At the center of the kitchen is a custom-built wood-burning grill that delivers deep, smoky flavor to Porters signature steaks and seafood. Cuts of premium beef, including USDA Prime and locally raised Wagyu, are seared to perfection over mesquite and oak. Fresh seafood, house-made sides, and farm-fresh vegetables round out a menu that is both comforting and sophisticated. The culinary team balances bold Texas flavors with seasonal ingredients, offering a menu that is dynamic while still rooted in tradition.

The restaurant’s interior is thoughtfully designed, blending rustic charm with modern elegance. Rich wood accents, leather seating, and soft ambient lighting create an inviting space that’s perfect for everything from intimate dinners to corporate events. Whether guests are stopping by for a casual meal or a special celebration, the atmosphere is both relaxed and refined. Hand-crafted cocktails and an award-winning wine list enhance the experience, offering a diverse selection of pairings to complement every dish on the menu.

Porters is more than just a dining room—it’s an experience. The restaurant features two private dining rooms for special occasions or business meetings, as well as the Butcher Room, an exclusive space perfect for hosting unforgettable events. These options make Porters a favorite for celebrations, Aggie Ring Days, and private gatherings of all kinds.

Whether you’re visiting for a weekend brunch, a business lunch, or a celebratory dinner, Porters Dining + Bar offers an unmatched combination of flavor, ambiance, and service. It’s where classic Texas hospitality meets culinary innovation—right in the heart of Aggieland.

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Global Fusion & Cultural Crossroads

Opened in April, Meski delivers an avant-garde diasporic concept, reimagining contemporary Afro-Latin cuisine through an Ethiopian lens. Co-founded by NBA Champion Draymond Green, restaurateur Guma Fassil, and Top Chef’s Nelson German, the restaurant offers an elevated yet soulful take on diasporic cuisine. Meski features lush interiors inspired by Black Girls Green House and a cocktail program as adventurous as the menu.

Modí is a new inventive Mexican-Italian fusion restaurant, where “the Mediterranean Sea meets the Caribbean Sea, the forest meets the Tropical Jungle, and the intriguing flavors of Mexico meet the classic ones of Italy.”

Morella, San Francisco’s first Argentinian-Italian restaurant, celebrates the gastronomic influences that immigrants from European countries, particularly Spain and Italy, had on Argentinian cuisine in the decades following the mass migrations at the turn of the 20th century. Morella features traditional empanadas, wood-smoked meats, pastas and internationally inspired drinks — all meant to be enjoyed in the bright, convivial space.

Outta Sight Pizza II from Mister Jiu’s alumni Peter Dorrance and Eric Ehler serves classics and fusion by the slice in its new Chinatown location. Toppings range from Peking duck to tandoori butter masala on crisp, chewy granny or crisp standard slices.

Bombay Brasserie takes diners on a journey through India’s culinary landscape, from the aromatic spices of the North to the coastal flavors of the South, all meticulously crafted with a French twist under Executive Chef Thomas George

Newcomers & Fan Favorites

After 14 memorable years on Sacramento Street, Chef Tyler Florence’s first Bay Area restaurant, the iconic Wayfare Tavern, relocated to a larger two-story building in the Financial District this April. The upgraded space features a reimagined design inspired by the splendor of San Francisco’s rich culinary history and retains the restaurant’s Barbary Coast character.

There’s an OG Chef Cast at Foreign Cinema, a Mission District icon itself. The restaurant is hosting a five-night guest chef series saluting icons of San Francisco’s culinary history. Upcoming events feature legendary chefs Bruce Hill (Bix, Zero Zero) on May 8, Jeremiah Tower (Stars) on September 25, and Cowgirl Creamery on October 16. The series showcases collaborative menus, curated cocktails and wines and the chefs’ cookbooks.

A new entry to the Mission’s dining and drinking scene is Bar Brucato, from Brucato Amaro’s founders James and Sierra Clark. The venue—housing a distillery, tasting room, and restaurant– features Brucato Amaro’s complete line of liqueurs and a menu of California-Mediterranean cuisine. Distillery tours can be booked on Fridays and Saturdays, as well as feature tastings of upcoming releases of Brucato’s modern amaros and liqueurs native to California.

Merchant Roots moved from a small location to one with five times the space (4,500 square feet) last year, yet it still serves only 12 people per seating. Chef/owner Ryan Shelton remains true to his vision of intimate, fully immersive conceptual meals. Four quarterly-changing menus feature meticulously curated food and beverage pairings and music, lighting, and décor to match. His summer experiential tasting features a 14-course savory and sweet menu themed “Sleepover – Bedtime Stories and Nursery Rhymes.”

Big Finish, a new laidback wine tavern in the Mission District, is pouring 48 taps from around the world and serving elevated bar food. Glasses of wine are priced from $9 to $12.

Altamirano by Chef Carlos Altamirano celebrates the rich Peruvian culture while incorporating local California produce for a contemporary twist, bold flavors and unique preparations. The restaurant is in NOPA (north of the Panhandle) and features an outdoor dining courtyard with a fire pit, ample seating, and a bar.

Chef Bradley Kilgore opened his first San Francisco restaurants, Café Sebastian and Mad Lab Gelato & Kakigori, at the historic Transamerica Redwood Park. Next up at the Transamerica Pyramid Center is Kilgore’s fine-dining Ama.

Longtime Dogpatch favorite Piccino opened a second location in the Presidio at the Letterman Digital Arts Center. The seasonally driven menu includes antipasti, hand-tossed pizza, homemade pasta, and a selection of entrees, craft cocktails and wine—ingredients sourced from Piccino’s Healdsburg farm and the Organic Garden at Skywalker Ranch.

Miguel Escobedo, the chef and founder of Al Pastor Papi, opened a pop-up location in April in San Francisco’s historic Union Square. Known for its authentic Mexico City-style al pastor, Al Pastor Papi has garnered a devoted following since its inception in 2018.

Top Chef’s Tu David Phu debuted GiGi’s, a Vietnamese wine bar featuring a menu that includes standout banh mi and wagyu hot dogs.

Fifty Vara, a neighborhood kitchen and bar serving creative takes on San Francisco cuisine, opened in the Outer Sunset. Complementing the creative menu is a rotating selection of house-brewed beers enjoyed in a fresh, coastal atmosphere that reflects the neighborhood’s connection to nature.

French is more than the flavor of the month in San Francisco. Michelin-starred chef Bruno Chemel opened Le Parc Bistrobar in the Galleria Park Hotel near Union Square, bringing a taste of Paris to the city. Other French venues that recently opened include Caché in the Inner Sunset, whose chef hails from a two-star Michelin restaurant in Bordeaux; Michael and Lindsay Tusk’s chic Verjus, styled as a cave à manger; and Galinette, a beach bistro in the Outer Sunset.

The second location of Little Original Joe’s in the Marina has drawn crowds since its opening in 2024. The restaurant and bar serve elevated casual Italian American food.

Cheezy’s Artisan Pizza opened at food hall Saluhall, marking award-winning U.S. Pizza Team member David Jacobson’s first independent restaurant project. The concept features a five-day, slow-fermented sourdough base for three distinct styles: Neo-Neapolitan, Grandma Style, and Gluten-Free options. Smish Smash also opened in the food hall, bringing the ultimate smashed burger patties and specialty sauces.

Club Fugazi announced the lineup for the 2025 Chef’s Series at Dear San Francisco, the critically acclaimed intimate, immersive circus experience created by Bay Area natives and The 7 Fingers co-founders Shana Carroll and Gypsy Snider. Each month, guests will have the opportunity to savor signature dishes from a different restaurant, expertly curated and presented in the vibrant ambiance of Club Fugazi.

Revived Icons

Izzy’s Steaks & Chops reopened in the Marina District this year following a six-month restoration and renovation. The nearly 40-year-old family-owned restaurant with Barbary Coast saloon roots is known for its comforting cuisine, classic cocktails, and warm hospitality.

Seal Rock Inn Restaurant has been revived by its new owner. Chef and chocolatier Alfred Schilling serves a menu reflecting his French heritage. Located two blocks from the historic Cliff House and Sutro Baths, the half-century-old dining room and its stunning views remain the same.

Turtle Tower, the renowned pho and Northern Vietnamese restaurant, made its comeback downtown this year, opening on California Street.

North Beach neighborhood icons, Park Tavern on Washington Square and North Beach Restaurant, have reopened. Park Tavern is under the culinary direction of American chef and partner Jonathan Waxman.

Magnolia Brewing in Haight Ashbury has reopened with new, local owners. The refreshed venue features a 17-tap system and brews beer using its seven-barrel brewing system, producing favorites like Kalifornia Kolsch and Proving Ground IPA.

On the Embarcadero

The team behind Michelin-starred Sorrel (Chef Alex Hong and Director of Operations Joel Wilkerson) will debut Parachute Bakery and Arquet Restaurant in the San Francisco Ferry Building. Slated to open in June, Parachute will offer a morning-through-afternoon bakery and café experience, plus a retail area filled with house-made packaged products. Next, Arquet will open as a full-service restaurant, lounge, and bar. Helmed by a Michelin-starred culinary and service team, the restaurant will highlight locally sourced ingredients, wood-fired cooking, and seasonal vegetables.

Parachute and Arquet join a thriving variety of venues in the Ferry Building Marketplace.  Nopa Fish is also slated to debut there this year, and recent openings include Lunette Cambodia, Ocean Malasada, and Palmvy.

Downtown’s waterfront Embarcadero, which the Ferry Building anchors, is becoming a buzzy culinary destination. New restaurants like Alora (serving modern Mediterranean cuisine) and Bon Délire (a chic, creative take on a Parisian bistro) have joined stalwarts such as Epic Steak, Waterbar and La Mar.

Culinary Corridors on the Rise

The corridor between SoMa’s waterfront Oracle Park (home to the San Francisco Giants) and Mission Bay’s Chase Center (home to the Golden State Warriors) has seen a surge of fan-favorite openings.

Mission Rock, the new 28-acre mixed-use development in Mission Bay, welcomed Flour + Water Pizza Shop. The shop serves the team’s signature 13-inch pizzas, “Big Slice” squares, and fan-favorite antipasti in a casual setting steps away from China Basin Park and McCovey Cove.

Arsicault Bakery opened on the ground floor of Verde in Mission Rock, joining nearby Ike’s Love & Sandwiches. Next up are Quik Dog and a new restaurant by the Che Fico team.

Surrounding Chase Center, the 11-acre Thrive Center recently welcomed the Bay Area’s favorite Filipino fusion spot, Señor Sisig, along with Kayah by Burma Love, Taco Primo, and Splash at Thrive City, a state-of-the-art, 30,000 square foot sports bar and restaurant. Splash encompasses two levels and features three bars, over 75 televisions, an elevated menu, and multiple indoor and pet-friendly outdoor entertainment areas.

New and existing outlets such as Che Fico Pizzeria, Cupcakin’ Bake Shop, Dumpling Time, Gott’s Roadside, Harmonic Brewing, Miller & Lux, GluGlu, and Philz Coffee will be joined by Fikscue Craft BBQ.

The Yerba Buena neighborhood, the city’s premier arts and convention district, will welcome eight new businesses in 2025, adding to the 18 that opened in 2024.  Shoji, a Japanese-style café and cocktail lounge from The Shota crew, opened in April. It joins Golden Eye Social, Sextant Coffee Roasters, Hungry Table, West Coast Sourdough, El Dorado, Hey Tea and Dabao Singapore.

Coming Soon

Opening this summer is The Happy Crane, a contemporary Chinese restaurant. Chef James Yeun Leong Parry’s debut restaurant will pay homage to the authenticity of Chinese cuisine whilst reimagining it in a fun and inviting atmosphere. James brings culinary credentials, having worked in internationally acclaimed restaurants, including Bo Innovation and Ta Vie in Hong Kong and Nihonryori RyuGin in Tokyo. In 2017, he moved to the Bay Area to work at Chef Corey Lee’s celebrated three-Michelin-star Benu, before becoming the head chef of Palette Teahouse and then launching The Happy Crane as a pop-up in 2023.

JouJou, the next restaurant from Michelin-starred Lazy Bear chef David Barzelay and True Laurel‘s Colleen Booth, is slated to open soon in SoMA. Inspired equally by great restaurants and louche lounges, JouJou will bring French food to the table through the California lens of Chef David Barzelay.

Founders Danielle Thoe and Sara Yergovich will bring Rikki’s, the Bay’s first bar prioritizing women’s sports, to 2223 Market St. The owners aim to open the women’s sports bar in time for the Valkyries’ first WNBA season.

SAN FRANCISCO TRAVEL

San Francisco Travel is the official destination marketing organization for the City and County of San Francisco. The city is one of the top tourism and meetings destinations in the U.S., attracting over 23 million visitors annually. In 2024, total visitor-related spending contributed $9.26 billion into the San Francisco economy and supported nearly 62,000 jobs.

For information on reservations, activities and more in San Francisco, visit www.sftravel.com.

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With so many wineries to explore, we’ve hand-picked a selection of cellar doors and wineries for you to explore across the region.

Clonakilla Wines
Celebrated as one of Australia’s best wineries, Clonailla continues making waves internationally after taking out the Best First Class Red for Qantas with their 2022 Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier Clonakilla in the prestigious Cellars in the Sky Competition. Drop into the cellar door of this small, family run winery and taste their award winning wines and discover their commitment to producing distinctive handcrafted local wines in limited quantities.

Mount Majura Vineyard
A leader in Canberra and Australia for the Spanish red wine variety Tempranillo, Mount Majura’s single vineyard site of red clay loam soils containing limestone also produces high quality Riesling and Shiraz along with experimental varietals such as Graciano and Mondeuse. The Mount Majura Vineyard cellar door features a seated tasting allowing an interactive yet relaxing tasting experience and guests can stay onsite in a tiny cabin or the bell tents from Cubby and Co.

Helm Wines
As one of the leading wineries in the Canberra district, Helm Wines are renowned for their award-winning Rieslings and Cabernet Sauvignons. Established by Ken and Judith Helm in 1973, Helm Wines received a red five-star rating by James Halliday making this an essential stop for all budding and experienced wine connoisseurs.

The Vintner’s Daughter
Aptly named after founder, Stephanie, who started making wine when she was nine years old at her parent’s winery and vineyard at Helm Wines, The Vintner’s Daughter has become one of Canberra’s most premium boutique wineries. With a vision that extends beyond tradition, The Vintner’s Daughter is popular for its commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and the distinct terroir of the Canberra region.

Canberra Cellar Door
For those short on time, the new Canberra Cellar Door experience is the perfect first stop on your Canberra wine journey. Popping up every Saturday at the Canberra and Region Visitors Centre, Canberra Cellar Door offers a curated introduction to local wines for those who can’t make it out to the Canberra District Wine District.

For more information on Canberra’s unique wine region, visit https://visitcanberra.com.au/things-to-do/canberras-wine-region

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Blending traditional Italian cooking techniques with a contemporary approach, standout dishes from the new menu include the Braised Lamb Pappardelle, a comforting and hearty pasta elevated with baby kale and demi tomatoes, and the Skull Island Prawns, perfectly paired with heirloom beans and a fennel slaw. Guests can also indulge with the Truffle Macaroni, featuring winter black truffles and caciocavallo cheese, or savor the deep, complex flavors of the Beef Short Rib for Two, slow-cooked with black garlic and barolo jus.

“For me, Italian cuisine is all about vibrant flavors and the finest ingredients, prepared with finesse,” said chef Shawn McClain, Balla Italian Soul. “Our new menu reflects that spirit, featuring seasonally-driven salads, a parade of handmade pastas, seafood and steaks from our wood fired grill and finishing with classically-inspired desserts. Our team takes great pride in both honoring traditions, as well as finding new ways and perspectives to bring such a richly-storied and colorful cuisine to life.”

The complete dinner menu follows:

Bread Service

• House-Made Focaccia – Rosemary crackers, balsamic, pecorino, extra virgin olive oil
• Warm Castelvetrano Olives – Citrus, spices

For the Table

• Caesar – Sweet baby gems, fresh herbs, anchovies
• Roasted Eggplant – Roasted garlic, mint, pickled peppers, castelrosso cheese
• West Coast Oysters – Fresh tomato mignonette, horseradish, agrumato
• Wild Arugula – Red onion, lemon, walnut, pecorino riserva
• Whipped Ricotta – Roasted baby beets, basil, pistachio, balsamico bianco
• Italian Ham Trio – Parma, culatello, speck
• Blue Fin Tuna Crudo – Red onion, capers, lemon, extra virgin olive oil
• Meatballs – Beef, pork, veal, golden raisins
• Fritto Misto – Calamari, lemon, zucchini, peppers
• Steamed Blue Hill Bay Mussels – Pancetta, preserved lemon, green garlic

Pasta

• Spaghetti al Ragù – Piedmontese beef, house-made sausage, stracciatella
• Truffle Macaroni – Winter black truffles, caciocavallo cheese
• Tomato Casarecce – Garlic, Calabrian chili, basil
• Linguini Fra Diavolo – Red shrimp, calamari, ‘nduja sausage
• Chicken Canneloni – Alfredo sauce, rosemary, parmesan
• Braised Lamb Pappardelle – Baby kale, demi tomatoes
• Nonna’s Brodo – Prosciutto, black pepper, herbs

Pizza

• Calabria – Spicy tomato, basil, parm
• Formaggio – Green garlic, caciocavallo, ricotta, pecorino, mozzarella
• Spagnola – Spanish chorizo, red onion, piparras, pecorino

Mains

• Ocean Beef New Zealand 8-Ounce Filet – Toasted pepper, roasted bone marrow
• Piedmontese 8-Ounce Flat Iron – Roasted garlic, rosemary
• Allen Brothers 18-Ounce Ribeye – Aged 21 days, roasted garlic, rosemary
• Flannery 14-Ounce New York – Dry aged 14 days, roasted garlic, rosemary
• Mary’s Chicken Diavola – ‘Nduja sausage, preserved lemon, chili
• Chicken Parm – Red sauce, mozzarella, oregano, basil
• Beef Short Rib for Two – Slow cooked with black garlic, pickled radicchio, barolo jus
• Riverence Rainbow Trout – Cauliflower, almonds, golden raisins, prosecco butter
• Mediterranean Sea Bream – Lemon butter, capers, wild greens
• Skull Island Prawns – Heirloom beans, fennel slaw
• Heritage Pork Chop – Roasted peppers, Tropea Onion Agrodolce

Sides

• Roasted Cauliflower – Bagna cauda, pickled chilies
• Potato Purée – Roasted garlic, parm crust
• Crispy Brussels – Pancetta vinaigrette
• Broccoli di Cicco – Garlic, lemon, spicy crumbs
• Stuffed Mushrooms – Imported cheese, marsala

Dessert

• Panna Cotta – Limoncello, seasonal fruits, brown sugar pizzelle
• Dark Chocolate Tart – Hazelnuts, mascarpone, Nutella
• Tiramisu – Espresso, feuilletine, amaretto cream
• Bomboloni – Sweet cream, raspberry preserves
• Gelato – Pistachio, Luxardo cherry or Nutella crunch
• Italian Cookies – Chef’s assortment

In addition to its la carte menu, Balla also offers a decadent chef’s tasting menu for $95 per person, with the option to add on a $65 wine pairing. The four-course menu is curated by Balla’s chefs utilizing distinctive and seasonal ingredients.

Hotel guests presenting their SAHARA room key to the host at dinner may also enjoy an exclusive three-course menu for $49 per person. The hotel guests-only menu includes the following:

First Course (choose one):

• Caesar Salad – Baby gems, fresh herbs, anchovies
• Wild Arugula – Red onion, lemon, walnuts, pecorino

Main Course (choose one):

• Macaroni al Ragù – House made sausage, beef, stracciatella
• Chicken Parm – Bufala mozzarella, red sauce

Gelato (choose one):

• Nutella Crunch
• Pistachio
• Luxardo Cherry

Dining hours are nightly from 5 to 10 p.m. For more information or to make a reservation, click here.

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Expect artisanal sourdough, laminated pastries, iced brioche buns and delicately flavoured macarons from our curated selection of bakeries and patisseries scattered across the city without the hour-long queues! Get ready for a pastry coma.

UNDER
under-bakery.com
1/30 Mawson Place, Mawson

This suburban bakery has a cult following and for good reason! Initially starting life as a humble market stall, where it became famous for its freshly baked cardamom and cinnamon buns, UNDER moved into its current premises in 2020. Specialising in drool-worthy baked goods such as hand-crafted sourdough, sweet buns, and pastries, this bakery is definitely worth a visit.

Silo Bakery + Cafe 
silobakery.com.au
36 Giles Street, Kingston

Described by the New York Times as ‘part Brooklyn, part wartime Parisian bakery’ this aesthetically pleasing bakery and cafe has long been regarded as one of Canberra’s best bakeries. Famous for its delicate pastries, artisanal breads and delicious tarts, it’s the perfect spot to savour some of their freshly baked sourdough or rye loaf, followed by a fluffy almond croissant. The cafe also serves an all-day menu and a stellar cup of coffee.

Three Mills 
threemillsbakery.com.au
Woden, Fyshwick and Belconnen

Having recently welcomed another outpost in Woden, Three Mills is fast becoming a Canberra institution for delicious artisan breads, pastries and hot baked goods. Famous for their artisan sourdough using house-milled flour, traditional long fermentation techniques and local ingredients, they also offer a delicious selection of hand-rolled pastries from flaky, buttery croissants, danishes and escargots to a variety of quiches, sausage rolls and pies.

Flute
​​theflutebakery.com.au
8 Barrier Street, Fyshwick

One peek at Flute’s Instagram feed filled with macarons, rich gateaux of every flavour, and freshly iced brioche buns, you’ll be jumping in your car to drive to their Fyshwick store. It’s a pastry lover’s dream! Need a cake for a special occasion? They also produce large flourless cakes, with gluten free options available.

Wildflour
​​wildflour.com.au/cafe
Kingston, Fyshwick & Weston

Matcha croissants, Biscoff buns, Pearl Milk Tea pancakes, soft cinnamon donuts and stacks of freshly baked bread are just some of the items on offer at this Canberra staple, located in Weston, Kingston and Fyshwick. Not to mention excellent Ona coffee.

Space Kitchen 
space-kitchen.com.au
3G/12 Furzer Street, Phillip

Expect a sugar rush when you visit the Willy Wonka inspired Space Kitchen which was named the Best Patisserie in Australia in 2022. This colourful and quirky eatery produces deliciously wild desserts and Instagrammable creations perfect for a sweet pick-me-up.

The Bakesmith at Pialligo
https://www.instagram.com/thepialligobakesmith/ 
12 Beltana Road, Pialligo

This artisan bakery and cafe located at The Commons serves up classically French sweets and pastries, baked fresh by owner and creative baker, Natalie Van den Bosch. To complement her delectable treats, guests can savour the savoury breakfast and lunch menu and a cup of freshly roasted coffee.

For more information on Canberra’s F&B offering, please visit https://visitcanberra.com.au/food-and-drink

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“The restaurant industry is growing and thriving, with restaurant openings surpassing pre-pandemic levels for the first time. To take advantage of the uptick, restaurateurs are re-investing in their wine programs,” said Marvin R. Shanken, Editor and Publisher, Wine Spectator. “Restaurants that make wine a priority are what the Wine Spectator Restaurant Awards program is all about. I’m pleased to congratulate all 3,777 restaurants for their dedication to wine and exemplary wine lists.”

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Vamo Pa La Playa

Written by Sydney Roberson

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From award-winning fine dining to an international dining experience only minutes from the city centre, Canberra knows how to make your night out memorable. Start adding these must-dine spots to the bucket list and we guarantee your special someone will be more than impressed.

Such and Such

Canberra’s dining scene is waiting to surprise you, and Such and Such is the perfect marvel to kick things off. This quirky eatery boasted the title of New Restaurant of the Year in the Good Food Awards – across Canberra and New South Wales – in 2023. And if that title alone isn’t enough for you to travel to Canberra for an impressive meal, then we’re not sure what is.

KOTO

Traditional architecture and dramatic design, the KOTO interior preserves and revitalises the half-a-century old, Japan-heritage architecture of The Lobby; one of the most prominent historical buildings within the National Triangle. Dine under the knowing menu of sushi master, Shinya Nakano, who trained in Kyoto with a fifth-generation sushi master, later working his magic at Australian restaurants where he was awarded two-hats from Good Food Guide for his 18-course omakase style menu. So, while the building alone will astonish you, be sure to prepare for a dining experience that matches its fit-out’s prowess.

Corella Bar

Corella is an intimate escape away from the daily grind. This cosy restaurant and bar feels a world away from normal, yet it is right in the centre of the bustling Braddon precinct. The service is polished yet unpretentious, and with a thoughtful wine list and bespoke cocktails, it’s the perfect place for a romantic date night.

Pilot

Pilot is upscale dining, but not as you’re used to it. A restaurant built on pure hospitality and delicious Australian ingredients, Pilot’s chic fit-out and seven course degustation menu is sure to leave you satisfied, impressed, and deeply comfortable. They boast a smart, low-fuss experience and love hearing the phrase, “just treat us” from their patrons. And treat you, they will.

OHNO!

The OHNO! date night enjoys loud flavours and messing with the classics, flipping what’s expected of Pan-Asian cuisine on its head. Drop by, graze over some share plates, and select from their extensive wine list. Or wander upstairs to the cosy cocktail bar to sip or snack in the company of in-house DJs while you wait for your table to dine.

Louis

Located within a five-star hotel, Louis is the newest crown jewel of one of Canberra’s most celebrated fine-dining chefs, Ben Willis. It aims at bringing a multi-layered culinary offering right at the heart of the capital, combining a classical European dining experience with sophisticated cocktails. If you’re in the mood for romantic French cuisine with your loved one, Louis is the go-to – oui oui!

INKA

If you haven’t tried Peruvian Japanese fusion before, now is your chance to indulge at Inka. Prepare to be delighted by the Nikkei concept of this beautiful dining room, which promotes an enticing scope of cocktail styles and flavours from both Japan and South America, combining finesse and balance with the wild and tropical.

RAKU

You’d be forgiven for thinking a shopping centre isn’t the obvious place to look when you’re seeking romance – but RAKU delivers it in spades. This sleek modern Japanese restaurant is a versatile date-night destination. Sit at the bench and watch the chefs craft beautiful plates of sashimi, nigiri and maki rolls or hide out in one of the sculptural timber booths and ignore the rest of the world. Whichever option you choose, you’re assured of a memorable dining experience.

Bada Bing

If casual dining meets cosy rat-pack hideaway is the feeling you’re seeking for date night, then Bada Bing Dining Club has you covered. Seamlessly blending retro charm with light-hearted fun, sink into the impeccable style and culinary of old-school Italy at this inner-city eatery. Everything from traditional pastas to woodfired pizza, it’ll definitely be “that’s amore” for all involved.

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Madre

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