Set high within the main building at The National Arboretum, The Conservatory Restaurant provides a commanding view over the West Basin of Lake Burley Griffin and beyond. With such a stunning view that demonstrates the range and scope of the Australian landscape, Chef Janet Jeffs consistently delivers dishes with a natural feel through simple, seasonal ingredients and elegant technique.
Take, for example, the King Brown Mushroom with wilted spinach goat’s cheese and polenta. It’s an unexpected combination that presents beautifully on the plate. The soft and springy mushroom displays all the earthy warmth and altogether brings forward a unique vegetarian offering that is a great way to start the meal.
Another brilliant option is the Smoked Duck Breast. Served as a cold dish, it could be easily thought of as a deconstructed salad where all the elements can be combined as you please. The flavours and textures of mandarin, cranberry and toasted cashews come together as the sum of their parts, while the underlying herb salad adds a lightness that lifts the rich and dense flavours present on the plate.
There are plenty of delicious mains to choose. On this occasion the daily seafood special is a Crispy Skinned Salmon Fillet. Served on fresh and crisp lettuce with a rich, buttery sauce and capers, there is little distraction away from the perfectly cooked fish. Simply applying gentle pressure with a fork peels apart the layers of perfectly cooked pink flesh. This is how salmon should be cooked… and it’s amazing.
Desserts should never be neglected. Throughout the tempting selection Janet’s skills are on display, as the dishes look as good as they taste. Pretty arrangements provide flavours designed to freshen the palate and move beyond the expected into the realm of the complex and clever.
The Star Anise Meringue may have diners wary of a strong liquorice flavour, but fear not. The natural sweetness of the spice is certainly realised but is perfectly restrained. The crunchy pistachio honeycomb crumble brings a chewy crunch that also brings a smile. It’s all very delicious!
There is also a fantastic range of breakfasts – ideal for treating yourself (especially if you choose to make the glorious trek by foot up from the carpark down near the lake). Classics include Eggs Benedict or Florentine and all get the Jeffs touch that lifts them to another level. However, be sure not to ignore the other treats on the menu (It’s hard to go past the Ricotta Hotcakes… they’re served with grilled figs and glazed oranges!)
To match the outstanding menu, the team has devised a stunning wine list that forgoes length for focus – both in terms of the wines’ styles and origins. Looking across the red and white offerings – all sourced within the Canberra area – it’s clear that the star performers from each vineyard are on display. Think of it as a showcase of what the Capital region can produce – no wonder the rest of Australia is starting to catch on.
With food this delicious it’s easy to focus on what is on the plate in front of you and forget about the amazing view outside. Much like the Arboretum itself, The Conservatory Restaurant is a celebration of Australia’s environment and the richness of its bounty. Whether as a personal treat or a way to show off Canberra to guests, The Conservatory is a great place to enjoy the very best of Canberra.
