Water's Edge Restaurant Canberra

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Review

653 reviews

#14 of 1,384 Restaurants in Canberra$$$$, European, Australian, Vegetarian friendly

+61 2 6273 5066+ Add website

Hours

Sun

12:00 pm - 3:00 pm6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Wed

12:00 pm - 3:00 pm6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Thu

12:00 pm - 3:00 pm6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Fri

12:00 pm - 3:00 pm6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Sat

12:00 pm - 3:00 pm6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

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Ratings and reviews

4.0

653 reviews

#14 of 1,384 Restaurants in Canberra

RATINGS

Food

Service

Value

Atmosphere

Food and ambience

Local cuisine, European, Australian, Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options

“My wife had the Buffalo curd with beetroot and the Fillet Steak.”

“... jus and 100 Day Grain Feb Beef Fillet, Black Cabbage Puree, Potato Galett...”

“... balanced against a passionfruit sorbet, delicate dollops of tangy gels, a...”

“We especially appreciated all the little extras like the sorbet palette clean...”

Location and contact

40 Parkes Place Parkes, Canberra 2600 Australia

+61 2 6273 5066

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Is this an European restaurant?

Yes

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About

Water’s edge is one Canberra’s most respected restaurant situated in a lovely position with water views right on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin. Water’s edge continues to flourish providing an exquisite menu to their patrons. The interior is simply this: luxury executed with the restraint that accompanies the impeccable taste. The high ceilings, clean tones, plush chairs and white linen tables invite you to sit back and truly embrace the dining experience. The comfortable level space boasts a lovely water views overlooking the lake. The service is professional, friendly and unobtrusive. An extended wine list has been carefully selected to complement the culinary style; ensuring a beautiful crafted food and wine experience. The food is experimental Modern European-Australian, and ranges from the simplest of fare to the most challengingly complex, making Water’s edge loved equally by gourmands with a penchant for the complex and by fresh-foodophiles who thrive on nothing more than

PRICE RANGE

$77.00 – $115.00

CUISINES

European, Australian

Special Diets

Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options

Meals

Lunch, Dinner, After-hours, Drinks

FEATURES

Reservations, Seating, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Waterfront, Family style, Non-smoking restaurants, Gift Cards Available

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4.0

653 reviews

Excellent

381

Very good

130

Average

Poor

Terrible

Cvon_Drapery

Holt267 contributions

An excellent dining experience as usual!

Mar 2020 • family

I wanted to celebrate my daughter's achievement in obtaining her CA certification and as I haven't dined in this restaurant since new management had taken over, I made the booking. Unfortunately, you can only get window seats with views of the lake for tables of two, so we had to settle for one row from the window. Regardless of the new social distancing rules, I think the tables are normally positioned so that you never feel crowded next to your fellow diners. The serving staff was very friendly and attentive and took the time to explain each dish. The 3 of us each ordered the 4 course menu and was also delighted with a few added treats by the Chef. The food as usual was delicious and served at just the right pace. I look forward to returning again once the Covid-19 lock downs are lifted.

Written 28 March 2020

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Adamtopshelf

Canberra33 contributions

Hospitality at it's best

Nov 2020 • couples

We were warming greeted by staff, who were all attentive and polite. There is a formal but friendly atmosphere and a great view of the lake and war memorial. We started with a small complementary entree, with lovely flavors and textures. We were then offered the Honey comb Tart and the spiced octopus, we asked Chris if the octopus could be replaced with something else and the staff and chefs quickly adapted. The tart was amazing with well balanced flavors and a mix of textures. We noted the time and realized we were going to be late for the movie we had booked after dinner. The head waiter and chefs were amazingly accommodating after we asked if it was possible to either change our order from the 5 courses to 3 or if we could get the remaining dishes within 30 minutes (a struggle for any kitchen). The chefs did a stellar job in bringing out course after course, giving us new flavors each time. The waiters were efficent and never made us feel like we were being a problem, even though we we're certainly being challenging. The entire staff completed our request perfectly, we got all the courses done in 30 minutes. Somehow none of the dishes suffered from the rush and were all exquisite. The overall cost for 2, for a 5 course meal and a bottle of wine was $257.00. We will be back again and again, not just for the wonderful food but because of the staff who bent over backwards to accommodate our every need.

Written 20 November 2020

Anita C

5 contributions

Don’t go there if you have dietary requirements

Aug 2020 • none

The moral of this story is don’t take a reservation without telling your diner it is a set course offer. I would have chosen a more a la carte venue had I have known at the time of booking. And don’t ask if your diner has any dietary requirements and then ignore them. And chef, what’s with the copious quantities of crumbed mystery items? Those trying to avoid carbs can’t eat them. Otherwise the food was cooked well and tastefully presented. I took my husband here to celebrate his 70th birthday tonight 29/08/20. As a one hat restaurant I presumed (incorrectly) that it was a la carte. When I booked I was asked if I had any special dietary requirements. I replied that we were both on a low carb diet. (I am a diabetic). We were called twice by the restaurant to: confirm we were still coming; and to urge us to arrive at 5.45 for our 6pm reservation as they needed us to leave by 7.30 pm to allow them to comply with COVID-19 requirements. When we arrived at 5.45 we were directed to a table by the window. Very nice. We were also impressed by their very stylish cutlery. We were then told the menu was a three-course meal for $77 per head (which in ordinary circumstances, was reasonable). We waited for about 10 minutes to receive a menu. Because of my requirements I couldn’t choose an entree meal that anywhere near suited a low carb option apart from an octopus and salmon ‘cake’ option. I don’t like octopus so I thought the salmon would be ok. The waiter said it was a set menu so I couldn’t not order an entree so he would replace the octopus with more of the salmon. The salmon arrived covered in breadcrumbs so my husband ate them for me. The amuse Bouchée was also covered in breadcrumbs BTW. I couldn’t eat that. The main I chose was sirloin the two tiniest bits of meat in the history of the world in a heavily over-salted sauce. So I gave the second one to my husband. I kept saying “Happy birthday”. Needless to say we couldn’t order the desserts as they would have shot my BGL up enormously. My husband ordered a glass of very vin ordinaire Shiraz which was very dry so he scored that as well. I left feeling very hangry. They reduced the meal by $10 for each of us to compensate for not ordering the desserts but amazingly they charged us $16 per glass for the Shiraz. I agree with one of the previous reviewers that in the price point there are other better and fairer restaurants around Canberra to be bothered. We had a great night in spite of the Waters Edge and that was because we enjoyed each other’s company and were determined not to let anything spoil what I wanted to be a perfect night.

Written 29 August 2020

Cvon_Drapery

Holt267 contributions

3 course lunch special

Nov 2020 • couples

The Water's Edge restaurant is one of my favourite places to dine at, although most times I have visited have been for dinner. With a glorious Spring day forecasted, I made the reservation to try the 3 course meal for $66, available for lunch everyday during the special and certain nights only. My dining companion and I made our course selection with both of us choosing the Spicy Octopus dish for entrées and the Banana Parfait for dessert. The Spicy Octopus was both visually appealing and delicious to the taste buds and we were both very pleased with this dish. In fact, we were very happy with all our dishes and they came out at just the right pace. We were also pleasantly surprised with a couple of extra treats provided by the Chef. The restaurant was very busy during the time we were there, as usual we were attended to promptly by the ever alert and friendly staff and the views of LBG and surrounding landmarks added to the enjoyment of our meal and company. Can't wait to visit again.

Written 20 November 2020

Ron T

Booker Bay412 contributions

A disappointing Valentines Day luncheon.

Feb 2021 • couples

We visited this venue for Sunday’s Valentines Day four course , no choice, set menu luncheon . We arrived at 12 noon as per our booking and was the second couple seated by the window. We enjoyed a glass each of French sparkling wine, and ordered a bottle of Pinot Grigio from King Valley. One hour and 10 minutes later after being seated we enquired about the meals as we noted that other tables who had arrived at least 30 minutes later than us had already received the welcoming dish and their entree. We were told by a turbaned gentleman that there had been a computer malfunction between their ordering station and the kitchen. However, it didn’t seem to impact anyone else except our table and the menu was set so why was there a need to tell the kitchen anything, other than we had arrived? We did notice additional staff arriving after all guests had been seated and serving commenced. The service did improve but because of time constraints we had to forego the desert fourth course and settle the account. We did notice two other couples also left before finishing all their courses. There was nothing wrong with our meals, when they arrived, and the beef in particular was very good. With a little better organisation and table service monitoring, as the wait staff must have noticed that we had not received anything to eat whilst delivering meals to other tables around us, this could have been a memorable visit. It was not! As it stands all we can say that it was a $300 cost disappointing experience which spoilt a special day. We will not be returning to Waters Edge.

Written 15 February 2021

Wayne C

Sydney61 contributions

Beautiful, comfortable setting by the lake

Oct 2020 • none

Waters Edge was running an $88 lunch special in October & that coincided with our visit to Canberra. We'd been there before & it is so handy to the NLA & Portrait Gallery. The $88 special was a degustation & all the elements were very good except for the last savoury course of chicken breast. Modern chicken breasts are too big & thick & shouldn't be part of a fine dining meal. It was good value despite the chicken breast. There was a matching wine option which we took.

Written 8 November 2020

TonyJR25

Canberra79 contributions

Terrible experience never to be repeated

Oct 2020 • none

They scored one star for the view as every aspect of our evening was simply awful. This place has the nerve to call itself fine dining. Apart from the price there is nothing fine evident. The service was poor at best and had we left after the recommended 90 minute dining allocation we would have only had an entrée. Speaking of which, when is it acceptable to serve a single small tough octopus tentacle as a course. The mains were all plate no protein all served with various slop which purported to be purees and jus and little if any vegetables. The servings were tiny, poorly seasoned and poorly cooked. Deserts were just a mystery. Lastly. If you're not going to leave the wine at the table it requires the wait staff to be aware of when your glass is empty. They were not and all seemed to have blinkers on when attempts were made to get a refill after 15 minutes with empty glasses. The table behind us had the same issue. At over $100 per head this is Canberra's worst value for money restaurant.

Written 11 October 2020

Dianne G

7 contributions

Standards Have Fallen!

May 2021 • none

Last time we gave this restaurant a glowing five star review- this time it is a reluctant three stars! We were seated at the back of the restaurant, as far from the view as it was possible to be. When we complained it was explained to us that if we wanted a decent table we needed to book for 12 noon. Service was appalling. We made the mistake of sending the waitress away because we had not looked at the menu when she came to take our orders. Unfortunately she neglected to return and our efforts to attract any attention proved futile for quite some time. Three of the four of us ordered beef, all cooked differently. These were delivered quite indiscriminately with absolutely no attention paid to how anybody had ordered it to be cooked. We had to work this out for ourselves! The one medium rare dish, was so rare that it was inedible and had to be sent back. White wine was luke warm, but improved after sitting in the wine bucket for some time as we sat with empty glasses. When we asked for more wine, meaning please fill our glasses, the waitress indicated that she would order us another bottle. Bill was incorrect with everybody charged for the set menu when only three of us actually had that. All in all, what was supposed to be a special treat turned out to be a big disappointment.

Written 23 May 2021

FarAway588099

Canberra7 contributions

Birthday Lunch at the Water's Edge

Jan 2020 • none

Recently my husband and I hosted a lunch for 35 guests at the Water’s Edge. The occasion was perfect. The food was exquisite, the table arrangements and service outstanding. The Water’s Edge went to no end of trouble for us. Their attention to detail was impressive including special requests to cater for different diets eg vegan. We were consulted about every aspect of the occasion and no trouble seemed to be too much., I cannot express how much we and our guests enjoyed ourselves.

Written 21 January 2020

Brendan M

1 contribution

Outstanding food, service and location

Oct 2020 • couples

First time visiting and definitely won't be the last. Warm and professional welcome from the waitstaff which was continued throughout the meal service. Brilliant menu catering to wide tastes but holding true to the Aussie flora and fauna pallette. The location at sunset is quite amazing, with golden hills being complemented by a smart wine menu. Food came out in great order and was cooked to perfection, the Wagyu steak being one of the best I have tasted in recent years. Well done to the staff both front and back of house, it's was a fantastic experience.

Written 18 October 2020

P C

Canberra19 contributions

Valentine's with a view...

Feb 2020 • couples

We (accidentally) had our first date going to a play on a Valentine's Day and got engaged on Valentine's seven years later. So, it's fair to say, the day has a special significance for us. We're fussy about how we celebrate. We've done everything from homemade picnics in the woods to quirky locations to fine dining. This year, the Water's Edge (on Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra) added to our store of lovely memories. The view is spectacular, the food delicious AND beautiful and the service - excellent. Yes, it was a set menu but a set menu that catered for my vegetarian partner. We don't food blog (often) but have included pics of our starters. Partner had Thyme and Pepper Marinated Goat's Cheese (with a torched fig, walnut crumb, beetroot balsamic sphere and basil puree). I had a Crocodile Croquette (with mini pepper jam, fresh pomgranate and basil oil). Our waiter staff were attentive without being obtrusive and we gazed out at the lake and watched the world wander by. For a special occasion or just a special date we highly recommend, P and T Carter

Written 14 February 2020

Jennie3Canberra

11 contributions

DELIGHTFUL LUNCH

Aug 2020 • none

We had a lovely lunch at Water's Edge today - excellent food and service.The 3 course menu has quite unusual food combinations - my dishes were beautifully presented and tasted wonderful. Accompanied by a superb French rose. Our waiter was excellent. It is very rare that I am so happy with a restaurant meal. Booking necessary, hand sanitiser at the entrance and tables suitably spaced. Decor might be a little dated but that did not matter as I had a great view over the Lake.

Written 27 August 2020

Manuela M

1 contribution

Amazing!

Oct 2020 • none

Amazing food, and outstanding customer service. The service was the best I have experienced in Canberra. They were really friendly, quick and efficent. Food was exceptional, and wine list was fantastic, so many good ones. The view was gorgeous and the set up in the restaurant even better. It was cousy and even if the restaurant was pretty busy, you coudnt feel it, you had you quitness to eat, drink your wine, relax and chat with your company. I 100 per raccomend this restaurant.

Written 24 October 2020

Robyn B

Macgregor2 contributions

Ms Robyn Bryant OAM

Nov 2020 • family

We visited this restaurant for a family celebration with 9 guests for Sunday lunch. Turned out to be a great choice from start to finish. The staff even opened the car door at the entrance to assist diners with physical challenges. Greatly appreciated. We each chose dishes from the set menu and no one was disappointed. The meat dishes (lamb strap and wagyu beef dishes) were prepared by a master... absolutely melt in the mouth tenderness. Entrees and desserts were just the right size and quite delicious and presented so attractively, it seemed like a travesty to eat them! The wait staff were attentive but with a light touch. Very kind. I look forward to another occasion when we can patronise Water’s Edge. Absolutely my favourite restaurant from here on in... congratulations to all of you and many thanks. Robyn Bryant

Written 29 November 2020

Eden Z

1 contribution

Great experience

Nov 2020 • none

One of the best locations in Canberra by the lake's edge. Relaxed decor and professional friendly staff. Had 3 course special for $66 each for lunch. Wagyu sirloin was my favourite - tender and cooked brilliantly as medium rare - my partner had barramundi which was melt in mouth tender. Octopus entree and banana dessert were also very much enjoyed.

Written 28 November 2020

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