Five years on, Eightysix continues to impose its disruptive and noisy self on Canberra’s dining scene. The youthful ebullience of floor staff hasn’t waned and it’s still difficult for walk-ins to get a seat. The menu – chalked up on a blackboard spanning the elongated space – has also proven a touch too resistant to change. Grab a bar seat amidst a frenzy of mounting orders of hoisin duck buns or organic hot dogs with a lively Mexican salsa. Tangy, crunchy buttermilk slaw is arranged on boards while accompanying chicken Marylands blacken under the grill. Potato gnocchi arrive in a rich, slightly sweet fennel sugo, while the much-Instagrammed caramel popcorn sundae is entrenched in the sweets selection. Drinks include a punchy mezcal and jalapeño Margarita, hoppy local Bentspoke IPA, and elegant biodynamic wines from Sicily. Food is taken seriously, but come prepared for a party.
This review was made independently for the Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Guide. The guide’s reviewers visit unannounced and pay their way.
Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Guide
Gourmet Traveller’s star-ratings, which range from zero to three stars, reflect reviewers’ first-hand experiences. The best-rated restaurants form our national Top 100. Our wine ratings, from zero to three stars, are made by wine editor Max Allen on the strength of the quality of the restaurant’s wine list. View our rating key here.
