dada

dada is a celebrated fine dining destination located in the heart of Phillip, Australian Capital Territory, redefining modern Asian cuisine with a bold, artistic twist. Situated at G4/12 Furzer Street, the restaurant has quickly become a standout in the Canberra food scene, earning a stellar 4.7 rating from over 216 reviews. Guests step into a space where an intimate, atmospheric setting meets a dynamic menu built around share plates, innovative flavor combinations, and a deep respect for fresh, high-quality ingredients—all served at a price point of $40 to $120 per person. Whether you’re planning a long, leisurely dinner with family from out of town or an impressive date night, dada delivers an experience that feels both culturally rich and playfully contemporary.

The restaurant operates from 5:30 PM, offering a focused dinner service that prioritizes dine-in experiences while also accommodating takeaway orders. Although delivery is not provided, the team encourages patrons to immerse themselves in the ambience—a curated blend of moody lighting, chic decor, and the inviting hum of satisfied conversation. Visitors consistently praise the warm, knowledgeable service and the kitchen’s ability to balance traditional techniques with surprising modern details, making each visit feel like a new discovery.

What We Offer

The menu at dada is designed to be explored communally, with a strong emphasis on modern Asian small plates and banquet options that let diners sample the breadth of the kitchen’s creativity. The cooking draws on Korean, Chinese, and Southeast Asian influences, filtered through a refined, contemporary lens. Dishes are crafted for sharing, which makes the restaurant ideal for groups, celebrations, and gastronomes keen to try multiple items in one sitting.

• Signature Small Plates: The Wombok Pancake is a house favorite, delivering a perfect balance of texture and savory depth. Other standout starters and sides rotate to reflect seasonal availability.
• Korean Fried Chicken: Served with a deeply flavorful chili sauce that reviewers describe as unforgettable. It’s crispy, sticky, and packed with heat—a must-order for first-time visitors.
• Kimchi Fried Rice: A dream dish for many regulars, this fried rice combines spicy fermented cabbage with rich, wok-tossed grains, often finished with a runny egg or aromatic herbs.
• Banquet & Tasting Menus: A popular degustation option allows the chef to guide your evening, pairing multiple courses into a seamless narrative. It’s frequently mentioned in reviews as the best way to experience dada’s range.
• Dessert Innovations: The Sticky Red Date Pudding and Sticky Toffee Pudding are legendary among patrons, providing a warm, sweet finish that reimagines classic comfort desserts with Asian ingredients.

Why Customers Choose Us

Diners in Canberra consistently elevate dada to a top-tier status, with many calling it their favorite restaurant in the city. The combination of exceptional food, attentive service, and a stylish yet unpretentious environment creates a powerful draw. Reviewers from Melbourne have gone so far as to label their meal at dada the best culinary experience they’ve had in Canberra—a remarkable endorsement that speaks to the kitchen’s consistency and ambition.

Atmospheric Dining

The interior is frequently described as having a "great atmosphere," perfect for everything from intimate two-tops to larger family gatherings. The design team has struck a distinctive balance between urban sophistication and welcoming warmth, ensuring the space feels special without becoming stiff or overly formal.

Consistent Excellence

Return visitors highlight the remarkable consistency across the menu. Whether it’s a simple beetroot salad that surprises with freshness or complex animal proteins cooked to precision, the team maintains a high standard. The same dedication extends to the front-of-house, where staff are known for offering genuine recommendations and pacing the meal beautifully.

Signature Flavors & Ingredients

The kitchen’s philosophy rests on layering flavors that are at once familiar and unexpected. Gochujang, kimchi, soy, ginger, and sesame form the backbone of many dishes, but the applications are always inventive. The Wombok Pancake, for example, transforms humble cabbage into a textural marvel, while the chili sauce on the Korean fried chicken leans into a slow-building, complex heat rather than simple spiciness. The bar program complements this with a tight selection of wines, cocktails, and sake designed to cut through richness and amplify umami notes across the entire meal.

Serving Phillip & the ACT

dada sits in the Woden Valley district of Phillip, a vibrant commercial and dining hub easily accessible from across the Australian Capital Territory. For locals in Woden, Weston Creek, and Inner South Canberra, it’s a convenient upscale option without the need to travel into the city center. Visitors coming from Civic, Belconnen, or Tuggeranong will find ample parking options and a straightforward route via major arterial roads. The restaurant also draws a crowd from surrounding regions, acting as a destination for food lovers exploring the Canberra dining landscape.

Phillip’s Furzer Street location places dada within walking distance of several hotels and business precincts, making it a go-to for professionals entertaining clients or travelers looking for an elevated meal after a day of meetings. The restaurant’s reputation as a top-rated fine dining establishment helps put Woden on the map for culinary tourism in the ACT.

Hours & Reservations

dada opens exclusively for dinner service, with doors welcoming guests at 5:30 PM and the kitchen closing at 9:00 PM. Given the limited operating window and consistently high demand, reservations are strongly recommended—especially for weekend tables and larger groups. The restaurant’s website provides a direct booking link, and a quick phone call to +61 493 514 593 can secure a spot for special occasions. While walk-ins are accommodated when possible, the intimate dining room size means a booking is the surest way to avoid disappointment.

The venue is equipped for dine-in, takeaway, and offers gluten-free, vegetarian, and dietary-adjusted options upon request (as often noted in diner reviews), though no delivery service is available. Those ordering takeaway still receive the beautifully plated components packaged with care, allowing the at-home experience to feel special. The price range of $40–$120 per person covers an average meal with drinks and shared plates, with tasting menus sitting at the upper end of the spectrum—an excellent value for the creative output and service level delivered.

Questions Visitors Ask

Do I need a reservation at dada?

Yes, reservations are highly advised due to the restaurant’s popularity and limited evening-only hours. You can book via the official website or call directly.

Is the restaurant suitable for dietary restrictions?

Absolutely. The kitchen is accustomed to accommodating gluten-free, vegetarian, and other dietary needs. It’s best to inform the staff when booking or upon arrival so the chef can guide you through appropriate menu choices.

Is wheelchair access available?

The Furzer Street premises are on street level with accessible entry points. If you require specific accessible parking or restroom facilities, calling the team in advance ensures everything will be ready for a comfortable visit.