Hatted Restaurants in Canberra to Book ASAP

The annual release of the Australian Good Food Guide Awards is always something to look forward to for the foodies in our midst. And this year, plenty of Canberra restaurants have been hatted.

For chefs and restaurants, getting a ‘hat’ is the highest honour. To score a hat (or multiple chef hats), a restaurant needs a minimum grade of 14 out of 20, which considers factors like ingredients, taste, presentation, technique, value, and consistency. Basically, booking a seat at a hatted restaurant is a surefire way to secure yourself a memorable meal. 

Not sure where to start? For food with all the frills, tip your hat to these award-winning, hatted restaurants in Canberra. Which ones will you be booking? 

Pilot

Pilot, hidden away in the Ainslie shops behind a mysterious facade, is a beautiful dining space filled with dark wood, warm lighting and rich velvet. The fine dining experience is exciting from start to finish with no preview menu available beforehand and fresh produce front and centre. The seven-course degustation pairs perfectly with their curated selection of unique and sustainable beers and wines. It's little wonder why Pilot has been awarded two hats! 

1 Wakefield Gardens, Ainslie

Raku

Fusing modern Australian with the art of Japanese cookery, Raku is a destination in and unto itself. Detail is at the heart of the Raku experience from the fine ceramic vessels to the seasonal produce and Robata grilled meats. Order the tasting menu if you can’t decide what to eat. (Quietly, their Nasu Dengaku is sublime.) The atmosphere is also quite romantic, making it perfect for a couple's outing. 

148 Bunda Street, Civic, Canberra

Rebel Rebel

Rebel Rebel is loved by working locals for in between meetings/ casual catch-ups but we think it also makes a great gathering place for special events. Their minimalist menu combines elevated and intriguing ingredients with an Australian twist. Expect the likes of grilled prawns and bay leaf butter and burnt honey and citrus ice cream sangas. With their very own bottle shop, you best bet the wine list is something else. 

Shop 21-23 Marcus Clarke Street, Canberra

Mu Omakase 

Mu Omakase is a relative newcomer to Canberra’s fine dining scene and is already gaining a solid rep as one of the best Japanese restaurants in Canberra, hence the hat. Here, you’re seated at the counter and chefs serve up a very tasty degustation menu based on whatever’s freshest and in season that day. The sake menu is fantastic whilst the interior is intimate and moody. 

1 Constitution Avenue, Canberra City 

Such and Such

From the team behind Pilot,  Such and Such is your friendly neighbourhood watering hole. An all-day restaurant with a focus on wine and chilled vibes, you can drop in for a snack and a glass of vino or a laid-back lunch or dinner. Heavy on nostalgia, the menu shifts with the seasons but features innovative flavour combos, comfort eats and top-notch produce. 

8/220 London Circuit, Constitution Place, Canberra

Inka

Inka has brought Nikkei to Canberra and you best get on board. Having been awarded a hat for their fusion of Peruvian and Japanese food, it's definitely one to add to your hitlist. You can expect impeccably presented and colourful dishes with cocktails to match. The menu is divided into ceviche bar, kitchen and robata grill and features the likes of tuna tostadas, freshly rolled sushi and grilled Hokkaido scallops. We recommend the well-priced tasting menu for the ultimate sampler. 

Shop B11A, 148 Bunda Street, Canberra

If you're well on your way to becoming a Canberra restaurant connoisseur and keen to discover more foodie gems, be sure to check out our edits of the best restaurants on Lonsdale Street and the best Japanese restaurants in Canberra.