It was with great curiosity that my dining partner and I arrived at Fig Tree Cafe, the restaurant at Rydges Capital Hill. A favourite dining venue of the Inner South crowd and hotel guests alike, we had both never been and were very tempted by a quick preview of the menu.

Fig Tree Cafe is nestled to the side of the large internal garden in the hotel’s atrium-like space and upon arrival, we were swiftly seated in a nook of the restaurant. The space makes for a unique and intimate setting for diners, surrounded by trees and the serene sound of trickling water in the background. As we sipped our pre-dinner glass of wine, it seemed the perfect venue to unwind and forget about a long day.

The entrees emerged from the kitchen looking exquisite in their presentation, which was thankfully matched by the unique combination of flavours that left us very satisfied with each dish.

We sampled the blue swimmer crab and corn cake with pan-fried whiting served with orange emulsion, potato gnocchi with braised lamb, green peas and parmesan brittle, and the slipper lobster risotto with confit pencil leeks and crispy squid, which were all dishes of exceptional quality. I particularly enjoyed the risotto, which was subtly enhanced by the leeks and crispy squid which accompanied it. My dining partner enjoyed the tenderness of the braised lamb served with the fluffy morsels of gnocchi.

The entrees whet our appetite for the mains, which were extremely difficult to choose between. The veal osso buco with creamy mash, broccolini, vichy carrots and spiced sourdough crumbs was a warm and hearty dish, which hit the spot on a cold winter night in Canberra. The pan-fried Atlantic salmon, parsley mash, olive tapenade served with a shrimp and chive salsa proved that olives, if done correctly, can make a perfect accompaniment to salmon. The smoked lamb rack with potatoes boulangere, pumpkin crown, zucchini flowers and Madeira glace was yet another exceptional dish produced by the highly experienced kitchen at Fig Tree Cafe. The lamb was tender, yet juicy with that rich smoked flavour.

I was also impressed that several dishes on the menu were gluten free and strong vegetarian options were provided.

The restaurant staff were extremely friendly and keen to cater to our every need, and made fabulous selections for accompanying wines throughout the evening, which extended to a delightful imported Italian sticky for dessert.

The banana spring roll with toffee sauce and French vanilla ice cream was lush, as were the Cointreau profiteroles with praline spun toffee. The warm sticky date pudding with a rich butterscotch sauce was an exceptional take on an old favourite, extremely rich and moist, just as it should be.

After our meal we were so comfortable we lingered with some tea and chatted to the staff. It was a lovely way to end a delightfully impressive meal.

From a distance, Fig Tree Cafe might seem like any other hotel restaurant, but the contemporary dishes it offers are of an impressive quality and its current offerings make it a formidable contender on the ever-evolving Inner South restaurant scene.

Until August 31 Fig Tree Cafe are offering a dessert for FREE when you purchase any main meal.Offer valid for every diner at your table, 7 days a week. Redeem Offer

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