The Best Private Dining Rooms in Canberra for a Special Night Out

Planning a special event and want to really elevate your experience and dazzle your guests? Why not book a private dining room at one of your favourite restaurants? Not only do you get to tuck into their exquisite menu, but you can enjoy the company of your loved ones in an intimate setting, away from the hustle and bustle of the main dining areas.

So, the next time you have an event on the calendar, be it a birthday, anniversary or milestone moment, why not outsource the leg work and book a space at one of Canberra’s best private dining rooms? Here, we round up our top picks that are bound to impress.

Such and Such

Such and Such is a friendly neighbourhood watering hole in the heart of the nation’s capital, with an all-day restaurant focused on wine and chilled vibes. Offering a
contemporary twist on nostalgic classics, the menu has an array of snacks and share plates. Standout dishes include the Gold Street dairy halloumi, the mu ping pork neck skewer and the handmade orecchiette pasta tossed in a rich pistachio pesto, accented with lardons and goat cheese.

But the best part? They have a stunning private dining room catering for up to 12 guests. The room is elegantly designed with three glass walls, loads of natural light, and a courtyard view. A curtained fourth wall allows for privacy, which can be adjusted to your preference during events. Reservations require a minimum spend and are based on a two-hour sitting. The team can also tailor the menu for your group.

8/220 London Circuit, Constitution Place, Canberra

The Boat House

Located on the tranquil shores of Lake Burley Griffin, the award-winning Boat House restaurant has a sophisticated setting with water views to boot. Their private dining rooms, with direct access to a lakeside deck and lush gardens, can accommodate small gatherings and larger events.

The modern Australian menu celebrates seasonal produce, with standout dishes like the pan-seared barramundi and slow-cooked lamb shoulder. The venue offers flexible dining packages tailored to your event needs.

Grevillea Park, Menindee Drive, Barton

Raku

Located in the heart of the CBD, Raku is one of the best Japanese restaurants in Canberra. Their private dining area is excellent for intimate gatherings, providing a sleek and modern ambience. The menu features a mix of traditional and modern Japanese dishes, and they are masters of the sushi blade! Prepare to be amazed by perfect slices of sashimi when your platter is placed before you. More good news: their Japanese whiskey collection is off-the-charts-good. 

148 Bunda Street, Canberra CBD

Les Bistronomes 

Bringing a touch of Paris to Canberra, Les Bistronomes in Campbell does classic French cuisine in a charming setting. Their private dining room exudes elegance, making it ideal for special occasions. Signature dishes include the duck à l’orange and the le chateaubriand (frilled black Angus beef fillet house-made Béarnaise sauce with frites). The restaurant also has an impressive selection of French wines.

18 Blamey Place, Campbell

Mezzalira

Housed in a historic 1920s building, Mezzalira brings authentic Italian flavours to the heart of Canberra. Their private dining room offers a cosy atmosphere that’s great for family gatherings or business dinners. The menu has handmade pasta and wood-fired specialties, with standouts like the handmade pappardelle, slow-cooked duck leg and the margherita pizza. A curated wine list showcases the best of Italian vintages.

55 London Circuit, Canberra CBD

Courgette

Courgette offers two private dining spaces, including the Cellar Room, a cool space surrounded by over 400 bottles of wine that can fit between eight to 10, with no minimum spend required. The Board Room seats up to 20 guests for larger groups or business meetings.

The menu riffs on modern Australian cuisine with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients. Standout dishes include the seared scallops with cauliflower purée and crispy pancetta, the slow-cooked lamb shoulder with truffle mash, and the dark chocolate délice with hazelnut praline.

54 Marcus Clarke Street, Canberra City

Wilma

Wilma has stylish private dining and function spaces for any occasion. The Wilma Public Bar (50 seated, 100 standing) is ideal for lively cocktail events, while the Genge St. Balcony (30 seated, 50 standing) and Bunda St. Balcony (24 seated) provide scenic, semi-private settings. The Wilma Lounge (20 seated, 30 standing) and Upstairs Platform (35 seated, 100 standing) offer a mix of exclusivity and atmosphere. For an immersive dining experience, the Downstairs Restaurant (58 seated, 100 standing) overlooks the wood-fired kitchen.

The Asian barbeque restaurant uses rich Australian ingredients to create a crowd-pleasing menu. Think prawn and chicken larb, sticky eggplant, truffle and egg fried rice, and Balmain bug with egg noodles, chilli and coriander. Of course, the big winner here is their barbecue; they’ve got everything from char sui pork to hot smoked black bean and chilli beef short rib. 

1 Genge Street, Canberra 

Loved this edit of the best private dining rooms in Canberra and looking for more inspiring experiences? Check out the best markets in Canberra, or if you’re after a tipple or two, check out the best bars in Canberra.