In 1962, 'Mr Happy' opened the doors to Canberra's first Chinese Restaurant. More than 50 years later, the restaurant is still serving traditional Cantonese cuisine to its loyal customers seven days a week. Mr Happy has unfortunately passed on, however his GRANDSON Gavin is now the proud owner, and works to ensure the Happy's story continues.
The restaurants location is second to none, located right in the heart of Canberra City in Garema Place. The same location where Mr Happy opened the original doors. You could be forgiven for missing the small doorway that leads down the stairs to the quiet haven that Happy's Chinese Restaurant offers away from the hustle and bustle.
The restaurants location is second to none, located right in the heart of Canberra City in Garema Place. The same location where Mr Happy opened the original doors. You could be forgiven for missing the small doorway that leads down the stairs to the quiet haven that Happy's Chinese Restaurant offers away from the hustle and bustle.
Reviews (12)
Jae Jones
Jun 16, 2021
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Tony Caruana
Apr 02, 2021
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Christine Dinas
Mar 06, 2021
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Karen Bryant
Jan 16, 2021
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Michael Farrell
Jan 07, 2021
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Caroline M.
Jul 24, 2016
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I may be preaching to the converted but I have found my happy spot (pun fully intended). At first blush Happy's is a little sad - you walk down a 'mystery staircase' covered in old carpet and walk through a doorway and you are transported into a large basement chinese wonderland. The food is amazing. Hot pots. Soups. Meats and sauces of all varieties. Don't be thrown by the first impressions the owners are lovely and make no mistake the decor is unchanged not because of lack of business but because this is an institution. So go ahead, gleefully dive into Happy's and i
Mkung C.
Nov 14, 2015
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Daniel B.
Jun 23, 2015
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Have eaten at Happy's for close to 30 years
I still haven't worked my way through the whole menu yet
My Favorite dishes are as follows
Spicy Chili prawns,
Pork with snow peas and Chinese fungus,
Braised Lamb in Chinese five spice ,
Chinese water spinach with chili, garlic and bean curd
Seafood combination Hotpot
Chicken Chili Cashew nut
All of the Sizzling dishes I've had are brilliant
Birds nest dishes have all been great
I don't normally have Fried rice,
someone ordered there special fried rice with a group of us and it was very nice
Spring Rolls are very nice
They also
I still haven't worked my way through the whole menu yet
My Favorite dishes are as follows
Spicy Chili prawns,
Pork with snow peas and Chinese fungus,
Braised Lamb in Chinese five spice ,
Chinese water spinach with chili, garlic and bean curd
Seafood combination Hotpot
Chicken Chili Cashew nut
All of the Sizzling dishes I've had are brilliant
Birds nest dishes have all been great
I don't normally have Fried rice,
someone ordered there special fried rice with a group of us and it was very nice
Spring Rolls are very nice
They also
Trix
Feb 26, 2015
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A Canberra classic since the early 1960s. Decor looks unchanged since then as well!
Quick, efficient service, and plenty of Chinese classics unthreatening to skippies. But a selection of the "real thing" dishes as well, and generally some Chinese people eating-in - definitely not a tourist trap.
Food is tasty and served promptly. Never a bad meal here. Not trendy and not scenic. Just eating good honest food.
Quick, efficient service, and plenty of Chinese classics unthreatening to skippies. But a selection of the "real thing" dishes as well, and generally some Chinese people eating-in - definitely not a tourist trap.
Food is tasty and served promptly. Never a bad meal here. Not trendy and not scenic. Just eating good honest food.
George T.
Aug 04, 2014
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Gary O.
Apr 28, 2014
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Matt H.
Jun 02, 2012
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I went to this place in the terrifying days before Yelp had crossed the water to Australia. Without it, I had nothing to guide me. After a while of wandering around Garema Place, Happy's seemed to be the most promising choice. I wasn't blown away, but I wasn't disappointed either, and one doesn't go to Australia for the food (sorry guys). I recommend the sliced pork in black bean sauce.
