8 Canberra Fine Dining Restaurants Worth Splurging On

Canberra is fast becoming one of the top foodie destinations in Australia, with a wealth of fine-dining restaurants to choose from.

Once known as merely the capital of Australia city, Canberra has proven critics wrong over the past decade, fast becoming known for its thrumming hive of creative, unique restaurants and, in particular, a fine dining scene to rival that of Sydney and Melbourne.

A visit to Canberra would not be complete without splurging on one of the many luxury dining experiences the city has to offer. From modern European cuisine to Japanese-style feasts, these are the best fine dining restaurants in Canberra.

1. Mu

Using the Japanese dining experience of Omakase (which translates to ‘leave it up to you’), at Mu you won’t be selecting your dishes – rather, the chefs create 11-course menus inspired by what produce and ingredients are best on the day.

a person preparing a plate of seafood at Mu, Canberra — Pair your wine with a plate of seafood. (Image: VisitCanberra)

Dining is tasting style, with plates delivered beginning with lighter fare and moving on to heavier courses. Premium sake pairings are available to really make a night of it, too.

Bookings go fast, so it’s worth locking down a spot in advance – there are two sittings between Tuesday and Thursday at 6 pm and 7 pm, with Friday and Saturday sittings at 5:45 pm and 8 pm.

A Japanese meal at Mu, Canberra — Dine authentic Japanese cuisine at Mu. (Image: VisitCanberra)

Address: 1 Constitution Avenue, Canberra ACT

2. Corella Restaurant & Bar

Named as one of the Top 82 restaurants by Gourmet Traveller two years in a row, Corella Restaurant & Bar may only be a few years old, but it’s already renowned as one of Canberra’s best fine dining restaurants.

Inspired by native Australian flavours and ingredients, expect fresh fare and a cosy ambience, with good service and an extensive wine and cocktails list. Whether its date night or just dinner with friends, Corella is the perfect place to pop in.

dinner at Corella Restaurant & Bar, Canberra — Indulge yourself at Corella Restaurant & Bar. (Image: Kara Rosenlund/VisitCanberra)

Address: 14 Lonsdale Street, Braddon ACT

3. Pilot

This intimate 24-seater in Ainslie is all about experience. You won’t have to worry about fussing over a bunch of options and picking between two (or more) delicious dishes. The menu here is set, taking the onus off you and letting you sit back, relax and enjoy your meal.

the dining interior of Pilot, Canberra — Snag a spot at Pilot, Canberra. (Image: VisitCanberra)

There’s the $105 lunch menu, $150 Pilot menu and, if you want to splash out, the $195 extended menu. Each features an array of fresh produce with seasonal additions, plus a selection of Australian beverages. Pilot is a true hidden gem, and once you find it (hint: it’s tucked behind the local shops), you’ll be coming back for more.

a table-top view of food at Pilot, Canberra — Take delight in Pilot’s gastronomic menu. (Image: VisitCanberra)

Address: 1 Wakefield Gardens, Ainslie ACT

4. Capitol Bar & Grill

Many of Canberra’s best hotels also house some of the city’s best fine dining restaurants. The QT Canberra is a perfect example, where you’ll find Capitol Bar & Grill . Local ACT and NSW produce is the hero on its extensive menu, which favours wood-fired grills and fresh ingredients.

the dining interior of Capitol Bar & Grill — Book a table at Capitol Bar & Grill.

Known for its prime meat cuts, it’s no surprise the steak is to die for, arriving cooked to your liking and perfectly juicy. You can also order fresh seafood and sides to enjoy, as well. Order a Canberran varietal from the carefully curated wine list by Sommelier Ashleigh Smith.

a table-top view of meals at Capitol Bar & Grill — There’s just plenty of indulgent meals to die for.

Address: 1 London Circuit, Canberra ACT

5. Monster Kitchen & Bar

Chances are, if you’re relatively across Canberra’s fine dining scene, you’ve heard of Monster Kitchen & Bar . A cavernous, moody space at Ovolo Nishi, Monster has long been known for its intriguing dishes and creativity. But more recently, this divine restaurant has gained a new fanbase by going 100 per cent plant based.

the dining space at Monster, Canberra — Pick your spot at Monster.

Carnivores shouldn’t be put off by this news, though – you won’t miss your steak amidst punchy plates of cauliflower shawarma, coal-roasted autumn squash, chraime eggplant and oyster mushroom skewers. Don’t fill up too much though, the dessert options are also to die for.

a vegetarian menu at Monster, Canberra — Enjoy a full vegetarian menu at Monster. (Image: Zachary Griffith Photographer)

Address: 25 Edinburgh Avenue, Canberra ACT

6. Courgette

Fine dining at its most classic is found at Canberra institution Courgette . Think opulent dining rooms, crisp white tablecloths and an intimate, unhurried experience, with modern European cuisine and premium wines.

Open for both lunch and dinner, Courgette is the perfect place for your next special occasion. You can dine via a three-course a la carte menu, a five-course degustation or the extensive, 100 per cent vegetarian degustation.

Courgette restaurant in Canberra — Courgette is the perfect restaurant for a special occasion.

Address: 54 Marcus Clarke Street, Canberra ACT

7. Raku

If you’re looking for the best Japanese in Canberra, head to Raku . Known for its sushi and sashimi dishes, you can sit around the central workspace and watch chefs deftly slice your fish before it reaches your plate.

Order your dishes individually or choose from one of two tasting menus, priced between $110 and $170. Go the extra mile and order something from the wine or dessert menus; perhaps both. Raku also has a dedicated gluten-free menu with extensive options.

a dimly lit fine dining interior at Raku, Canberra — Spend a night of opulence at Raku. (Image: VisitCanberra)

Address: 148 Bunda Street, Canberra ACT

8. OTIS

Awarded two hats by the Australian Good Food Guide in 2021, OTIS technically aligns itself with ‘fine-casual’ dining. Still, with head chef Damian Brabender’s stellar CV filled with Michelin-starred London restaurants and acclaimed Aussie resorts, OTIS will give you the fine dining experience you’re seeking.

The menu here is fresh, creative and seasonally-led, which is perfectly paired with premium matching wines. Choose from a variety of tasting menus, like the classic three-course degustation to the chef’s menu, which is only available Fridays and Saturdays.

a table-top view of food at OTIS, Canberra — Experience fine-casual dining at OTIS.

Address: 29 Jardine Street, Kingston ACT

For more tried and tested eating-out options in Canberra, read our round-up of family-friendly restaurants, or our hit list of breakfast and brunch spots in Canberra.

Torquay’s Bells Beach is considered one of the best surf beaches in the world.

It’d be easy to think Australian surf culture was born around the right-hand point breaks of the Gold Coast and Byron Bay. These regions seem the epitome of how the world views Aussie surfers – bronzed (or burnt), languishing in warm water and sunshine. The reality is a lot different.

The rise of surf culture along Victoria’s coastline

surfers at Bells Beach in Australia — Surfers stand on the shore at Bells Beach, where the country’s biggest surfing competition is held each year. (Image: Getty/Filed Image)

True Aussie surf culture was born on the chilly waves of Victoria’s winters, when huge swells from the Great Southern Ocean hit cliff-lined beaches along the Great Ocean Road . These beaches were the ultimate proving ground – surfers from all over Australia arrived in panel vans and VWs to do battle with the biggest waves they could find.

Surfers take advantage of the huge swells from the Great Southern Ocean at Bells Beach. (Image: Tourism Australia/Cameron Murray)

There are surf breaks all along this very picturesque coast – but those around Torquay were most revered. The ultimate test of a surfer’s ability – and durability – however, was Bells Beach: Australia’s answer to Hawai‘i’s Pipeline. Just beyond, the breaks at Jan Juc and Winkipop beckoned.

an aerial view of surfers at Bells Beach — Hit the waves along the picturesque coast. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Torquay became surfing’s Silicon Valley: HQ for the entire Australian surf culture revolution. Four young locals worked out of their backyards in Torquay to create two of the world’s biggest surf labels – Rip Curl and Quiksilver , which soon became the region’s biggest employers.

surfers out at Bells Beach — Surfers out at Bells Beach, Victoria’s most famous beach. (Image: Tourism Australia/Cameron Murray)

Rip Curl started sponsoring the Bells Beach Pro in 1973 – and have done ever since. It’s been going since 1962 – making it the world’s longest continually run surfing contest. Held every Easter, it’s part of the world surfing tour. Spectators line its 30-metre-high cliffs to watch the world’s best take on enormous waves – it’s the ultimate coliseum for the sport and has inspired generations of Aussie surfers to join the list of heroes whose names are on its iconic bell.

Follow the waves through Victoria’s surfing heartland

Australian National Surfing Museum, Torquay — The Australian National Surfing Museum in Torquay. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Just behind Torquay’s main drag, you can see all that history on display at the world’s best surf museum – the Australian National Surfing Museum . Here you can take your time absorbing the 100-year-or-so history of Australian surfing and check out the 150-strong surfboard collection.

surfboards on display at Australian National Surfing Museum — The museum holds surfing memorabilia, including a room dedicated to the history of boards. (Image: Tourism Australia)

But classic Aussie surf culture can be observed in everyday life all over the Great Ocean Road and Torquay. Surfing dictates life here; no work is done until the big swells have come and gone. Just being here provides a window into 60-odd years of rebellion against convention; for no-one likes nine-to-five living on the Great Ocean Road.

surfing memorabilia at Australian National Surfing Museum — The varied displays celebrate the Bells Beach competition, surfing legends and Aussie surf culture. (Image: Tourism Australia)

There’s less panel vans and VW Beetles these days, but surf culture still rules life. Surfers run this coast; you’re better off keeping out of their way when they’re running down past you to face the biggest swells – then hear them swap stories at cafes, restaurants and bars all around you.

surfing at Bells Beach — The beach near Torquay is Australia’s answer to Hawai‘i’s Pipeline. (Image: Visit Victoria/William Watt)

8 fine dining restaurants in Canberra worth splurging on