OMI Canberra — Restaurant in District of Canberra Central

The Greatest Food I’ve Ever Tasted: A Love Letter to Flavour

There are meals that fill your stomach, and then there are meals that leave a mark on your soul. The greatest food I’ve ever tasted did just that. It wasn’t just the ingredients or presentation—it was the perfect harmony of taste, smell, texture, and the feeling of absolute comfort that came with every bite. The experience was unforgettable.

It was a slow-roasted lamb shank, served with creamy garlic mashed potatoes and a rich red wine jus. The meat was so tender that it fell off the bone with the gentlest touch of a fork. It had been cooked for hours, marinated in herbs, garlic, and wine, and then roasted to perfection. The flavours were deeply infused, and every mouthful delivered a burst of warmth and satisfaction. The jus was silky and smooth, with the boldness of the wine perfectly balancing the natural juices of the lamb. It wasn’t overpowering—it simply elevated the dish to another level.

What truly made it unforgettable was how everything on the plate worked together. The mashed potatoes were impossibly smooth and buttery, with just enough garlic to make them sing without stealing the show. The plate was garnished with roasted seasonal vegetables—carrots, parsnips, and zucchini—each cooked just right, slightly caramelised and full of flavour. There was also a hint of rosemary that gave the dish an earthy aroma, making it feel like a comforting hug on a cold day.

But great food is about more than flavour alone. It’s about the setting, the memory, and the feeling it gives you. This meal was served at a cozy restaurant tucked away in the mountains, with soft jazz playing in the background, and the smell of slow-cooked meals drifting from the kitchen. The service was friendly but never rushed. It felt personal. Every detail, from the handmade plates to the warm lighting, made the experience even more special.

Food like this doesn’t just taste good—it tells a story. It reflects tradition, patience, and passion. You can tell that someone put love into preparing it. And when food is made with love, it connects with you on a deeper level.

I’ve had many incredible meals, but this one stays with me. Maybe it was the perfect combination of flavours. Maybe it was the setting. Or maybe it was simply the feeling of peace and satisfaction I felt as I finished the last bite. Whatever it was, this lamb shank became the benchmark for what I now call “the greatest food I’ve ever tasted.”

In a world full of fast food and rushed meals, discovering something made with patience and soul is rare. But when you do, you never forget it. That’s what truly great food does—it becomes a memory you’ll...

This restaurant offers a delightful fusion of traditional Japanese cuisine and modern indulgence, with every dish delivering a memorable sensory experience. The Truffle Tonkotsu Ramen set the tone for an exceptional meal. From the moment it was served, the earthy, heady aroma of truffle filled the air, creating an enticing prelude to the dish. The broth was rich and velvety, harmonizing beautifully with the tender, caramelized chashu pork and the golden, gooey yolk of the soft-boiled egg. The addition of black fungus and corn lent textural variety, while the nori provided a final burst of umami, making this bowl of ramen a true masterpiece.

Equally impressive was the Soft-Shell Crab Rice with Salted Egg Sauce, which showcased a balance of flavors and textures. The crab was fried to perfection, its crispiness pairing impeccably with the creamy salted egg sauce that was both rich and subtly salty. The careful layering of ingredients elevated this humble rice bowl into a luxurious dining experience. The Chicken Karaage Rice with Spicy Crab Sauce and the Grilled Unagi Rice with Black Truffle Sauce continued to impress with their innovative twists. The karaage chicken was fried to golden perfection, its crispy exterior contrasting wonderfully with the bold and slightly fiery crab sauce. On the other hand, the grilled unagi rice, topped with the earthy aroma of black truffle sauce, was heavenly. Both dishes reflected an impeccable understanding of how to layer flavors for maximum impact.

In addition to the culinary delights, the restaurant’s clean, minimalist ambiance provided a fitting backdrop for the meal. The modern, understated design allowed the food to take center stage, while the subtle aroma of truffle and spices lingering in the air heightened the sensory experience. The attentive and friendly staff further enhanced the visit, ensuring that every detail was taken care of. Altogether, this restaurant offers an exquisite dining experience that marries comfort food with refined sophistication, making it a must-visit destination for food...

Trying OMI for the first time, the dons are really good. My friend, sister and I got: Wagyu Signature Don Grilled Unagi Don Spicy Mayo Karaage Chicken Don Salted Egg Fries Yuzu 2x Iced Houjicha Latte Houjicha crème brûlée

Dons: The ingredients are perfectly balance with each other as you eat. The quality of the wagyu is cooked properly and melts well with the flavours of the other ingredients. I tried a bit of unagi and karaage and they’re delicious as well. Karaage was juicy! The only set back for this meal, will be the rice - it seems like the rice had a bit too much water or wasn’t washed properly, the texture had a slight mush to it.

Salted Egg Fries: The chips were cooked perfectly, and the sauce is even yummier, definitely recommend if you love salty egg. It is an acquired taste, so might want to try with friends if you’re unsure to buy it by yourself.

Drinks: Yuzu is refreshing, a little on the sweet side. Houjicha is my favourite type of matcha treat to have, drinking this made me very happy. Recommended to those who enjoy matcha and want to experience it’s more rich earthy tones as it’s a roasted version of matcha.

Dessert: The Houjicha crème brûlée is not too sweet, the caramelised sugar top is thin but still yummy to eat as a finisher of the meal. Overall, the meal is very good! The pricing is reasonable compared to other places when it comes to the quality of the food. This place can get busy, so be sure to go on non-peaked times. Only the rice needs to be improved on.

[EDIT] Rice...