It’s a Friday night in January and the Boat House by the lake is the perfect place for dinner as the sun sets with a view over Lake Burly Griffin. Bron and I have a reservation for 7.30.

 

As we arrive the the breeze picks up outside and the sun is streaming through the large windows that open onto a spectacular view of Lake Burly Griffin. The sun is at about a 20° angle and the light is harsh but we know the light of the setting sun will be quite beautiful as the evening approaches. We’ve been seated at a large table next to the rear wall of the dining room. It’s a good spot, we can see the comings and goings in and out of the dining room.

We are advised that the menu is in transition, as the restaurant is changing its offerings to customers to reflect the change in seasons. The left column represents the degustation option and the right column the à la carte choices.

After we were seated we were served an amuse-bouche which included a delightful piece of crispy chili chicken skin, a pâté and foie gras lollipop, some olive shortbread, tomato and parmesan marshmallow and a seafood churros with an olive and garlic smear. 

The first course is a chef’s choice and tonight it was a dish made with king fish, onion and coriander. It was a delicious starter. 

While we were enjoying the amuse-bouche and starter we had some delicious white sourdough bread with a really nice soft and smooth fennel butter. 

The waiter had started to clear the bread plate and noticed my sad face and arranged to bring out more bread. It was a nice touch. I hate to see butter go to waste. 

For an entrée Bron chose the duck ham and I went with the pork belly.

Bron really enjoyed the duck ham which was smoked and had a delicate flavour. The pork belly had been cooking for 14 hours and cut like a hot knife through butter. It was amazing.

For main courses Bron chose the Veal loin and I went with the Grilled beef flank. 

Bron described the arrangement around the veal as a wreath which seemed to be very fitting. Bron said the veal and the vegetable wreath were very good. I was very happy with the beef, the meat and fruit went so well together. 

We were surprised when our waiter came out with a pre-dessert dessert. He said the mango mousse was a new dish and the chef would appreciate feedback. I’m sorry the photograph doesn’t do this dessert justice. The mousse is smooth and delicate with the mango flavour being subtle not strong. The sorbet was refreshing but not as refreshing as the surprise packet of finger lime cells on the mousse. Like balls of excitement they popped in my mouth. 

Bron noted how delicious the white balsamic was and the crunch of the puffed white rice.

For our main dessert we both asked for the pavlova.

The basil soup was a really interesting and pleasant flavour. Basil seems to go so well with sweet things. The fruits were nice and the consistency of the pavlova was really good. The cream was smooth and not to sweet and the passionfruit not too tart.

It’s no surprise that the Boat House by the lake is one of the best restaurants in Canberra. We had a terrific evening. The food was of the highest quality and the service was impeccable. It’s hard not to be impressed when you walk in and are seated at a strong sturdy table big enough for four but dedicated for two with a linen tablecloth and matching serviettes.

We both highly recommend the Boat House by the lake to anyone wanting a great dinner in Canberra with amazing views and superb service. 

 
The Boat House by the lake
http://www.boathousebythelake.com.au/
Grevillea Park
Menindee Drive
Barton ACT 2600

Telephone 02 6273 5500
e-mail info@boathousebythelake.com.au

Restaurant hours
Monday to Saturday
From 6.30 pm
Closed public holidays

Some words from the website
One of Canberra’s ultimate dining experiences. Perfectly executed cuisine, memorable service and unmatched views across Lake Burley Griffin.

Crisp white table cloths, warm, professional service, unmatched water views, spectacular food and wine. The Boat House by the Lake is the perfect venue for an intimate dinner with someone special, a business discussion over a meal, or a night out with friends.

Our restaurant is open for dinner Monday to Saturday nights, and bookings are essential. Find our restaurant dinner menu and our sample degustation menu below. Please note menu and pricing are subject to change without notice.

The Boat House is a fully licenced venue with an extensive wine list. Although we do not offer BYO please discuss with our staff at the time of booking if you have a special bottle you would like to bring with you.

Reviews from other Canberra Bloggers

https://inthetaratory.wordpress.com/2014/02/07/the-boathouse-by-the-lake/
https://inthetaratory.wordpress.com/2014/05/19/boathouse-by-the-lake-redux/
http://www.le-bonvivant.com/2014/05/the-boathouse-by-the-lake-canberra/
http://foodpornjournal.com/2014/12/first-time-the-boathouse-by-the-lake/
https://talesofaconfectionist.wordpress.com/2014/08/06/dinner-at-the-boat-house/
https://inthetaratory.wordpress.com/2014/07/16/truffle-degustation-at-the-boathouse-by-the-lake/
http://wayfaringchocolate.com/2010/05/30/the-boathouse-might-be-good-but-my-family-is-even-gooderer/