Sculpture Garden Restaurant

National Gallery of Australia
Parkes Place, Parkes ACT
(02) 6240 6660
Open: Lunch daily, brunch from 9.30 on weekends, Friday drinks 5-8pm.

Out There magazine - Issue 37

One of the most beautiful settings in Canberra, the National Gallery’s Sculpture Garden Restaurant is in a pavilion on the edge of a tranquil reed pond with rising fog creating an ethereal effect. A multitude of bronze heads emerging from the water set the scene for the contemporary menu on offer. The menu is small and seasonal, but well thought out with plenty of choice among the five entrees and five mains. The food is sophisticated and stylish, kicking off with dishes such as Woodside roasted goats’ cheese, pinenut and beetroot salad, and confit of duck terrine with apple chutney and Madeira jelly. The beef fillet main, served with mushrooms, eshallot puree and pancetta confit potato, is melt-in-the-mouth tender while the kingfish has an Asian twist, served with Asian greens and ginger beurre blanc. Desserts hit the right note, from a simple vanilla bean creme brulee to the more decadent chocolate and prune tart with muscat cream. With appetites satisfied, an afternoon of viewing the gallery’s fine collection is a highlight when visiting the National Capital.

© Christine Salins

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