LOCATIONWithin walking distance of the AIS, Canberra University and the CIT.
PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIAEllacure has something for everyone. Perhaps you feel in the mood for some drinks with friends and a shared tapas plate? Or a romantic dinner in the warm, intimate surrounds of the dining room? Or just dinner out, with fantastic service, food and wine? Whatever you’re looking for, Ellacure will do its best to provide. The team runs like a well-oiled machine (especially for a newer Canberra restaurant): the waiters are friendly and polite, while the chefs ensure that every meal arrives swiftly and piping hot. The modern interior embraces a silver and black colour scheme, with a bar that oversees proceedings. Soft jazz pipes over the stereo system, but not loud enough to be distracting.
Ellacure’s philosophy is to serve simple meals in a relaxed environment, which it does exquisitely. Start a meal with the freshly baked (and still warm) crusty Italian bread, served with butter, olive oil and balsamic vinegar – just a little something to whet the appetite. Perhaps then have some tapas for an entrée; zucchini and haloumi fritters with tomato capsicum relish and raita are popular, as is the rare beef, chilli, coriander and mint salad. With autumn on its way, the seasonal menu has shifted gears, with mains consisting of plenty of comfort food for the chilly months ahead. Mains favourite would have to be the beef fillet wrapped in prosciutto, and served on a bed of creamy mash with snow peas, red wine jus and garlic and herb butter. Finish it all off with the decadent but delicious house speciality dessert of Cointreau and vanilla bean brulee with orange macadamia biscotti and cherry compote. The versatile Ellacure also does breakfast on the weekend, as well as takeaway pizza and pasta.
Russell Buzby