Where are the best steakhouses in Canberra? Photo: File.
As Australians we are no stranger to the humble flame. Our multicultural lineage pays homage to the use of heat in all its glory. From Argentina to Italy and everywhere in between we have adopted techniques and mastered their application to suit our home grown produce.
When it comes to meat, Australia produces some of best beef around. Our world-class cattle farms are renowned the globe over for their high-quality produce and ethical practises. And while meat consumption has been given a rough trot in recent years a loyal following does remain.
Whether your preference is blue, medium-rare, or well done you have come to the right place.
As the name suggests, a steakhouse is a restaurant that specialises in serving steaks. Once the domain of suited executives in muffled conversations, steakhouses have evolved quite a lot. Modern steakhouses offer lively environments, delectable accompaniments, and even vegetarian options too!
So, get those knives ready, we are taking a tour of the best steakhouses that Canberra has to offer.
What makes a great steakhouse?
- Quality produce. The quality of produce is one of the key indicators setting mediocre steakhouses apart from the best. With restaurant grade produce literally sitting at our doorstep there are no excuses for anything but quality. Look for steakhouses that offer a variety of premium cuts with a paddock to plate philosophy. Your server should be well versed on what the animal was fed and where it was sourced. Moreover, any details around the cut and aging time should be easily offered. and how the meat has been aged. And the best steakhouses will feature a selection of cuts to cater to personal preferences.
- Cooked to perfection. There is no hiding when it comes to cooking steak. And the best steakhouses embrace this challenge presenting perfectly cooked morsels every time. Indeed, each restaurant will have its own unique way of preparing and presenting steak. Though many will offer the opportunity for their customers customise this. From rare, to medium, well done, and every iteration in between the kitchen should cook accordingly.
- Perfect pairings. While steak will be the hero dish for many, the finest steakhouses also offer a selection of side dishes and condiments to enhance it flavour. Look for a balanced offering including carbohydrates and greens, along with any condiments to your liking. Great steakhouses also understand the importance of the complete dining experience. As such, they pair each course accordingly creating a culinary journey with the steak front and centre. The same ethos often applies with the beverage selection, which makes light work for diners.
- Sizzling service. Industry leading service is often a hallmark of great steakhouse. From the telephone manner upon booking to the farewell at exit, the best steakhouses have service that sizzles. These establishments should be staffed by the best in the business, with years of experience, and a flair for communication. Not only should your hosts be friendly; they should know steak – and the menu inside out.
- Warm & welcoming. Whilst a great steak can be found in any location, the best steakhouses offer a warm and welcoming environment. Whether it is the notable décor, buzz of other diners, or the music in your ears look for something memorable. A lively atmosphere works wonders on the overall dining experience so find a venue to matches your mood.
The best steakhouses in Canberra
RiotACT’s editorial team has combed through 20 years of on-site comments to compile a list of the most recommended businesses according to you.
To be listed in our Best of Canberra series, each business needs to have consistently received positive feedback on RiotACT and Facebook as well as maintaining a minimum average of 4/5 stars on Google.
Manuka Steakhouse
The wonderfully warm and inviting Manuka Steakhouse is renowned for its casual vibe. This modern Australian gem specialises in steak in all shapes and sizes. Featuring a broad selection of cut along classics like surf and turf and a mixed grill Manuka Steakhouse is sure to appease.
Pair your meal with a cheap and cheerful selection from the beverage list, offering sparkling, red and whites, beers and spirits. And should the little ones be dining with you, they are in for a treat with a kid-friendly selection and desserts to boot.
Sydney Daniel shared this wonderful feedback on Google, “What a great steak and cooking perfection. Such a good customer service. We are definitely going back.”
Capitol Bar and Grill
Nestled within QT Canberra is Capitol Bar and Grill. This stylish Italianesque steakhouse features modern cuisine with wood fired theatrics. This dining spot was conceptualised by renowned Australian restaurateur and Creative Food Director of QT Hotel, Robert Marchetti.
Combining the best fresh Italian cuisine with prime cut steaks, Capitol Bar and Grill offers something for everyone. Add to this an impressive wine list and an assortment of cocktails this swanky spot is a must for steak lovers.
Claire Walters shared her lovely experience on Google, “What a wonderful dining experience. The food is great, but above that, the service is just phenomenal.”
Kingston Hotel
Affectionately known as ‘The Kingo’ by locals, this iconic pub is a well-known favourite just minutes from the CBD. Full to the brim with rustic charm this casual social spot features a quintessential pub experience, boutique beer on tap, and glorious steaks.
With over ten succulent steaks, fresh frites, and more sauces than you can poke a stick at diners are most certainly spoilt for choice. If you fancy a relaxed vibe that the whole family can enjoy look no further than the Kingston Hotel.
Hal Croxon had this to say about the Kingston Hotel on Google, “Great steak. Fillet mignon was superb.”
Charcoal Restaurant
Set I the charming 1920’s Melbourne building, Charcoal is a Canberran institution. Since first opening its doors in 1962 Charcoal is known for its steak speciality. Showcasing the best in local produce Charcoal is one of a handful of local establishments to offer an extensive selection of world-class Oakley-Angus reserve, Australia’s leader in premium beef.
The classic menu serves modern cuts with a selection of sides and sauces. This old-style eatery serves up old school charm in spades along with some of the finest beef in town. If you consider yourself a steak aficionado, make sure you pay Charcoal Restaurant a visit.
Ashmita Dhungel shared this review on Google, “Best steak restaurant in town. The food, the atmosphere, and the service are absolutely amazing. Highly recommended.”
Marble and Grain
Sleek and sophisticated, Marble and Grain is a firm favourite. This European-inspired gastropub features a stunning polished marble bar, deep timber panelling, exposed concrete walls, and soft leather seating.
Their impeccable steaks come with a variety of irresistible sides, including the always popular duck fat fries. What’s more the long list of Australian and European wines and extensive selection of spirits and cocktails is another major selling point. For an extensive selection of cuts with all the extras look to Marble and Grain.
Alex Davis shared this review on Google, “Absolutely delicious food. Worth the price. If you are after a good steak this is the place.”
For more dining options you might like our articles on the best gastropubs, the best fine dining, and the best restaurants in Canberra. Should you fancy a tipple perhaps the best cocktail bars, the best wine bars, or the best pubs may also be of interest.
Your experience with steakhouses in Canberra
Thanks to our commenters who have provided insightful feedback. If you believe we have got it wrong, please let us know.
Have you had experience with any of the steakhouses listed above? If so, share your feedback in the comments below.
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Went to the kingo with the family and loved the steak with a relaxing environment !
+1
The Kingo hands down. If you don’t want to cook your own cow they have a restaurant next foor which my family loves. Here’s the menu: http://kingstonhotel.com.au/pdf/Maddies@kingston-menu.pdf
Page Tavern does the best steak in Canberra for sure. 350g or 700g challenge. Beautifully tender Diamantina beef is to die for.
karmatraveller said :
That’s a bit rough. Any reason for attacking the OP instead of every other person on the planet who writes about food without a detailed history of the produce?
Brianna said :
They are owned by the same group who run the kiosks at EPIC. It’s good to know they can cook steak because they certainly don’t do pizza well.
I had dinner last night at L’Arista in Belconnen. http://www.nutmegfood.com.au/our-venues/lartista-pizza-pasta-grill.aspx
The steak was exceptional.
I am yet to get a decent steak in Canberra. Charcoal Grill is OK, Kingsleys was very average and I fail to see the sense in cooking your own steak. Is there anywhere on a par with the Norman Hotel or Char Char Char in Brisbane?
The cook your own steaks at the Kingo are good – always have been. There is an industrial size hot English mustard squeeze bottle to boot also.
What lets the meal down is the absence of chips – all they have is a boring salad. I would happily pay an extra $5 for a bowl of crisp steak fries.
You’re comparing a steakhouse cooked sirloin, to a self-cooked Angus scotch fillet, under the banner of “best of Canberra taste off.”
Was the sirloin grain or grass fed, how many days if grain? Was the scotch fillet MSA certified, or were they upselling you black angus?
You strike me as someone who learnt to cook off Masterchef..
XO_VSOP said :
Which reminded me of this!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THNPmhBl-8I&feature=share
Genie said :
I think you can, a 16 year old could be cooking your steak at ohhh lala courgette, its not rocket science . Its all in the steak’s taste, it’s origin, its cut, grain-fed grass-fed.
You can’t compare who has the best steak when you’re cooking one of them yourself.