Ottoman Cuisine, Barton

Away from the hubbub of Braddon and the growth of the Kingston Foreshore sits one of Canberra’s most awarded restaurants. It’s not by the water, nor in a local shopping centre, nor near the mall. In fact, it’s in a suburb which is often lambasted for having little amenity – Barton – and on this Tuesday night is humbly packed.

Ottoman shares its abode with Barton Cafe, a stalwart but one of the few cafes in the area. While they’re both open for lunch, Ottoman continues into the night and quietly separates itself from its neighbour with translucent glass doors which only give you an impression of what might be inside.

The Boathouse by the Lake

A few months ago, I wrote that the Brooks of Melbourne pop-up dinner was the best I’d ever been to. It was an amazing experience, with one big problem: the Brooks dinner was a pop-up. A once-off. (They are from Melbourne, after all.) Since then, I’ve been after a meal at a Canberra restaurant that could match it. That meal’s not found at Aubergine. Nor is it found at Sage, or the Artisan (though they come close). But, my search hasn’t been in vain. I’m happy to say I’ve found it – and it’s at The Boathouse.

Brooks of Canberra pop-up dinner

I’ve taken a few days to write this post, because I wanted to make sure the superlatives I’m about to use were really justified. I’m happy to say they are:

Brooks “of Canberra” is the best dinner I have ever been to.

Maple + Clove

Maple + Clove has been open for just under a year, and in that time I’ve heard all sorts of reviews – but consistently that its food is amazing and its service is shocking. When an old friend suggests it, I’m keen – if only to find out whether these reviews still speak the truth.