What is it? The cooler and colourful younger sibling of Canberra’s award-winning restaurant, Pilot.
Why go? Shimmy on down to Such and Such for a fun, fresh and flavoursome feast that you’ll be raving to friends about for the rest of the year. You could mistake the bright and bold dining room for an art gallery, where the walls pop with artworks, ceramics and sculptures by local artists. Once you’ve had a good old fashioned peruse around the intriguing and/or inspiring dining room, make your way across the terrazzo floor to a cool cushioned booth or timber tabletop where you’ll be equally as enticed by the fare. Each dish is a playful masterpiece with the super seasonal menu featuring contemporary takes on nostalgic snacks and share plates. Think: a soupy sensation of fish in ‘crazy water’ with mussels and white beans, as well as pasta perfection of orecchiette in pistachio pesto – try saying that fast, three times. Don’t take things too seriously and add on a glass (or three) of lo-fi, organic wines from both local makers and far away places.
Time Out tip: If you’re after a quick in-and-out lunch, it’s hard to go past the $55 one-hour menu which will get you two snacks and a salad (to share) as well as a main dish, plus dessert if there’s room post-savouries (there always is).
Address: 220 London Crescent, Canberra
Opening hours: Mon 5pm-10pm; Tues-Thurs 12pm-10pm; Fri-Sat 12pm-11pm
Expect to pay: More than $35 for a main