Looking for your next dinner spot? Monster Kitchen and Bar might just be the answer. This Canberra gem recently transformed from a vegetarian-only venue to an inclusive dining destination that caters to all food preferences.
Nestled in the stylish Ovolo Nishi Hotel, Monster Kitchen and Bar offers a unique experience that blends creative dishes with a vibrant atmosphere. Let’s dig into what makes this spot worth your next night out.
The New Era of Monster Kitchen and Bar
Monster Kitchen and Bar now embraces both plant and meat lovers after four years as a vegetarian-only establishment. The change happened in late 2024, marking a fresh chapter for this Canberra favorite.
Executive chef David Wykes, formerly of Temporada, leads this culinary shift. The decision came after noticing many hotel guests and corporate clients wanted protein options on the menu.
Despite the change, Monster Kitchen and Bar hasn’t abandoned its vegetarian roots. The restaurant still puts plant-based dishes front and center alongside new meat and seafood options.
You’ll find two dining experiences – the vegetarian “Feed Me” menu or the omnivore version. This dual approach lets Monster cater to different dietary preferences without compromising quality.
The restaurant still features the creative flair it became known for, just with an expanded palette of ingredients. As Wykes puts it, “Our vegetarian dishes aren’t just sides—they’re heroes.”
Menu Highlights Under $25
Monster Kitchen and Bar delivers impressive options that won’t break the bank. Their bar menu features several standout choices perfect for casual dining or pre-dinner bites.
The pork belly skewers with spicy pepita crumble and aioli stand out as a fan favorite. These melt-in-your-mouth bites bring bold flavors without the hefty price tag.
For seafood lovers, the tuna tartare served with hummus and paper-thin potato wafers offers an elegant taste of the ocean. This refined dish showcases Monster’s attention to detail.
Vegetarian options remain strong with dishes like zucchini flowers stuffed with smoked scamorza cheese. This delicate item demonstrates that plant-based dishes haven’t taken a back seat.
The Monster cheese burger with maple smoked bacon and zuni pickles has quickly become a popular choice. It brings comfort food vibes with an upscale twist.
Don’t miss their weekday special – a $35 meal with wine that lets you sample Monster’s food alongside a perfectly paired glass. While just above our $25 threshold, this deal offers exceptional value.
Signature Drinks Worth Trying
The bar program at Monster complements their food with thoughtfully crafted cocktails and an eclectic wine selection. Their offerings cater to both casual drinkers and cocktail enthusiasts.
Try the Twisted Gimlet, described as “fresh, herbaceous, summery gin-based.” This refreshing option makes a perfect start to your dining experience at Monster.
Wine lovers will appreciate the half-pour options that let you sample different varieties without committing to a full glass. This approach encourages exploration of their diverse wine list.
Their mini cocktails offer another budget-friendly option to taste Monster’s mixology skills. These smaller versions let you experience premium drinks at a more accessible price point.
The bar operates from 2 pm to 10:30 pm daily, making it ideal for after-work drinks or a pre-dinner gathering spot. The relaxed atmosphere makes lingering over drinks a pleasure.
Monster’s drink menu changes seasonally, ensuring fresh flavors and ingredients year-round. This commitment to variety means repeat visits always bring new discoveries.
The Dining Experience at Monster Kitchen and Bar
Monster Kitchen and Bar creates a distinctive atmosphere within the architecturally interesting Ovolo Nishi Hotel. The restaurant space flows through the ground floor, offering different dining zones.
The main dining area operates primarily for dinner service, while a casual corner section handles breakfast and lunch with a more limited menu. Each space has its own character and energy.
Some long-time patrons note that the interior has evolved from its original whimsical design. The current look maintains the impressive terrazzo floor while embracing a more contemporary aesthetic.
Dinner service runs from 5:30 pm to 10 pm seven days a week, making it a reliable option for evening meals. The consistent hours remove the guesswork from planning your visit.
The restaurant accommodates both intimate date nights and larger group gatherings. The flexible space adapts to different dining occasions with equal success.
Price points sit in the mid-to-high range for Canberra dining, with main dishes typically ranging from $32 for pasta to $39 for premium meat options. The value comes through in quality and creativity.
Planning Your Visit: Practical Tips
Reservations are recommended, especially for weekend dinners and larger groups. The restaurant’s popularity means walk-ins might face wait times during peak hours.
You’ll find Monster Kitchen and Bar in the Ovolo Nishi Hotel in NewActon, centrally located and accessible from most parts of Canberra. The distinctive building makes it easy to spot.
Parking options include the hotel’s facilities or nearby public parking. Evening visits often benefit from reduced rates and increased availability in surrounding areas.
The dress code leans smart casual, striking a balance between comfort and style. You won’t feel out of place in jeans and a nice top or slightly more dressed up for special occasions.
Consider visiting during weekdays for a more relaxed experience with attentive service. Weekday specials like their $35 meal and wine deal add extra incentive for mid-week dining.
If you’re a hotel guest, Monster offers the convenience of charging meals to your room. This seamless integration makes dining here particularly appealing for Ovolo Nishi visitors.
Customer Experiences and Reviews
Recent diners report mixed but generally positive experiences at Monster Kitchen and Bar. The food consistently earns praise for creativity and flavor across both vegetarian and meat options.
An American visitor in October 2024 described the food as “divine – flavorful, creative, and hearty enough to please my carnivore husband.” This highlights the restaurant’s successful balancing act.
The vegetarian offerings receive particular acclaim, with one reviewer noting they are “AMAZING” and another commenting that Monster offers “vegetarian food even non-vegetarians will adore.”
Service quality has shown recent improvements according to several reviews. A March 2024 review mentioned “the new team are friendly, attentive, professional and offer relaxed yet efficient service.”
Some diners note occasional service inconsistencies, particularly during busy periods. This aspect of the experience seems to vary based on timing and staffing on particular days.
Food presentation earns consistent praise, with many guests appreciating the artistic plating that enhances the dining experience. The visual appeal matches the creative flavor combinations.
Why Monster Kitchen and Bar Stands Out
Monster Kitchen and Bar occupies a unique position in Canberra’s dining scene by bridging vegetarian excellence with carefully selected meat options. Few restaurants manage this balance effectively.
The restaurant’s connection to the stylish Ovolo Nishi Hotel adds another dimension to its identity. The architectural setting enhances the overall experience beyond just the food.
Their commitment to local producers shines through in both plant and animal ingredients. This focus on regional sourcing strengthens the connection to Canberra’s food scene.
Monster’s willingness to evolve while maintaining its core strengths shows business savvy and culinary confidence. The pivot to an omnivorous menu demonstrates adaptive thinking.
The restaurant’s bar program offers sophisticated options without pretension. Their cocktails and wine selections showcase the same creativity found in their food menu.
Located in one of Canberra’s most architecturally interesting buildings, Monster provides a distinctive setting that complements its innovative culinary approach.
Final Thoughts
Monster Kitchen and Bar successfully walks the line between innovation and accessibility. Their evolution from vegetarian-only to omnivorous demonstrates a responsive approach to dining trends.
Whether you’re planning a special dinner, casual drinks, or a hotel meal, Monster offers a quality experience with creative touches. The menu provides options for different tastes and budgets.
The restaurant balances its dual identity as both a hotel restaurant serving guests and a destination dining spot for locals. This flexibility strengthens its position in Canberra’s competitive scene.
As the hospitality industry looks toward a promising 2025, Monster’s willingness to adapt while building on established strengths positions it well for continued success and relevance.
For those planning a visit, expect creative dishes, a distinctive setting, and a dining experience that accommodates various preferences. The evolving nature of Monster Kitchen and Bar makes each visit potentially fresh and interesting.
Monster Kitchen and Bar represents the kind of adaptable, quality-focused establishment that thrives despite changing dining trends. Their journey offers lessons for the broader restaurant industry.
