Whether they’ve been in the game for years and have firmly cemented themselves as local favourites or newbies who have come on the scene hot, want to know who’s the absolute best? Spanning from cosy wine bars and casual eateries to award-winning fine dining venues, these are the restaurants in Canberra who are leading the way in food trends and serving our favourite dishes you simply can’t beat.
Raku
No surprises here. Time and time again we find ourselves dining at Raku for their unbelievable oysters, sashimi platters, maki rolls, wagyu and yakitori…just to name a few. With a seafood-heavy menu and a talented sushi team creating your favourite rolls and nigiri right in front of you, taste the refined, high-quality and freshness of Japanese cuisine.
Bar Rochford
Share fine food, exciting wines and good jams with friends at Bar Rochford. Showcasing a regularly changing menu, enjoy the chef’s set menu or opt for a la carte and pair it with a drop from their perfectly curated wine and cocktail menu. Whether you set yourself up in a booth or find the perfect cosy corner, relax and stay late with an aperitivo or two.
Onzieme
Celebrating small plates and cheerful wines, join Onzieme in Kingston if you’re keen to experience seasonal foods and flavours, with no two visits ever the same. Cooked over fire and coals, the menu focuses on foraged ingredients and a nose to tail approach. Keeping it fresh, for wines the team are all about minimal intervention ‘natural wines’, that are hand-picked with native yeast fermentation, that too will see an ever-changing menu.
Corella
An intimate restaurant serving wholeheartedly good food, Corella’s modern Australian menu is inspired by native flavours and ingredients with classic cooking techniques. Running a popular set menu, the generous meal will give you the perfect taste of what they’re all about. Or, if you’re not a rooky when it comes to ordering for the table, be spoilt for choice in each section of the menu.
Akiba
A fast-paced, lively and delicious restaurant, Akiba showcases share-style dishes from the East-Asia region. From the raw bar through to barbeque, think silky kingfish sashimi, piping hot steamed dumplings, sticky hoisin pork bao buns, soft miso butter barramundi and crunchy fried chicken covered in parmesan and kewpie mayonnaise, with each morsel bursting with electrifying flavour.
Eightysix
A fast-paced restaurant where elegance meets contemporary Australian cuisine, Eightysix‘s menu uplifts some of your favourite ingredients and dishes to create something truly remarkable. Regularly changing the a la carte and set menu, expect to see newbies along with the crowd-favourite black chicken and banoffee pie firmly placed on the menu.
Mu
Pushing the boundaries and offering a unique, traditional Japanese dining experience to Canberra, if you haven’t already, Mu is definitely worth the visit. Offering ‘Omakase’ style dining, meaning ‘I leave it up to you’, let the talented chefs present to you a range of 10 or more dishes that boast the freshest fish, local seasonal produce and high-quality meat.
Pilot
Tucked away in the unassuming Ainslie suburbs is the intimate 30-seat restaurant, Pilot. Highly regarded for its unparalleled flavours, complexity and innovation, the elusive and ever-changing menu is driven by quality seasonal produce and a love for surprise. Dive in head-first and discover why their well-earned spotlight won’t be dimming anytime soon.
Inka
Mastering the meld of Japanese techniques with Peruvian flavours, Inka’s colourful array of showstopping dishes are unlike anything you’ll find in Canberra. Think the famous Peruvian ceviche, Peruvian Japanese sashimi and maki rolls. The ultimate ‘treat yourself’ experience, explore the refined menu and exceptional cocktail and wine list.
The Boat House
An iconic Canberra fine-dining restaurant, The Boat House boasts not only an exquisite seasonal modern Australia menu but also picturesque views of Lake Burley Griffin. Situated right by the shores in a quiet part of the lake, dine by the window and experience the iconic two to four course menu while you watch the sun go down over the Brindabellas.
Lanterne Rooms
Delivering elevated Malaysian dining through refined and elegantly drafted dishes, Lanterne Rooms’ use of bold and exotic flavours makes for a memorable experience. Offering one of those ‘I want one of everything’ menus, the set menu is often the pick of choice by diners. Available for lunch and dinner, try their famous bold and exotic Malaysian flavours through star dishes such as tom yum prawns with rockmelon and apple, Singaporean chilli whole fish, and slow-cooked Angus beef curry.
KOTO
KOTO’s all-encompassing Japanese dining experience showcases a menu that combines Japanese art with fresh Australian ingredients. Located in the revitalised Lobby Building, with a killer sushi bar, moody interiors and dishes that all strive to achieve harmony, you should be asking yourself, are we booking this weekend?
Rizla
Rizla is all about Riesling, believing it can pair with just about any dish. Working alongside some of the Canberra region’s best wine producers, the team strive to make drinking wine fun. Featuring Canberra’s best new vintages and cellared Rieslings, side by side with iconic Australian and international producers, pair it with dishes such as their famous tuna tartare and mushroom chevre and hazelnut pappardelle.
Such and Such
Oozing with creativity, Such and Such is an all-day restaurant with a strong focus on wine. An innovative twist on nostalgic classics, the food menu is seamlessly coupled with a diverse showcase of flavours and producers from the expansive wine list. Boasting cheerful interiors, colourful Australian art, and a cosy private dining space, take a seat and find out what all the fuss is about.
Lazy Su
Continuing to push the boundaries with fun Asian fusion dishes and showing us time and time again how good vegan food can taste, Lazy Su is pretty hard to beat! Known for their wagyu cheeseburger spring rolls, kimchi fried rice, and fruity cocktails, expect to try Asian style combinations you never thought possible, but just work. While their menu often changes, at least one of their crowd-pleasing dishes always remains, warming your heart every time you sit down for another meal.
Beltana Farm
Experience Beltana Farm’s modern Australian cuisine. A testament to the Australian landscape and culture, the menu focuses on fresh and honest food that is designed to be shared. Guided by the seasons, diners can anticipate thoughtful, farm-to-table dishes that are complemented by an exclusively Australian wine list.
Braddon Merchant
Showcasing high-quality seasonal ingredients, Braddon Merchant reflects an effortless sophistication. Open for breakfast, dinner and weekend brunch, you can expect a smart dining experience that delivers fresh, simple Mediterranean dishes. From your morning eggs and espresso to heartier mains in the evenings, this bright, modern eatery has something to satisfy your cravings. The restaurant also boasts an impressive, award-winning drinks menu of 150+ local and international wines and signature cocktails.
Agostinis
Family-owned restaurant Agostinis has a passion for unpretentious Italian cooking. The friendly atmosphere speaks to the tradition of a big family get-together and has an authentic seasonal menu full of wonderful dishes that the family themselves cook at home. From gnocchi, ragu pappardelle, Diavola pizza, and tiramisu, you seriously can’t go wrong.
To read the latest food news in Canberra, visit our dining page.
