9 May 2019

Boat House by the Lake

| Editor

It is worth noting that Boat House by the Lake has been the go to spot for waterfront dining in the capital for the last couple of decades, regardless of the current onset of new choices on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin.

Over the last few years, there has been much development activity on the lakefront, and opportunities have arisen for Canberra dining venues to take advantage of these previously out-of-bounds locations, but this venue remains one of Canberra’s premier dining experiences. Sitting only metres from the water, it’s hard to imagine this restaurant was redeveloped from a dilapidated rowing pavilion. It’s certainly come a long way, becoming one of Canberra’s most popular wedding venues, a favourite with the city’s diplomatic community and winning several local and national hospitality awards, as well as affording one of the best outlooks of Lake Burley Griffin and key monuments such as the Carillon and Parliament House. The interior is simple and tasteful – white linen on the tables, a smattering of artworks and old world wood paneling separating the dining rooms – allowing the view to be the star. On the floor, owner and manager James Souter keeps things humming along with his efficient and knowledgeable team. From the kitchen, chef John Leverink delivers impeccably plated modern Australian dishes that match the elegance of the surroundings. The menu relies on the freshest ingredients and may change on a daily basis, but typically, diners are given a choice of four courses a la carte or six courses degustation. Many of the items will cross over. Expect cured duck breast with kohlrabi, jelly and salted yolk or shaved scallops with tomato tea, celery and cucumber for the earlier courses; Spring lamb cutlets with pumpkin condiment, soy eggplant and shiso or snapper with squid, Jerusalem artichoke and potato for later courses. Desserts may be yoghurt and banana pannacotta with chervil & cucumber sorbet or banana mousse with peanut butter ice cream, marshmallows and chocolate fudge. The extensive wine list features a sizeable selection of Canberra region wines, alongside great labels from Australia’s best regions, and an impressive list of French champagnes that indicate a “big night out” approach here.

CONTACT
Grevillea Park Menindee Drive Barton
02 6273 5500
boathousebythelake.com.au

OPENING HOURS
Lunch (Functions By Arrangement)
Dinner Mon – Sat 6.30 – 9pm
BOOK ONLINE

CUISINE
Modern Australian

PRICE RANGE
Set courses $80 – $120

LICENCE
Fully licensed
No BYO