Conservatory Restaurant

The 2022 Mothers Day lunch did not even warrant a special menu, the main courses on offer being the same as the daily menu. Entrees consisted of barbeque prawns which were huge and lovely, a vegetarian pumpkin dish and plain, sliced scallops which seemed very large and tasted unpleasant. The mains of barramundi, pork spare ribs and cauliflour were ordinary and the sweets seemed to have come from the nearest cake shop. Altogether, a disappointment in view of the cost of $95 ph. Given the high profile of the Arboretum, it is a pity one of the good Canberra restaurants is not sited there.

Ginger restaurant has recently reopened and so we decided to give it another try. $60 for two courses or I think $75 for three courses with additions if you need, like bread, extra vegetables etc. Two of us chose barramundi on a bed of wilted leek and fennel. The barramundi portion was small and the leeks and fennel virtually tasteless. I ordered pistachio tart which had no pastry base rather a strange mix of paste, crunchy bits, nuts and pistachio flavoured crumble. The food was incredibly disappointing. The service a bit hit and miss but on the whole not too much to complain about there. The after meal coffee was just dire. How can you not make a decent coffee in Canberra?I'm sorry but if this is the best you can do then word of mouth will have an effect I think.

Food was AMAZING. However the wait is really really long thus the 4 stars. The staff could be a bit more attentive too.

I have been here before as part of my trip around Canberra. My husband and I fell in love with the place and atmosphere that integrates landscape and architecture. We have decided to have a small lunch after our wedding as it was a small wedding. Everything was perfect as our table located at a good vantage point. Unfortunately, the table service was poor. We got our drinks fizzing over the bottle (not glass) and the waitress decided to just leave the overflowing drink without any serviette then we had to ask numerous time for a highchair which should be one of the first things to be given. Then we ordered our meals and two of us ordered lamb dish and the waiter didn't ask how to cook them. We received our lamb somewhere between rare to medium-rare which of course is not suited for everyone and caused the two of them to be sick. As much as I appreciate the moment being there, I enjoyed my meal and so did the rest of the table. People come to this iconic place from various parts of the world and being considerate to provide service to the aged group and people with children is important. I think a simple table service affects the whole experience for anyone.

Seven family members has a great Christmas lunch today. Menu selections for the 2 or 3 course fixed price were varied and satisfied our party various dietary requirements. Each course was exceptional, elegantly presented and flavourful. We were offered a glass of sparkling wine and those who weren't drinking offered a non alcoholic beverage. The only downside was a lack of attention from the serving staff they were friendly and seemed competent but the little things like not bringing sugar with the tea/coffee; nor milk for white tea; taking some of the guests dessert options and explaining to others that they'd be asked after the main resulted in four delivered after the main and the remaining three shortly after it was brought to the service staff attention that my guests weren't asked initially for their preference. I would definitely return, though it would be a 5 star or higher rating if the service staff were more proactive in attending to their guests with the little things that are part of normal service than being reminded to provided. Overall an extremely pleasant, relaxing and great lunch at a good fixed price.