Pilot

4.4

Google Rating

Visit

Call

1 Wakefield Gardens, Ainslie ACT 2612, Australia

$$$$

$200.00

About

This tiny Ainslie restaurant proves that exceptional dining doesn't need pretense. With just 24 seats tucked behind local shops, Pilot delivers a seven-course degustation that feels both refined and relaxed. You won't know what's coming – there's no menu – but that's exactly the point. The team takes nostalgic Australian flavors and presents them with quiet precision, while knowledgeable staff explain each dish without being stuffy. Their "just trust us" approach works brilliantly, creating an experience that's intimate rather than intimidating. The all-Australian wine list and polished concrete setting complete the picture. When you want serious food without the ceremony, Pilot gets everything right.

Popular Dishes

Degustation Menu, Seasonal Tasting Courses, Oysters, Wagyu Beef, Wine Paired Dishes, Vegetarian Degustation Options, Artisanal Desserts

Best Times to Visit

Wednesday to Friday evenings for the full degustation experience, Saturday lunch for a more relaxed fine dining experience, Sunday afternoon for leisurely dining.

Opening Hours

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 6:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Thursday: 6:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Friday: 6:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Saturday: 12:00 PM - 3:30 PM, 6:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Sunday: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Busiest Time

Saturday 6PM - 9:30PM

Quietest Time

Wednesday 6PM - 7PM

Restaurant Features

Reservations Required, Outdoor Seating, Dine-in Service, Full Bar Service, Extensive Wine List, Cocktails, Great Coffee, Vegetarian Options, Healthy Options, Gender-neutral Restrooms, Free Parking, Digital Payments, Accepts Credit Cards, LGBTQ+ Friendly, Solo Dining Friendly, Groups Welcome

Meals Served

Lunch, Dinner

Phone

Address

Get Directions

Getting There

By Car: From central Canberra, head northeast along Northbourne Avenue towards Dickson, then turn right onto Antill Street. Continue until you reach the roundabout and take the third exit onto Wakefield Gardens. Pilot will be on your left at number 1. Free parking is available both on-street and in nearby car parks.

By Public Transport: Take Action Bus Route 2 or 3 from the city centre towards Dickson, alighting at the Ainslie shops stop on Limestone Avenue. From there, it's a short 3-minute walk along Wakefield Gardens to reach the restaurant. Alternatively, take the light rail to Dickson station and walk approximately 8 minutes through the charming residential streets of Ainslie.

By Taxi or Ride-Share: Request pickup to 1 Wakefield Gardens, Ainslie. The journey from Canberra city centre typically takes 8-12 minutes depending on traffic. Most drivers are familiar with the location as it's a well-known dining destination in the Inner North area.

{ "@context": "http://schema.org/", "@type": "Restaurant", "name": "Pilot", "image": ["https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/p/AF1QipMxdttwyGfAKNEkRu8NDplNZUv6ml6jXI3bgsn7=w1632-h976-k-no"], "description": "Nestled in the leafy streets of Ainslie, Pilot has transformed the fine dining landscape of Canberra with its bold commitment to Modern Australian cuisine. This intimate restaurant captivates diners from the moment they step through its doors, where contemporary design meets warm hospitality in an atmosphere that whispers sophistication. Chef-driven innovation takes centre stage here, with a degustation menu that changes seasonally to showcase the finest local produce. Each course unfolds like a carefully orchestrated symphony, featuring unexpected flavour combinations and meticulous presentation that challenges and delights in equal measure. The restaurant's dedication to dietary inclusivity shines through their expertly crafted vegetarian and healthy options, ensuring every guest experiences the same level of culinary artistry. Pilot's impressive wine list and innovative cocktail programme complement the kitchen's creativity, whilst their renowned coffee service adds an unexpected touch of excellence. The cozy yet upscale ambiance makes it equally suited for romantic dinners and special celebrations, where the intimate setting allows diners to fully immerse themselves in the culinary journey. With its reputation for exceptional service and unwavering attention to detail, Pilot represents the pinnacle of Canberra's dining scene, offering an unforgettable experience that lingers long after the final bite.", "servesCuisine": "Modern Australian", "priceRange": "$$$$", "telephone": "02 6257 4334", "address": { "@type": "PostalAddress", "streetAddress": "1 Wakefield Gardens", "addressLocality": "Ainslie", "addressRegion": "ACT", "postalCode": "2612", "addressCountry": "AU" }, "geo": { "@type": "GeoCoordinates", "latitude": "-35.2625736", "longitude": "149.1447841" }, "openingHoursSpecification": [ { "@type": "OpeningHoursSpecification", "dayOfWeek": ["Wednesday", "Thursday", "Friday"], "opens": "18:00", "closes": "21:30" }, { "@type": "OpeningHoursSpecification", "dayOfWeek": "Saturday", "opens": "12:00", "closes": "21:30" }, { "@type": "OpeningHoursSpecification", "dayOfWeek": "Sunday", "opens": "12:00", "closes": "16:00" } ], "keywords": "fine dining, modern Australian, degustation menu, intimate restaurant, Ainslie", "areaServed": "Inner North", "url": "https://www.bestrestaurantscanberra.com.au/restaurants/pilot", "hasMenu": "https://www.pilotrestaurant.com/menu", "acceptsReservations": "True", "paymentAccepted": "Cash, Credit Card, Digital Payments", "currenciesAccepted": "AUD", "sameAs": [ "https://www.pilotrestaurant.com/", "https://www.facebook.com/pilotrestaurantcanberra", "https://www.instagram.com/pilot_restaurant" ], "hasMap": "https://maps.google.com/?q=-35.2625736,149.1447841", "smokingAllowed": "False", "publicAccess": "True", "aggregateRating": { "@type": "AggregateRating", "ratingValue": "4.4" }}

{ "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "What type of cuisine does Pilot serve in Canberra?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Pilot specializes in Modern Australian cuisine with chef-driven innovation, featuring seasonal degustation menus that showcase the finest local produce with unexpected flavour combinations and meticulous presentation." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What are the signature dishes at this Ainslie restaurant?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The signature offerings include seasonal degustation menus, fresh oysters, premium Wagyu beef, expertly crafted wine-paired dishes, vegetarian degustation options, and artisanal desserts that change with the seasons." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is parking available at Pilot restaurant in Wakefield Gardens?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes, free parking is available both on-street and in nearby car parks. The restaurant is easily accessible from central Canberra via Northbourne Avenue and Antill Street to Wakefield Gardens." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Do I need reservations for this fine dining restaurant?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes, reservations are required at this upscale establishment. It's perfect for date nights, anniversaries, special occasions, and business dinners in an intimate, sophisticated atmosphere." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What makes this Canberra restaurant unique?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The restaurant offers an intimate fine dining experience with seasonal degustation menus, extensive wine list, innovative cocktails, exceptional coffee service, and dietary inclusivity in leafy Ainslie." } } ]}