Looking to book a table for two for Valentine’s Day this year? Look no further than our round-up of some of the best restaurants in CBR for a romantic meal, or just good eatin’ depending on whose company you choose to keep on the international day of love.
This year, Valentine’s Day 2024 falls on a Wednesday, and each of these eateries are happy to play Cupid come 14 February.
Read on for some of the best restaurants in Canberra for a special occasion, and remember to get in quick to secure a table – a lot of venues are filling up fast.
Table by Canberra Gourmet
This celebrated, two-hatted restaurant in Greenway has earned a reputation for memorable dining and exquisite cuisine since its humble beginnings during the pandemic. With a proud focus on excellent local wines and produce, The Chef’s tasting menu is sure to delight your taste buds; wine pairing optional extra.
Book via tablecanberra.com or call 6231 5847.
Les Bistronomes
France has long been associated the language – and food – of love. For a modern take on old-time French classics, you can’t go past Les Bistronomes at the Campell shops (awarded one Chef Hat this year). Their special Valentine’s Day degustation menu promises to tell “a French love story,” course by course.
Check out the menu and book via lesbistronomes.net
OTIS Dining Hall
Kington’s OTIS is led by chef Damian Brabender, and a Valentine’s celebration is the perfect time to check out the new summer chef’s menu – paired wines optional but highly recommended. Three-course menu with choice of entrée, main and dessert, also includes bread and sides. OTIS was awarded one Chef Hat by AGFG for 2024.
To book, visit otisdininghall.com.au
The Boat House
This iconic, lakeside, one-hat, fine dining restaurant is the ideal place to watch the sun set over the water. For Valentine’s Day, indulge The Boat House’s special five-course degustation menu that explores the best in regional produce, matched to beautiful wines and non-alcoholic drinks.
Find out more at theboathouse.restaurant
Raku
With a menu designed to be shared, you can’t go past modern Japanese eatery, Raku, right in the heart of the city. For super special events, the royal tasting menu will ensure it’s an occasion to remember. Raku was also awarded one Chef Hat by AGFG for 2024.
Book via rakudining.com.au
Bar Rochford
Another Chef Hat recipient for 2024, Bar Rochford is certainly one of Canberra’s most popular restaurants and wine bars – and for good reason. Heavenly share plates, an extensive drinks list and a cosy atmosphere? Sounds like a match made in heaven.
Head to barrochford.com to book.
Eighty Six
Two words: banoffee pie. This territory-famous dessert is reason enough to head here for some date night delights, and Eighty Six has the vibe and a killer menu to go with it. Now with two convenient locations – North in Braddon, and South at Woden’s Albemarle Building.
Book online at eightysix.com.au
Monster Kitchen and Bar
With one of Canberra’s most unique dining rooms, Monster at New Acton’s Hotel Ovolo is the perfect place for an intimate dinner. Vegetarians and dietary requirements are well catered for.
Jump onto monsterkitchen.com.au for all the details.
White Chaco
White Chaco is where you take a date who you hope will think you’re cool. Lead them around a corner to a tucked-away courtyard in Braddon’s Nibu Building, then impress them with some of the best Pan-Asian food in town. This Valentine’s Day, make use of their popular sharing menu – filled with CW approved favourites, like the Chili king prawn bao, Steamed soup gyoza, and White Chaco’s signature popcorn chicken.
To secure a seat, call 0401 509 435. Visit white-chaco.business.site for details.
Iori
If your date is down with a case of wanderlust, you will never find a more authentic corner of Tokyo in Canberra than Iori. This stalwart of the foodie scene, hidden away in the Bus Interchange on East Row, is unbeatable for Japanese food lovers.
Book via iori.com.au
Queenies
The popular addition to the ‘old Kingston’ dining scene, Queenies Restaurant & Bar reigns over the space previously held by Jones & Co. The menu? Sophisticated share plates to be washed down with cocktails named after famous women.
Visit the website, queeniesatkingston.com.au, to book.
Grazing
Okay, not technically in Canberra but just a short country drive away is Gundaroo’s charming, one-hat Grazing restaurant, nestled in The Royal Hotel heritage building established in 1865. You and your dining partner can enjoy Grazing’s sensational cuisine and bucolic setting this Valentine’s Day with their special three-course set menu with Chef’s canape on arrival.
Book online at grazing.com.au or call 6236 8777.
