Nestled in the vibrant heart of Braddon, Canberra, Zaab stands as a welcoming destination for those seeking a genuine exploration of Southeast Asian culinary traditions. Located at 2/9 Lonsdale St, the restaurant has become a familiar spot for locals and visitors alike who appreciate a relaxed atmosphere paired with thoughtful preparation. The essence of the dining experience here lies in the balance of bold, aromatic ingredients and the comfort of communal eating, reflecting the hospitable spirit often found in the regions that inspire the kitchen's direction.
Stepping into the space, guests are greeted by an environment that prioritizes comfort and conversation. The design is understated yet intentional, allowing the focus to remain firmly on the plate and the company at the table. Whether you are stopping by for a casual mid-week dinner or gathering with friends to celebrate the end of the week, the setting provides a versatile backdrop that suits a variety of social occasions. It is a place where the pace of the city seems to slow down, inviting diners to linger over their meals and enjoy the nuances of the flavors presented.
What Defines the Zaab Experience
The philosophy behind the menu is rooted in the appreciation of fresh produce and the layering of complex spices. By focusing on traditional techniques while respecting the quality of local ingredients, the kitchen creates dishes that feel both familiar and exciting. Here are a few elements that characterize the approach at Zaab:
Emphasis on Freshness: The kitchen places a high priority on sourcing quality ingredients, ensuring that the natural vibrancy of herbs, vegetables, and proteins remains the star of every dish.
Balanced Flavor Profiles: Each recipe is crafted to achieve a harmonious blend of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy notes, which is a hallmark of the culinary traditions represented in the menu.
Communal Dining Culture: The menu is designed to encourage sharing, making it an ideal choice for groups who wish to sample a variety of textures and tastes in a single sitting.
Welcoming Atmosphere: Located on Lonsdale Street, the restaurant offers a warm and accessible environment that reflects the friendly and inclusive nature of the Braddon community.
Beyond the individual dishes, the strength of the restaurant lies in its consistency and the care taken by the team to ensure every guest feels attended to. The staff brings a deep understanding of the menu, often ready to offer recommendations that help diners navigate the diverse range of options available. This dedication to service enhances the overall experience, turning a simple meal into a memorable outing. It is this combination of culinary integrity and genuine hospitality that continues to draw people back to this corner of Braddon.
For those navigating the bustling dining scene of the Australian Capital Territory, Zaab offers a distinct perspective that honors the roots of its inspiration while fitting perfectly into the modern Canberra landscape. The commitment to quality and the inviting nature of the space make it a reliable choice for anyone looking to enjoy a meal that is both satisfying and thoughtfully prepared. As the neighborhood continues to evolve, the restaurant remains a steady presence, dedicated to providing a consistent and enjoyable experience for all who walk through its doors.
A Culinary Destination in the Heart of Braddon
Ultimately, Zaab is more than just a place to eat; it is a reflection of a passion for food that brings people together. By maintaining a focus on the fundamentals of good cooking and a welcoming environment, the restaurant has carved out a unique space for itself in the local food scene. Whether you are a long-time resident of Canberra or just passing through the area, a visit to this Lonsdale Street establishment offers a chance to slow down and appreciate the simple pleasure of a well-crafted meal. We invite you to experience the flavors and the atmosphere for yourself, and discover why so many have made this a regular stop in their dining rotation.
Amenities and More
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Service options
Outdoor seating
No-contact delivery
Delivery
On-site services
Takeaway
Dine-in
Service options
Outdoor seating
No-contact delivery
Delivery
On-site services
Takeaway
Dine-in
Highlights
Great beer selection
Great cocktails
Highlights
Great beer selection
Great cocktails
Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining
Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Healthy options
Late-night food
Quick bite
Small plates
Spirits
Vegan options
Vegetarian options
Wine
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Healthy options
Late-night food
Quick bite
Small plates
Spirits
Vegan options
Vegetarian options
Wine
Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Table service
Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Table service
Amenities
Bar on site
Toilet
Amenities
Bar on site
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Trendy
Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Trendy
Crowd
Family friendly
Groups
Tourists
University students
Crowd
Family friendly
Groups
Tourists
University students
Planning
Reservations required
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Planning
Reservations required
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Payments
Cheques
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Payments
Cheques
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Children
High chairs
Children
High chairs
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Paid parking lot
Paid street parking
Somewhat difficult to find a space
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Paid parking lot
Paid street parking
Somewhat difficult to find a space
Menus
Photos
Reviews Zaab
Ish Gokkaya
30-05-2026
Absolutely loved the food here. We got some vegan dishes to share and they were all amazing. So much flavour and so delicious. (I don’t often see vegan corn fritters so these were a must try) the service was very welcoming and friendly. It’s a great spot for dinner so I’d very much recommend it More
Maddie
30-05-2026
Extremely disappointed with my experience. Despite having a birthday reservation, we were placed by the freezing entrance and repeatedly denied a move to an empty table nearby. Staff ignored their own promise to turn on the heater and … More
Britney Tuyor
30-05-2026
Way way better than GYWLO!! Food was great and substantial. We will come back again and try different menu next time. More
OTTERS FOOD DIARY OTG
30-05-2026
If your around Braddon, please check out this place!!!
Services was friendly and welcoming, … More
David Lynch
30-05-2026
Absolutely loved this place!
Flavour filled food, service was impeccable.
We have been to some incredible fine dining restaurants in the past, this is not … More
Jimmy Lu
30-05-2026
Zaab offers solid Thai-Lao dishes with a few standouts that are definitely worth returning for. The confit duck 🦆 is tender with juicy, soft skin, and the flavors are rich but well-balanced. The crying tiger 🥩 features perfectly grilled … More
Saba Amir Goudarzi
30-05-2026
We had the beef massaman curry and the duck curry. The beef massaman was the best we’ve ever had. The inclusion of fried sweet potato crisps on top took it to the next level. The flavours were rich and balanced, and the beef was tender, … More
Simi Parker
30-05-2026
A group of us went for a relaxing midday lunch and we all really enjoyed the food, service and vibe.
We had the Goi Pla, Chicken Lon, Tofu Pallo, Crying Tiger and Charcoal Chicken. … More
Crystal Zhang
30-05-2026
Well that’s what $50 gets you- one salad and one massamun beef. We called the restaurant to double check if the portion is correct because we have been to Zaab for a few times. The waitress who answered the call keep saying that if you only … More
Evan Thomas
30-05-2026
Our go too takeaway was disappointing tonight… looks like the serves have really reduced over the last few months. Larb balls down from four balls to two, veggies not even a half serve and chill basil was barely 2/3 full. Cost is still the same More
OTTERS FOOD DIARY OTG
30-05-2026
If your around Braddon, please check out this place!!!
Services was friendly and welcoming,
The food was flavorful and interesting, we love all the dish!
Highly recommended
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$40–60
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Noise level
Loud, but you can still talk
Wait time
No wait
Julienne
30-05-2026
Had such a wonderful dining experience at Zaab! The staff were all so friendly and attentive, which made the night even better. … More
ERSAN ULUSAN
30-05-2026
Everything was perfect, as always. The young lady serving us, Stella, was brilliant. She made sure our food was served hot and as quickly as possible, since we let her know we only had 30 minutes. Every single thing on the 'Feed Me' menu was tasty, but the Beef Curry was the best. More
Luke green
30-05-2026
A couple of mates and I where in Canberra for summernats, we called in here the first day we arrived for a couple quiet beers, we soon realised we would be back. Cannot overstate enough how attentive and super friendly all the staff was. … More
Bo Dj
30-05-2026
The food was delicious and the service was great. The bartender was really friendly and welcoming. The atmosphere was okay. My friend and I sat at the bar because we didn't have a reservation, but they still let us order food, which was … More
Glen See
30-05-2026
We ordered the Feed Me set for 2 and it was more than enough for my family of 3. … More
Chris Nguyễn
30-05-2026
I went here for a staff dinner and got the $65 per person set, and it was so delicious that I had to come back the next week with my partner! We got cocktails (so cheap and yum!) and got the beef massamam and chicken satay with no nuts as … More
Anita Fowler
30-05-2026
Everything was excellent from the food, drinks, service and atmosphere. We had a group of 8 people so had the feed me menu and every dish was delicious, special dietary requirements were accommodated with ease. The flavour of each dish was … More
Jessica Li
30-05-2026
Surprisingly delicious fusion food we tried in town, definitely will come back again and try something different! … More
Diane M
30-05-2026
We tried the duck, cauliflower and Massaman beef curry. All were very good, nicely presented and full of flavour. Staff were polite and efficient. Ambience was a bit lacking with the music thumping a bit too loudly. But, it seemed to change … More
Erika
30-05-2026
Delicious and reasonably priced! Yummy cocktails. Scallops were very fresh and beautiful - personally a bit too spicy for me but the quality of the seafood itself was amazing. The meat was delicious and went fantastically with the sauce. … More
Glen See
30-05-2026
We ordered the Feed Me set for 2 and it was more than enough for my family of 3.
The food is truly exceptional! Everything is done fantastically. The only dish I would consider the "worst" was the greens and that was already pretty good. Highly recommend it.
Order type
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$40–60
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
ERSAN ULUSAN
30-05-2026
Everything was perfect, as always. The young lady serving us, Stella, was brilliant. She made sure our food was served hot and as quickly as possible, since we let her know we only had 30 minutes. Every single thing on the 'Feed Me' menu was tasty, but the Beef Curry was the best. More
Maddie
30-05-2026
Extremely disappointed with my experience. Despite having a birthday reservation, we were placed by the freezing entrance and repeatedly denied a move to an empty table nearby. Staff ignored their own promise to turn on the heater and showed zero concern throughout—no apology, no basic hospitality. What should have been a warm celebration became an uncomfortable, frustrating night ruined by indifference and unprofessional service. I cannot recommend this restaurant until management seriously improves staff training and customer care.
Meal type
Dinner
Food: 3
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 2
Noise level
Very loud, hard to hear
Special events
Others
Britney Tuyor
30-05-2026
Way way better than GYWLO!! Food was great and substantial. We will come back again and try different menu next time.
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$140–160
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Sticky Rice, Grilled Chicken, BBQ Pork
Reservation
Reservation required
Vegetarian options
yes
OTTERS FOOD DIARY OTG
30-05-2026
If your around Braddon, please check out this place!!!
Services was friendly and welcoming,
The food was flavorful and interesting, we love all the dish!
Highly recommended
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$40–60
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Noise level
Loud, but you can still talk
Wait time
No wait
David Lynch
30-05-2026
Absolutely loved this place!
Flavour filled food, service was impeccable.
We have been to some incredible fine dining restaurants in the past, this is not fine dining but the flavours/atmosphere were amazing.
We would come back here before we try another fine dining restaurant.
I need to try the Scallops and Kingfish next!
Need to bottle that sauce also!!
Thanks to the Zaab staff for an amazing Valentines dinner!!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Jimmy Lu
30-05-2026
Zaab offers solid Thai-Lao dishes with a few standouts that are definitely worth returning for. The confit duck 🦆 is tender with juicy, soft skin, and the flavors are rich but well-balanced. The crying tiger 🥩 features perfectly grilled beef, paired with a punchy dipping sauce that brings just the right amount of heat. The barramundi fish 🐟 is fresh, served with crispy skin and a vibrant sweet and sour sauce that ties everything together.
Service is friendly and attentive, and the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming - great for a casual meal with consistently good food! ✨
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$40–60
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Confit Duck
Saba Amir Goudarzi
30-05-2026
We had the beef massaman curry and the duck curry. The beef massaman was the best we’ve ever had. The inclusion of fried sweet potato crisps on top took it to the next level. The flavours were rich and balanced, and the beef was tender, juicy, and well-portioned.
The duck was also delicious, with several pieces of lychee that added a tropical sweetness.
We’ll 100% return. Highly recommend!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Simi Parker
30-05-2026
A group of us went for a relaxing midday lunch and we all really enjoyed the food, service and vibe.
We had the Goi Pla, Chicken Lon, Tofu Pallo, Crying Tiger and Charcoal Chicken. The food was delicious, with the balance of spice and flavour and the kitchen was able to accommodate our dietary needs. We will definitely be back again.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4
Crystal Zhang
30-05-2026
Well that’s what $50 gets you- one salad and one massamun beef. We called the restaurant to double check if the portion is correct because we have been to Zaab for a few times. The waitress who answered the call keep saying that if you only paid $25 for massamun beef then yes that’s the correct proportion. Only four pieces beef chunks - don’t order takeaway at Zaab
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$40–60
Food: 1
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 1
Evan Thomas
30-05-2026
Our go too takeaway was disappointing tonight… looks like the serves have really reduced over the last few months. Larb balls down from four balls to two, veggies not even a half serve and chill basil was barely 2/3 full. Cost is still the same More
Ish Gokkaya
30-05-2026
Absolutely loved the food here. We got some vegan dishes to share and they were all amazing. So much flavour and so delicious. (I don’t often see vegan corn fritters so these were a must try) the service was very welcoming and friendly. It’s a great spot for dinner so I’d very much recommend it More
Julienne
30-05-2026
Had such a wonderful dining experience at Zaab! The staff were all so friendly and attentive, which made the night even better.
We ordered the satay chicken, hor mok (the mixed seafood served on pumpkin) is absolutely phenomenal, the grilled pork, and the barramundi. Every dish was bursting with flavour and beautifully presented. The grilled pork was especially amazing because it is tender, smoky, and perfectly seasoned.
And I have to mention the Negroni! one of the best I’ve had! Balanced, smooth, and a perfect match for the food.
Overall, a fantastic spot for delicious Thai-Lao inspired dishes, warm service, and a great atmosphere. Definitely one of Canberra’s must-try restaurants!
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$80–100
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Reservation
Reservations recommended
Luke green
30-05-2026
A couple of mates and I where in Canberra for summernats, we called in here the first day we arrived for a couple quiet beers, we soon realised we would be back. Cannot overstate enough how attentive and super friendly all the staff was. … More
Bo Dj
30-05-2026
The food was delicious and the service was great. The bartender was really friendly and welcoming. The atmosphere was okay. My friend and I sat at the bar because we didn't have a reservation, but they still let us order food, which was … More
Glen See
30-05-2026
We ordered the Feed Me set for 2 and it was more than enough for my family of 3. … More
Chris Nguyễn
30-05-2026
I went here for a staff dinner and got the $65 per person set, and it was so delicious that I had to come back the next week with my partner! We got cocktails (so cheap and yum!) and got the beef massamam and chicken satay with no nuts as … More
Anita Fowler
30-05-2026
Everything was excellent from the food, drinks, service and atmosphere. We had a group of 8 people so had the feed me menu and every dish was delicious, special dietary requirements were accommodated with ease. The flavour of each dish was … More
Jessica Li
30-05-2026
Surprisingly delicious fusion food we tried in town, definitely will come back again and try something different! … More
Diane M
30-05-2026
We tried the duck, cauliflower and Massaman beef curry. All were very good, nicely presented and full of flavour. Staff were polite and efficient. Ambience was a bit lacking with the music thumping a bit too loudly. But, it seemed to change … More
Erika
30-05-2026
Delicious and reasonably priced! Yummy cocktails. Scallops were very fresh and beautiful - personally a bit too spicy for me but the quality of the seafood itself was amazing. The meat was delicious and went fantastically with the sauce. … More
Glen See
30-05-2026
We ordered the Feed Me set for 2 and it was more than enough for my family of 3.
The food is truly exceptional! Everything is done fantastically. The only dish I would consider the "worst" was the greens and that was already pretty good. Highly recommend it.
Order type
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$40–60
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Reviews Zaab