LOCATION In the iconic and historic University House.
PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIAArguably as important to Canberra as Parliament, the Australian National University boasts an enviable campus which includes many hidden treasures. There is also a plethora of dining options available, from sushi bars, to cafés and restaurants. Yet it is on the lakeside of the campus that you will find Boffins, the pick of the bunch and a restaurant that is instilled with national importance and is amongst Canberra’s finest restaurants.
The restaurant has the excellent talent of Ian Farnsworth at its helms, whose extensive training and career at Michelin-starred restaurants in the UK has given Boffins an innovative and elegant menu. The cuisine is inspired by French techniques and driven by Australia’s best produce.
Our summery entrée of freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters is brightened with watermelon and vodka jelly, whilst house-made empandas are stuffed with lamb, eggplant and coriander, and served with honey cumin yoghurt and
pico de gallo (fruit salad tossed with lime and sprinkled with chilli powder). For main, kangaroo fillet is served rare with a sweet pear and parsnip mash, braised beetroot and a black current jus. Large portobello mushrooms are crusted with pistachio and parmesan crumbs and served with a smoky eggplant mash, complemented by tomato and onion compote.
A meal at Boffins makes a friendly rendezvous a memorable affair, with the elegant restaurant serving equally beautiful dishes.
Elizabeth Hall