The secret ingredient to Canberra’s burgeoning dining scene is its unique range of culinary experiences which cover everything from fine dining and inventive Chefs to inspired signature dishes and casual eats.
With the recent addition of three new dining destinations, Canberra’s food scene is heating up with the launch of Chris Lucas’s first Canberra restaurant, Carlotta, a fun spin on communal dining at Ballyhoo and Recess, a cool new cafe in the burbs.
Acclaimed restaurateur, Chris Lucas has launched his first venture in Canberra with the launch of the Mediterranean-inspired Carlotta in the heart of the Scott’s Crossing precinct - described as an Australian of Mediterranean flavours and hospitality inspired by the trattorias and taverns found along the European coast.
With a menu curated in collaboration between Chris and Head of Culinary, Mark Glenn, Carlotta’s ever-evolving food offering is led by Head Chef Brendan Hill (Akiba, Loquita, Wilma), a stalwart of Canberra’s hospitality scene. Diners can expect pure, Mediterranean flavours and ingredients that deliver abundantly simple dishes perfect for sharing.
Think handmade pasta dishes such as spaghettini with crab, lobster oil and chilli, along with share plates like whole wood oven roasted lamb shoulder with white beans and preserved lemon, wood fire grilled steaks and lobster a l’Americaine.
With popular hatted Chef, Dave Young at the helm, Ballyhoo offers a fun spin on communal dining with a fiery Mediterranean and South American-inspired menu which is all about sharing food and good times with friends. Set against a laid-back and stylish backdrop, expect a vibrant atmosphere at Ballyhoo which is definitely shaking things up within the iconic Parliamentary Triangle.
Steeped in history, the walls have heard and seen it all, making this the perfect place to unwind and cause a commotion around good food and drink. Graze on snacks such as wood-grilled Fremantle octopus and salbitxada, before larger plates of whole wood-grilled rainbow trout with herb butter and sides of roasted Brussels sprouts and fries; make sure to leave room for sweets like Basque cheesecake, poached cumquat and smoked vanilla.
A collaboration between hospitality legends Anthony Iannelli (ex-Terra) and coffee aficionado, Scott Brewer (ex-Barrio), Recess is the new kid on the block in Griffith.
Offering a relaxed retro feel thanks to its welcoming and cosy interiors and lush, green courtyard, this cool cafe/roaster offers all-day dining where you can grab breakfast, lunch and snacks seven days a week with a vision of providing superior cafe-style dishes complemented by premium coffee. Devour gourmet sandwiches along with plates like crumbed pork cutlet, tartar sauce, lemon and grated Parmesan, with fries on the side.
