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Restaurant review: Snapper & Co at the Canberra Yacht Club is a family-friendly venue

Ok, I'll admit that it probably wasn't fair on Snapper & Co to review it on a chilly midweek night. Since the venue at the Southern Cross Yacht Club in Yarralumla was refurbished in late 2022 , it's been humming.

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Families gather on the grassy lawns; young people mingle in The Courtyard listening to live music; there's a la carte service on The Deck, an undercover outside area with a fabulous fireplace with breakfast on the weekends. It quickly became one of Canberra's top lakeside destinations.

But tonight we're the only ones here.

A few people are waiting to pick up takeaway when we first arrive at 7pm and an hour later some lads, who could be in their pyjamas, come in five minutes before the kitchen is about to close up for a late feed.

It's kind of a weird sensation but not quite as weird as you'd think. The staff are friendly but leave us alone; there's a great soundtrack playing and occasionally we find ourselves singing along; it's warm where we're tucked into a little corner table with some banquette seating along one wall.

I had actually booked a table outside on The Deck, thinking a night by the fire might be nice but my companions neglected to bring appropriate clothing so the waiter suggests we sit inside.

On The Deck our table was set with a tablecloth, with cutlery and wine glasses, and what looked like tealights, as we walk past. It looked rather pretty in the dark of night, with the fire flickering.

We're warned there's no a la carte service inside and we'll have to order via QR codes or at the bar. We're okay with that. More and more it seems to be the norm. But I'm unsure if I'm a fan of QR code ordering. I understand it, the logistics, the post-COVID applications of it, but hospitality is about people, and if ordering face-to-face can keep some young person in paid employment then I will continue to order at the counter for as long as I can.

It comes as no surprise seafood is the focus here. The only meat on the menu comes via a charcuterie board to share, some spicy salami on a pizza, and the burger selection offers options of wagyu, pulled pork and fried chicken.

But we're here for the seafood and decide to share a few things. And this is where the fact that it's empty becomes really hard to understand. The food was really good. OK, it's no fine-dining restaurant and the selection is somewhat limited, but why isn't the place full of families looking for an easy, and tasty, midweek dinner? Perhaps the rising cost of living is affecting people more than we'd like to think.

We start with some South Coast oysters ($23 for a half dozen) and they're plump and juicy, salty and fresh.

Next are a couple of little plates of crumbed calamari ($16.50 for five pieces) and crumbed prawns cutlets ($16.50 for four pieces) and these are a highlight. I reckon all restaurants should be judged on how they treat squid rings. How often have you bitten into a tough little rubber band surrounded by tasteless crumb? Too often for my liking. These ones are great. The panko crumb is golden and crisp and stays put on the thick tender rings.

The prawn cutlets too are full of meat and so retro. I could eat a whole basketful of these and indeed they are on the mains menu, with chips, for $20.

It's a bit hard to go past a pizza too. The gamberi is a great choice, the tomato sauce has a little chilli kick to it and the base itself is crispy around the edges and just the right thickness. There's only one garlicy prawn on each slice, but it's a nice balance.

The grilled tiger prawns with lemon butter ($34) aren't quite what I expected, served with chips and a little side salad. I kind of pictured them in a bowl with some pasta or something but nevertheless it's a generous portion (250g) and their delightfully buttery.

I wonder whether there's an economy of scale that would get some pasta dishes on the menu, or a prawn risotto or something, something that would elevate that lovely spot with a la carte service out near the fire. Still, it's a simple menu done very well.

Indeed the fish burger ($22) epitomises that. We declare it the best fish burger we've ever had. Rather than a processed patty, it's a battered piece of fish, angled edges sticking out of the soft bun, surrounded by lettuce and sliced tomato and a creamy tartare sauce.

And what is fish without chips? The ones on offer here are thick, fluffy on the inside and golden and crisp on the outside and there's plenty on every plate.

There are a few dessert choices. We share a vanilla panna cotta ($13.50) and a salted caramel and milk chocolate mousse ($13.50). While the mousse is a little heavy and rich, the panna cotta is fresh and a delightful consistency with a depth of vanilla that hits the spot.

I'm imagining how good a summer evening with a wine and a bowl of prawn cutlets and some chips might be. Such a night seems far away as we move into a Canberra winter. Perhaps Snapper & Co is just the place to go over the next few months for a little taste of summer.

Snapper & Co 

Address: Southern Cross Yacht Club, Mariner Pl, Yarralumla

Phone: 6273 1784

Website: https://snapperandco.com.au/

Hours: Seven days, 11am til 8pm. Weekend breakfasts, 8am-11am

Chef: Brad Howden

Noise: No problem

Dietary: A few options, notes on menu

Score: 13/20

Karen hardy.

I've covered a few things here at The Canberra Times over the years, from sport to education. But now I get to write about the fun stuff - where to eat, what to do, places to go, people to see. Let me know about your favourite things. Email: [email protected]

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Southern Cross Yacht Club

The Southern Cross Yacht Club, on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, offers beautiful views and a range of dining options.

Dine al fresco on the balcony or in the bar lounge or enjoy relaxed fine dining at the Yacht Club restaurant.

The Yacht Club is also home to the MV Southern Cross that departs for chartered tours of the lake, dinner cruises and special events.

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

“great fine dining but a bit expensive”.

Our family group of four enjoyed meeting up over a special dinner at this fine dining restaurant. The food was fabulous ( I had fish) and the service was speedy and attentive. Lovely white...

“Dissapointing.”

5 adults and 3 children. Meals were served randomly, first came two kids meals, a long wait for the third. Then two entrees….soups and a long wait for the other entrees. Soups were eaten as they...

“Sophisticated Dining with Great View”

We celebrated a family members milestone birthday and were impressed by the service, food, and atmosphere of this restaurant. The set menu for lunch had many options - you can choose two or three...

• Cheese / Charcuterie / Platters
• Gluten Free Available
• Healthy Food
• Light Meals
• Modern Australian
• Seasonal Local Produce
• Coach Parking
• Family Friendly
• Suitable for Functions
• Lawn / Gardens
• Non Smoking
• Online Orders
• Outdoor Dining Area
• Private Dining Area
• Electric Vehicle Charging Point
• Waterside Dining
• Between $0 and $20
• Between $20 and $30
• Fully licensed

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Canberra Southern Cross Yacht Club

Ratings and reviews, location and contact.

We arrived at 1.40 for lunch, when the restaurant was busy and plenty of staff. We did not have a booking but there were vacant tables. When we managed to get the attention of someone, the first thing they said was "Oh, you will have... More

Hi Maryann Thank-you for your feedback. I was the Manager who spoke to you so I apologise if I came across rude as it certainly was not my intention. Our kitchen operates from 12 until 2pm at lunch time and to avoid disappointment we inform... More

After the lunch, I was left wondering why I had never visited the Yacht Club restaurant before, it was that good. I ordered the Marinated char grilled chicken breast. Served with small Greek salad, chips and red capsicum aioli. The suggested wine was Wild Oats... More

We sat outside and the view was lovely but our food was terrible- I really do not understand how you can cook fish that badly- dry as a bone and tasting like cardboard. Go here for a drink but would not eat here. More

Hi Anuka, thank you for your feedback. While we are delighted to hear you enjoyed our lakeside views, we are disappointed that your meal did not meet our usual standard. We do encourage diners to let us know of any issues at the time so... More

Was very dissappointed with the slow service, especially when it was a set menu. The young staff were very pleasant, but very inexperienced. There did not seem to be any senior staff to guide the. Food was nice, but just too slow.

Hi Leah, thank you for your feedback. While we are delighted you enjoyed your meals, we are disappointed to hear that your experience did not meet our usual high standard. Could you please email [email protected] so we can learn more about your experience?

Whilst visiting Canberra my friends took me here for lunch. The lamb was cooked to perfection. Great service, great food and great location. Would recommend.

Thank you for your recommendation. Fantastic to hear that your lamb was cooked to perfection - and that you also enjoyed our team's service and beautiful lakeside location. We hope you visit again soon 😊

Right now the Canberra Southern Yacht Club has a 49% discount on almost all drinks from 4-6pm EVERY DAY of the week. This is the best happy hour in the whole of Canberra and with the best views of Lake Burley Griffin. Membership only costs... More

This was my first visit to the Yacht Club since its refurbishment and it was a delightful experience. It had shed its old clubby image and adopted a real quality restaurant flair. More

Hi Norman H, Thank you for providing this excellent feedback on your recent visit to our restaurant. I am very happy to see that you enjoyed yourself, and we all look forward to welcoming you back soon. Kind regards, Anurag Gautam, General Manager Food and... More

Once again out to lunch with the usual gang of friends for someone’s birthday celebration which was pleasant enough to say the least. Staff as usual very friendly and attentive, quick with the drinks, but there was an issue with the merlot. Was it a... More

Hi factwit, We're glad to hear your friend's birthday celebration went well, and hope to see you again in the future. Kind regards, Anurag Gautam, GM Food & Beverage

We had a family 90th birthday party here, the service was fantastic and the food was beautiful. Love views on the lake quiet peaceful environment. More

Hi Janine B, Thank you for this great feedback. We are so glad that we were able to assist in making such a special occasion memorable for you and your family. I will pass on this excellent feedback to the rest of the team, and... More

I had a fish and chips which was really bad. The chips were horrible and the fish batter was hard and sliding off the fish. There were not enough servers to keep up with the full dining room (most were having the lunch buffet), so... More

Dear MannyG2000, I am sorry you didn’t enjoy your visit to our venue. We were disappointed in your review and it is not in keeping with the reviews we normally receive. No matter how busy we are, a high standard of service is mandatory –... More

We had lunch in the restaurant located upstairs, which is different to the ground floor more casual place. The upstairs restaurant has a lovely outlook across the grass to the lake where you can see boats go past and wildlife. This upstairs restaurant has an... More

Hi TarakayAustralia, Thank you so much for this amazing review and feedback for the Yacht Club! I am so pleased to see that you have thoroughly enjoyed everything about your visit to our venue. I will personally let the staff and chef's know of your... More

Having your favourite fish and chips on the Lake at Yarralumla is a great happening when you visit Schnapper at the Southern Cross Yacht Club. We go there often, such a nice atmposphere outside in the sunshine. We always follow our lunch with a coffee... More

Hi David H, Thank you so much for the lovely feedback. I will pass on your comments to the staff members, and looking forward to seeing you again soon. Kind Regards, Matthew Taylor, Venue Manager Yacht Club

The club isn't too bad. We hadn't been there before. We weren't sure whether we had to wait at the front counter or could walk into the restaurant. Staff saw us standing there and didn't do anything so we walked over to the cash register... More

Hi 874adriann, Thank you for taking the time to post a review on our restaurant. I am pleased to see that you enjoyed your food, however I apologise that the standard of service you received was not what it should have been. Our staff are... More

Recently my son James came home for a funeral from London and he mentioned he had never eaten at the Yacht Club at Yarralumla. So we decided we would eat there on Wednesday 9 January at 7pm. I booked a table and requested could we... More

Hi Pushacks, Thank you very much for providing such a detailed review on our restaurant. I’m very happy to hear that your experience was so positive, and I will make sure that I pass on your comments about your food to the Chefs. Hope to... More

Being from Sydney's northern beaches, I was surprised to find that Canberra could have such a beautiful location and water view ! The bar staff were very knowledgeable (my husband had a long chat about the different scotches and whiskeys, whilst I was made a... More

Hi ChantiTownse, Thank you for taking the time to provide feedback. It’s very good to hear that your experience with our staff members was so positive, and that you enjoyed your meals. I will pass on your kind comments to the rest of the team.... More

CANBERRA SOUTHERN CROSS YACHT CLUB - Restaurant Reviews, Photos & Phone Number - Tripadvisor

• Australia /
• Yarralumla, Australian Capital Territory /

Southern Cross Yacht Club

Once the promenade around the Canberra Nature Park is over, visit Southern Cross Yacht Club . According to the visitors' reviews, Australian dishes here are tasty. Come here for good lamb , fish & chips and smoked salmon if you are hungry. At this place people can delve deep into delicious dishes, and degust tasty cheesecakes and good ice cream . To make your food even tastier, try beer which is said to be delicious. Some clients recommend great tea at this restaurant.

The cozy atmosphere of Southern Cross Yacht Club allows customers to relax after a hard working day. The attentive waitstaff works hard, stays positive and makes this place wonderful. It is noteworthy that fireplace is lovely. Google users awarded this place 4.3.

Best in the city This award is based on the analysis of multiple factors, including reviews, ratings, and user engagement trends on Restaurant Guru.

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