The Best Set Menus in Canberra Under $100

Keen to get a little bit fancy on a budget? You're in luck! Canberra is packed with restaurants that offer affordable fine dining via set menus under $100 - you've just got to know where to look. We've scoured the nation's capital for the best of the best and we've uncovered a little something for everyone from Spanish delights to slick Japanese bites. 

Beyond the very top high-end restaurants and fancy wine and cocktail bars, there are plenty of places that offer affordable fine dining in Canberra. Here are our favourites...

Lazy Su

Lazy Su is one of the most popular restaurants along Lonsdale Street in Braddon, and for very good reason. The Asian-inspired food is fun, fresh, full of punchy flavours (and the drinks list equally so) and the place is always buzzing.

The best part? The set menu is filled with generous servings of Lazy Su favourites and comes in at only $62 a head (or $59 if you go the vegan option). Within it you get seven different dishes, including the famous Wagyu cheesesteak spring rolls and Japanese roast chicken.

1/9 Lonsdale Street, Braddon

Zaab

Located just a few doors down from Lazy Su, Zaab also does very tasty Asian fare. Here, though, the food is focused on the continent’s southeast, with dishes inspired mostly by Thai cuisine.

The Feed Me menu – which starts at only $59 per person and has both regular and vegetarian options – is a great way to try some of Zaab’s best dishes. Our top bites include the charcoal chicken and massaman curry. Alternatively, go all out and grab the $85 Feed Me menu, which also includes a cocktail and some slightly fancier dishes.

2/9 Lonsdale Street, Braddon

Temporada

The food at Civic bar and restaurant Temporada is truly exceptional. With a modern menu inspired somewhat by Spanish cuisine, and incorporating seasonal produce and top-notch ingredients, everything you order here is delectable.

While the regular Chef’s Set Menu will set you back $110 per person, Temporada offers an express option if you’re willing to dine at lunchtime or in the early evening. For just $75 a head, you’ll get seven courses filled with Temporada’s signature expertly crafted fare.

15 Moore Street, Canberra City

Raku

Raku does some of the best Japanese food in Canberra. Centrally located in the heart of Civic, the restaurant is moody, slick and stylish.

At Raku, you can get two different tasting menus for $100 per person or less. First is the Hao San’s Tasting Menu for $100 a head, which comprises 11 dishes and includes the restaurant’s signature rock oysters, sashimi and nigiri. Second is the weekday Express Lunch for $60 a head, which is a more condensed version of the original tasting menu with an equal amount of deliciousness.

Shop DG36C/148 Bunda Street, Canberra City

Rebel Rebel

Whether you visit Rebel Rebel during the day or night, you’ll be met with a really impressive menu packed with intriguing share plates. We can’t go past the pig’s ear sandwich and the Jerusalem artichoke with taleggio, hazelnut and black truffle.

For $90 per person, you can also be treated to a selection of the eatery’s best dishes. While you won’t know exactly what’s in store (and won’t be able to find out online beforehand) you can rest assured that everything will be very, very good. Make sure to order a glass of vino from Rebel Rebel’s extensive wine list, or opt for a cheeky house cocktail.

23 Marcus Clarke Street, Acton

Terra

If you’re a meat-lover (or simply dining with one) you can’t go past Terra. The restaurant specialises in expertly prepared meats cooked on the grill, rotisserie, woodfire or in the smoker. Everything is good here, but the smoked Angus beef brisket and rotisserie chicken are easily two of Terra’s best dishes.

If you’d prefer to let the cooks do the hard work of choosing for you, go for the $93 per person Feed Me! menu. It contains a bunch of Terra favourites – think the restaurant’s signature meats, paired with its equally delicious salads, sides and sauces.

No Name Lane, G2/40 Marcus Clarke Street, Braddon

Rizla

Rizla may be known mostly as a riesling-focused bar, but the food side of things is another great reason to visit. The dishes are really interesting and incorporate plenty of unique flavours and techniques. The signature oysters with fingerlime mignonette, the mushroom, chevre & hazelnut pappardelle and the parmesan fries are all well worth ordering.

If your group contains two or more people, opt for the Sort it Out menu for just $80 per person. You’ll receive a variety of Rizla’s food highlights designed to share, making it a great option for a Canberra date night.

22 Lonsdale Street, Braddon

Pomegranate

Pomegranate is a Canberra institution, serving up modern Australian dishes that incorporate flavours from across the Mediterranean. Located in Kingston, it’s easily one of the best southside restaurants in Canberra.

If you’re as stumped over what to order as we are when dining here (the menu contains so many delicious-sounding dishes that you’ll be hard-pressed to narrow down your options), then go for the Banquet Menu. For $78 per person, you get four entrees, three mains, a side salad and dessert, all designed to share. The Dips Selection, Prawn Moussaka and Chargrilled Lamb Cutlet are highlights.

31 Giles Street, Kingston

Looking for more awesome places to dine in Canberra? We’ve got guides to the best romantic dinner spots, the best burger joints and the best restaurants overall.