Searching for the perfect romantic dining experience for two? Here are some romantic places to fall in love with across Canberra.
From award-winning fine dining to an international dining experience only minutes from the city centre, Canberra knows how to make your night out memorable. Start adding these must-dine spots to the bucket list and we guarantee your special someone will be more than impressed.
Such and Such
Canberra’s dining scene is waiting to surprise you, and Such and Such is the perfect marvel to kick things off. This quirky eatery boasted the title of New Restaurant of the Year in the Good Food Awards – across Canberra and New South Wales – in 2023. And if that title alone isn’t enough for you to travel to Canberra for an impressive meal, then we’re not sure what is.
KOTO
Traditional architecture and dramatic design, the KOTO interior preserves and revitalises the half-a-century old, Japan-heritage architecture of The Lobby; one of the most prominent historical buildings within the National Triangle. Dine under the knowing menu of sushi master, Shinya Nakano, who trained in Kyoto with a fifth-generation sushi master, later working his magic at Australian restaurants where he was awarded two-hats from Good Food Guide for his 18-course omakase style menu. So, while the building alone will astonish you, be sure to prepare for a dining experience that matches its fit-out’s prowess.
Corella Bar
Corella is an intimate escape away from the daily grind. This cosy restaurant and bar feels a world away from normal, yet it is right in the centre of the bustling Braddon precinct. The service is polished yet unpretentious, and with a thoughtful wine list and bespoke cocktails, it’s the perfect place for a romantic date night.
Pilot
Pilot is upscale dining, but not as you’re used to it. A restaurant built on pure hospitality and delicious Australian ingredients, Pilot’s chic fit-out and seven course degustation menu is sure to leave you satisfied, impressed, and deeply comfortable. They boast a smart, low-fuss experience and love hearing the phrase, “just treat us” from their patrons. And treat you, they will.
OHNO!
The OHNO! date night enjoys loud flavours and messing with the classics, flipping what’s expected of Pan-Asian cuisine on its head. Drop by, graze over some share plates, and select from their extensive wine list. Or wander upstairs to the cosy cocktail bar to sip or snack in the company of in-house DJs while you wait for your table to dine.
Louis
Located within a five-star hotel, Louis is the newest crown jewel of one of Canberra’s most celebrated fine-dining chefs, Ben Willis. It aims at bringing a multi-layered culinary offering right at the heart of the capital, combining a classical European dining experience with sophisticated cocktails. If you’re in the mood for romantic French cuisine with your loved one, Louis is the go-to – oui oui!
INKA
If you haven’t tried Peruvian Japanese fusion before, now is your chance to indulge at Inka. Prepare to be delighted by the Nikkei concept of this beautiful dining room, which promotes an enticing scope of cocktail styles and flavours from both Japan and South America, combining finesse and balance with the wild and tropical.
RAKU
You’d be forgiven for thinking a shopping centre isn’t the obvious place to look when you’re seeking romance – but RAKU delivers it in spades. This sleek modern Japanese restaurant is a versatile date-night destination. Sit at the bench and watch the chefs craft beautiful plates of sashimi, nigiri and maki rolls or hide out in one of the sculptural timber booths and ignore the rest of the world. Whichever option you choose, you’re assured of a memorable dining experience.
Bada Bing
If casual dining meets cosy rat-pack hideaway is the feeling you’re seeking for date night, then Bada Bing Dining Club has you covered. Seamlessly blending retro charm with light-hearted fun, sink into the impeccable style and culinary of old-school Italy at this inner-city eatery. Everything from traditional pastas to woodfired pizza, it’ll definitely be “that’s amore” for all involved.
