Father’s Day in Canberra 2022: Where to Take Dad for a Lunch to Remember

With Father’s Day quickly approaching, that means one thing, it’s time to treat dad to a delicious feast! Whether you want a cool, casual setting or something a little fancier, there are plenty of places putting on a spread on Sunday 4th September. Here are our top picks for lunch and dinner this Father’s Day in Canberra.

Pialligo Estate

Canberra’s all-encompassing foodie mecca, Pialligo Estate is going all out for dad this Father’s Day with not one but two decadent dining experiences on offer. The Estate’s crown jewel, Pavilion Dining is plating up a sumptuous farm-to-table set menu that will have dad drooling. Championing produce grown just metres from your table, begin with an assortment of their award-winning smokehouse charcuterie with estate-grown preserves, then a chopped king prawn salad with homemade flatbreads. For the main, there is braised beef cheek with cavalo nero and celeriac. Be sure to leave room for dessert – dad’s going to love the hazelnut parfait with coffee and jersey fudge. Looking for something a little more casual? Feast alfresco with an artisanal picnic spread to enjoy on the lush lawns of Pialligo Fields. Just collect your blanket and box brimming with goodies and soak up the spring sunshine with live music and games for the kids.

Pavilion Lunch from $105 per person (with a Bentspoke beer on arrival for dad)

Picnic Boxes from $240 (includes assorted smokehouse charcuterie, artisan cheeses, homemade pastries, gourmet sandwiches, dips, and condiments. Four - six Bentspoke beers and a bottle of Pialligo Regionals wine) – serves four

18 Kallaroo Road, Pialligo

QT Canberra

This year, why not make it a father’s weekend with a gourmet staycation at QT Canberra? Beautifully designed, dad won’t need to lift a finger as he drifts between the spa, sky lounge and luxuriously appointed rooms. Come Sunday, the hotel’s restaurant Capitol Bar and Grill is pulling out all the stops for its annual Father’s Day Feast. Designed with dad in mind, the four-course sharing menu features fan favourites including prosciutto de parma with alto olive oil, steak frites with Cognac & peppercorn, and crispy barramundi with saltbush and kale. Plus, there’s a free beer on arrival for dad and lawn games on the deck.

Sittings 12;00pm, 12:30pm, 1.00pm, and 1:30pm 

$95 per person (kids $45)

1 London Circuit, Canberra

Bentspoke Brewery

Instead of just picking up a six-pack and calling it a day, treat the old man to the ultimate dad’s day out at Bentspoke. Start his day off right with a venue tour and tasting with Head Brewer Richard Watkins before sitting down to a brew-tiful lunch and beer pairing - think braised beef, mushroom and red nut pie and cranky southern parmigiana w cherry tomato sauce. Commemorating the day, you’ll also have the choice between a cap or beanie to take home with you.

11:00am, 12:30pm and 2:00pm seatings

$75 per person

48/38 Mort Street, Braddon 

Hotel Kurrajong

Forget cucumber sandwiches and scones, Hotel Kurrajong is plating up all dad’s favourite indulgences with its Father’s Day Guy Tea. Complete with a complimentary beer for him on arrival (and a glass of bubbles for mum), snack on bite-sized wagyu beef sliders, spicy wedges, and lemon gin tarts. Post nibbles, head out to the courtyard for a sizzling BBQ lunch with lamb sausages and flaming chicken wings. Welcoming families of all ages, there’s activity packs and kids’ menus for the little ones while adults can vibe out with live acoustic entertainment.

12pm – 2pm

$69 per person ($35 for kids under 12)

8 National Circuit, Barton 

Southern Cross Club Jamison

Speaking of dad-centric high teas, Southern Cross Club Jamison is back with its hop-tastic Father’s Day High Brew. Enjoy a refreshing Coast Ale on arrival before diving into a grazing tower for two alongside four special release Capital Brewing Co. beers. Menu items include 6-hour slow-cooked BBQ pork ribs, wagyu beef sliders, slow-cooked honey soy chicken wings, tempura prawns, Cajun spiced potato wedges and dipping sauces. Kids can also enjoy their very own platters of palette-friendly bites such as chicken nuggets, cocktail frankfurts, sausage rolls, battered fish and chips.

From 2pm

$120 per tower

Cnr Catchpole &, Bowman Street, Macquarie

Marble & Grain

Treat dad to a flamin’ good feast this Father’s Day at Canberra’s stylish steakhouse Marble & Grain. Guaranteed to satisfy even the most carnivorous dads, sample a three-course chef’s selection of house favourites from the grill and beyond.

12pm and 1pm sittings

$79 per person

25 Mort Street, Canberra

National Arboretum

For the outdoorsy dads, why not spend the day amidst a mosaic of greenery at the National Arboretum? There’s plenty to see, do, and most importantly eat with a variety of events for Father’s Day. For the traditionalists, there is Ginger at the Arboretum, who’ll be doing special brunch and lunch menus in honour of dad while the pop-up Garden Café is the place to head for casual beers and BBQ bites. Keen for a laidback picnic? The Ginger dads have come together and created their dream picnic box which you can pre-order and collect from the café on the day.

Brunch: 8:30am – 11:00am, Lunch: 12:00pm – 2:30pm, BBQ: 10.00am - 3.00pm

Lunch from $80 per person or a box from $120

Forest Drive, off Tuggeranong Parkway, Molonglo Valley

First Edition

Is there any other way to celebrate Father’s Day than with a decadent truffle lunch and bottomless beers for dad? We’ll wait. With Canberra's annual truffle season coming to a close, treat him to a special three-course menu designed to share. Begin with a trio of house-made dips with fresh pita bread and crumbed black truffle suppli made from smoky mozzarella cheese. For mains, there is a choice of pan-fried snapper or slow-cooked spiced beef cheeks served with an array of sides including sweet potato fries with truffle aioli. Delish!

1pm to 3pm

$89 per person ($55 per child)

Level 1, 65 Northbourne Avenue, Canberra 

Found the perfect spot to take dad this Father’s Day in Canberra? Continue your journey of culinary discovery with the best brunches, romantic restaurants and pizza joints across the city. After a spot for post-feed drinks? Visit these beautiful bars for an A+ tipple.