Seal deals over standout dishes with these sharp yet stylish picks for the perfect client lunch in Canberra.
Choosing where to take clients for lunch isn’t as easy as it sounds. You want somewhere that impresses without feeling pretentious, sets the right vibe for conversation and, of course, dishes up incredible food that will leave a lasting impression.
Luckily, Canberra is chock-full of restaurants that tick all the boxes, from modern Australian cuisine to European-inspired spots and lakeside settings for a relaxed lunch.
Our Top Work Lunch Ideas in Canberra
Ready to wow your clients with an unforgettable meal? Whether you're celebrating a deal or simply catching up, here are 10 Canberra restaurants where business meets flavour (and a touch of indulgence).
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It's perfect for splashing out on top-grade steak, fine wines and a luxe city atmosphereYou need to try a Monte wagyu or dry-aged rib‑eye with truffle mac and cheese on the side — it’s a carnivore’s dreamLook out for the dramatic Afro‑centric interiors and floor-to-ceiling windows on Constitution AvenueRead moreNothing will impress your clients more than a Monte wagyu or dry-aged rib-eye with mac and cheese or the side, plus a fine wine to sip on while you speak business. That’s exactly what you get at The Meat & Wine Co Canberra, an Afro-centric fine dining steakhouse nestled in the heart of the CBD just off City Hill on Constitution Ave. A sophisticated setting to turn any business lunch into a statement.
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Read moreIf it’s more of a Euro vibe you’re after, look no further than Courgette, a perhaps surprisingly luxurious restaurant, considering the humble namesake. The softly illuminated dining room is the perfect spot to decompress after a hard day’s work, and between the sesame seed-crusted yellowfin tuna, sous vide lamb chops and deep-fried camembert, the modern European menu doesn’t disappoint.
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It's perfect for special-occasion dinners or romantic dates with that luxe lakeside energyYou need to try the lamb noisette or pork sirloin, start with oysters and finish on apple crumble with ice creamLook out for uninterrupted lake views that steal the show from every tableRead moreBig projects are finished, goals have been met right and centre, and now it’s time to celebrate with your clients? Located just a few minutes’ drive from the city, The Boat House is where you want to take them. After all, what says “cheers to a job well done” better than an oyster platter, a wine glass in hand, and uninterrupted views of Lake Burley Griffin?
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Read moreFor something relaxed and homely, Les Bristronomes serves up top-quality French cuisine. The menu is short but precise, packed with traditional Gallic dishes reinvented with contemporary flavours and ingredient pairings. With seating that spills out onto the pavement, this one is great for when the sun is out and the team is keen on a leisurely al fresco meal.
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It's perfect for lazy lunches and bold wines just outside Canberra.You need to try the share plates and whatever’s matched with a Pinot.Look out for vineyard views and a cheeky wine label to take home.Read moreSet in a chic industrial space in the heart of Fyshwick, Contentious Character is an urban winery about a 14-minute drive from the city centre. There, your clients will get an experience more than just a meal. The wine tasting, the share plates, the unmatched vibes… every detail is crafted to impress. It’s where you want to be when you’re not in the office.
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Read moreNestled in Canberra’s trendy New Acton, Rebel Rebel is a creative restaurant where the menu is modern Australian, with a European touch. Think tuna crudo with marinated peppers and pickled fennel, mussels with chorizo and cider, and sugarloaf cabbage with tahini and harissa oil. The wine list is equally impressive, featuring plenty of natural wines your clients will love sipping on.
Already thinking ahead to your first anniversary?Go you. Try one of the best date night restaurants in Brisbane.
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It's perfect for lakeside dinners that feel refined yet never overdoneYou need to try the honey-spiced duck breast or lamb backstrap for serious main character energyLook out for private glass domes by the lake that make every table feel exclusiveRead morePerfect for lakeside meals that feel refined yet never overdone, Waters Edge Canberra pairs a sophisticated atmosphere with modern Australian cuisine for a fine dining experience your clients won’t forget. The honey-spiced duck breast and lamb backstrap are two fan-favourites, but whatever you choose, impeccable flavours and presentation are guaranteed.
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Read moreA stylish venue in the heart of Canberra, Carlotta offers a unique blend of European-inspired cuisine, live entertainment, and retro charm. If you want to treat clients to something fun and a little out of the ordinary, it’s the spot for you. But Carlotta isn’t just vibes. Between the duck liver parfait, charred steak with béarnaise and rich chocolate torte, the menu hits all the right notes.
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Chifley's Bar and Grill at Hotel Kurrajong
8 National Circuit, Hotel Kurrajong Canberra, Canberra CBD
It's perfect for hearty dinners with a side of history and art deco charmYou need to try a premium cut—think David Blackmore wagyu or Cape Grim Black Angus—plus creamy scallops or duck-fat potatoesLook out for leather booths, mood-lit arches and a whisky collection so good it could be PM-approvedRead moreAnother CBD dining gem, Chifley’s Bar and Grill is set in the charming Kurrajong Hotel in Barton. The interior screams timeless elegance — think leather chairs, elegant decor, warm tones and large windows overlooking the garden's courtyard. And the menu? Stacked with showstopper dishes featuring perfectly grilled steak, chicken, and the best seafood Australia's east coast has to offer.
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Read moreLast but not least, Highball is a vibrant cocktail bar inspired by the lively, carefree spirit of Caribbean culture. The bold colours, tropical greenery and Latin beats are the perfect backdrop for a work catch-up, and the street-food style bites are made for sharing with the team. And of course, there are rum-based cocktails, mojitos, and fruity concoctions to keep the good vibes flowing.
