XO Restaurant

A new eating marvel has arrived in Canberra. From the moment you physically approach XO you sense you are about to experience something special. Instantly the magnificent black and white mural on the outside wall, with a dash of red lips captures one’s attention. It is defining and divine.
Come inside and you are greeted by a serene, minimalist but highly attractive fit out. It is really elegant with one wall of the restaurant so effectively back lite and the opposite displaying some of the fine wines that are available. A variety of seating options including sitting at tables, at high tables or the long table, the latter two both on stools… there is something for everyone. Most of all it is really comfortable. It has highly effective soft lighting which adds a sense of calm and the focus on reducing is noticeable. And a deft touch is that the chefs are visible to all those dining.
The menu is really interesting in its structure particularly with three categories prior to desserts. Starters, small plates and larger. The highlight of the visit is definitely the food, and the headline should read something like ‘modern flavours overlay authentic dishes… the dishes are fresh, fragrant and fascinating’.
Over two visits we have enjoyed nearly every dish. Some of our early favourites include the Shantung Bao, with its twice cooked pork belly with cucumber, pickled daicon and ginger’…a stunning starter and the Steamed Dumplings are so good too. From the Small Plates we enjoyed the Xiu Mai, the slow cooked vietnamese balls with tomato sugo while from the larger the Barramundi Fillet was exceptional. So too were the Crispy Lamb Ribs in a sticky plum sauce… a must have dish. All plates are for sharing which adds another great dimension to experiencing all the flavours and tastes.
The wine list has really been carefully matched with the dishes and an added feature is the strong orientation to the high quality local wines. Notables local wines include Nick O’Leary, Clonakilla, Ravensworth, Eden Road and so on. A great list and something there for everyone’s preference and palate. One of the best wine lists I have seen.
The XO team are a delight, they are caring and sufficiently attentive. The whole focus is on the customer, the quality, the satisfaction and enjoyment.
XO is a marvel… for a new eatery experience this was the best I have ever had. I can only imagine how good this place with be in a next few months… a 10 out of 10 experience on both occasions.