The 12 best fine dining restaurants in Canberra for an unforgettable culinary experience
I’ve always believed that fine dining is more than just food—it’s theatre, art, and emotion plated together. Canberra may be Australia’s political hub, but it also boasts a thriving culinary scene that rivals bigger cities.
From intimate bistros serving French classics to sleek modern establishments pushing boundaries with native ingredients, dining here feels like embarking on a world tour without leaving the capital.
Over the past months, I’ve tried to uncover Canberra’s finest tables. Whether you’re celebrating something grand, planning a date night, or simply craving a memorable meal, these restaurants each promise something special.
1. Ottoman Cuisine
– Media credit: ottomancuisine
Website: https://www.ottomancuisine.com.au/
Address: 9 Broughton St, Barton
Phone: 02 6273 6111
Operating hours:
- Dinner: Tuesday to Saturday, from 6:00 pm
- Lunch: Friday, from 12:00 pm
Ottoman Cuisine elevates Turkish dining into a refined, multi-course affair. The restaurant sits in Barton and welcomes guests with warm décor and polished service.
Dishes highlight authentic Turkish flavours balanced with contemporary techniques—think slow-cooked lamb shoulder, delicate meze spreads, and sweet, flaky baklava that melts in your mouth.
Their wine list is thoughtfully curated, perfectly complementing the bold spices and subtle textures of the menu. What I loved most is how every bite feels celebratory yet comforting, bringing tradition and innovation to the same table.
Pro tip:
Go for the tasting menu; it’s the best way to experience the range of Ottoman flavours.
2. Courgette
– Media credit: courgetterestaurant
Website: https://www.courgette.com.au/
Address: 54 Marcus Clarke St
Phone: 02 6247 4042
Operating Hours: Monday to Saturday, 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm / 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Courgette is elegance personified. Located in the city centre, this award-winning restaurant is known for its sophisticated dining room and beautifully crafted dishes.
The menu changes with the seasons, showcasing premium produce in imaginative ways. From duck breast with rich jus to decadent chocolate desserts, everything feels curated to impress.
Their attentive staff makes the whole evening flow seamlessly, giving you time to focus solely on the food and your company.
I found the atmosphere particularly charming—it is intimate but never pretentious, making it ideal for anniversaries or even business dinners.
Pro tip:
Book ahead for Friday or Saturday nights; they are always in high demand.
3. Monster Kitchen and Bar
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Website: https://ovolohotels.com/ovolo/nishi/monster-kitchen-and-bar/
Address: Ovolo Nishi, 25 Edinburgh Ave
Phone: +61 2 6287 6287
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday, 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm
- Friday to Saturday, 12:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Monster Kitchen and Bar feels less like a restaurant and more like stepping into a curated art gallery with food as its centerpiece. Housed in Ovolo Nishi, its interior is both quirky and inviting.
The menu celebrates local and sustainable produce, with plant-forward dishes stealing the spotlight. Their take on wood-fired flatbreads and seasonal sharing plates impressed me for their bold creativity.
It’s the kind of spot where food and art meet, making it perfect for diners who want something a little different from the traditional fine dining experience.
Pro tip:
Pair your meal with one of their natural wines—they complement the earthy, vibrant dishes beautifully.
4. Such and Such
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Website: https://www.andsuchandsuch.com/
Address: Constitution Place, 220 London Circuit
Phone: 0426 698 776
Operating Hours:
- Monday, from 5:00 pm
- Tuesday to Saturday, all day
Such and such is a vibrant, playful fine dining venue that balances serious food with a casual vibe. Created by the same team behind Pilot, this city spot is colourful, contemporary, and buzzing with energy.
Their menu is generous and designed for sharing, making it a fun choice for groups who love trying everything on the table. The bar program deserves a mention too, with cocktails that rival the creativity of their dishes.
I was instantly charmed by the quirky touches—the coasters alone are conversation starters!
Pro tip:
Sit at the bar if you can; it’s the best way to soak up the atmosphere and chat with the staff.
5. Peonee
– Media credit: peoneerestaurant
Website: https://peoneerestaurant.com.au/
Address: G34/12 Provan Street (entrance via Pentland)
Operating Hours: Wednesday to Saturday, 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Peonee keeps things exciting by ditching the formula menu. Instead, you will find a constantly evolving five-course set menu that highlights native Australian ingredients, Asian flavours, and French techniques.
Every visit feels like a surprise, which makes dining here a true adventure. One night you might enjoy kangaroo with a delicate sauce, the next a dish centered around Davidson plum.
Their beverage pairings, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, elevate the dining journey further. For me, the appeal lies in the unpredictability—Peonee is for diners who want to experience something new each time.
Pro tip:
Let the staff guide you through their wine pairings—they know exactly how to balance each course.
6. The Boat House
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Website: https://theboathouse.restaurant/
Address: Menindee Drive
Phone: +61 2 6273 5500
Operating Hours:
- Lunch: Friday to Sunday
- Dinner: Thursday to Saturday
The Boat House has long been a Canberra institution, thanks to its idyllic lakeside setting and reputation for refined dining. Established in 1993, it continues to deliver memorable experiences under the care of the Souter family.
Their menu features contemporary Australian cuisine, highlighting fresh, local produce. Dining here feels like a celebration, whether it’s for a wedding, a corporate event, or simply an indulgent dinner.
I found the waterfront views particularly magical at sunset—there’s a serenity to the setting that makes the food taste even better.
Pro tip:
Time your dinner for golden hour; the lake views are unbeatable.
7. Corella Restaurant & Bar
– Media credit: corellabar_
Website: https://www.corellabar.com.au/
Address: 14 Lonsdale Street, Braddon
Phone: (02) 6189 0757
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Friday, 5:00 pm – late
- Saturday, 12:00 pm – late
Corella is one of Canberra’s rising stars, already named in Gourmet Traveller’s Top 82 restaurants. Its menu champions native Australian ingredients and playful dishes, all set in a cosy yet stylish space.
What struck me most was the balance between creativity and comfort—the dishes feel refined but not intimidating. Their cocktail list is just as impressive, making it an easy spot for both dinner and drinks.
Whether it’s a date night or catching up with friends, Corella feels like a place that’s both approachable and indulgent.
Pro tip:
Try their tasting menu—it’s the best way to explore their inventive approach to modern Australian cuisine.
8. Pilot
– Media credit: pilotrestaurant
Website: https://www.pilotrestaurant.com/
Address: 1 Wakefield Gardens, Ainslie Shops
Phone: (02) 6257 4334
Operating Hours:
- Thursday to Sunday, dinner from 6:00 pm
- Saturday to Sunday, lunch from 12:00 pm
Pilot is an intimate 24-seater that takes the stress out of decision-making with its set menu format. Each course is crafted with thought and precision, delivering a sequence of flavours that build into a complete dining experience.
The team’s attention to detail shines, from the presentation of the dishes to the warmth of the service. Dining here feels like being part of something exclusive, almost like a dinner party hosted by culinary artists.
If you are after a fine dining adventure that surprises you, Pilot should be on your list.
Pro tip:
Ask for their wine list—it’s curated with as much care as the food.
9. Les Bistronomes
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Website: https://www.lesbistronomes.net/
Address: 18 Blamey Place, Campbell Shops
Phone: (02) 62488119
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm / 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Les Bistronomes transports you straight to Paris with its refined French cuisine and quaint bistro setting. Founded in 2014, it has earned its place as a go-to for authentic French fine dining in Canberra.
From escargot and foie gras to crème brûlée, the classics are executed with flair and finesse. The rustic accents and outdoor tables add to its charm, creating a warm, welcoming space.
I loved how every dish felt both traditional and elevated—it is comfort food dressed up for special occasions.
Pro tip:
Do not skip dessert; their soufflé is a local favourite and worth every spoonful.
10. Lunetta
– Media credit: lunetta_canberra
Website: https://www.lunetta.au/
Address: Level 1/60 Red Hill Drive, Red Hill
Phone: +61 2 6262 3364
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday to Thursday, 5:30 pm – late
- Friday to Saturday, 12:00 pm – late
Lunetta combines sweeping Red Hill views with contemporary Italian-inspired dining. Set within a modernist landmark, it offers a light-filled space perfect for leisurely lunches or romantic dinners.
Their menu features indulgent options like caviar service, porchetta, and handmade ravioli, all beautifully presented. The wine list leans heavily on Italian varietals, enhancing the authentic feel of the experience.
For me, Lunetta stood out for its atmosphere—the panoramic views elevate the dining to something truly memorable.
Pro tip:
Book a table by the window to make the most of the stunning city views.
11. Wilma
– Image credit: wilmabbq
Website: https://wilmabbq.com.au/
Address: 1 Genge St
Phone: 02 6171 2092
Operating Hours:
- Lunch: Thursday to Saturday, 12:00 pm – 2:30 pm
- Dinner: Monday to Sunday, 4:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Wilma is a progressive Asian BBQ restaurant that blends fun with refinement. The open kitchen and sleek design make it lively, while the menu focuses on ethically sourced Australian produce cooked over fire and coal.
Signature dishes like chargrilled duck and slow-cooked beef are smoky, tender, and bursting with flavour. What I found especially appealing was the balance—they deliver bold flavours without overwhelming the palate.
It is fine dining but with a sense of approachability, making it easy to return again and again.
Pro tip:
Come hungry and order their larger cuts—they’re perfect for sharing.
12. Flui
– Media credit: fluirestaurant39
Website: https://www.flui.com.au/
Address: 39-41 Northbourne Avenue
Phone: 02 6106 9557
Operating Hours:
- Lunch: Tuesday to Saturday, 11:30 am – 2:30 pm
- Dinner: Tuesday to Sunday, 5:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Flui is housed in a heritage-listed building in Civic, offering modern Australian cuisine with global influences. The menu celebrates diversity—native ingredients blend seamlessly with Asian, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern touches.
Expect dishes that surprise and delight, from fresh seafood to inventive vegetarian plates. The restaurant’s design pays homage to its historic setting while maintaining a chic, contemporary feel.
I loved how Flui manages to feel both grounded in Australian culture and international in flavour. It is the perfect stop for adventurous diners.
Pro tip:
Explore their cocktail menu; the bartenders are just as creative as the chefs.