Dining in the capital is practically foodie heaven. Canberra’s mix of restaurant styles and experiences combined with the melting pot of cuisines makes every night feel like a hit. Both the cosy local and luxury restaurants are run by passionate chefs, placing the most into every dish.
The Australian Good Food Guide has awarded several restaurants in Canberra hats, the majority of those serving Modern Australian dishes. Otis Dining Hall in Kingston tops their list, an escape from the CBD and a fine dining experience all the same. Locals champion this spot, and for good reason; this restaurant is housed in a former Belgian beer hall that has transformed into a restaurant that blends casual setting and attentive service perfectly. Their menu is seasonal, featuring local produce. We’d go for their permanent menu items for the most authentic experience, in the pepper steak for main, and the crème caramel for dessert. Other hatted Canberra restaurants include Pavilion Dining, The Boat House, and Pilot, all serving up Modern Australian dishes with local, sustainable produce.
If you’re not looking to bounce around from suburb to suburb for the best restaurants, how about a dining precinct that has everything concentrated in the one area? Constitution Place has emerged as a top-of-the-line dining precinct, containing cafes, restaurants and bars, next to a hotel and gym for the easiest staycation you’ll ever have. Japanese restaurants occupy much of the precinct, with Tenkomori for personalized ramen, Hero Sushi for a quick takeaway, and Mu for traditional ten course set menu omakase. You’ll have to book for this one, as the experience is intimate with only 12 seats in the venue. Other options include Meat and Wine Co. for paddock-to-plate style meals, and Such and Such for an extensive wine list. You’re absolutely spoiled for choice when it comes to Constitution Place, right in the heart of the city.
New Acton is another up-and-coming dining precinct with some amazing restaurants to choose from. There’s luxury and casual available; Monster Kitchen and Bar is hatted, found in the lobby of Ovolo Nishi hotel, where AK’s Diner is a Southeast Asian takeaway spot. Biciletta is authentic Italian trattoria-style dinner, where Mocan and Green Grout is a breakfast spot serving eco-friendly meals from their planter-grown herbs and locally farmed produce. Don’t forget the fair-trade coffee.