The Howling Moon — Restaurant in District of Canberra Central

Went to the howling moon for Valentine’s Day arriving just after 5. The venue is lovely and the atmosphere was fine, attracting people looking for a nice Instagram photo. We had a choice of tables which is always refreshing and chose to sit next to the windows for the view. Quickly it became unbearably hot so we moved tables twice in order to find some shade and hopefully cool off. Despite being in the shade we still found it too hot however I’m sure those who enjoy the heat would be okay. The cocktail I ordered was nice, tasted a little watered down but I appreciated the uniqueness of it and the presentation! Our entree was nice and again slightly different to what you would get elsewhere however it is hard to mess up Mac and cheese croquettes. We ordered a margarita pizza to share and were underwhelmed to say the least, the pizza base was soggy, had burnt bits through it, had soggy basil carelessly placed and lacked any flavour, we could not finish it as it was very off putting. Overall pretty disappointed as the prices leads you to expect a better product and we rushed to leave staying for 45 minutes in total due to the heat. The view was great it’s just a shamed the food...

Amazing bar food and cocktails, and what an ambience and service! The decor is gorgeous for the rooftop and as it’s closed in you don’t get the outside elements of heat and cold weather 🙌🏻

I wish I knew names but the Indian staff member (or Indian looking - sorry if I’m making assumptions) was amazing. Whatever cocktail we wanted he would arrange for it to be made - nothing was ever too hard. All bar staff were efficient in making cocktails, bringing food and cleaning up.

Ordered midori splice (maybe one too many) but they were soooooo good. Food wise we ordered aranchini and the procuitto fiorentina (wood fired pizza dough and prosciutto on the side). Between my friend and I we agreed it was the best food we have had at a bar. Whoever is on the woodfire, keep them, they know exactly how to use that wood fire oven which is rare these days.

We cannot wait to be back, don’t...

Nobody greets you when you arrive, so there's no way to know that "all our tables are booked" - even though they don't have reserved signs on them and nobody is there - until you've stood in line for 10 minutes and attempted to order something. "Hi, could I please get a-" "UH, HAVE YOU BEEN SEATED??" I felt like a criminal. Just put up a "please wait to be seated" sign, or have a staff member greet people arriving. But then they DID seat us at a table so it obviously wasn't totally booked out - honestly, what a bunch of drama when we just wanted to have a drink in the hotel. I would have loved a QR ordering code on the table, and then that would have freed up a staff member to greet people and seat them (or...