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

a fresh oyster on a stone plate at Mu, Canberra — Dine on seafood in style. (Image: VisitCanberra)

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.

Dining is tasting style, with plates starting 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 6pm and 7pm, with Friday and Saturday sittings at 5:45pm and 8pm.

Cuisine: Japanese

Atmosphere: Immersive

Address: 1 Constitution Avenue, Canberra ACT

2. Corella Restaurant & Bar

the cosy seating inside Corella Restaurant & Bar, Canberra — Settle in for a set menu complemented by a cosy ambience. (Image: VisitCanberra)

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 it’s date night or just dinner with friends, Corella is the perfect place to pop in.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Atmosphere: Neighbourhood intimacy

Address: 14 Lonsdale Street, Braddon ACT

3. Pilot

a degustation-only menu at Pilot, Ainslie — Take delight in Pilot’s gastronomic menu. (Image: VisitCanberra)

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.

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.

Cuisine: Modern Australian with a quirky twist

Atmosphere: Immersive

Address: 1 Wakefield Gardens, Ainslie ACT

4. Capitol Bar & Grill

a gourmet dish at Capitol Bar & Grill, Canberra — The dishes at Capitol Bar & Grill are to die for. (Image: VisitCanberra)

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.

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.

Cuisine: Modern Grill

Atmosphere: Vibrant

Address: 1 London Circuit, Canberra ACT

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

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.

Once 100 per cent plant-based, Monster is now “an omnivore", as their website puts it, with seasonal dishes share-style, like golden fried calamari with chilli and fennel salt, and steak frites with rich, creamy Paris butter. Don’t fill up too much though, the dessert options are also to die for.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Atmosphere: Moody & cool

Address: 25 Edinburgh Avenue, Canberra ACT

6. Courgette

a gourmet dish at Courgette, Canberra — Courgette is a staple of Canberra’s high-end food scene.

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.

Cuisine: Modern European

Atmosphere: Sophisticated and refined

Address: 54 Marcus Clarke Street, Canberra ACT

7. Raku

the fine dining interior of Raku, Canberra — Delight in refined Japanese plates. (Image: VisitCanberra)

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 $120 and $170. If you’re in town on a weekday, you can get the less leisurely (but equally as delicious) experience with their $60 express menu. 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.

Cuisine: Japanese

Atmosphere: Upscale

Address: 148 Bunda Street, Canberra ACT

8. OTIS

a truffle dish at OTIS — Indulge in truffle decadence at OTIS. (Image: VisitCanberra)

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, and all guests share the same selections. Choose from either the classic three-course menu, or the extensive degustation, then go all-out with paired wines for a truly luxurious experience.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Atmosphere: Relaxed

Address: 29 Jardine Street, Kingston ACT

Weekly travel news, experiences
insider tips, offers, and more.

9. Rubicon

Cosy, private and surprisingly laid-back, Rubicon is a Griffith icon, and well worth a visit if fine dining is your love language. The contemporary Australian restaurant has a menu packed with flavour, like cognac prunes and pistachio-stuffed pork fillet, and Canadian scallops with bacon jam.

We love Rubicon’s layout – four intimate dining rooms that offer seclusion and romance.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Atmosphere: Intimate

Address: 6A Barker St, Griffith, ACT

10. Wilma

food and drinks on the table at Wilma, Canberra — The menu at Wilma leans into Southeast Asian and Chinese cuisines. (Image: VisitCanberra)

Classifying themselves as a “progressive Asian BBQ that is fun and approachable", you can probably guess that a visit to Wilma is about having a good time. The menu is broken up into small and large plates, with a heavy emphasis on the grill, like wood-roasted John Dory with charred lime and the “Wilma Snag Sanga", which is absolutely nothing like what you might pick up at a kid’s footy game.

Cuisine: Asian BBQ

Atmosphere: Fun

Address: 1 Genge St, Canberra, ACT

11. The Boat House

the fine dining interior of The Boat House, Canberra — The award-winning fine diner delivers stunning waterfront views. (Image: The Boat House)

Sometimes, fine dining is really about the atmosphere, and The Boat House delivers on this and then some. Tucked away inside Grevillea Park and overlooking Lake Burley Griffin, the Modern Australian menu is sourced impeccably, with barramundi from the Northern Territory’s Humpty Doo region, pork from NSW’s Northern Rivers and Sydney rock oysters to chow down on.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Atmosphere: Bright and outdoorsy

Address: Grevillea Park, 7 Menindee Drive, Barton, ACT

12. Water’s Edge

Speaking of atmosphere, another Lake Burley Griffin jewel in the fine dining scene is Water’s Edge, one of Canberra’s most famous restaurants with arguably the greatest view. Topping TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Awards three years in a row, the menu options celebrate Australian produce and change with the seasons, plus you can expect special occasion menus, so it’s a great choice for celebrating.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Atmosphere: Classically refined

Address: Grevillea Park, 7 Menindee Drive, Barton, ACT

Bate Bay’s sweep of beaches has been crowned Australia’s best for 2026, placing Sutherland Shire in the spotlight as a top coastal destination just south of Sydney’s CBD.

The beaches fringing Bate Bay – Cronulla, North Cronulla, Wanda, Elouera and Greenhills – have topped Tourism Australia’s 2026 list of best Australian beaches (as curated by Beach Ambassador Brad Farmer). For locals, it’s less revelation, more recognition.

The mood shifts from the moment you step off the T4 train service from Central to Cronulla and catch a glimpse of the ocean. At dawn, the Esplanade is already buzzing with regulars, and by mid-morning, parents have staked out a toasty spot on Cronulla Beach where excited toddlers clamber over rocks, and the Jellybean swim squad at Oak Park have donned their bright pink caps while singing Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’.

By the afternoon, towels are being collected from across the sand as visitors wander back to Cronulla in loose formation.

North Cronulla beach — Dive into the world’s best beaches.

That’s the thing about Bate Bay beaches. This isn’t a story about a single beach. This long, uninterrupted sweep of sand and sea, where you can walk for kilometres without breaking stride, is not just enjoyed over summer; it’s a year-round destination. Here, Cronulla’s buzz gives way to Wanda’s wild edges, before stretching out to the quieter reaches of Greenhills.

But while Bate Bay’s beaches may have taken top honours in the 2026 Best Australian Beaches list, they’re only part of the drawcard. Sutherland Shire stacks up as a full-spectrum coastal escape, where good food, national park adventures and on-the-water experiences sit within easy reach of the shoreline. Whether you’re planning a long weekend or stretching out a stay, here’s how to make the most of Cronulla beyond the sand, sea and surf.

Beyond the beaches

Dining

The Sutherland Shire dining scene delivers from early morning to late at night with a mix of vibrant cafes, bars and pubs. Start your day at Grind Espresso, where the coffee comes strong and fast. From there, drift towards HAM for pastries, best eaten buttery warm.

By midday, locals linger across sun-lit tables. Loaf and Next Door appeal to the surfers who come in for snacks after chasing waves. Blackwood’s Pantry and The Press are also popular for breakfast and lunch, while Pilgrim’s continues to hold a special place in the hearts of vegans.

Newer arrivals signal where Cronulla is heading: Homer Rogue Taverna is being hailed as one of the best restaurants in Cronulla, with the confidence that comes from understanding what locals want. Ask a local to reveal their favourite restaurant for a special occasion, and it’ll likely be Pino’s Vino e Cucina al Mare, Yalla Sawa or Alphabet Street. Summer Salt, Sealevel, Benny’s, Bobbys and Pippis are a few of the best waterfront restaurants in the Shire.

Finally, when most places are winding down, Duke’s Providore shifts gears to become Duke’s After Hours – a low-lit romantic spot perfect for a date night. Parc Pavilion, Northies Cronulla and bars The Blind Bear, Las Chicas and Low & Lofty’s are also part of Cronulla’s identity.

Visit Bundeena

Bundeena Ferry Wharf — Catch a ferry to Bundeena.

A short ferry ride from Cronulla, Bundeena offers a counterpoint to Cronulla’s mighty surf beaches. If Cronulla is the Shire’s social heart, Bundeena – or Bundenesia, as it’s affectionately known – is the place to go to exhale and unwind.

Hop on the ferry from Cronulla, and within 30 minutes, you’ll be inhaling the eucalyptus-scented air. Check the creative pulse of the local community by timing your visit with the Bundeena Maianbar Art Trail on the first Sunday of every month.

One of the best things to do in Bundeena is paddle into Cabbage Tree Basin with Bundeena Kayaks. Follow the five-kilometre Jibbon Beach Loop Track that leads past quiet coves to ancient Indigenous rock art, or simply find a stretch of pearl-white sand to relax on.

Pristine walking trails

Royal National Park Cape Baily Walking Track — Cool off with a coastal stroll.

Beyond the coastline, Sutherland Shire offers myriad ways to shift gears. Royal National Park – the oldest national park in Australia – sits just minutes from the surf. Clifftop walks trace the edge of the continent, the rugged bushland is threaded with creeks and hidden waterfalls, and a network of tracks rewards those willing to go a little further.

Take the Coast Track, where the land drops cleanly into the ocean over sheer cliffs that have been stacked together like giant Jenga. Or veer inland, where pockets of forest cool the air and filter the light. It’s a reminder of how close nature sits to the bustle of suburbs in the Sutherland Shire.

Enjoy whale watching

humpback whale sighting noosa experiences — Spot whales from May to October. (Credit: The Edit Suite)

Twist your binoculars until the ocean is in focus, stretched like a creased blue sheet all around. Come May, the East Coast becomes the humpback highway. Thousands of whales migrate along this stretch of coastline each year, their movements tracked by keen eyes from vantage points like the Cape Solander platform in Kamay Botany Bay National Park, one of the best places for whale watching in Australia. There’s something quietly thrilling about seeing that first telltale spout or the arc of a breaching body against the vastness of the sea. From June to October, whale-watching cruises depart from Cronulla, offering a closer look at the migration.

Awards come and go. But places like Cronulla endure because they belong as much to the visitors as they do the early-morning swimmers, walkers and surfers.

Plan your escape at visitsutherlandshire.com.au.

12 fine dining restaurants in Canberra 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.

1. Mu

2. Corella Restaurant & Bar

3. Pilot

4. Capitol Bar & Grill

5. Monster Kitchen & Bar

6. Courgette

7. Raku

8. OTIS

9. Rubicon

10. Wilma

11. The Boat House

12. Water’s Edge

Canberra’s first floating sauna brings Nordic wellness to the capital

Top 40 things to do in Canberra throughout the year

30 of the best restaurants in Canberra

19 fun things to do in Fyshwick, Canberra

This stretch of Sydney beaches topped the annual Best Australian Beaches list

Bate Bay’s sweep of beaches has been crowned Australia’s best for 2026, placing Sutherland Shire in the spotlight as a top coastal destination just south of Sydney’s CBD.