Reviews Aubergine

Name: Aubergine
Address: 18 Barker St, Canberra, Australia, I-2603
Telephone: +61 2 6260 8666
Rating: 95

Tien Kelly

First, the service was impeccable, for example, water was refilled promptly, coats were taken to a coat storage area, when saying thank you to the servers/waiters, they replied with "You are very welcome." in a sincere and calm tone, when returning from the bathroom my linen napkin was made into a decorative shape and then placed gently back on my lap, the meals were explained when they made it to the table and the door was held open for us when we went to leave. Second, the atmosphere was conducive to fine dining; lovely furnishings, beautifully dim lights, quiet peaceful music, very clean bathrooms with beautiful soap, thick soft paper towels and heated benches. Third, lovely additionals, such as squid ink crisps with apple puree and radish, rich chocolate truffles, and thin handmade sourdough bread, which was topped up when we'd finished the first serving, with creamy butter. Fourth, the food was out of this world. For entrees we had a kingfish pastrami which was unbelievably tender, something that was a recurring theme, and a Coffin Bay octopus dish, with roasted octopus broth which was poured over when it arrived at the table, it also included 'noodles' which were thin strips of cuttlefish, so tender that it my fork prong slid through it, without any force but gravity. All dishes were presented beautifully, like art, this one included. Mains: The duck breast with incredibly seasoned skin, it came with a duck sausage that was a portion of a large sausage, with a perfect amount of duck fat and proper intestine casing, and a great jus, the sweetest corn ever, and onion skins filled with a gorgeous crème. The beef was cut into smallish squares cooked medium rare, so amazingly tender, never had beef that tender in my life, with a marrow sauce and broccolini. The deserts were also amazing, which wasn't surprising, an orange crème caramel with hazelnut praline and orange sorbet was a good end to the meal, and the chocolate ganache, chocolate opaque jelly, licorice cream and pumpkin sorbet. The pumpkin sorbet was gorgeously sweet, with a savory twist. This dessert was described as "Ridiculous" by my dining partner, and it was so incredible. An amazing night, but must make a reservation, there are two seatings, 6:00-8:15pm and then 8:30pm onwards. The wine list was crazy extensive, but luckily there is a sommelier to help. There was even a 750mL bottle of French Apple Cider for $90. It's a must for anyone who visits or lives in Canberra, especially great for a first date or intimate birthday celebration.

Miriam Hewson

My husband and I visited this evening to celebrate my birthday. We had an absolutely wonderful time. The duck was amazing and the beef was the best I have ever had. The matched wines were perfect but unconventional. The sommelier did an exceptional job of explaining why he chose each wine & how they would compliment each course. Cannot recommend highly enough. *****

Lorraine O'Keeffe Brookes

An amazing dining experience with exceptional staff. Friendly and attentive. Food is beyond belief and worth the drive from Sydney. Just an incredible experience all round. Thank you for an incredible night

Michael Kinder

Prompt without feeling rushed; high class without being pretentious; a full meal without being heavy. A superb experience, and one of the best meals I have ever had. Fantastic, please keep it up!

Marina Buchanan-Grey

A wonderful experience at dinner last night. The food was amazing and the wine pairing outstanding. The staff were also very welcoming, knowledgable and attentive without being obtrusive. I'd highly recommend it.

Vanessa Beck

Amazing food, fantastic wine and a fabulous atmosphere. The staff are extremely knowledgeable and very attentive. My favourite Canberra restaurant and it never disappoints �

Marisa Foley

An amazing dining experience! Could not fault a thing. Knowledgeable and attentive staff, excellent food and wine. We had the wines to match each of our courses and the choices truly complimented each other. My taste buds were doing a happy dance!

Michael Sanders

Absolutely fabulous food and wine great service also, the noise levels though are atrocious please engage an acoustics engineer.

Moyan Gosper

Best. Dinner. Ever. The staff were attentive yet not obtrusive; each course was amazing especially with the matched wines, and with each explanation on what we would be drinking it was a bit like dinner and a show! Definitely will be going back.

Trish McKnight

Beautiful food and the interesting wine pairings from the friendly sommelier made it a great experience for a family birthday celebration.

Debra Lee Clayton

1st time to this amazing restaurant, the food was amazing, loved every course, will certainly be back when in Canberra again...2 hats so deserved

Jess Dunn

Friendly, knowledgeable staff. Interesting wine matching & talented chefs. Thank you for a great night Aubergine! �

Jared Richardson

Amazing food and the service is on another level . Would definitely recommend.

Anna Nathan

An amazing evening. Food truly delicious, service impeccable , love the decor. I will most definitely return on my next visit to Canberra

Msjazz

+4.5

Canberra two hatted dining at its finest. Menu is seasonal & the wine list is extensive. Dining is over four courses, with the first course selected by the chef. Everything I ate was delicious from the mulloway (fish) - first course, sommerland chicken- second course, John Dory - third course & white chocolate mousse w/ lemonade fruits for dessert. We also received a chef's selection of starters which were super tasty too! A great spot to celebrate a special occasion & they are also able to cater to all dietary requirements.

Sep 17, 2017

LuluBelle

Omg love love loved it
From the authentic French Sommelier who was absolutely awesome and the wonderful service team, front of house certainly delivered.
Then the food.... exquisite, Devine, absolutely fabulous in every way!
Well worth every cent
Done there again? Definitely!

Jun 24, 2017

Chris

One of the very best degustation restaurants I have been to.
I take my elderly mother there every year or so, and the staff remember us, and give wonderful, helpful and informative service. They make my mum feel very special.
The food and wine are always superb. We are never rushed.

Jun 17, 2017

Dolce Bunnie

If we only had the option to go to one fancy restaurant during our recent trip to Canberra, it would’ve been Aubergine. When our taxi driver drove past the busy streets of Canberra and into a leafy green suburb I hesitated and thought that we might have given him the wrong address. I was equally concerned when he pulled up in a quite suburban shopping complex. Among the stores, there was a butcher, a hairdresser, a grocery store, then there was Aubergine. From the outside, Aubergine looked understated yet tasteful - there was nothing that screamed ‘look at me, I’m the number 1 ranked restaurant in Canberra with 2 Chef Hats’. Rather, it was cream walls with simple black writing - Aubergine.

May 01, 2017

Amber

We visited Aubergine around valentines and enjoyed the excellent food and service. We received a voucher for our engagement party (which is an excellent gift idea! We loved the experience.) The $90 menu was good value for the restaurant, and the wine we had was great. I had king fish (which wasn't really my cup of tea but still nice), lamb rump (absolutely delicious), mousse dessert (nice). My partner had pork belly, duck and the ice cream - he loved all his food. I'd recommend visiting for a special occasion.

Mar 25, 2017

Little Pink Piggy

Took my parents here for my mum's birthday. We decided on the $90 degustation menu. Unsure if there is any other way to order to be honest. The restaurant is very intimate with only about 20 tables available. The transparent black curtains made the restaurant quite dim. We received some complementary bread which would have been better served warm. The starter- baby octopus- was delicious and looked beautiful on the plate. My entree was the poached John Dory which was rather flavorless. My main way also fish. Blue eyed trevella which was better than the dory but very small in size. The desert was a bit of a disappointment as usually which mousse is beautiful. Those at the table who ordered the ice cream were very disappointed with the single quinelle! The pros of the night was the service (my wine and water were always topped up) and the prettiness of the dishes made for eye candy! Have to mention that the wait times between meals were ridiculous. I got there at 7pm and didn't leave until 9.30pm. I think the small kitchen must really struggle on a Saturday night. The bill was $550 for five people which included a bottle of wine. A nice one-off experience but not really value for money even by fine-dining standards. The focus was about presentation rather than the flavour.

Mar 21, 2017

Kevy K

+4.5

Mention the name 'Aubergine' to a local and you'll usually receive a knowing, appreciative look of envy that you're dining there. Even those who haven't been to the restaurant know the name.

Located conveniently in Griffith, there is ample street parking.

Booking and service were as you would expect. Courteous, professional and efficient. An online reservation via OpenTable and email + SMS confirmation. We were fortunate to receive a lovely table for two by the window on what eventuated to be a full-house mid-week.

The ambience is semi-formal. Neat to smart casual attire. Well spaced tables to provide enough intimacy between diners, high ceilings and black sheer privacy curtains among the windows. I can only imagine what it would be like if this place overlooked the waterfront or an elevation.

Although only recently renovated, this place really deserves a view commiserate with the food on offer.

Menu is $90 prix fixe. Chef's choice of appertiser, followed by a your choice of entree, mains and dessert. The menu evolves with the seasons. An optional $14 cheese course or fresh oysters available at $4/piece. The restaurant is happy to accomodate any dietary requirements.

Aubergine is one of few restaurants utilising the Coravin preservation system to allow them to serve special wines 'by the glass'. An extensive list of French wines, located varietals... my advice is to trust the sommelier. His suggestions and knowledge of wines were spot on.

Canapes and entree. A delectable morsel of a cheese biscuit, wafer with raspberry salt contrasting the baked carrots with sesame. The carrots rubbery, but otherwise a well presented start to the evening. A palate cleanser of a delicious pyramid of compressed watermelon with the classic combination of a sweet citrus mandarin. Onwards to main course and everything was perfectly cooked, presented and executed. The duck, so deliciously soft, juicy and tender over a circle of sweet pear and purple carrot. The vegetarian option, a tomato terrine. Dory, not often a fish seen in a degustation. Yet cooked to perfection. And dessert. This place does dessert well. Imagine a soft, cool verbena milk contrasting a brown butter ice-cream ... the flavour perhaps better known as delectable, brown caramel.

Service cannot be faulted. The best in Canberra. Attentive wait staff who simply do not miss a beat. Your glass of water empty? Topped up without asking. Friendly, knowledgeable and organised. Perhaps it's the European culture and training... all but one of the wait-staff were French, to maintaining the ambience of the restaurant. The degustation well spaced, although a little slower towards main and dessert as other tables kept the place busy.

The evening? $90 pp for the degustation is very reasonably priced. Double that when you pair premium wines by the glass. We created our own wine pairing, with a delightful selection of French wines. The sommelier is more than accomodating and the Gewurztraimen from Sporen with it's tropical and lychee notes, the perfect pairing on a hot Summer day to our dessert.

Aubergine may be for special occasions. But do what we did. Come here "just because". You won't regret it.

Feb 11, 2017

Michele Walton

Aubergine is the Good Food Guide’s number one pick in Canberra, described as one of the country’s best restaurants. It remains the only two-hatted restaurant in Canberra. I had it saved for a special celebration, and last week I finally had the chance to try the dynamic and changing menu that prides itself on innovative combinations of local produce in new and imaginative ways.

Feb 02, 2017

Eat Play Love Travel

The $90 four-course modern Australian tasting menu at Aubergine, which includes complimentary starters and bread, is an inspired masterpiece by chef and owner Ben Willis, inventively pairing the freshest of locally-sourced in-season produce.

Dec 16, 2016

JDP79

Flew into Canberra for the weekend and couldn't resist trying out this one...

A truly wonderful experience filled with stunning food and impressive service. Four courses were delivered with such precision that it was hard to fault. The tuna was seared to perfection and was fresh and light. The lamb was subtle yet the sauce tied it together like the ribbon around a present. The burnt garlic was inspired. Beef was powerful as the beef rib had a sticky gelatinous feature that made me crave another bite. And dessert was inspiring with a burnt butter ice cream that had an almond praline that even a nut allergic person would find hard to resist.

Get there

Aug 27, 2016

F4fitfunfoodfly

+4.5

We had the degustation menu with wines. The salmon was delicate, red mullet subtle, quail gestational, lamb & black garlic pantomimetic and desert stealthy. Dessert wine was sweet to complement. Service was excellent and non alcoholic cocktails searched the palate. For example the lemon lime & bitters bodered on bitter rather than sweet. The noise levels were low. See menu below.

Dec 18, 2016

Bec Harrison

Amazing dining experience, certainly the very best restaurant we have been to in Canberra.

Highly professional service with the right level of promptness without being intrusive. The wine sommelier was knowledgable and engaging.

The food was presented impeccably and showcased a wide variety of produce. The duck was exceptionally well cooked and the accompanying beetroot done two ways (pickled and roasted) were well paired. The brown butter ice cream, a signature dish for the restaurant, was the best dessert either of us has ever had. The wine pairing made all the difference to the experience and could not recommend it enough.

The atmosphere was intimate and inviting. Can not recommend this restaurant enough.

May 28, 2016

F4fitfunfoodfly

+4.5

We had the degustation menu with wines. The salmon was delicate, red mullet subtle, quail gestational, lamb & black garlic pantomimetic and dessert stealthy. Dessert wine was sweet to complement. Service was excellent and non alcoholic cocktails searched the palate. For example the lemon lime & bitters bodered on bitter rather than sweet. The noise levels were low. See menu on photos.

May 28, 2016

Felicity.day

My partner and I enjoyed a lovely meal at aubergine. The staff were all very sweet and went out of their way to cater for our food requirements and intolerances. The lamb was absolutely divine, will definitely go back

Apr 24, 2016

Minhnieme

Aubergine would have to be one of my favourite restaurants in Canberra. The atmosphere is perfect for couple dining or in a small group. Service is always friendly and attentive. I have been here 4 times and the food is always amazing!

Mar 13, 2016

Rosie Posie

Truly excellent restaurant. The food is beautiful and well thought out. It is not heavy but has a lovely combination of flavours. The menu is well crafted and balanced. The service was perfect and completed the whole experience. Highly recommend the salmon and smoked eel parfait starter and the brown bread ice cream (plus other things...) dessert- one of the best.

Mar 05, 2016

Love2eat

I've wanted to come to Aubergine for quite some time. It was lovely, as expected. The food was really nice and the staff were very attentive but I've left feeling like I've been there now - check. Certainly a vey nice restaurant for a special occasion.

Jan 15, 2016

Thomad

Really nice starter and mains (waygu beef and pork belly were great). Bread was nice, although not as good as pod food. Butter was better than courgette. They undercooked the rice!

Dec 14, 2015

Jacqui's Food Fetish

What’s that I hear you ask? Top 100 restaurants in Canberra? Yes – not only one, but TWO on the current list, meaning this little gourmet traveller had to pack a bag and head to Australia’s capital city. Aubergine in Griffith was my first stop. Chef Ben Willis and wife Andrea took this place over in 2008 and they have certainly been enjoying the industry accolades, winning awards and being included on the top restaurant lists. It doesn’t look that impressive from the outside – and even on the inside it’s more about understated elegance. It’s quite a small, intimate space with simple fittings. The floor to ceiling windows are a good thing, even if there isn’t much of an outlook. But ultimately, it’s all about the food.

Dec 04, 2015

I'm Still Hungry

+3.5

A restaurant named after an eggplant, that doesn’t serve the eponymous on the menu. What gives – I ought to be incensed! Even The Fat Duck wouldn’t dare not put duck on its menu, right?. But then, when every table in sight is covered for the night, I knew that Canberra’s Aubergine restaurant is doing something right!

Nov 16, 2015

Foodnut

Really liked this restaurant, new to Canberra from Sydney worth every penny. As good as anything in Syd with two hats. Good wine list, service was great made us feel very comfortable. Will be back.

Sep 18, 2015

Jack

Meets all expectations. Do not go in with a full stomach. Portion sizing were relatively generous. Décor can be improved as well as the locale.

Jun 07, 2015

Lala Lucy

+4.5

A favourite. Love this restaurant. Food is always exceptional and service is good. Menu changes quite regularly but always good.

Dec 10, 2014

Regan

I had my 21st birthday meal here with my dad. We were both extremely happy with our night there. Some of the dishes from the four couse meal stood out more than others, but overall the meals were well executed. The drink menu was also great. My dad was impressed by the quality of the ciders, and the marvelous NV Penfolds Grandfather Fine Old Tawny was a great way to finish off a lovely evening. To top everything all off, the service was friendly and effecient. I would highly recommend this restaurant.

Dec 06, 2014

Mark From Melbourne

+4.5

Excellent food and wine. Loved our dinner at Aubergine last night. The flavour combinations, presentation etc all worked a treat - I think our trio managed to try most of the choices on the semi set menu and there were no fails and many high distinctions. Not much point listing what we ate as the menu changes to suit the seasons and maybe even the daily take at the market.

We were recommended the Shiraz from Warners in Beechworth and it was an excellent match to all our dishes. The wine list is very extensive with a whole page dedicated to Clonakilla Shiraz!

Service was very capable and pleasant to boot despite a couple of staff struck down at the last minute.

Nov 14, 2014

HanCaskie

+4.5

Absolutely Stunning!. Effortlessly beautiful from start to finish, this established hatted restaurant sure lives up to its rave reviews. We had a tight time frame and both floor and kitchen staff where attentive and able to speed up each course but still allowing enough time for us to fully enjoy every service. Every dish was beautifully presented and the flavours came together very well. For $90 they offer a 4 course menu, which is stunning value for quality and quantity of food provided. I would definitely say this was the best dining experience I have had in Canberra.

Oct 22, 2014

Alex Campbell

+4.5

No Surprises, but Amazing Classics!. My family and I went to Aubergine to celebrate my Mum's 50th birthday. It was a Saturday night and throughout I don't think I saw a single empty table (must be a very efficient booking system!). The door was opened for us, we were greeted and asked if we were "The Campbells?". (Hint: we were). I wonder what gave us away. Very slick :)

The menu was a set 4 courses, with several choices for all but the first course (which was just a little amuse bouche style thing anyway. There was nothing overly surprising in the dishes (duck with orange, chocolate with caramel, etc.) but they were done very well. And for $80 you certainly get your money's worth. The dishes were smaller portions, but not comically so, and I left feeling I had eaten just a little bit over the right amount of food (which I think is the best feeling walking out of a good restaurant.

While there wasn't the absolute slickness of service with the "wow" factor you get from a 3 hatter (Canberra restaurants have part-time uni waiters, not the career waiters of Sydney), this 2 hatter was very friendly, unobtrusive, and it was clear the wait staff worked great as a team. My parent's especially loved how whenever someone left to go to the bathroom, one of the waiters Amy would silently swoop in, roll up their serviette and place it neatly on the table. I wouldn't say the food was "prompt", and I mean that in a good way. Everything was timed well, and for a restaurant where every table was full we were never felt to be rushed, and our waiter (I forget his name) would always offer to explain the dishes. And when we were standing up to leave there was already someone over at the door waiting to open it for us and bid us farewell.

While the overall experience was great, there were several cons amidst all the pros. These were all things I don't particularly worry about but I can see how other's might so I may as well post them in case they are of any use to anyone. First up, on that 8 degree night, we were placed near a door to an outdoor eating area (empty, of course) but occasionally a waiter would have to grab a chair from outside. Now whilst they tried to minimise the time the door was open... Man... Those chills woke us all up! Secondly my girlfriend's Lamb had a small sharp bone in it (proves it's real, I guess!) but that hurt her teeth just a little. The beef was a Rib Eye cut, so it was naturally fatty (one of the reasons it is my favourite cut!), however when presented sliced up there was one piece that was 90% fat! something I didn't mind but I could see bothering others. And finally when our wart was topped up after dessert I think it was accidentally topped up with someone else's sparkling water, because all of a sudden everyone's water had a very soda-like taste to it.

All minor gripes though, that in the scheme of things didn't really matter because overall the food was amazing and the service lovely, and I will definitely come here again!

May 03, 2014

Mil

+4.5

Spectacular. The best restaurant in Canberra by far. Would go as far to say the best fish dish I have ever eaten. Exceptional service and food.

Jan 23, 2014

Beverly Phillips

+4.5

Great meal. Three of us had a delicious meal, beautifully presented and tasting as good as it looked. The service was unobtrusive and efficient. The ambience calm and sophisticated. We were not made to feel pressured even though we had a last minute early booking and knew that we had a limited time there. Will definitley go back next time we are in Canberra.

Sep 29, 2013

Pepper_please

+4.5

First, the service was impeccable, for example, water was refilled promptly, coats were taken to a coat storage area, when saying thank you to the servers/waiters, they replied with "You are very welcome." in a sincere and calm tone, when returning from the bathroom my linen napkin was made into a decorative shape and then placed gently back on my lap, the meals were explained when they made it to the table and the door was held open for us when we went to leave.

Second, the atmosphere was conducive to fine dining; lovely furnishings, beautifully dim lights, quiet peaceful music, very clean bathrooms with beautiful soap, thick soft paper towels and heated benches.

Third, lovely additionals, such as squid ink crisps with apple puree and radish, rich chocolate truffles, and thin handmade sourdough bread, which was topped up when we'd finished the first serving, with creamy butter.

Fourth, the food was out of this world. For entrees we had a kingfish pastrami which was unbelievably tender, something that was a recurring theme, and a Coffin Bay octopus dish, with roasted octopus broth which was poured over when it arrived at the table, it also included 'noodles' which were thin strips of cuttlefish, so tender that it my fork prong slid through it, without any force but gravity. All dishes were presented beautifully, like art, this one included.

Mains: The duck breast with incredibly seasoned skin, it came with a duck sausage that was a portion of a large sausage, with a perfect amount of duck fat and proper intestine casing, and a great jus, the sweetest corn ever, and onion skins filled with a gorgeous crème. The beef was cut into smallish squares cooked medium rare, so amazingly tender, never had beef that tender in my life, with a marrow sauce and broccolini.

The deserts were also amazing, which wasn't surprising, an orange crème caramel with hazelnut praline and orange sorbet was a good end to the meal, and the chocolate ganache, chocolate opaque jelly, licorice cream and pumpkin sorbet. The pumpkin sorbet was gorgeously sweet, with a savory twist. This dessert was described as "Ridiculous" by my dining partner, and it was so incredible.

An amazing night, but must make a reservation, there are two seatings, 6:00-8:15pm and then 8:30pm onwards. The wine list was crazy extensive, but luckily there is a sommelier to help. There was even a 750mL bottle of French Apple Cider for $90. It's a must for anyone who visits or lives in Canberra, especially great for a first date or intimate birthday celebration.

Jun 09, 2013

Peter

+4.5

Very Enjoyable. Went here for my birthday on Friday night, for the first time, and had a very enjoyable experience.
Did the 5 course chef's selection menu.
The pork belly with Spanner crab dish was our favourite by far. Pork was cooked beautifully and all the flavours together had a wonderful balance.
Very lovely wait staff and a nice intimate setting.
Will certainly re-visit for special occasion dinners

Apr 29, 2013

Moneypenny

+4.5

Superb!. Had a fantastic dinner here recently to celebrate a special occasion. Service was impeccable. Food was absolutely wonderful and, we thought, great value for money. The decor is subtle and relaxing. Ask for a window seat so you can watch the comings and goings at the nearby Griffith shops - entertaining! :) Can't wait to visit again.

Jan 18, 2013

Michele Walton

+4.5

One of Canberra's Top 20. Great service, good food.

Aug 21, 2012

Benjamin

+4.5

Dessert was sooooo good. The dessert was way better than main course!!
I've never had that kinda it before!!

Jun 28, 2012

Eat Love Move

+4.5

Excellent!. This was one of the best dining experiences I've had in Canberra. Fine food and outstanding service.

Apr 23, 2012

Swijr R

+4.5

Exceptional Restaurant. We enjoyed an exceptional dinner for two at Aubergine last night (fixed price, 3 courses). The food was amongst the best we have eaten. The creativity and thought put into every course was evident with each mouthful - not just the mains but the vegetables, which were fresh & full flavored and cooked to perfection but also the sauces and garnishes which all combined wonderfully. It's a quiet, comfortable restaurant with very attentive, friendly staff. The location isn't special on a corner near small suburban shops, but that's not why you go there. Highly recommend it.

Mar 17, 2012

Wade Huang

+4.5

Tastiness in the burbs. I was staying in Canberra for a couple of days for work so i was dining alone, made a booking online through their website and it was easy as anything. Venturing out in the Canberra winter at night was a bit of a toughy so i really hoped Aubergine was worth it.

I had the Ocean Trout Confit, Mustard Pork and Coconut Panna Cotta and they were all absolutely beautiful. I have to say the fish dish was absolutely yummos, and probably my favourite of the night, everything on the plate worked well, although i was slightly confused by the oyster beignet as everything else was refreshingly cold but these two little bits of fried oyster was a bit random. They were still perfectly cooked and tasty but i was just confused when i first saw what looked like thai fried money bags on my plate. The avruga caviar on top of my trout was a nice touch.

The mustard pork/black pudding dish was very well presented too. The pork loin gave me a scare as i cut into it as it took me no small amount of effort, but once it was in my mouth it was deceivingly juicy, flavourful and perfectly cooked. I also had a glass of the local Viognier which was pretty damn tasty too.

Who woulda thought a fine dining restaurant in the middle of the Canberra burbs would be so fantastico. Wish there were more but for 70 bucks for 3 courses, i can't really complain. Will definitely be back next time i come past Canberra.

Jul 28, 2011

Oyster

+4.5

One of the best. I had the Ocean Trout for entree, Lamb for main and Panna Cotta for dessert.

The ocean trout was nicely presented with seasoned vegetables on the sides and a dash of caviar on the fish which I thought was nice but was not enough to add any memorable flavours to the dish. The trout itself was fresh but plain and had a piece of fish bone embedded in its flesh which I hope is a freak of an occurance.

The lamb shoulders were cooked perfectly to medium rare, however I disliked the lamb main in general because the saltiness was overpowering and did not end up finishing the dish.

The panna cotta was beautifully presented and was the most pleasant dish out of the three courses. The entire dish was centered on raspberries. It was a happy ending.

Overall, all the ingredients used were fresh however the chef needs to watch more closely the balance of flavours and how they fuse together to form the final dish.

Service was top notch and professional. Staff cared about diner experience and water and wine were regularly refilled autonomously. No complaints in this area.

This is possibly the best fine dining establishment in Canberra I've had so far, however there is a lot of room for improvement if this restaurant wants to compete with some of Australia's best restaurants.

Jul 14, 2011

Trish

+4.5

Superb. One of the best dining experiences in Canberra, ever, hands down. If you're looking for somewhere to impress your date or celebrate your anniversary, this place is a sure thing. Can't wait to go back. Absolutely faultless service.

Jun 30, 2011

Dejavu

+4.5

Amazing. The food here is on par with the best i've had in canberra for a while.

plates are beautifully presented and not too complex.

service was good but a little rushed at times. seeing waiters break into a run on the floor is a little worrying.

overall this was really good, easily one of canberra's best

Jun 26, 2011

Jude Burger

+4.5

Highly competent fine dining restaurant, catering to an older crowd.

May 24, 2011

Kevin McDonald

+4.5

Seafood. I'm not sure if this one, or Courgette came first, but they both fine dining. Take your money with you and prepare for a long session of great food.

Dec 27, 2010

Myfructosefreelife

+4.5

For “G’s” farewell dinner we decided to go "all-out" and dine at Aubergine. I felt rather special as they personalised a fructose-free & lactose-free menu just for moi! Everyone started off with the same first course - ‘Leather jacket, braised fennel, rice paddy herb, scallop floss’. The only difference that I could see between my fructose-free dish and everyone else’s dish was that my piece of fish was grilled whereas theirs were crumbed. I must say this was my favourite savoury dish; the leather jacket was perfectly cooked and so silky smooth. I really liked how they maintained the integrity of the fish with minimal seasoning. The rice paddy herb sauce combined all the different components, and in my opinion, was the star of the dish.

Aug 24, 2014

Foodpornjournal

+4.5

The menu offers four courses for $80 with a selection of dishes to choose from, or a 5 course Chef's selection tasting menu for $95. We would not be told which 5 dishes would be selected and most of us wanted to pick off the menu so we decided to go with the 4 courses. I noticed the menu is printed with the date on top which implies to me that they must change the menu daily. The first course was the one set dish of seared bonito, beetroot, smoked eel and horseradish. It was lovely. The beetroot was easy to slice through and naturally sweet. The smoked eel mousse (white bit) sounds funny but tasted delicious

Jan 28, 2014

Akitchencat

+4.5

Having earned the title of NSW Regional Restaurant of the Year 2013 with Regional Wine List of the Year to boot, Aubergine comes very highly rated. It is also the only restaurant in the ACT to have two hats...

Nov 27, 2012

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