MoAD and the Courtyard Cafe are open. There may be building works during your visit. Learn more

Food and dining

Rest tired feet after museum-exploring or get your morning coffee fix at the Courtyard Cafe. 

The Courtyard Café is open. There may be building works during your visit. You will still be able to access the café via both the front (Museum entrance) and rear (Queen Victoria Terrace) of the building. Learn more about how to get to the cafe.

Enjoy great coffee and tasty food in our cosy lounge or the warm sun in the House of Representatives courtyard.

  • Pastries, cakes, house-made pies, quiches and sausage rolls
  • Kids' meals  
  • Gluten-free and vegan options  
  • Grab-and-go salads and sandwiches.
  • Local suppliers Three Mills Bakery, Eden Road and Capital Brewing

Due to building works we are currently unable to offer hot meals from the kitchen. 

Please note:

  • We accept card only – thank you for your understanding
  • Food and drink is not permitted in the museum.

Hours:

  • Christmas and new year hours: from Saturday 21 December – Sunday 5 January the café will be open 9.30am – 4pm. Closed on Christmas Day.
  • 8am – 4pm, Monday to Friday
  • 9:30am – 4pm, Saturday and Sunday

Bookings:

To make a table reservation, book using our online form or call (02) 6261 7200.

Two women sit at a table in an outdoor courtyard cafe and look up at a waiter bringing them coffee.

Christmas lunches 

Book your festive lunch with family, friends or work colleagues at the Courtyard Café at Old Parliament House. Two- or three-course menu options available for bookings of 10 or more, as well as vegetarian, vegan and kids' menus.

Available to book now until Christmas Eve. 

To book, email moadophevents@restaurantassociates.com.au or call (02) 6261 7200.

A grey plate with prawns and salad sits on top of a wood table. A green Christmas cracker and wine glass are beside the plate.

Friday night drinks

Start your weekend right with a fun night out with work mates, friends and good vibes. Join us in the Courtyard Café and House of Representatives Courtyard every month (enter via Queen Victoria Terrace behind Old Parliament House). 

For details, head to our Friday night drinks page.

People sit and have drinks in the sunny courtyard of Old Parliament House.

Children's birthday parties

The Courtyard Café offers the perfect setting for your child’s birthday festivities. Our fully enclosed outdoor area ensures peace of mind for parents, allowing children to play freely on the grass and enjoy the celebration to the fullest.

Venue Hire: $150, includes exclusive use of the outdoor pergola from 10am to 12pm or 2pm to 4pm

Catering: Party boxes start at $70 per platter

Party games: $300, includes full set up of party games, such as hula hoops, parachute, giant checkers, octoplay, connect 4 and more.

Book your child's birthday party using our online form or call (02) 6261 7200.

A child reading a book with their adult carer on a colourful mat on the lawn.