Located at 61 London Cct, Canberra ACT 2601, Charcoal Restaurant stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of classic dining in the nation's capital. For decades, this establishment has served as a cornerstone of the local gastronomic scene, offering a sophisticated yet welcoming environment for those who appreciate the art of traditional cooking. The restaurant is widely recognized for its commitment to quality, consistency, and a dining experience that prioritizes the integrity of ingredients above all else. Whether you are visiting for a professional engagement or a quiet evening meal, the atmosphere provides a refined backdrop that reflects the professional character of Canberra’s city center.
The philosophy behind the kitchen is rooted in the belief that great food does not require unnecessary complexity. By focusing on the fundamentals of heat, timing, and premium sourcing, the team creates dishes that resonate with both long-time patrons and new visitors alike. The interior design complements this approach, balancing a sense of history with modern comfort, ensuring that every guest feels at home from the moment they step through the doors. It is a place where the focus remains firmly on the plate and the conversation, making it a preferred destination for those seeking a reliable and high-quality dining experience in the heart of the city.
What Defines the Charcoal Restaurant Experience
Commitment to Quality Ingredients: The kitchen prioritizes the selection of high-grade produce and proteins, ensuring that every component of a dish is prepared to highlight its natural flavor profile. This dedication to sourcing is the foundation of their reputation.
A Timeless Culinary Approach: Eschewing fleeting trends, the restaurant focuses on time-honored cooking techniques. This dedication to classic methods ensures a consistent and satisfying experience that stands the test of time.
Professional and Attentive Service: The staff is known for a level of hospitality that is both polished and unobtrusive. The service team understands the nuances of fine dining, providing an environment where guests can enjoy their meal without distraction.
Central City Accessibility: Situated conveniently on London Circuit, the restaurant is perfectly positioned for those working in the parliamentary triangle or exploring the central business district, making it an ideal choice for both business lunches and evening gatherings.
A Legacy of Excellence in Canberra
The longevity of Charcoal Restaurant is a reflection of its ability to adapt while remaining true to its core values. In a city that is constantly evolving, maintaining a standard of excellence requires a deep understanding of what diners truly value: respect for the craft, a comfortable setting, and a genuine passion for hospitality. By consistently delivering on these fronts, the restaurant has secured its place as a vital part of Canberra’s social and culinary fabric.
As you plan your next visit to the city center, consider the experience offered at 61 London Cct. It is more than just a place to eat; it is an opportunity to engage with a piece of Canberra’s dining history. Whether you are a local resident or a visitor passing through, the team looks forward to welcoming you and providing a meal that is prepared with care, served with professionalism, and enjoyed in a setting that celebrates the best of traditional dining. We invite you to discover why so many have made this establishment their go-to destination for quality food and memorable moments.
Amenities and More
Accessibility
Assistive hearing loop
Service options
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Great coffee
Great wine list
Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Spirits
Wine
Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Table service
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Cozy
Historic
Upmarket
Crowd
Groups
Planning
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Menus
Photos
Reviews Charcoal Restaurant
Giada Peloso
30-05-2026
Best steak I've had in my entire life! I ordered a 400 gram scotch fillet which was special in the evening. The waitress explained that this cut has been dry aged for 100 days and I decided to give it a try. The steak was sublime. After the … More
Raccoon Dragon A.W.
30-05-2026
Very classic and tasty. Very authentic
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
NANO LINGO
30-05-2026
I was blown away by how well cooked our meals were and the superb flavours! Yum 🤤
Order type
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$60–80
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Raccoon Dragon A.W.
30-05-2026
Very classic and tasty. Very authentic
Food: 5…
More
Neil Ball (Nutsac)
30-05-2026
I consider this to have the best steak in Canberra. I have tried many other places which are simply not in the same league as this place. They are not fancy or cheap but that is not as important to me as the quality of the food on offer. I … More
NANO LINGO
30-05-2026
I was blown away by how well cooked our meals were and the superb flavours! Yum 🤤 …
Order type…
More
Trent Schoevers
30-05-2026
For me a Canberra local this has to be the best steak restaurant for value for money it’s a old restaurant without music and all the other loud noises while it’s rather basic compared to some the steak quality is great they are happy to re … More
Renga Rajan
30-05-2026
I had the 'steak diane' for dinner on a Saturday night. The food was really good and so was the service. Not to mention the place was very cosy as well. Not recommended for little children or people on wheelchairs though due to limited space More
Jim
30-05-2026
Canberras oldest resteraunt and a reliable steak house at that. I had a prawn cocktail entree which was good and for main a 1.5kg tomahawk and was not disappointed, the steak was good; cooked to order and came out hot with yummy side dishes … More
LB
30-05-2026
Hands down the BEST cooked steak we've ever had. 350g eye fillet with pepper sauce done medium rare & 250g eye fillet surf and turf done medium. Served with basic veg and baked potato but the perfect accompaniment for a perfect steak. Will dine again!!
Wynita Manente
30-05-2026
If you want a cozy, down to earth restaurant with some of the best food in Canberra, then Charcoal Restaurant is where you want to be.
The service was exceptional, food was amazing and had so much flavour . … More
D
30-05-2026
Great place to celebrate an occasion.
All the steaks were served perfectly.
Creme brulee was to die for. … More
D T
30-05-2026
A mate and I have been doing a steak tour around Canberra, and this place easily takes the cake. Quality meat, cooked to perfection, great sauces (though very expensive for just sauce), and classic sides. The only thing that comes close is Marble and Grain...but Charcoal is still in a league of its own.
Mike Perry
30-05-2026
Ahhh - the Charcoal. Most people know what they're getting into here. This place has been operating in Canberra for over 50 years. Funniest part about that is that I think that's how old the décor actually is. ;o) I actually mean that … More
Markus Tan
30-05-2026
Fairly decent steaks if not a little pricy. Soup and other sides were average. Desserts were really good. Affrogato and Sticky date puddings were the highlight. More
Luke E
30-05-2026
The waitresses were extremely nice and the steak was cooked perfectly. The sticky date pudding was also a highlight but the garlic prawn entree was slightly overpriced.
kostij10
30-05-2026
I've never been to Charcoal Restaurant before, but boy am I glad I did. Everything from service to the outstanding food was 10/10. Steak was cooked perfectly, and super tasty. Definitely going back again and highly recommend you give it a go if you haven't been yet.
Price per person
$80–100
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Noise level
Quiet, easy to talk
Group size
2 people, 3-4 people, 5-8 people
Seating type
Indoor dining area
H. Umair Shami
30-05-2026
My partner and I have been going out in Canberra looking for a nice restaurant. I think we found it tonight. The service is top of the game. The food was so excellent, and for a steak house, it had plenty to offer, from soup to chicken, … More
Scott Allan
30-05-2026
We had my daughters 21st there last night. Absolutely amazing service. The owner came in early so we could take a few balloons in and ensure we were happy with our table and that the wheel chair placement for my dad would work. The food … More
KN KN
30-05-2026
The steak just cannot be beaten. Generous portions, cooked beautifully to order. Comes with a side of veg (not extra like so many places these days) and is a decent, although not stunning wine selection. … More
Bipin Adhikari
30-05-2026
Excellent food and great service. The steak was perfectly cooked and full of flavour. Beautiful atmosphere and very friendly staff. Highly recommend Charcoal Restaurant. More
Lachlan Jacob
30-05-2026
A nice cozy restaurant. No loud noises or TV’s etc. just an old fashioned restaurant. Great service. Perfectly cooked steak (medium rare rib eye steak Diane) great veggies and baked potato. Dessert was fantastic (crème brûlée) and the wine … More
Sundus -
30-05-2026
Food is good but not worth the price tag. Service is quite slow. Overall, it is popular but I would like to see my meal without having to wait almost an hour each time as it eats up in your time allowed per seating. Would recommend the mashed potatoes (not on the menu). More
JENNI WHITBREAD
30-05-2026
We come to Canberra just to dine here. Last night did not disappoint, incredible steaks, the best I’ve had for a very long time.
This place never lets us down great wine list, honest food treated with respected and simplicity.
John Koulouris
30-05-2026
If you want a great steak in Canberra this is the place to go to.
It is an old school steak house. Has not been renovated in a long time, which … More
Glen Miller
30-05-2026
You will not find a better steak in Canberra, utter perfection, I’ve been coming here since 2000 and it’s only gotten better, it’s a shame I only controlled myself enough to take a picture of desert.
The Shiraz from Murrumbateman is delicious and you will not be disappointed a must try in the ACT.
D
30-05-2026
Charcoal Restaurant is a hole in the wall steak house that has been operating in Canberra since the early 1960’s. The atmosphere is cozy and warm with dark brown and red decor that is reminiscent of a bygone era. We ordered the Rib Eye Steak medium rare with pepper sauce and it was cooked to perfection. The chocolate mousse was rich and velvety and not too sweet. There is an extensive wine list for all budgets. We paid just under $200 for 2 main meals, 2 desserts and 2 drinks.
The staff and their service makes you feel like an old friend.
I recommended you make a booking in advance.
I’ll definitely be back again!
philippe frost
30-05-2026
Our annual Charcoal Christmas lunch was sadly a let down. The crumbed Camembert entree was still solid in the centre, not melted and goey. My medium-rare steak was cooked 'well done' and was dry and tough. The waiter did not offer me a glass for wine or asked if i wanted a drink after arriving later to the party. He also wasn't taking away empty beer bottles or replenishing our table water. Worst of all they charge $76 for a bottle of Argentinian wine that still has the label 'Aldi Stores' on the back . It's sold at Aldi for $12.99. Pretty dishonest mark-up! This place is trading on its good reputation, but i would rather go to the Hellenic club down the road and pay a fair price for a nicely-cooked steak.
Price per person
$80–100
Food: 3
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 4
Noise level
Very loud, hard to hear
Wait time
No wait
Seating type
Indoor dining area
Simi Parker
30-05-2026
I was recently taken to Charcoal Restaurant after walking past it for many years, the decor is reminiscent of the old days, leather and wood chairs, rattan-esk light shades and wine stocked shelves. The food, while basic in concept, it's fantastic! We've been back twice in as many weeks and would love to make it my local. The Cajun steak is the best steak I've ever had and the chocolate mousse is definitely a favourite. It's pricey but definitely worth it!
Syndy Marr
30-05-2026
Tucked away in a little nice venue that's been around for many years, so it must be doing something good. The order - Camembert to share between my husband and I (yes, finally we manage to find a babysitter and off we went on a date night! woohooo!!), Sirloin with Béarnaise sauce, Scotch with Pepper sauce (400g each) and manage to fit into the other stomach on dessert to share (creme brulee and it crackled!!). Steaks came with baked spud (parmesan, cream and chives) and veggies. Yum! Increasingly, it's hard to find a place that can do a rare steak actually rare.....I'm happy to report back that Charcoal is one of those places that do it right! A tender, flavorsome cut of beef - it's an example of a great steak done properly. Worth a visit if you like steak and I can see why they've been around and stayed around for so long. Will definitely support Charcoal to get my Rare steak fix. Thank you to Debbie for making our date night memorable.
Order type
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$60–80
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Deep Fried Camembert
Tim Watling
30-05-2026
Shockingly bad, incompetent and shady. After literally decades of wanting to try it, I finally had international visitors who asked for a steakhouse. Where to start? Most of the steak options were unavailable. The prices were seriously high (yes, I know steak is expensive, but how does $85 for a modestly sized eye fillet sound, and $325 for a 2016 Penfolds St Henri?). If it had been good, I wouldn’t be complaining, but the steaks, ordered medium, were totally grey- I would describe them as very well done, and mine lacked any moisture. I politely noted to our waitress that we were a bit disappointed. We should have sent them back but we’d been waiting a fair while and one of our party was a hungry youngster. So eventually the bill comes, and the waitress mistakenly overcharges one credit card $400 instead of $200. We politely ask if the charge can be reversed, and are told it can’t be. We are offered the $200 difference in cash (seems odd) but even that offer is subsequently withdrawn by a different waiter who was appallingly rude and belligerent. Our only option it seems is to call back tomorrow and sort out the situation with the owner. Consequently, my international visitors were left with an overcharged corporate credit card to explain to their company, while I needed to scout around to find cash to repay them my share. Messy and embarrassing for everybody. And having had overpriced, badly overcooked steak! Completely, utterly unacceptable and embarrassing. Definitely not recommended.
Price per person
$180–200
Food: 1
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 1
Reservation
Reservations recommended
Wait time
No wait
Seating type
Indoor dining area, Booth seating
David G
30-05-2026
Overall our experience at Charcoal was relatively decent. The furniture is quite dated but in my opinion it adds to the overall charm of the place. However because the walls are carpeted, it feels like you're in a cauldron. It's fine for winter but on a 30 degree day, it is quite uncomfortable and there is no air-conditioning. As far as the service is concerned, there is only one lady servicing and waiting all the tables. She definitely does her best but she is overworked. Her name starts with 'D'. The owner just sat around and didn't bother to help. When we walked in, we were made to sit at a table that was not cleared. It was messy and the owner did nothing. We had to wait for a good 15 mins before the one lone server was able to get to our table. Not a good start to our experience but thankfully it picked up from there.
In terms of food, we ordered the fried Camembert which was quite a sizable portion and could well be shared between two people. The fried skin was absolutely delicious!
For mains we ordered the Prime Rib and the eye - fillet with peppercorn sauce. The prime rib being a premium cut of meat was quite underwhelming. We ordered it medium rare but it wasn't cooked evenly at all. Some parts were well overdone but the eye fillet with the peppercorn sauce was way way better. The peppercorn sauce was to die for. Dessert was also a hit and miss. The creme brulee we ordered was warm on the inside and didn't have the glass shattering sound from the burnt sugar. The sticky date pudding however was outstanding and definitely compensated for the hot creme brulee. It's definitely one of the best sticky date puddings I've tried.
Overall, our experience wasn't too bad but in my opinion if you're paying the steep prices, the quality of the food and service needs to be impeccable.
Order type
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$200+
Food: 4
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 3
Recommended dishes
Sticky Date Pudding, Creme Brulee, Deep Fried Camembert, Eye Fillet 350g with Pepper Sauce
Reviews Charcoal Restaurant