By Leigh O’Connor.
The ACT – or as we like to call it the Australian Culinary Territory – is well known for a plethora of restaurants sure to tempt all tastes from Indian to Italian and everything in between.
As we celebrate the 2023 Readers’ Choice award-winning restaurants around the country, let’s take a look at five Canberra dining destinations you can’t miss visiting.
Readers’ Choice Regional Winner – Waters Edge:
Take in scenic views of Lake Burley Griffin while dining at Waters Edge restaurant on Parkes Place in Canberra. Located in the middle of the international flag presentation on the shores of the lake, this tastefully furnished venue allows diners space to unwind, sinking into plush upholstered chairs under elevated vaulted ceilings, whether joining friends for lunch or enjoying an evening in warm surrounds.
A menu of innovative dishes is inspired by Modern Australian cuisine, begin an indulgent meal with pork jowl, apple and fennel purée, chorizo jam and pickled beetroot; before delving into mains such as lamb back strap, polenta cake, smoked aubergine purée, pistachio pesto, marinated feta and a Pinot reduction.
Readers’ Choice Indian - Blu Ginger Canberra:
Adding a dash of exotic spices to the lively dining scene of Canberra’s Genge Street is Blu Ginger Indian Restaurant. Featuring a vast, vibrant and contemporary interior, as well as a high standard of service and an impressive wine list, Blu Ginger Canberra – like its sister restaurant in Sydney – promises a distinctly modern dining experience.
Canberran foodies looking to delight senses start with jumbo tandoori Tiger prawns, grilled in the clay oven and served with mint sauce; moving on to aromatic classic curries such as Railway Canteen tender goat cooked on the bone in a North Indian recipe, best enjoyed with basmati rice, cheese and garlic naan.
Readers’ Choice Burmese - Myanmar Corner:
Explore the beauty of a food culture like no other at Myanmar Corner on Kingsland Parade in Casey. This eatery embraces the diverse communities and ethnic populations that make up the unique fusion of Myanmar cuisine, in classy surrounds of blond wood table settings, dark walls covered in artwork and statement drop globes, adding a refined touch.
From delicate soups, wholesome stir-fries and rich curries, to Myanmar’s spin on salads, take your appetite on an adventure with starters like steamed chicken dim sims, or shredded duck and onion puffs; followed by pork curry in a spicy mango pickle base and a dessert of cassava cake topped with a custard layer.
Readers’ Choice European - Ondine – European Brasserie:
Pay respect to European hospitality and the vast culinary history it provides, by stopping into Ondine – European Brasserie on Duff Place in Deakin for a memorable meal in elegant surrounds. This Canberra dining destination exudes charm and sophistication with plush blue drapes and napkins, ornate wall mirrors, potted greenery and a well-stocked bar; take time to sample a glass of wine and peruse a menu offering classic choices.
Nothing says Europe more than a starter of escargot au café de Paris butter, or duck liver pâté with maple syrup, walnuts, plum jam and bread wafers; for the main, think choices like roasted duck breast, glazed onions, blood plum and duck sausage.
Readers’ Choice Italian - Molto Italian:
For authentic Italian run by Canberra stalwart Carlo Tosolini, look no further than Molto Italian at the Kingston Foreshore. This seaside trattoria boasts modern interiors of high ceilings, dark wooden table settings and an open kitchen and bar, alongside a wood-fired pizza oven.
Best enjoyed with family and friends, Molto’s menu reads like a romance where hand-cut pasta and extensive stuzzichini choices beckon to be shared – devour pork short ribs, tomato glaze, beetroot purée and sweet onion to begin, pick up a piece of Italian sausage pizza, or twirl your fork around pappardelle with lamb ragu.
For more ACT dining destinations, click here.
