Warm, creamy, satisfying – these are the reasons we love risotto at Out in Canberra. As we brace ourselves for the upcoming cold snap, we think risotto is the perfect meal to seek out and warm up with as an alternative to heating.

Mezzalira Italian Restaurant

Risotto of Asparagus, Broad Bean Saffron and Stracciatella

One of Canberra’s many high dining experiences in our richly populated dining scene, Mezzalira offers superb wine perfectly matched to their authentic Italian food. The Asparagus Risotto holds its own on a menu filled with other palate pleasers such as the Seared Sea Scallops with Smoked Eel or the Wood Fired Berkshire Suckling Pig.

Belluci’s Manuka

Risotto Al Pollo – chicken risotto with pancetta, wild mushrooms, garlic & herbs

Offering three different kinds of risottos, our personal favourite is the Risotto Al Pollo. Perfect for mushroom lovers, this delicious chicken risotto is generously topped with wild mushrooms, pancetta and seasoned with garlic & herbs.

Molto Italian

Risotto Del Giorno

A risotto that any mama would be proud of, Molto Italian is a celebration of classic Italian flavours. Warm up as you gaze out on to the beautiful backdrop of Lake Burley Griffin. This risotto is timelessly on the menu and changes daily.

Chez Frederic

Seafood Risotto – John dory, mussels, prawns & baby squid w/ white wine, risotto, chilli & dash cream

In the hustle and bustle of Braddon lies this little restaurant where you can sit back with a hearty bowl and feel the world slow down. Full of character and flavours of the sea, the Seafood Risotto pulls the heart strings. The punch of freshly cooked seafood is lightly fused with white wine, cream and a touch of chilli to bring out its true colours.

Briscola

Risotto – veal backstrap, shallots, field & porcini mushroom, shaved ricotta salata, truffle oil {g vd*)

A restaurant that transports you to the depths of Italy, Briscola provides simple, wholesome and traditional food with a stylish approach to dining. The authenticity of the culinary technique speaks through the risotto. The veal is lovingly tender with decadent mushrooms and the truffle oil adds a cosy winter kick.

La Rustica

Risotto Marinella – Carnaroli rice sautéed with tiger prawns, scallops, squid, perch, shallots, chilli, garlic, white wine, fish stock & a touch of pomodoro sugo

Risotto never looked so good with a backdrop to the panoramic views of the Kingston Foreshore. Family owned and operated; the risotto takes on traditional flavours sure to please. The prawns, scallops and squid are delicately sautéed to a succulent texture, alongside the pleasant company of light white wine, garlic, tomato and a touch of chilli.

Bicicletta

Risotto Del Giorno

This is no Thermomix risotto. The quality of Biciletta’s food and overall dining experience would rival any restaurant in Italy. Changing daily, you’ll always be pleasantly surprised but satisfied by Bicicletta.

Locale Pizzeria

Risotto – 34 Fraser Isle spanner crab, Moreton Bay bug, green chilli, spring onion, mascarpone

In the true spirit of Italian dining, Locale will make you feel welcomed with open arms. The gem tucked away at Deakin shops serves a delicious risotto with crab freshly sourced from Fraser Isle and Moreton Bay bugs adding a unique spin to the culinary classic.

If you’re after some places to satisfy your mushroom cravings, check out our roundup of Canberra’s 7 best mushroom dishes.