Whether you’re toasting to romance, friendship or family, 14 February marks a yearly celebration of lifelong love. Photo: Buvette.
Valentine’s Day falls on a Wednesday this year, so what better way to brighten the mid-week blues than a night out with your other half?
Canberra’s food scene has plenty of range – more than enough to suit pubbers and clubbers alongside regular fine diners. Chef-hatted and award-winning restaurants come out to play when only the very best will do, and luckily, the ACT has plenty.
From the finest contemporary Australian dishes to traditional wines or even a cocktail or two, here are some of Canberra’s most coveted dining destinations for an evening to remember this Valentine’s Day.
Braddon Merchant highlights local produce through a ‘simple, honest menu’. Photo: Midnight Hotel.
Midnight Hotel, Braddon Merchant
When: Wednesday 14 February, sittings at 5 pm and 8 pm
Where: Braddon Merchant, Midnight Hotel, 1 Elouera Street, Braddon
Cost: $135 per person. Reservations essential.
For the fifth year in a row, Midnight Hotel will celebrate Valentine’s Day at its on-site restaurant, Braddon Merchant.
This year, the celebration will feature a selection of exclusive modern Australian dishes alongside thoughtful sommelier-paired wines or (for a little extra) free-flowing Moët & Chandon Impérial Brut.
Water’s Edge is an award-winning modern-Australian restaurant offering stunning lakeside dining for lunch and dinner. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
Water’s Edge
When: Wednesday 14 February, sittings at 5:45, 7:30 and 8.30 pm
Where: Waters Edge, 40 Parkes Place, Parkes
Cost: $125 per person. Spots are limited – secure yours online.
Having been awarded an Australian Good Food Guide hat two years in a row and TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice award three times, Water’s Edge adds a little bit of wonder to fine dining on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin.
This Valentine’s Day, co-owner and executive chef Avtar Singh presents a three-course chef’s choice menu that promises to add something extra special to any date night.
Louis restaurant in Hotel Realm has something special planned for passionate diners this February. Photo: DOMA.
Louis
When: Wednesday 14 February, sittings from 5:30 to 9 pm, live performances from 6 to 9 pm
Where: Louis, Hotel Realm (ground floor), 18 National Circuit, Barton
Cost: $175 per person. Book online.
Five-course degustation menu? Check. Sparkling on arrival? Check. Live pianist and singer performing timeless love songs and romantic requests? Check!
Louis has carefully curated the most romantic of evenings for local lovebirds this Valentine’s Day, complete with a special menu designed by culinary director Ben Willis.
Bar Rochford invites guests to “come upstairs, share with your friends and contribute to our home in one of the capital’s oldest buildings”. Photo: Bar Rochford.
Bar Rochford
When: Wednesday 14 February, early sittings 5:30 and 5:45 pm, late sittings 8:15 and 8:30 pm
Where: Bar Rochford, (first floor) 65 London Circuit, Canberra City
Cost: $100 per person. Bookings required.
Hidden away in the historic Melbourne Building in Canberra City, Bar Rochford is revered for its exceptional seasonal dishes and expansive drinks selection.
This local wine and cocktail staple fosters a warm, intimate atmosphere that lends itself perfectly to a cozy Valentine’s dinner.
Overlooking Lake Burley Griffin, it doesn’t get much more romantic than The Boathouse. Photo: The Boathouse.
The Boathouse
When: Wednesday 14 February, seating at 7 pm
Where: Grevillea Park, Menindee Drive, Barton
Cost: $220 per person. Book online.
If you’re looking for exclusivity, look no further than The Boathouse, which offers a five-course degustation with matched beverages and complimentary drinks on arrival this Valentine’s Day.
With a menu described as ‘decadent’, ‘beautiful’, and ‘explorative’, this fine dining giant is sure to inspire extra love.
Most of the art at Such and Such was sourced from co-owners Dash and Ross’s personal collection. Photo: Lucy Ridge.
Such and Such
When: Open all day for Valentine’s Day
Where: 220 London Circuit, Canberra City.
Cost: Here and There (1.5 hours) $75 per person, Such and Such (2 hours) $105 per person. Make a booking to avoid missing out.
Best New Restaurant winner in the Good Food Guide 2024 awards, Such and Such brings together the best of art and food in a vibrant city setting.
Decide between two lively modern menus this Valentine’s Day, or go a la carte to pick and choose your favourites.
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