
Happy’s Chinese Restaurant
A Canberra culinary landmark since 1962, Happy's offers authentic, generational Cantonese cuisine in a cozy, historic setting.

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Must-see attractions
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Happy’s Chinese Restaurant

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A Canberra culinary landmark since 1962, Happy's offers authentic, generational Cantonese cuisine in a cozy, historic setting.
Book for Dinner
Reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekend evenings, to secure a table.
Lunch Special Value
Visit during lunch hours for a fantastic $12 special with various delicious choices.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Cantonese Chinese
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Authentic Cantonese Legacy
A true taste of Cantonese cuisine, cherished through three generations since 1962.

Generous Portions, Big Flavors
Enjoy exceptionally large servings of delicious, authentic Cantonese dishes that satisfy.

$12 Lunch Specials
Affordable and diverse lunch options available daily, perfect for a quick and tasty meal.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book for Dinner
Reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekend evenings, to secure a table.
Lunch Special Value
Visit during lunch hours for a fantastic $12 special with various delicious choices.
Takeaway for Speed
Consider takeout during peak times like festivals for faster service and to avoid waits.
Chow Mein Reheat
Their flavorful chow mein is even better the next day, so don't hesitate to save some!
Tips
from all over the internet
Book for Dinner
Reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekend evenings, to secure a table.
Lunch Special Value
Visit during lunch hours for a fantastic $12 special with various delicious choices.
Takeaway for Speed
Consider takeout during peak times like festivals for faster service and to avoid waits.
Chow Mein Reheat
Their flavorful chow mein is even better the next day, so don't hesitate to save some!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Happy's Chinese Restaurant is lauded for its authentic Cantonese cuisine, generous portions, and friendly, efficient service, making it a cherished Canberra institution. While many rave about dishes like fried rice and chow mein, some reviews mention inconsistent portion sizes and overly oily takeaway items. Overall, it's a beloved spot for a hearty, flavorful meal.
"It is indeed a HAPPY place to eat! made my tummy so happy!! 100% authentic Chinese restaurant. I can't believed we just discovered this today as we had lunch with my family! Price wise is very good! The food is very delicious! The serving size is just wow!! They are very generous with their serving!
The staff were so friendly and accommodating. I can't wait to go back again.
We ordered special fried rice, honey chicken, garlic chicken and beef curry.
And friend ice cream+ banana fritter."
Jahana Lyn Bolongaita
"Nostalgic retro basement Aussie Canto-Chinese restaurant in Canberra. This place has been operating since the 1960s and owned by the same family which these days is becoming super rare. The place was packed at 6pm on a cold winter Sunday night. The staff were lovely, efficient and friendly.
We ordered Sizzling Mongolian Beef ($28), Chinese BBQ Pork in Plum sauce ($24) and a large fried rice ($13). Despite being so bust the kitchen was pumping out the meals in record time. We didn't wait long for our food and were shocked at the enormous portion sizes! We did our best but didn't come close to finishing. Fried rice - great inclusion of prawns, bbq pork. The BBQ pork in plum sauce was tasty, sweet and had onions and carrots. So much pork! The sizzling Mongolian Beef had so much beef and accompained with onions. Tasty and good char from the hot plate.
Cool retro interior and a nice full wall mural of the Great Wall and love the wooden panelling.
If you are visiting Canberra for the weekend check this special restaurant out, you won't be disappointed and you will leave 'Happy' with very full stomachs!
Street parking near impossible (as we discovered making us late for our reservations) park at the Canberra Centre shopping centre parking and walk across to the mall."
Timeshare Chinchilla
"Cosy little Chinese restaurant with friendly, attentive service and delicious food. The best prawn toast I have ever tasted! Big portions, basically two meals in one. Wishing this long term family business many blessings, thank you for the food!!"
Amber Borg
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Happy's is known for its authentic Cantonese cuisine, passed down through three generations since 1962, generous portion sizes, and friendly service.
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner, as the restaurant can get very busy.
Happy's offers a $12 lunch special daily with a variety of delicious Cantonese options.
While known for generous portions, some diners have noted occasional inconsistencies in serving sizes.
Yes, it's a family-friendly environment with a cozy atmosphere and traditional dishes that appeal to all ages.
Yes, Happy's offers a selection of vegetarian dishes alongside their conventional favorites.
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Henry Ford might have invented the assembly line, but Happy’s invented Chinese takeout culture as Canberra’s very first Chinese restaurant. Yes, it's cramped, and the Great Wall painting doesn’t lustre like it used to, but every returning patron has partaken in their three-generation iconography. With a list of two hundred dishes served across fifty years, of course, it’ll be difficult to choose between Happy’s salt and pepper whitebait, gravy-drowned chow mein and fish-fragrant eggplant.
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Happy’s Chinese Restaurant is located in the heart of Canberra metropolis and has been a cherished fixture given that 1962, celebrated for its real Cantonese cuisine. The fully licensed established order caters to various nutritional needs by presenting a delightful selection of vegetarian dishes along with loved conventional favorites. Emphasizing quality and hospitality, Happy’s invites guests to immerse themselves in the flavors and heritage of Cantonese dining.
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Happy’s opened their doors in 1962 and have now been serving up delicious, traditional Cantonese cuisine for over 50 years. The city restaurant has been family owned for three generations and promises a family friendly environment. The menu is varied and features many Chinese favourites along with a range of different banquet options for larger groups to enjoy.
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Happy’s Chinese Restaurant in Civic has been owned by three generations of the same family since 1962. Serving up traditional Cantonese cuisine, Happy's offers banquet and a la carte dining options in a simple, no-fuss environment.
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After three generations of the same family have run Happy’s Chinese Restaurant in Civic since 1962. Happy’s serves up classic Cantonese food and provides banquet and a la carte choices in an unpretentious, no-frills atmosphere.
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