The Most Romantic Restaurants in Canberra for Date Night

Whether it’s a first date, a 50th date, an anniversary or a 'just because' night out, there’s no shortage of romantic restaurants to head to in Canberra.

The city’s dining scene is truly special, and there are plenty of restaurants perfect for intimate wining and dining with mood lighting and cosy nooks to set the vibe.

Looking for a new place to take your beau? Here’s our round-up of the most romantic restaurants in Canberra.

Louis 

There is something about European bistros that is inherently romantic. Louis, Canberra's latest dining destination jewel, located within the 5-star Hotel Realm, has got the vibe down pat.

Expect classic European dishes paired with exquisite cocktails and a backdrop of luxe interiors. We're talking a custom-built mosaic bar, marble, leather, pendant lighting and Bentwood chairs.

We're certain your date will be impressed by two-hatted chef's curated seasonal menu inspired by Provence and the French Riveria. One of the most romantic restaurants in Canberra? We think so! 

18 National Circuit, Canberra 

Raku

Raku is the place to go if you and your date are after a bit of alone time. With its dark interior, moody atmosphere and cosy booths, you’ll feel like you have the place to yourselves.

What’s more, the Japanese menu is designed to be shared, so you and your partner can linger over communal meals in (almost) complete privacy.

Raku’s menu is vast, and all of it is good, so you might have a tough time narrowing down your options. Some of our top picks? Try the signature nigiri, the Tajima wagyu striploin and the chef’s dessert plate.

If you’re really in the mood for love, ensure you give the Merimbula rock oysters a go.

148 Bunda Street, Civic

Compa

The warm interiors, ox blood marble and just-below-street-level location of Compa score automatic romance points. The fact that it's an Italian-style steakhouse with a focus on sustainability also adds to its charm. Pull up a stool at the bar for a glass of wine and some fresh charcuterie straight from the Moran family farm before progressing into the dining room for pasta, steak and a heap of tasty sides. 

148 Bunda Street, Canberra

The Boat House

Picture yourself in a boat house on the river (or Lake Burley Griffin, to be precise) and you’ve got this very lovely spot to take your SO.

The Boat House has some of the best lake views in Canberra, with outstanding food to boot. At lunch, you can go for the prix fixe menu and for dinner, there’s a four-course menu available. Either way - you and your dining partner will be treated to a delicious selection of contemporary dishes.

For a really romantic experience, grab an early dinner booking in the summer. That way, you can enjoy watching the sun go down over the lake with a glass of vino in hand. Bliss!

Grevillea Park, Menindee Drive, Barton

Pilot.

If a restaurant with 30 seats isn’t considered intimate, then nothing is. Pilot. is hidden away in the Ainslie shops, but behind its mysterious facade lies a beautiful dining space filled with dark wood, warm lighting and rich velvet – how much more romantic can it get?

The whole dining experience is rather exciting from start to finish. While you do know you’re in for a seven-course degustation, you don’t know what kind of food you’ll be enjoying until you arrive on the night. The staff are also friendly and the wine list is one of the best in Canberra. Trust us.

1 Wakefield Gardens, Ainslie

Corella

Right across the road from their sister, Assembly, Corella offers fine dining, elegance and blow-your-mind cocktails. The décor is chic and inviting, with soft pastel greens and a pop of blush. Inside seating is intimate, with only 30 seats - making it one of the most romantic restaurants in Canberra and perfect for your next date night. 

Your taste buds are in very good hands here, with a pair of talented chefs boasting an extensive foodie career in Australia, including at Courgette and Edgar’s Inn.

We go for the dessert alone - it’s that good – think cherry ripe and creamy coconut ice cream.

14 Lonsdale St, Braddon

Rebel Rebel

With plates designed to share, a relaxed vibe and no shortage of tables just for two in the dining room, Rebel Rebel is one of our top picks for a romantic evening in Canberra.

The restaurant’s lunch and dinner menu is packed with inventive and downright delicious contemporary share plates that you can have fun divvying up with your date. Plus, it’s headed by Sean McConnell (younger brother of Andrew McConnell of Melbourne’s Cumulus Inc. fame), so you know the food is going to be good.

Prefer to get flirty before noon? Make sure to check out Rebel Rebel’s equally stellar breakfast menu, only available on weekends.

23 Marcus Clarke Street, Acton

Les Bistronomes

Is there anything more romance-inducing than food from the most romantic country in the world? We don’t think so. Les Bistronomes is a long-time Canberra favourite, tucked away in the Campbell shops.

The food here is classic French fare, and the space is pretty plush. In other words, it’s the perfect place to go if you want to turn the romance up a notch.

Our tip? While the a la carte menu is spectacular, we prefer to let the chef do the hard work for us via the incredible five and six-course degustation menus.

18 Blamey Place, Campbell

The Meat & Wine Co

While steak might not immediately scream "romance",  The Meat & Wine Co's signature moody lighting and premium service make for the perfect mid-week date night venue.

With top-graded steak, award-winning fine wines, a mouth-watering a la carte menu, and an Afro-centric restaurant design, look no further for your next inner-city couple's spot.

220 London Circuit, Ground Level, 1 Constitution Avenue, Canberra

Loved this edit of the most romantic restaurants in Canberra and want to keep the romance alive? Check out our favourite Canberra bars and the best spots for a picnic in Canberra.