to offer. Browse the full Canberra restaurant directory to see all 11 restaurants, filter by suburb, check opening hours and find the one that suits your plans.

And if you are searching for a Nepalese restaurant near me in Canberra, the directory's "Near Me" feature will show you the closest options d on your current location.