Photo Credit; Photox - Canberra Photography Services
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Monster Kitchen and Bar

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A trendy eatery in Ovolo Nishi Hotel offering diverse modern Australian dishes and share plates with a chic, contemporary vibe.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

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Photo Credit; Photox - Canberra Photography Services

Monster Kitchen and Bar

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A trendy eatery in Ovolo Nishi Hotel offering diverse modern Australian dishes and share plates with a chic, contemporary vibe.

"Classy place with a fantastically relaxed vibe and a great choice of food and beverages no matter what time you go."

TIP

Book Ahead

Make reservations in advance to ensure you get a table at this popular spot.

Order at the Bar

Note that food and drinks are ordered at the bar, not at your table.

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Quick Facts

Open·Closes 10PM

Cuisine

Modern Australian

Price

$$$

Phone

+61 2 6287 6192

Address

Ground/25 Edinburgh Ave, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia

Insta-Factor

High

Highlights

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Innovative Plant-Based Cuisine

Innovative Plant-Based Cuisine

Experience a boundary-pushing, all-vegetarian menu designed to delight vegans and carnivores alike with seasonal, modern Australian dishes.

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Chic Ambiance & Design

Chic Ambiance & Design

Dine in a trendy, chic, and contemporary setting with unique decor, a fireplace, and a stylish vibe perfect for any occasion.

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Creative Cocktails & Wine

Creative Cocktails & Wine

Savor expertly crafted cocktails and an interesting wine list in a gorgeous setting, perfect for winding down.

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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Give us a try, check out Monster Fry! CBR CIVIC🍗🍟 (tags: #canberra #canberracivic #fyp #newplacestoeat #canberrafood #monsterfry #chickenshop )
@monsterfrycanberra
825 likes • 26.7K views

Book Ahead

Make reservations in advance to ensure you get a table at this popular spot.

Order at the Bar

Note that food and drinks are ordered at the bar, not at your table.

Monster Chicken, Fried in perfection #monsterfry #canberrasmallbusiness #createyourowntaste #smallbusinessbigdreams #smallbusiness #ubereats #hungrypanda #doordash #friedchicken #chicken #chickenlover #chickenwings #familyowned #halal #halalfoodie
@monsterfrycanberra
8 likes • 1.2K views
so many combinations for our Loaded Monster Fries! 🙌 Visit us on Thursdays for a 15$ Deal (until 3pm) 😉🍟 ( #CBR #canberra #canberrafood #monsterfry #fyp #placestoeat #loadedfries #recommended )
@monsterfrycanberra
105 likes • 5.6K views

Share Plates

Opt for sharing plates to sample a variety of their diverse modern Australian dishes.

Off-Peak Visits

Visit during off-peak hours for a potentially quieter and more relaxed dining experience.

Tips

from all over the internet

Book Ahead

Make reservations in advance to ensure you get a table at this popular spot.

Order at the Bar

Note that food and drinks are ordered at the bar, not at your table.

Share Plates

Opt for sharing plates to sample a variety of their diverse modern Australian dishes.

Off-Peak Visits

Visit during off-peak hours for a potentially quieter and more relaxed dining experience.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Monster Kitchen and Bar is praised for its unique, innovative plant-based menu and its chic, relaxed ambiance, making it a standout in Canberra. While many enjoy the creative dishes and cocktails, some reviews point to inconsistent service, a perceived decline from its former charm, and a menu that doesn't always meet expectations for its price point, particularly regarding share plates and cheese boards.

"Nice and hard-working staff.
Environment very unexpected. Food was regular. Dessert was out of this world.
Celebrated my birthday, staff and chefs were very kind.
Bathroom were beautiful and amazing for photo taking and general use."

Chenelle Gonsalves

"Hi Monster, I’m very disappointed with the service today. It’s been some time since I was here last and it doesn't have its old charm.

I’m all for restaurant trying new things but this is not the way to go. When I’m visiting a nice restaurant I hope that there is table service and not have to go to the bar to order food like a common pub, that’s not what I’m here for.

The new menu is also very disappointing, hardly any decent options. Food tasted decent but half of the meals came out half an hour apart.

Over all very disappointed with the overall experience, I really wish they go back to what they use to be, I miss the old monster."

Dishant Panwar

"I had high hopes for Monster Bar in Canberra, but unfortunately, their cheese board fell well below expectations, especially considering the premium $39 price.

For that price, I expected a thoughtfully curated selection with a balance of quality cheeses, fresh accompaniments, and attention to presentation. Instead, what was served looked like something hastily thrown together at home. The board featured a few basic cheeses, some tired grapes and raisins, a handful of mixed nuts, dry crackers, and a small piece of quince paste. One of the cheeses even looked like it had been sitting out too long. It was underwhelming and felt like an afterthought, not a premium experience.

When we politely raised this with the waiter, their only suggestion was to return the board. No attempt was made to offer a replacement, a better alternative. For a venue that charges premium prices and markets itself as high-end, this lack of customer service was very disappointing.

What makes this even more frustrating is that venues like Ambrosia provide cheese boards that are not only generous and beautifully presented but also far more reasonably priced. Ambrosia’s platters show real care, with artisan cheeses, fresh produce, and well-matched sides that make you feel the price is justified.

Monster Bar needs to seriously improve both the quality of their offering and their approach to customer service. At the moment, it feels like style over substance, and not worth the money.
OUTRAGEOUS"

Milan Pavkovic

What People Like

Innovative vegetarian cuisine
Chic and relaxed atmosphere
Creative cocktails

What People Dislike

Inconsistent or slow service
Menu perceived as overpriced or lacking focus
Decline from previous experiences

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Monster Kitchen and Bar has fully embraced a plant-based, all-vegetarian menu aiming to appeal to all diners.

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It is recommended to make reservations in advance, especially for popular times, to secure seating.

Google Review

The restaurant has a chic, contemporary, and trendy vibe with a relaxed atmosphere, featuring a fireplace for added coziness.

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You are required to order your food and drinks at the bar, not at your table.

Google Review+1

Yes, the restaurant offers ever-changing seasonal cuisine, focusing on local produce.

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The restaurant aims to cater to dietary needs and encourages guests to advise staff of any requirements.

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