ABOUT

Koto is a Japanese fine dining restaurant located in the centre of Canberra’s National Triangle.

We serve a considered selection of raw and cooked seafood, vegetable dishes, premium beef, sake, wine and cocktails. Our food is inspired by the Kaiseki philosophy, which is a set of traditional Japanese guidelines that pay respect to the land and ingredients that surround us.

 

Executive Chef Shinya Nakano, Master Sushi

Chef Nakano trained in Kyoto with a fifth generation Sushi Master, before earning himself the same title. Prior to Koto, he worked in the kitchens of Nobu and Kisume in Melbourne—where he was awarded two-hats from Good Food Guide for his 18-course omakase-style menu. Now as Executive Chef of Koto, Nakano delivers a menu that emphasises the seasonality, locality and beauty of our high-quality ingredients.

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History of The Lobby

For over 50 years, the Lobby restaurant sat at the centre of Canberra’s social scene—playing host to everything from weddings to major moments in political history. After closing in 2016, the restaurant lay dormant until 2023, when it was revitalised and given a new lease on life as Koto.

Located at the heart of the National Triangle, the restaurant is nestled between the heritage-listed Rose Gardens, central government agencies, local embassies and tourist attractions such as Old Parliament House and the National Gallery of Australia.

Venue DESIGN

Award-winning design studio, Odd Design, paid homage to the Lobby’s original architecture and character in their reimagining of the space. Koto’s design took full advantage of the existing structural symmetry and stunning floor-to-ceiling windows—which wrap around its exterior to frame an exquisite Japanese garden directly outside.

Inside the restaurant, layered wood screens create texture, drama and privacy between the separate areas of the main dining room. Embellished with materials that represent elements of nature—such as the flow of water and flicker of fire—the interior design follows the Wabi Sabi philosophy, which is an awareness of, and appreciation for, transience and imperfection in earthly objects.

Outside, a gravel zen garden—created by Master Gardener Shinya Ueda—has been created to symbolise Lake Burley Griffin, with lighting that emulates traditional Japanese stone lanterns setting a dramatic glow against the nighttime landscape.

Reservations