2 Best Restaurants in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory

Creative food served in spacious, sedate surroundings is the specialty of this popular restaurant on the city's outer edge. The seasonal four-course menu (A$88) has such dreamy dishes as prosciutto-wrapped pan-seared scallops for starter, or, for a main, the crispy-skin snapper, fennel puree, and Balmain-bug-filled zucchini (also known as courgette) flower. Leave room for the decadent warm Belgian chocolate fondant with raspberries and vanilla bean ice cream. The restaurant also serves a three-course lunch menu for A$66, which is a bargain for a restaurant of this acclaim, and one with such an impressive wine list.

The menu at this longtime fusion favorite garners universal praise for its innovative mix of Asian and Western flavors against a backdrop of artifacts from Maoist China. Menu standouts include the sesame-crusted salmon with cinnamon-infused soy, and pork chops with red dates, ginseng, and honey. Finish with a delicious dessert, such as cinnamon-and-star anise crème brûlée. Watch for the special deals, such as the two-course lunch for $39.50, and lunch and dinner banquets from A$62.50 for seven courses. The service and wine list are outstanding, and you're welcome to bring your own bottle as well.