KOTO Japanese Restaurant

In the heart of Canberra’s National Triangle, KOTO Japanese Restaurant sets a new benchmark for refined Japanese cuisine in the capital. Housed within the revitalised Lobby restaurant building on King George Terrace, the venue pairs a storied architectural legacy with meticulous modern design. Guests step into a space where floor-to-ceiling windows frame a custom Japanese zen garden, layered wood screens create intimacy, and every material reflects an element of nature. It is an atmosphere that honors wabi-sabi—an appreciation for thoughtful imperfection—and immediately signals that this is a destination for special occasions, corporate entertaining, and anyone seeking an elevated culinary journey.

The kitchen is led by Executive Chef and Master Sushi Chef Shinya Nakano, who trained under a fifth-generation sushi master in Kyoto before earning accolades at Melbourne’s Nobu and Kisume. His approach is grounded in Kaiseki philosophy, a set of traditional Japanese principles that respect the land, the seasons, and the ingredients themselves. The result is a menu that moves beyond standard Japanese fare into a true fine dining experience, balancing raw and cooked seafood, premium beef, elegant vegetable dishes, and a curated beverage program featuring sake, wine, and Japanese-inspired cocktails.

Omakase Experience & Tasting Menus

The pinnacle of dining at KOTO is the 14-course omakase menu, served at an open-concept sushi counter. This immersive experience allows guests to watch Chef Nakano and his team prepare each course with precision, from slicing pristine sashimi to finishing delicate composed plates. The menu changes seasonally, ensuring every visit reveals new expressions of the region’s best produce and seafood. Wine and sake pairing options are carefully matched to each course, elevating the omakase into a comprehensive sensory event. For those who prefer a shorter yet equally considered progression, multi-course tasting menus are also available in the main dining room, offering the same focus on seasonality and presentation.

À La Carte Dining & Signature Dishes

Beyond the structured menus, the à la carte selection highlights the kitchen’s versatility and commitment to quality. Popular dishes include the Sashimi Platter, featuring an assortment of the day’s freshest catches sliced to order, and the Pacific Oysters on the Half Shell, prized for their clean, briny flavor. Cooked offerings range from perfectly executed tempura to premium Wagyu preparations. Regular patrons also praise the Wagyu tacos—an inventive fusion that showcases the kitchen’s willingness to blend tradition with modern flair—as well as the miso soup and edamame, which are elevated well above typical expectations. Every plate reflects a considered balance of texture, temperature, and flavor, aligning with the Kaiseki ideal of harmony.

Private Dining & Functions

KOTO is designed to host events that demand both sophistication and privacy. The restaurant offers dedicated spaces for private dining, corporate functions, and celebratory gatherings, all within the elegant Lobby building. The design team from Odd Design preserved the building’s original symmetry and panoramic glazing, so every function space benefits from garden views and natural light during the day, transitioning to dramatic lantern-inspired illumination at night. Whether it’s a boardroom dinner, a wedding reception, or a milestone birthday, the team tailors menus and beverage packages to each group’s preferences, delivering the same fine dining standard across every format.

Venue Heritage & Design

The building that houses KOTO carries over fifty years of Canberra history. Originally operating as the Lobby restaurant, it was a social and political hub, hosting weddings and significant government moments until its closure in 2016. After a period of dormancy, the space was revitalised in 2023 and transformed into KOTO. The redesign pays homage to the original architecture while introducing distinctly Japanese elements. A gravel zen garden, created by Master Gardener Shinya Ueda, symbolizes nearby Lake Burley Griffin and is lit at night to resemble traditional stone lanterns. Inside, materials representing water and fire are embedded into the decor, and the Wabi Sabi philosophy guides the overall design language—creating a space that feels both timeless and contemporary.

Location & Visitor Access

Situated at 1 King George Terrace in the Parkes suburb of Canberra, the restaurant is surrounded by some of the city’s most notable landmarks. The heritage-listed Rose Gardens, Old Parliament House, the National Gallery of Australia, and various embassies and government agencies are all within a short walk. This central position makes KOTO a natural choice for pre- or post-gallery dining, business lunches among diplomats and public servants, and weekend visitors exploring the Parliamentary Zone. The National Triangle location offers ample parking and easy access from major roads, reinforcing its status as a convenient yet elevated dining destination.

Hours, Reservations & Practical Information

KOTO Japanese Restaurant welcomes guests seven days a week, with lunch service from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM and dinner service starting at 5:30 PM. Closing times vary slightly by day: Sunday through Thursday the kitchen operates until 10:00 PM, while Friday and Saturday extend to 10:30 PM. Reservations are strongly encouraged, especially for the omakase counter and weekend dinner slots, and can be made through the restaurant’s website or via SevenRooms. The restaurant offers dine-in, takeaway, and a no-contact delivery option, though the full fine dining experience is best enjoyed on-site. For inquiries, guests can reach the team at +61 2 6189 4555 or via email at info@kotodining.au.

Why Guests Choose KOTO

Diners consistently highlight the combination of world-class cuisine, graceful service, and stunning atmosphere that defines KOTO. The professional yet warm team provides detailed guidance through the menu, whether guests are sampling sake for the first time or are seasoned omakase enthusiasts. The sourcing of ingredients is transparent and deliberate, with a noticeable emphasis on Australian seafood and produce prepared through Japanese techniques. The restaurant has earned a 4.8-star rating from over 640 reviews, with particular praise for the tasting menus, the freshness of the fish, and the restaurant’s ability to balance intimate dining with a sense of occasion. For Canberra residents and visitors seeking a genuinely memorable fine dining experience that respects both Japanese tradition and Australian context, KOTO stands as an essential destination.