Ginger Room at Old Parliament House would probably fit the bill, but not sure if they are open for lunch.

If anyone suggests Artisan at Narrabundah, I’d recommend against it. Went there for a birthday meal a couple of days ago. It was OK – certainly not particularly special – but it was priced as if it was very special. I have no problems paying top dollar for top food, but I object to paying top dollar for ordinary food.

Courgette do a degustation menu and they’re excellent. Pricey, but worth it.

Sage. Can almost guarantee it will be a great meal.

If you like contemporary Asian, the Lanterne Rooms in Campbell have a wonderful tasting menu – but only for dinner. It is absolutely outstanding.

Agree with PP about Artisan – very mixed quality when a few of us went there recently, and extortionate prices for what we got.

Lamberts Winery in Wamboin, best meal I have had in Canberra

Holden Caulfield said :

Sage. Can almost guarantee it will be a great meal.

I second this. The food is beautiful. They are definitely open for lunch too. I would go and check out the tables, to see you are not put next to a larger group.

(We were married in the same year as you, OP.)

breda said :

If you like contemporary Asian, the Lanterne Rooms in Campbell have a wonderful tasting menu – but only for dinner. It is absolutely outstanding.

Agree about Lanterne Room.

Also look into Aubergine, Rubicon, Water’s Edge, The Ottoman and Courgette. Not sure if their lunch offerings will suit your request, but they’re all well worth considering.

Another vote for Sage – it’s lovely, and I’m planning to go back there for our anniversary this year http://sagerestaurant.net.au/

gladbag said :

Lamberts Winery in Wamboin, best meal I have had in Canberra

Isn’t that a bit like saying eating at Grazing in Gundaroo is the best meal you can have in Wamboin, haha.

Second The Ginger Room, they do a fabulous degustation menu as does The Ottoman (they also have a private fuction room). We had dinner just before Christmas at Onred (on Red Hill ) and they do lots of entree sized plates and you just order as many as you want and it was lovely food (and not as pricy as the other two.

Mezzalira is over priced and doesn’t knock your socks off.

Holden Caulfield said :

Sage. Can almost guarantee it will be a great meal.

Holden Caulfield said :

Sage. Can almost guarantee it will be a great meal.

I second this. The food is beautiful. They are definitely open for lunch too. I would go and check out the tables, to see you are not put next to a larger group.

(We were married in the same year as you, OP.)

Kath said :

Another vote for Sage – it’s lovely, and I’m planning to go back there for our anniversary this year http://sagerestaurant.net.au/

Sage is fantastic. Lucky for you price isn’t an issue. But it is very, very good.

Sage for great food, but… but… You’re new to Canberra! Pfft to being in a dining room you could experience in any city. Try the Waters Edge. Great degustation, and iconic positioning (reconcilliation place – it just ‘feels’ special)! They’re open for lunch Wed-Sun. http://www.watersedgecanberra.com.au

Thank you everyone for all the advice! I’ve looked through the lunch menu options at all the places you’ve recommended and the one that fits best is Rubicon. Plus it’s a 4 course meal with wines for $78. What do you all think about Rubicon?

birder said :

Thank you everyone for all the advice! I’ve looked through the lunch menu options at all the places you’ve recommended and the one that fits best is Rubicon. Plus it’s a 4 course meal with wines for $78. What do you all think about Rubicon?

Very nice indeed. You’ll love it.

That’s a fantastic price for four courses.