Natural Nine

In the heart of Australia's capital, Natural Nine brings an innovative and elevated Chinese dining experience to Canberra's city center. Located on the ground floor of Casino Canberra at 21 Binara Street, the restaurant offers a sophisticated escape where Shanghai-inspired cuisine meets the vibrancy of a modern Australian kitchen. Helmed by Head Chef Sean Xing, Natural Nine is renowned for changing the way Australians experience Chinese flavors by blending time-honored recipes with the freshest local produce, including an ever-changing selection of live seafood at market prices.

Every dish tells a story of craftsmanship. The menu celebrates the bold, aromatic and textural hallmarks of Shanghainese cooking — think crispy, spicy, braised, steamed, tossed and fried preparations designed to share. Whether you are joining for a leisurely yum cha lunch, a quick business meal, or an evening of refined dining, Natural Nine delivers a memorable culinary journey backed by warm, attentive service. The restaurant's sleek interior, creative cocktails and award-winning local wines make it a standout destination for both special occasions and casual get-togethers.

Dining Offerings & Menus

The kitchen team at Natural Nine crafts a variety of menus to suit different times of day and group sizes. Guests can choose from the full à la carte food menu, curated banquet experiences, or a private dining banquet for exclusive events. The drink list is equally thoughtful, featuring signature cocktails, magical mocktails, and a wine selection that highlights Canberra's surrounding cool-climate vineyards.

• Food Menu — A comprehensive selection of elevated Chinese dishes built around live seafood, premium meats, and seasonal vegetables.
• Banquet Menu — A multi-course feast designed for sharing, perfect for celebrations and group bookings.
• Private Dining Banquet — An exclusive menu served in the restaurant's private dining room for a more intimate experience.
• Chop Chop! Lunch (Mon–Thu) — An express lunch offering with quick, satisfying options ideal for the working week.
• Yum Cha (Fri & Sat) — A traditional yum cha service featuring handcrafted dumplings, fluffy buns, and other dim sum classics.
• Takeaway — A dedicated takeaway menu for enjoying Natural Nine's flavors at home.

Signature Dishes & Shanghai Influences

Natural Nine's approach centers on the rich culinary traditions of Shanghai, which emphasize delicate sweetness, savory depth, and a masterful use of soy, vinegar and rice wine. Popular dishes include the Cha Pork & Chive Pan Fried Dumplings, praised by diners for their crispy bottoms and juicy fillings. Another standout is the sesame prawn fritter — a unique, house-made creation that achieves a perfectly crunchy texture while keeping the seafood tender and succulent.

Beyond dumplings, the menu showcases a breadth of techniques: braised pork belly with glossy soy caramel, steamed whole fish with ginger and shallot, tossed noodles with chef's special sauce, and fried rice options that serve as the perfect accompaniment to any main course. The live seafood tanks mean that lobster, mud crab, and seasonal fish are always available, cooked to order in a style of your choice. Vegetarian guests are also well catered for, with dishes such as mushroom and broccoli in a savory garlic sauce proving a perennial favorite.

Serving Canberra & Australian Capital Territory

Conveniently situated at 21 Binara Street in the Canberra CBD, Natural Nine is easily accessible for both locals and visitors. The restaurant sits on the ground floor of Casino Canberra, a landmark entertainment destination. Its central location places it within walking distance of major hotels, the National Convention Centre, and the city's shopping and cultural precincts. Public transport options are plentiful, and parking is available at the National Convention Centre Canberra off Constitution Avenue.

Natural Nine has quickly become a go-to venue for politicians, public servants, and families seeking a refined yet approachable Chinese meal. The proximity to Lake Burley Griffin and Canberra's parliamentary triangle makes it an ideal stop for a long lunch after a morning of sightseeing or a pre-theater dinner before attending a show in the city.

Yum Cha Fridays & Saturdays

On Fridays and Saturdays between 12pm and 3pm, the restaurant transforms into a bustling yum cha house. Trolleys laden with bamboo steamers weave between tables, offering classics such as har gow (prawn dumplings), siu mai (pork and prawn dumplings), BBQ pork buns, chicken feet in black bean sauce, and custard tarts. The lively atmosphere, combined with the aroma of freshly brewed Chinese tea, recreates the authentic dim sum experience right in the heart of Canberra. Many regulars book well in advance for these sought-after weekend sessions.

Private Dining & Special Events

For those seeking a more exclusive setting, Natural Nine provides a private dining room suitable for corporate lunches, family milestones, and intimate celebrations. The room can be configured to host seated banquets or cocktail-style gatherings. The private dining banquet menu offers a curated journey through the kitchen's finest creations, and the events team is available to tailor the food, drinks, and décor to match the occasion. Seasonal set menus — such as the King's Birthday Feast, Christmas in July, and Father's Day Banquet — add a festive touch to the calendar and are promoted through Casino Canberra's events program.

Atmosphere, Cocktails & Wine

The interior design of Natural Nine balances contemporary elegance with subtle Chinese aesthetic touches, creating a refined yet relaxed ambiance. Soft lighting, comfortable seating, and a color palette of deep jade, gold, and charcoal set the stage for conversations that linger long after the meal. The bar program mirrors the kitchen's creativity: cocktails incorporate ingredients like osmanthus flower, lychee, and Sichuan pepper, while the mocktail list ensures everyone has a crafted beverage to enjoy.

The wine list places a strong emphasis on Australian labels, particularly those from the Canberra District, Hilltops, and Tumbarumba regions. Riesling, Shiraz, and cool-climate Chardonnay are poured alongside premium Chinese baijiu and a thoughtful selection of beers. Staff are knowledgeable about pairings and are happy to recommend a wine that will complement the spicy, sweet, and savory notes of your meal.

Why Diners Choose Natural Nine

Repeat guests often cite the restaurant's consistency, freshness of ingredients, and the skill of Head Chef Sean Xing and his brigade. The open, interactive kitchen allows diners to watch the culinary team at work, adding a layer of theater to the experience. Reviewers highlight the Lamm Dumplings and the white chocolate and chili dessert as must-try items. The 4.0-star rating across 89 reviews reflects a track record of quality and hospitality that keeps the dining room busy across lunch and dinner services.

Another draw is the flexibility of the offering. Whether you are reserving a table for a formal business dinner, dropping in for a spontaneous bowl of noodles, or ordering takeaway for a quiet night at home, Natural Nine adapts without compromising on quality. The online booking system makes securing a table simple, with separate booking types for lunch, dinner, yum cha, and private dining.

Hours, Location & Reservations

Location: Ground Floor, Casino Canberra, 21 Binara Street, Canberra ACT 2608. Phone: +61 455 333 119. The restaurant is open seven days a week, with dinner served from 6pm to 9pm and lunch available from 12pm to 2pm Saturday through Thursday. Yum Cha runs on Fridays and Saturdays from 12pm to 3pm. Takeaway ordering is available during operating hours. Reservations are recommended, especially for weekend yum cha and private dining, and can be made online through the Casino Canberra website.