Canberra is fast becoming one of the top foodie destinations in Australia, with a wealth of fine-dining restaurants to choose from.

Once known as merely the capital of Australia city, Canberra has proven critics wrong over the past decade, fast becoming known for its thrumming hive of creative, unique restaurants and, in particular, a fine dining scene to rival that of Sydney and Melbourne.

A visit to Canberra would not be complete without splurging on one of the many luxury dining experiences the city has to offer. From modern European cuisine to Japanese-style feasts, these are the best fine dining restaurants in Canberra.

1. Mu

Using the Japanese dining experience of Omakase (which translates to ‘leave it up to you’), at Mu you won’t be selecting your dishes – rather, the chefs create 11-course menus inspired by what produce and ingredients are best on the day.

Dining is tasting style, with plates starting with lighter fare and moving on to heavier courses. Premium sake pairings are available to really make a night of it, too.

Bookings go fast, so it’s worth locking down a spot in advance – there are two sittings between Tuesday and Thursday at 6pm and 7pm, with Friday and Saturday sittings at 5:45pm and 8pm.

Cuisine: Japanese

Atmosphere: Immersive

Address: 1 Constitution Avenue, Canberra ACT

2. Corella Restaurant & Bar

Corella Restaurant & Bar may only be a few years old, but it’s already renowned as one of Canberra’s best fine dining restaurants.

Inspired by native Australian flavours and ingredients, expect fresh fare and a cosy ambience, with good service and an extensive wine and cocktails list. Whether it’s date night or just dinner with friends, Corella is the perfect place to pop in.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Atmosphere: Neighbourhood intimacy

Address: 14 Lonsdale Street, Braddon ACT

3. Pilot

This intimate 24-seater in Ainslie is all about experience. You won’t have to worry about fussing over a bunch of options and picking between two (or more) delicious dishes. The menu here is set, taking the onus off you and letting you sit back, relax and enjoy your meal.

There’s the $105 lunch menu, $150 Pilot menu and, if you want to splash out, the $195 extended menu. Each features an array of fresh produce with seasonal additions, plus a selection of Australian beverages. Pilot is a true hidden gem, and once you find it (hint: it’s tucked behind the local shops), you’ll be coming back for more.

Cuisine: Modern Australian with a quirky twist

Atmosphere: Immersive

Address: 1 Wakefield Gardens, Ainslie ACT

4. Capitol Bar & Grill

Many of Canberra’s best hotels also house some of the city’s best fine dining restaurants. The QT Canberra is a perfect example, where you’ll find Capitol Bar & Grill. Local ACT and NSW produce is the hero on its extensive menu, which favours wood-fired grills and fresh ingredients.

Known for its prime meat cuts, it’s no surprise the steak is to die for, arriving cooked to your liking and perfectly juicy. You can also order fresh seafood and sides to enjoy, as well. Order a Canberran varietal from the carefully curated wine list by Sommelier Ashleigh Smith.

Cuisine: Modern Grill

Atmosphere: Vibrant

Address: 1 London Circuit, Canberra ACT

5. Monster Kitchen & Bar

Chances are, if you’re relatively across Canberra’s fine dining scene, you’ve heard of Monster Kitchen & Bar. A cavernous, moody space at Ovolo Nishi, Monster has long been known for its intriguing dishes and creativity.

Once 100 per cent plant-based, Monster is now “an omnivore", as their website puts it, with seasonal dishes share-style, like golden fried calamari with chilli and fennel salt, and steak frites with rich, creamy Paris butter. Don’t fill up too much though, the dessert options are also to die for.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Atmosphere: Moody & cool

Address: 25 Edinburgh Avenue, Canberra ACT

6. Courgette

Fine dining at its most classic is found at Canberra institution Courgette. Think opulent dining rooms, crisp white tablecloths and an intimate, unhurried experience, with modern European cuisine and premium wines.

Open for both lunch and dinner, Courgette is the perfect place for your next special occasion. You can dine via a three-course a la carte menu, a five-course degustation or the extensive, 100 per cent vegetarian degustation.

Cuisine: Modern European

Atmosphere: Sophisticated and refined

Address: 54 Marcus Clarke Street, Canberra ACT

7. Raku

If you’re looking for the best Japanese in Canberra, head to Raku. Known for its sushi and sashimi dishes, you can sit around the central workspace and watch chefs deftly slice your fish before it reaches your plate.

Order your dishes individually or choose from one of two tasting menus, priced between $120 and $170. If you’re in town on a weekday, you can get the less leisurely (but equally as delicious) experience with their $60 express menu. Go the extra mile and order something from the wine or dessert menus; perhaps both. Raku also has a dedicated gluten-free menu with extensive options.

Cuisine: Japanese

Atmosphere: Upscale

Address: 148 Bunda Street, Canberra ACT

8. OTIS

OTIS technically aligns itself with ‘fine-casual’ dining. Still, with head chef Damian Brabender’s stellar CV filled with Michelin-starred London restaurants and acclaimed Aussie resorts, OTIS will give you the fine dining experience you’re seeking.

The menu here is fresh, creative and seasonally-led, and all guests share the same selections. Choose from either the classic three-course menu, or the extensive degustation, then go all-out with paired wines for a truly luxurious experience.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Atmosphere: Relaxed

Address: 29 Jardine Street, Kingston ACT

9. Rubicon

Cosy, private and surprisingly laid-back, Rubicon is a Griffith icon, and well worth a visit if fine dining is your love language. The contemporary Australian restaurant has a menu packed with flavour, like cognac prunes and pistachio-stuffed pork fillet, and Canadian scallops with bacon jam.

We love Rubicon’s layout – four intimate dining rooms that offer seclusion and romance.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Atmosphere: Intimate

Address: 6A Barker St, Griffith, ACT

10. Wilma

Classifying themselves as a “progressive Asian BBQ that is fun and approachable", you can probably guess that a visit to Wilma is about having a good time. The menu is broken up into small and large plates, with a heavy emphasis on the grill, like wood-roasted John Dory with charred lime and the “Wilma Snag Sanga", which is absolutely nothing like what you might pick up at a kid’s footy game.

Cuisine: Asian BBQ

Atmosphere: Fun

Address: 1 Genge St, Canberra, ACT

11. The Boat House

Sometimes, fine dining is really about the atmosphere, and The Boat House delivers on this and then some. Tucked away inside Grevillea Park and overlooking Lake Burley Griffin, the Modern Australian menu is sourced impeccably, with barramundi from the Northern Territory’s Humpty Doo region, pork from NSW’s Northern Rivers and Sydney rock oysters to chow down on.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Atmosphere: Bright and outdoorsy

Address: Grevillea Park, 7 Menindee Drive, Barton, ACT

12. Water’s Edge

Speaking of atmosphere, another Lake Burley Griffin jewel in the fine dining scene is Water’s Edge, one of Canberra’s most famous restaurants with arguably the greatest view. Topping TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Awards three years in a row, the menu options celebrate Australian produce and change with the seasons, plus you can expect special occasion menus, so it’s a great choice for celebrating.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Atmosphere: Classically refined

Address: Grevillea Park, 7 Menindee Drive, Barton, ACT