For my birthday lunch (earlier this year), my friends and I headed to Lunetta, the elegant upstairs dining space overlooking Red Hill. We opted for the shared menu ($185 per person)โa long, leisurely experience (nearly four hours!) but perfect when youโre in no rush and ready to indulge.
We start with wood-fired molasses sourdough with whipped butter. This bread arrives thick-cutโproperly thickโand the molasses crust is wonderfully sticky. Itโs the kind of slice that demands a wet wipe afterward, and honestly, I love that level of commitment. Warm, chewy, indulgent.
The carbonara tartlet with guanciale, parmigiano Reggiano and egg yolk is a tiny tartlet that packs a punch. Itโs silky, creamy, and tastes exactly like the worldโs most delicate carbonara. One bite and I was instantly sold. Olives and anchovy skewers โ a bold flavour pop but not for me as it was quite sharp and sour.
Buffalo yoghurt with cucumber, melon, fig and honey โ a refreshing palate cleanser with beautiful presentation. Light, cool, and subtly sweet.
The raw tuna with an Italian XO, chilli and pickled vegetables is one of the standout dishes of the entire menu. Not too spicy, tangy notes, and a generous portion. Iโd happily come back just for this.
The roasted pumpkin ravioli with brown butter and ricotta di bufala is everything you want in a comforting pastaโrich pumpkin, nutty butter, earthy mushrooms. A beautifully executed dish.
Then we move onto mains. First is the kingfish with beetroot and mushrooms โ Iโve never had fish paired with beetroot before, but it works surprisingly well. Sweetness from the beetroot, savoury depth from the mushroomsโan unexpected but lovely combination. The beef sirloin with wholegrain mustard is meltโinโyour-mouth tender, topped with a glossy, flavourful gravy. I could have eaten another plate of this. Served with garden salad and roast potatoes, the mains feel hearty and well balanced.
We finish off with two desserts. First is the lemon tart. Now Iโm not usually a fan of lemon tart. In fact, itโs something I wouldnโt even bother ordering. But this one changed my mind. Perfectly balanced between sweet and tart, with a slightly gelatinous texture that made it surprisingly addictive. I went back for three spoonfuls.
But my favourite dessert is the chocolate. Basically a chocolate slice with malt, coffee, cocoa nib and hazelnut. It reminds me of a mocha transformed into a velvety slice, served with ice cream. Rich, smooth, and incredibly satisfying. Bonus birthday chocolate treat box from the restaurant.
Lunetta offers a luxurious, slow-paced dining experience with sweeping views of Canberraโno doubt stunning in the evening. The food is generous and beautifully crafted, and while the shared menu makes for a long sitting, itโs a perfect way to celebrate a special day with friends.
Would I return? Absolutelyโespecially for that tuna, that sirloin, and that heavenly chocolate dessert.
See reel of my experience below
Lunetta
Upstairs, 60 Red Hill Dr, Red Hill ACT 2603
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