"James Mussillon's one-hat French-Australian degustation, served by a walled garden — Canberra's table for closing a deal in private."
About Courgette
Courgette is the long-running fine-dining room of chef-owner James Mussillon, set on Marcus Clarke Street in the centre of Canberra overlooking a quiet walled garden. Mussillon cooked in London under Marco Pierre White — then the only British chef holding three Michelin stars — before bringing his French-inspired Australian cooking to the capital.
The kitchen has earned a Chefs Hat in the Good Food Guide across several consecutive years, and the room has become a fixture for the city's most considered meals.
The Kitchen
The menu is built from the bottom up around the best seasonal produce, then refined with glazes, sauces and emulsions in a classical French idiom. The headline format is the multi-course degustation, with wine pairings, alongside a shorter three-course option.
Expect to pay around A$115 for the five-course degustation at dinner; this is a top-of-market Canberra ticket, which is reflected in the value score.
The Room
The dining room is contemporary and composed, with full-length views onto the walled garden that give the space a calm, private feel — helped by a separate garden room for groups. Service is measured and quietly attentive, pitched at occasions rather than turnover.
For Canberra's other degustation rooms, Pilot in Ainslie is the modern-Australian alternative.
Best for Closing a Deal
The privacy of the walled-garden room and the unhurried pacing make Courgette one of Canberra's strongest choices for closing a deal or to impress clients — quiet enough to talk, polished enough to signal you took it seriously. It is equally at home for a milestone anniversary.
Not for
Not for a quick bite, a tight budget, or solo diners after something casual — this is a measured, multi-course fine-dining evening at top-of-market prices.
Frequently Asked
What is Courgette known for?
Modern French-Australian fine dining and a multi-course degustation, served in a calm room overlooking a walled garden in central Canberra. It has held a Good Food Guide Chefs Hat across several years.
Who is the chef at Courgette?
Chef-owner James Mussillon, who cooked in London under three-Michelin-star chef Marco Pierre White before opening Courgette in Canberra.
How much is the Courgette degustation?
Around A$115 for the five-course degustation at dinner, with wine pairings available; a shorter three-course menu is also offered.
Is Courgette good for business dinners?
Yes. The private, garden-facing room and unhurried service make it well suited to closing a deal or impressing clients, as well as to anniversaries.
Where is Courgette?
At 54 Marcus Clarke Street in Canberra City, the capital's central business district.
Reserve a Table
Reserve at Courgette
Book through the Courgette website. Reserve ahead for dinner and the degustation; a private garden room is available for groups.
Affiliate disclosure: Restaurants for Kings may earn a commission when you book through our reservation links, at no cost to you. Our scores are editorial and never paid for.
Practical Information
Address54 Marcus Clarke St, Canberra City
NeighbourhoodCanberra City
CuisineModern French-Australian
Price5-course degustation about A$115; 3-course menu also offered
Dress CodeSmart
SeatingDining room overlooking a walled garden; private garden room
ReservationBook ahead for dinner and the degustation
