Monster crowned AGT’s best ACT restaurant

Posted on 20 August, 2015

There’s been a changing of the guard overnight, with Aubergine pushed off its ‘Canberra’s best restaurant’ perch for the first time in recent memory. That’s right, Sean McConnell’s Monster now holds the title of Canberra’s top spot to eat, according to Gourmet Traveller’s 2016 Restaurant Guide Awards.

It’s the latest feather in the bow of the sprawling eatery and bar in the foyer of New Acton’s Hotel Hotel, and with good reason. Monster is one of those rare places that’s as comfortable for breakfast as it is for midnight cocktails, and you never think you’re sitting in a hotel foyer.

There are nooks to hide away in, a fire to warm yourself next to, and the elegant salon right next door – and the food is always inventive, flavoursome and top quality.

“Our restaurant scene is so vibrant, diverse and exciting,” says GT editor, Anthea Loucas, “it’s a real honour and a pleasure for us to be able to celebrate it through these awards, our restaurant guide and in every issue of Gourmet Traveller.”

Monster (79) and Aubergine (91) also featured in the top 100 restaurants nationally, and round out a great quality top 10.

1.      Monster – read our story here.

2.      Aubergine

3.      Eightysix – read our review here.

4.      Temporada – read our review here.

5.      Italian & Sons – read about its new wine bar, Bacaro, here.

6.       Farmhouse Restaurant at Pialligo Estate – read about it here.

7.      Capitol Bar & Grill – read our story here.

8.      Akiba – read about it here.

9.      Sage – read about the experience here.

10.   Ottoman Cuisine

Do you agree with the judges’ assessment? What would you add to the list?