Jamala Wildlife Lodge, located within Canberra’s National Zoo and Aquarium, is giving Canberrans another way to experience one of the city’s most unique nights out.

Its famous dining experience can now be enjoyed on its own, combining fine dining, flowing wine and an unforgettable dinner companion in resident white lioness Mischka.

The evening starts with drinks on the terrace, where guests can enjoy Champagne, wine, beer as well as non-alcoholic drinks while waiting for Mischka to make an appearance.

Mischka then comes over to collect her dinner, giving guests an up-close look while a member of the zoo team shares more about the white lioness and life at the zoo.

From there, guests move inside for dinner at shared tables, with Mischka enjoying her meal on the other side of a pane of glass.

The food certainly isn’t an afterthought either, with the quality and presentation you’d expect from a fine dining restaurant.

Guests make their selections prior to the meal, with the menu changing regularly to make use of seasonal produce.

Our dinner began with a tasting platter of five gourmet canapés, with both regular and vegetarian selections available. Dishes included baked Pacific oyster with Mombasa butter, Wagyu beef sosatie with teriyaki, traditional African chicken bobotie and potato gnocchi with creamy pesto.

For mains, our menu offered a choice between Moroccan-spiced roasted rack of lamb, miso-cured Patagonian toothfish, sautéed mushroom risotto and a Madagascan vegetable and tofu curry.

A Jamala iced tea granita provided a palate cleanser before dessert, with options including Amarula crème brûlée and hot chocolate souffle with berries and ice cream.

Across the courses, the food was beautifully presented and of a quality you’d expect from a fine-dining restaurant, complemented by great service from the Jamala staff and drink selections throughout the evening.

Despite the fine dining presentation, the portions are generous, so you’re unlikely to leave hungry.

Mischka certainly didn’t, retreating to her straw-covered sleeping area and heated floor after polishing off her own dinner just metres away.

For anyone tempted to come back for the full Jamala experience, dinner guests are also offered an accommodation discount for a stay within three months of their visit.

Call the Jamala team to book your amazing night out on 02 6287 8444 or visit the Jamala Wildlife Lodge website.