Canberra is home to some incredible fine dining restaurants that offer an enjoyable experience. Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or anniversary, or a just looking for a quality meal with great company, there are many places to go in Canberra. If you're looking for an amazing dining experience, you'll want to check out one of these restaurants. In this article, we will take a look at some of the best fine dining restaurants in Canberra.
Skip to the list of Canberra's best fine dining restaurants
- Corella
- Courgette
- Lanterne Rooms
- Les Bistronomes
- Marble and Grain
- OTIS Dining Hall
- Pavilion Dining
- Pilot
- RAKU
- Table by Canberra Gourmet
- The Boat House
- Water's Edge
What makes a great fine dining restaurant?
Fine dining restaurants offer an upscale dining experience that can be enjoyed by foodies and casual diners alike.
These establishments typically boast menus with intricate dishes that are made with only the finest ingredients.
In addition, they often feature an extensive wine list and knowledgeable staff members who can help you choose the perfect pairing for your meal.
Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for a delicious meal, a nice fine dining restaurant is sure to please. Here are just a few of the qualities of these types of establishments:
- Atmosphere: Quality fine dining establishments have a certain feel about them. From the moment you walk in, the décor, music, style and mood of the restaurant is noticeably sophisticated.
- Sensational service: Having the best service in the industry is of high importance for fine dining restaurants. From your first interaction with the staff, right through to the final farewell, you will be treated with the utmost respect, by friendly and knowledgeable staff.
- Quality food: The main reason people love to go out for a meal is to enjoy delicious food, and fine dining restaurants offer a great menu with top quality ingredients. Not only does the food taste great, but the chefs in kitchen will take great care in making sure it also looks amazing.
- Drink options: Finding the perfect drink to go with your meal is crucially important for the best restaurants. They will often have a range of quality wines from different regions, with their sommeliers able to find the perfect one for you.
What to expect at fine dining restaurants
Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for a delicious meal, a fancy fine dining restaurant is sure to please. Here are just a few of the benefits of dining at these types of establishments:
- Exquisite cuisine prepared by talented chefs.
- A refined and relaxing environment.
- You'll have the opportunity to try new dishes that you may not be able to find at more casual eateries.
- You may also enjoy live music or other forms of entertainment while you dine.
If you're looking for an unforgettable dining experience, be sure to check out a fine dining restaurant near you.
The best fine dining restaurants in Canberra 2024
To be listed as one of Canberra’s best businesses, Canberra Daily requires them to have maintained a track record of positive reviews on Google and Facebook, with a minimum average of 4/5 stars. The Google ratings shown were updated January 2023.
When looking for delicious fine dining food in Canberra, check out our list of Canberra Daily’s best local restaurants below.
Corella
Corella is a modern Australian restaurant providing an intimate escape away from the daily grind.
Inspired by native flavours and ingredients, Corella combines classic cooking techniques in a modern kitchen.
They offer exceptional service, delicious food, a thoughtful wine list and bespoke cocktails, making it the ideal place to enjoy a lovely evening.
Kate Wilson left this five star review; “First time at Corella, the carpaccio and the steak were superb, staff were excellent. Really enjoyed the set menu and range of dishes. Just a great night all round. Will definitely back for another set menu and to try the cocktails!”
Table Canberra
Located just off the Majura Parkway, Table offers diners a fresh, fun and unique fine dining experience.
The intimate venue serves up a large degustation menu that delivers a variety of different dishes featuring exquisite flavours. They are open for dinner from Thursday to Saturday and lunch on Saturday with spots limited so make sure to book ahead if you want a seat at the Table.
Table by Canberra Gourmet was recently awarded two chef hats by the Good Food Guide for 2023.
Billie Butler wrote this five star review on Google; “Outstanding! Such a different dining experience clearly so much though into the order of the dishes your tastebuds are always excited! The spicy pork and broccoli was probably my favourite but they were all so good its almost impossible to pick. The menu is constantly changing so I cannot wait to go back in a month or two to see how it’s improved.”
Pilot
Set in a small venue in Ainslie, Pilot has become one of the city’s finest restaurants, serving up a selection of nostalgic flavours and complex dishes all while using quality produce.
The award-winning restaurant offers the Pilot menu each night and does not have an a la carte menu to order from. They are known for having an exceptional wine list to choose from to pair with your food.
Sumon Sigdel left this five star review on Google; “Had seven course meal with work mates. Loved every bits. Great food, wine and service. Our host was amazing, took great care of our dietaries. Can’t wait for another visit.”
Water's Edge
As the name suggests, Water’s Edge is set on the shore of Lake Burley Griffin, providing diners a stunning view while enjoying a delicious lunch or dinner.
The award-winning modern Australian restaurant has a range of flavourful dishes as well as some of the finest local and international wines.
Amardeep Kaur Gill wrote this five star review on Google; “Great experience – celebrated my husband’s birthday here with a 3 course meal. The views were great, the food delicious and the service perfect. We’d happily come back!”
Lanterne Rooms
Tucked away in Campbell, Lanterne Rooms is one of Canberra’s best kept secrets, serving up original and modern Malaysian cuisine.
Their friendly team of staff are on hand to help you navigate the menu to select the ideal meal.
Satisfied customer Allan D left this glowing review; “Lanterne Rooms was a fantastic dining experience, it had a great atmosphere, the service was phenomenal and the food was delicious, the tom yum infused prawns and the tea smoked duck were the highlights of the evening.”
Les Bistronomes
Founded in 2014, Les Bistronomes offers refined French cuisine in a quaint bistro with fixed-price options, rustic accents & outdoor tables.
Owner and executive chef Clément Chauvin prides his restaurant in delivering high quality produce, service and wine in a relaxed and homely atmosphere.
Satisfied customer Liz left this five star review on Google; “Easily one of my favourite restaurants to go to with friends for catch ups! Food is absolutely amazing and delicious. Staff there are incredibly wonderful too! Highly recommend! Here are some photos of my many dining experiences there!”
Pomegranate
Pomegranate brings a classic dining experience to Canberra, relying on the quality and freshness of ingredients to create impactful dishes.
There is a definite influence from French cuisine with a nod to Turkish flavours as well. The menu features seafood highly along with chicken, lamb, duck and others, while the desserts are all presented to perfection.
Pomegranate was awarded one chef hat at the 2023 Good Food Guide Awards.
Nardia Anderson left this five star review on Google; “Delicious food, thoroughly enjoyed the food and atmosphere. Interesting choices, and very good portions based on price. Left rather full. Should have passed on the desert, but couldn’t help myself. The cardamon ice cream was delightful.”
Marble & Grain
Marble & Grain offers a warm and inviting space for diners to enjoy a food experience at one of Canberra’s best steakhouses.
They work with seasonal Australian and local produce to deliver a paddock-to-plate menu that features a range of tasty starters, plenty of great steak options and other delicious mains and sides, along with drinks and cocktails to enhance the experience.
Shiral Fernando left this feedback on Google; “Among 4 of us, we shared the 2 tasting boards, crispy baby calamari, Arancini balls and 2 deserts. We were stuffed with medium rare steaks full of flavour, lamb that didn’t need any sausage to enhance the taste and a feeling that we’ve had a sampler of everything on the menu. A must try!!”
OTIS Dining Hall
OTIS Dining Hall is a fine dining destination where diners gather to share and celebrate great meals in a lovely setting in Kingston.
Acclaimed local chef Damian Brabender opened its doors in 2016 and has been dedicated to local produce, ever-changing seasonal menus and the attentive touches of silver service.
A fine dining experience with warmth and soul, OTIS is one of the best places to go to for a quality meal in Canberra.
For the third year in a row, OTIS was recently awarded two chef hats by the Good Food Guide.
“It was such a pleasant surprise to find some unique and creative dishes at Otis! We opted in for the 5 course Chef’s menu, and would definitely dine here again. The pace of the service was inconsistent, but the servers were professional and friendly.” – William on Google
The Boat House
Beautifully set in private parkland on the edge of Lake Burley Griffin, The Boat House offers stunning scenery and a sophisticated atmosphere.
The stunning views are matched by outstanding modern cuisine, a recognised wine list selected by a quality sommelier and exceptional and friendly service.
The Boat House was recently awarded two chef hats by the Good Food Guide for 2023.
Shane Jenkins wrote this five star review on Google; “This place is amazing, a Canberra institution really. An amazing top end dining experience, great food and exceptional staff. The view is even more spectacular in the evening. A great venue for a special occasion or function. Highly recommend but save up.”
Raku
RAKU combines the precision of Japanese culinary history with the vibrant energy of modern Australian dining to offer diners a quality experience.
Their incredibly skilled staff craft beautiful plates of sashimi, nigiri and maki rolls, as well as making delicious meat, seafood and vegetable dishes from the robata grill.
If you are after exceptional service, wonderful décor and the most delectable Japanese food in the region, head on in to RAKU.
Raku was recently awarded two chef hats by the Good Food Guide for 2023.
On Google, Nok Davis left this five star review; “This is a much more refined experience than typical Japanese place I’ve been to. Lovely food and service, every dish was done well. The food came out quickly. too. I’ll definitely be back.”
Courgette
Courgette is well known in the Canberra community for providing an incredibly luxurious restaurant experience with a sophisticated ambience and a delicious menu.
Lounge like chairs invite diners to settle in and feel comfortable enjoying their meal, while they also offer private rooms for more intimate dining.
They have a range of wines from across the globe with professional staff on hand to help you select the best drop.
On Google, Luna H left this positive review: “We had an amazing birthday dinner experience here. The food was delicious and all well presented. A great restaurant to celebrate special occasions. Highly recommend!”
Pavilion Dining
Situated in popular Pialligo, Pavilion Dining showcases produce grown on the Pialligo Estate farm, just metres away from the restaurant.
The menu highlights the organic produce in the most magnificent ways, with dishes featuring food from the olive grove, vineyard, orchard and smokehouse, while they also have wine from the vineyard.
Pavilion Dining was recently awarded two chef hats by the Good Food Guide for 2023.
Saly Burt left this five star review on Google; “We had a lovely lunch. Nothing on the menu I wouldn’t have eaten. Great value for a wonderful lunch. Love the drinks menu and the ability to get any wine by the glass. It encouraged us to try a few different wines. Will definitely return and bring friends!!”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is meant by fine dining?
Fine dining restaurants typically offer a more sophisticated and expensive dining experience than you would find at regular restaurants. The food is made from top quality ingredients, while the service and décor is top shelf.
What type of food is fine dining?
The food at fine dining restaurants is usually of a higher-quality than casual dining restaurants and is more expensive. The meals typically consist of several courses including entrees, mains, dessert and wine.
What is casual dining vs fine dining?
Casual dining and fine dining differ in many ways. Among the differences is the atmosphere, with casual dining friendlier, while fine dining is more formal and elegant. The price is also a major difference with fine dining typically far more expensive. The type of food will be different, with casual dining offering larger portions.
What should I wear to a fine dining restaurant?
Some establishments may be stricter on the dress code than others so it is better to be over dressed to avoid any issues. Most men will typically wear nice pants with a button up shirt and jacket, while women may wear a nice set or dress. Appropriate shoes are also a must.
Do I need to make a reservation at a fine dining restaurant?
It is highly recommended to make a reservation at a fine dining restaurant, especially during peak hours or for special occasions. Fine dining establishments often have limited seating capacity to ensure personalised service and maintain an intimate atmosphere. Making a reservation allows you to secure your table and ensures a smoother dining experience.
