Corella — Restaurant in District of Canberra Central

Sorry for the length of this food review, but please read it through to the end!

My partner and I have been loyal patrons of Corella for the past two years, and with every visit, our admiration for this hidden gem in trendy Braddon grows stronger. Nestled among the hip eateries, Corella stands out not for its flashy exterior but for the sheer brilliance that unfolds on the plate.

The star of the show, undoubtedly, is the set menu designed for sharing. From the first bite to the last, every dish is a testament to the chef's mastery in the kitchen. The culinary creations are nothing short of spectacular – succulent, fresh, and cooked to perfection. The open kitchen, though small, operates like a stage where the chef performs culinary wonders, presenting a diverse array of dishes that tantalise the taste buds with a mix of spice, native ingredients, and top-notch products.

One particular highlight is the fish selection, featuring barramundi and catfish, both consistently cooked to perfection and bursting with fragrance. The catfish head, in particular, is a revelation, with tender and juicy flesh that elevates the dining experience. Even the red meat offerings never disappoint, always cooked to the highest standard. It's a mystery to me why Corella has yet to receive a hat, as the food on offer is of exceptional caliber! As a discerning French foodie person, I seek authenticity, unpretentiousness, generosity, and outstanding food – and Corella encapsulates all these qualities. There's no unnecessary frill here, just honest and terrific food meant for sharing! The wine list complements the culinary journey perfectly, with well-paired selections that enhance the flavours of each dish. The staff, led by the excellent host Matt, contribute to the overall warmth and professionalism of the experience. The service strikes the right balance – attentive without being intrusive, making each visit a delightful moment. Corella is a rare find in today's culinary landscape – a sweet haven that seamlessly combines ambitious food, a terrific atmosphere, and exceptional service. In the midst of Braddon's trendiness, Corella stands tall as a testament to what happens when passion meets perfection in the world of gastronomy.

In the midst of Canberra's dining scene, where prices can sometimes border on the extravagant, Corella's set menu offering of 9 dishes for $85 is undoubtedly a steal. The value for money here is exceptional, especially considering the quality and artistry of the culinary creations. It's refreshing to find a restaurant that prioritises honest and accessible dining, focusing on pleasing clients rather than engaging in price gouging. Corella's commitment to providing a top-tier dining experience without breaking the bank adds another layer of appeal, making it a favourite location for those who appreciate both quality and affordability in their culinary adventures. Cheers to Corella for offering not just an exceptional meal but also a fantastic deal in the Canberra dining landscape!

Here's to hoping this culinary gem continues to shine brightly, preserving its status as a haven for those who appreciate the finest in dining! Merci...

Date visited 27/06/21

As a two-month new restaurant，Corealla indeed did a great job.

9/10

Entree

Lamb rib 14$each The texture is so so so tender. The percentage of fat and flesh are just right. My partner loves it and said this was the best ribs he has ever had. “Only recommendation I have is to order more than one”

Chicken liver on Brioche 9$each Literally one of the best dish I have ever had. I have all kinds of organs including chicken liver. The way they made chicken liver is so impressive. Chicken Liver Parfait was starting to melt as soon as it came in my mouth. Only downside is they put two separate entree on the same plate which can be ignored given their amazing taste.

Small Share Main

Cured Kingfish 41$ A very ordinary dish. Taste exactly what you will expect. Avoid unless you are really into raw Kingfish.

Big Main

WA Marron 50$ (According to waiter it crossed between lobster and bug) Marron is very fresh, should be flown from WA?) But it was shockingly small. The whole shrimp was about the length of my little finger and about the width of my little finger. They stated for share but its better only for yourself given the extreme small portion.

Flank Steak 41$

Yummmmmm! They didn't ask us how cooked we wanted it to be. I reckon it was between medium rare and rare. The beef flavor fills the whole mouth, and the texture is just right, not too hard or too soft. Be sure to cut into small pieces so that you can savour the experience.

Dessert

Sticky date cake 16$

The set up of the plate is very nice and delicate. Rum ice cream is the finishing touch. Enough for share between 2 people. The texture was fabulous and incredible my partner said.

The service is little bot stretch，one extra person could make a...

Good food let down by abysmal service and lack of care.

Food is delicious and serving size is generous for the type of experience they’re aiming for. Chicken liver is superb though would have like the brioche to be slightly warm when served. Suggest you cut up the pickled japapenos as when eaten whole they can overwhelm the delicate flavours of the kingfish.

This great start to the night quickly fell apart as after our starters, the head waiter greeted a party of around 7 guys – his inebriated mates; and sat them down on a long table in the centre. A little context – the restaurant is tiny, so the guests only had around 1m separation between the tables.

What followed for the next one and a half hours were shouting, glass banging and general boisterous disregard for the experiences of the other patrons which quickly ruined the evening.

A couple next to us asked eventually asked to be moved while another couple left after before their starters even arrived. The 6 waiters seem to be oblivious to all of this along with our empty wine glasses as they busied themselves with serving their noisy mates.

We were eventually asked if we wanted more wine - halfway through our mains while it wasn’t until dessert that we were finally asked if we wanted to move outside. At this pointed all we wanted to do was to finish our dessert as quickly as we can and get out of there.

The final letdown was when paying for the bill, the head waiter, the bald man with the beard, didn’t even inquire to how our meal was – simply charged us and that was it…

All quite a shame as the food is good and reasonably priced for the experience – the service is however horrendous so unfortunately...