Steak has been enjoyed across cultures around the world for hundreds of years and when it's done right, it's easy to see why. A quality cut of steak cooked to perfection is about as good as it gets for meat lovers, and it can get even better when you have it with sauces, sides and the right beverages. Thankfully, Canberra is home to a number of quality steak restaurants, so below is a list of some of the best.
Skip to the list of the best places to get a steak in Canberra
- BlackFire
- Capitol Bar & Grill
- Kingston Hotel
- Manuka Steakhouse
- Marble & Grain
- The Meat & Wine Co Canberra
What makes a great steak restaurant?
The best steak places stand out for a number of key factors that create a delightful dining experience. Here are some qualities that contribute to making a great steak restaurant:
Quality of meat: It almost goes without saying, but the cornerstone of any great steak spot is the quality of its meat. They should source premium cuts of beef, often from reputable suppliers or local farms, ensuring freshness and superior flavor. The ability to offer a variety of cuts, including both common and specialty options, adds to the appeal.
Skillful chefs: Skilled cooks who understand the nuances of cooking steak to perfection are essential. The ability to achieve the desired level of doneness, whether it's rare, medium-rare, medium, or well-done, is a must.
Accompaniments and sauces: An array of delicious side dishes and sauces that complement the steak is important. These sides can include classics like crispy chips, mashed potatoes or roast vegetables that add depth to the dining experience.
Customer service: Friendly and knowledgeable staff contribute to a memorable dining experience. Servers who can explain the menu, offer wine pairings and provide excellent service enhance the overall visit.
Wine and beverages: Top steak places often boast an extensive wine list, including red wines that pair well with the food. They may also offer a selection of other beverages to cater to a variety of preferences.
The best steak in Canberra
Manuka Steakhouse
Manuka Steakhouse offers diners a warm and casual environment to enjoy one of their delicious steaks.
All of their beef is Riverina grass fed Angus and is served with a side. The steak options include scotch fillet, New York steak, ribeye, eye fillet and Aussie rump and they each cost around the $40 mark. They also have plenty of other options, including seafood, pasta and dessert.
Local guide Gary Willis left this review on Google: “We had dinner here. Great place. Great service. Food was fantastic all round and the wine was great too. Can recommend.”
BlackFire
Black Fire is an award-winning restaurant serving delicious Mediterranean cuisine in an authentic style.
Their meats, seafood and vegetables are rustically cooked through an open fire roast, wood fire oven and charcoal grill. Their beef is pure breed black angus from NSW and Queensland, and they have a range of sides and sauces to go with your steak.
A satisfied customer left this review on Google: “The Angus fillet was excellent, crispy on the outside, tender in the inside and exactly on the level I wanted it to be. The pumpkin side dish was also great. On top, I enjoyed a nice IPA. Service was very nice as well. Would definitely come again.”
Marble and Grain
Delivering the classic elements of a European Steakhouse in the modern form, Marble & Grain provides Canberrans with a food experience that is a delight for the senses.
They work with seasonal Australian and local produce to deliver a paddock-to-plate menu that offers a wide variety of incredible steaks along with other options. Their steak options include rib eye, beef tenderloin, scotch fillet and sirloin, while they also have tasting boards if you can’t decide exactly what you want.
D Thornton left this five-star review on Google: “Partner and I ordered the steak board, hoping it would be enough, it more than fed us. Everything on the board was beautifully cooked and exceeded our expectations! Bartender was kind and the atmosphere couldn’t be better in the muster room.”
Capitol Bar & Grill Restaurant
Bold flavours meets Modern-Australian dining, Capitol Bar & Grill serves prime cut steaks with wood-fired theatrics.
As well as a number of succulent steaks, their menu features a plethora of different options, while they also have an extensive wine list and dessert menu.
Emma Donohoe left this five-star review on Google: “This is a special place for us and each time we come the food is amazing. The best steak and always perfectly cooked. Absolutely delicious and creative sides and not to mention the sweet treats to end the evening. Recommend over and over.”
Kingston Hotel
‘The Kingo’ is loved by locals across Canberra and is the ideal pub to go with mates to grab a good feed and a drink, plus it located ideally in Kingston.
When it comes to steaks, they have several options around the $40 mark along with plenty of sides and sauces to compliment the succulent meat. If you are after a steak in a relaxed environment, look no further than the Kingston Hotel.
Maggie wrote this five-star review on Google: “I had absolutely the best night out in a long time. The meal was delicious, bar service was professional, the atmosphere was family friendly and the premises offered something for everyone. Love it.”
The Meat & Wine Co Canberra
It says it all in the name really, quality steak and fine wine. The Meat and Wine Co is an Afro-centric restaurant in the city with an a la carte menu.
The menu is ideal for meat lovers, featuring a range of steak cuts and varieties, including their exclusive Monte beef range and marbled Wagyu. They also have other tasty items such as ribs, seafood, sides and salad.
On Google, Tenzin Lama left this five-star review: “I recommend this restaurant as a great spot for a date. The prices were reasonable, and the food and service were both excellent. The atmosphere was cozy and welcoming, making it a great place to spend an evening out.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular cuts of steak?
Popular steak cuts typically include ribeye, filet mignon, T-bone, and sirloin. Each cut has its own unique flavor and texture, catering to different preferences.
What are the different levels of doneness for steak, and how should I order mine?
The common levels of doneness for steak are rare, medium rare, medium, medium well, and well-done. You can order your steak according to your preference for how thoroughly it is cooked. For example, if you like it pink in the center with some red, you would order it “medium rare.” If you like it with no pink in the middle, you would order it well done.
What sides and accompaniments are typically served at steak restaurants?
Steak restaurants often offer a variety of side dishes such as chips, mashed potatoes, roast vegetables, garlic bread, grilled asparagus and salad. Additionally, you could order from a selection of sauces like béarnaise, peppercorn, or chimichurri to go with your steak and sides.
What is the average cost of a meal at a steak restaurant?
The cost of a meal at a steak restaurant can vary widely depending on the restaurant’s location, reputation, and the cuts of steak offered. It may also depend on how many dishes you order and what type of drinks you get. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $30 to $100 or more per person for a steak dinner.
Is steak healthy?
Steak can be a part of a healthy diet when consumed as part of a balanced meal plan. The meat is an excellent source of protein, nutrients and iron.
