Aubergine - Griffith (ACT)

First, the service was impeccable, for example, water was refilled promptly, coats were taken to a coat storage area, when saying thank you to the servers/waiters, they replied with 'You are very welcome. ' in a sincere and calm tone, when returning from the bathroom my linen napkin was made into a decorative shape and then placed gently back on my lap, the meals were explained when they made it to the table and the door was held open for us when we went to leave. Second, the atmosphere was conducive to fine dining; lovely furnishings, beautifully dim lights, quiet peaceful music, very clean bathrooms with beautiful soap, thick soft paper towels and heated benches. Third, lovely additionals, such as squid ink crisps with apple puree and radish, rich chocolate truffles, and thin handmade sourdough bread, which was topped up when we 'd finished the first serving, with creamy butter. Fourth, the food was out of this world. For entrees we had a kingfish pastrami which was unbelievably tender, something that was a recurring theme, and a Coffin Bay octopus dish, with roasted octopus broth which was poured over when it arrived at the table, it also included 'noodles ' which were thin strips of cuttlefish, so tender that it my fork prong slid through it, without any force but gravity. All dishes were presented beautifully, like art, this one included. Mains: The duck breast with incredibly seasoned skin, it came with a duck sausage that was a portion of a large sausage, with a perfect amount of duck fat and proper intestine casing, and a great jus, the sweetest corn ever, and onion skins filled with a gorgeous crème. The beef was cut into smallish squares cooked medium rare, so amazingly tender, never had beef that tender in my life, with a marrow sauce and broccolini. The deserts were also amazing, which wasn 't surprising, an orange crème caramel with hazelnut praline and orange sorbet was a good end to the meal, and the chocolate ganache, chocolate opaque jelly, licorice cream and pumpkin sorbet. The pumpkin sorbet was gorgeously sweet, with a savory twist. This dessert was described as 'Ridiculous ' by my dining partner, and it was so incredible. An amazing night, but must make a reservation, there are two seatings, 6:00-8:15pm and then 8:30pm onwards. The wine list was crazy extensive, but luckily there is a sommelier to help. There was even a 750mL bottle of French Apple Cider for $90. It 's a must for anyone who visits or lives in Canberra, especially great for a first date or intimate birthday celebration.

My husband and I visited this evening to celebrate my birthday. We had an absolutely wonderful time. The duck was amazing and the beef was the best I have ever had. The matched wines were perfect but unconventional. The sommelier did an exceptional job of explaining why he chose each wine how they would compliment each course. Cannot recommend highly enough.

An amazing dining experience with exceptional staff. Friendly and attentive. Food is beyond belief and worth the drive from Sydney. Just an incredible experience all round. Thank you for an incredible night

Prompt without feeling rushed; high class without being pretentious; a full meal without being heavy. A superb experience, and one of the best meals I have ever had. Fantastic, please keep it up!

A wonderful experience at dinner last night. The food was amazing and the wine pairing outstanding. The staff were also very welcoming, knowledgable and attentive without being obtrusive. I'd highly recommend it.