During a recent weekend trip to Canberra, I was determined to try the best restaurant of Canberra dining. After seeking recommendations from friends, Vincent Restaurant kept coming up as a top choice. Upon reviewing the restaurant’s website, I was immediately drawn in by the simple yet contemporary design, the dark and moody ambiance, and the diverse menu featuring culinary techniques and flavors from around the world. I knew I had to make a reservation.
As of January 2023, I’m happy to report that all the menu items I enjoyed at Vincent Restaurant are still available.
Ambience
The restaurant is tucked away right by residential streets and Vincent Restaurant can be easy to miss. But once you’re in, you’re swooped away into a world that resembles a blend between a casual wine bar and a Japanese omakase restaurant – sleek, dark & moody yet contemporary, inviting and relaxing.
It does get a bit dark at night with the dim warm lighting – definitely gives it a more casual, inviting and relaxing vibe.
Food
Entree
I started off the night with two entrees, the Nectarine and the Kingfish.
Indulge in a delectable treat with the light and crisp shortcrust crust, rich and creamy filling, and fresh and soft nectarine slices. The addition of crispy walnuts and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar perfectly balances the flavors and textures, setting the stage for an unforgettable dining experience. One bite and you’ll be hooked – this dish is sure to exceed all expectations.
Experience the flavors of Thailand with the standout dish of the night – rich and decadent coconut cream paired with fresh slices of sashimi-grade kingfish. The addition of sweet and refreshing lychee and coriander perfectly balances the richness of the coconut cream, taking this dish to new heights of culinary excellence. One bite and you’ll be transported straight to the streets of Thailand.
Main
In my experience, the entrees are usually the pick over the mains! They’re usually full of flavour, punchy, and keeps you wanting more. And with the entrees we were served already, how could they possible top it?
I ordered two mains: Red Snapper and Smoked Duck Breast.
The red snapper was cooked to crispy perfection, with its skin providing a delightful crunch. The flesh was silky and velvety, and the combination of jerusalem artichokes and vongole kicked up the umami flavour a notch. This was quite delicious!
This global fusion dish is an explosion of flavors and techniques. The smoked duck breast is tender and juicy, with just a hint of smokiness. The labneh adds a tangy creaminess, the brussels sprouts provide a touch of freshness, and the miso adds an extra burst of umami. The Asian chili oil ties everything together with its bold and spicy flavor. This dish truly transports your taste buds to another level.
Dessert
After the flavor extravaganza of our entrees and main courses, we opted for a simple yet classic dessert: crème brûlée.
A classic way to end the dinner, and it was executed well.
Service
I was blown away by the exceptional service at Vincent Restaurant in Canberra. The staff were friendly, attentive, and thoughtful – they made sure to give us the space to enjoy the unique casual and contemporary atmosphere, but were always there when we needed them.
One of the staff members even offered to take a photo for us before we even asked – a first for me!
Conclusion
All in all, it was a truly memorable dining experience at Vincent Restaurant in Canberra.
I highly recommend a visit to Vincent Restaurant in Canberra. Their dishes are truly innovative and delectable, and the exceptional service only adds to the overall experience.
You can easily make a reservation through their website – just be sure to book in advance to secure your spot at this highly sought-after establishment!
