Romantic Restaurants, Getaway Places in 7

"This modern-hawker style venue encapsulates some the best Asian-fusion dining available in the Canberra region. Home to many tasty morsels, extensive sake list, and a raw bar this venue has character in spades. Akiba describes itself as “pan-Asian,” fusing the cuisines of the East Asia region to create an incredible and diverse menu, showcasing the many styles of Asian barbecue, modern-day Dim Sum, raw food, and so much more."

"As soon as you arrive, you’re absorbed into the fun and exotic feel. The food is a mix of Asian barbecue, raw bar and modern day Dim Sum, with fresh flavours using local produce. You’ll also find an impressive cocktail and drinks list to match the taste sensations."

"Vegetarians will understand the disappointment when dining out and having limited options to choose from. However, Monster Kitchen and Bar is entirely vegetarian – and extremely delicious at that. In fact, we promise you’ll impress your meat eating friends here with a whole head cauliflower – that actually hits the spot."

"Wandering through the ground floor of Ovolo Nishi on Edinburgh Avenue in Canberra, Monster Kitchen & Bar is preoccupied with serving local and seasonal produce prepared for sharing. Spread across four..."

"Since sparking the Lonsdale Street transformation when first opening in 2009, Italian and Sons has truly maintained its place as one of Canberra’s finest Italian restaurants. Boasting a menu that will immediately get your mouth watering, start with the affettati, a charcuterie board with cold cuts, Provolone, grissini and broad bean pesto. Moving on to mains, you’re spoilt for choice."

"If fancy Italian food is your thing then you’ve come to the right place. This restaurant is home to authentic pizza and pasta you can depend on. (Like, comfort food at its finest!) There are however, only two seating times so you will need to book ahead."

"Even locals can’t find this bar — and that’s just how the owners like it. It’s Canberra’s only ‘real’ speak-easy and it’s so cool it hurts. Speakeasies of the Prohibition era were a well-kept secret — illegal, hidden drinking dens where you really only needed a bottle to qualify."

"Many think a speakeasy should be underground, but the emphasis is on ‘hidden’ – in this case, Lucky’s is at street level, but you do have to find it via a secret entrance at the back of the hotel’s Barber Shop or a discreetly lit entrance from outside. Those readers of a certain ‘vintage’ may remember the space as its previous incarnation as‘Bobby McGee’s’ but let me tell you, there’s no ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ being played here – it’s all class with a curated DJ set adding atmosphere. It’s sizeable, the space feels sophisticated and intimate, with booths providing privacy."

"Canberra’s very own place of coffee worship, The Cupping Room is a concept cafe that takes its customers on a flavour journey across a range of coffee blends. The team includes world champion barista Sasa Sestic, so you’re in safe hands here. Coffee comes from sister spot, Ona Coffee, which is a great specialty coffee roaster."

"Although I haven’t actually tried the pancakes yet, I have tried the French toast version with orange infused maple syrup, mascarpone, mint, strawberries and blueberries. I loved the mascarpone which had also been infused with orange. The contrast of elements worked so well together."

"Built in 1988, Australia's national parliament building is a graceful and deeply symbolic piece of architecture. Sitting atop Capital Hill, the building is crossed by two axis, north–south and east–west, representing the historical progression and legislative progression of Australian democracy. There's plenty to see inside, whether the politicians are haranguing each other in the chambers or not."