Canberra’s newest casual fine-dining restaurant is letting the good times flow

Posted on 11 October, 2024

Where east meets west in a laid-back setting. That’s the ethos of Canberra’s newest fine dining destination.

And with Flui Restaurant now open on Northbourne Avenue, those in the city looking for an elevated experience without the fuss won’t have far to go.

Promising the highest level of Mod Oz food in an informal environment, Flui joins other foodie favourites Bar Rochford, Highball, Amici, Amara, and Mezzalira in the heritage-listed Melbourne Building.

Bringing Australian elements to the precinct’s multicultural fusion of cuisine, the casual fine-dining destination is owned and operated by Lina Shou and Leon Pan – business partners who met while working at Canberra’s award-winning Corella Bar.

Modern in both look and menu, Flui represents a big change for the pair. But with a background of working on the Royal Caribbean International Cruise Ship as a chef, training under Michelin Star-trained mentors, and cutting her teeth with cuisine ranging from the traditional East Chinese food she grew up on to the finesse of French fine dining, Lina says she and Leon are up for the challenge.

“I’ve been to more than 20 countries…I think that’s why I wanted to do modern Australian food because it’s fusion cuisine. I think it’s more fun and when people come here, they won’t expect classic dishes,” she says.

Moving to Canberra in 2021, Lina has lived in Australia for six years, calling everywhere from Perth to Brisbane home. But as her dream of opening her own restaurant comes true, Flui is a culmination of all her worldly experiences.

Noting that she doesn’t want to limit herself to just one style of cooking, the menu focuses on fresh, seasonal and local produce. Currently featuring dishes like oysters with finger lime, slow-cooked roasted lamb ribs, poached New Zealand snapper, and a torched pav with mascarpone, strawberry and raspberry, you can see how the menu has been influenced by Australian cuisine.

But it’s the additions of elements like yuzu granita and ras el hanout – as well as dishes like battered zucchini blossom with red Leicester and peach, cauliflower risotto with romesco, olive jam and pistachio and an orange chili flan with caramel and matcha ice cream – that sees Lina and Leon meld local ingredients with an international grab bag of culinary traditions.

“Part of it [where I get inspiration from] is my travel experience, visiting different countries. That’s why we use different techniques while cooking…it depends on what’s in the market as well,” says Lina.

And from the wine menu (which includes drops from Murrumbateman, Hilltops and the Canberra district) to the lamb – as well as some of the artwork on the wall – where possible, Lina and Leon source from local suppliers.

With just the two of them in the kitchen, Lina says that Flui will never have the problem of ‘too many cooks’ – and that’s what makes the restaurant unique.

“We’re going to keep the consistency of the food. We will be here every day and ingredients-wise, we focus on the small details,” says Lina.

“I think that’s our advantage.”

Moody, cosy and calm, Flui emits elegance and sophistication without being serious. Seating up to 50 people – with plans to add an al fresco area in the summer months – the fit-out also pays tribute to the heritage of the building.

Hoping that Flui becomes a go-to date night location (for friends or romantic relationships – you pick), Lina and Leon want the restaurant to become a new go-to local favourite.

Open Tuesday to Sunday for dinner and lunch on weekends, it’s not hard to picture yourself cosying up in the brown leather chairs and watching the world go by through the distinctive arched windows as you eat your way through the bespoke menu.

After all, this restaurant is all about letting the good times flow.

Images supplied.