The char of the mangal, rose and pomegranate, the ritual of mezze - flavours you already love, applied to Australian produce with fine dining technique. The result: dishes Canberra’s Turkish dining scene hasn’t seen before.
Turkish-born chef Mert Toplu completed the top culinary school in Türkiye and entered the industry at fifteen - two decades of fine dining rooms and five-star hotels followed, across Istanbul and Canberra. Rakkas is his passion project: a candlelit, intimate room on the Foreshore, and all seven of Türkiye’s regions on one table.
“We want to show that Turkish food is absolutely limitless; Turkish culture is massive.”
Twelve courses of Rakkas at its best, each dish drawn from heritage Turkish flavours. Every plate is another stop on the journey: taste your way to Türkiye from a table on the Kingston Foreshore. Available for two or more guests - the whole table dines together.
The Bar
Twelve cities, poured.
Twelve cocktails, each inspired by a Turkish city and built from what that city is known for. Move through the twelve - the map explains each glass.
Istanbul
Signature · Chef's favourite
Just like Istanbul - bold, spicy, layered with tradition and modern flair.
We went there for a birthday dinner. What a fantastic meal! Superb food and wonderful service. Sensational location on the Kingston Foreshore. Such a wonderful host with his wife who made our special… We went there for a birthday dinner. What a fantastic meal! Superb food and wonderful service. Sensational location on the Kingston Foreshore. Such a wonderful host with his wife who made our special dinner memorable
Dean Thompson6 reviews·13 photos
★★★★★
We arrived early for our reservation and the managers were so accommodating. The food and drinks were so flavoursome, starting the night with the chief special cocktail called ‘Istanbul’ . We both… We arrived early for our reservation and the managers were so accommodating. The food and drinks were so flavoursome, starting the night with the chief special cocktail called ‘Istanbul’ . We both had the 9 course meal and were completely satisfied with the quality and quantity of the meals,. We would definitely come back to Rakkas again.
Went with the family for a birthday dinner and had such a wonderful experience. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, the food was absolutely delicious, and the service was truly top-notch. Highly… Went with the family for a birthday dinner and had such a wonderful experience. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, the food was absolutely delicious, and the service was truly top-notch. Highly recommend this place for a special occasion!
Vivienne Hunter8 reviews·8 photos
★★★★★
An exceptional meal, service and all round experience. We thoroughly enjoyed our evening and will definitely be visiting again. Thank you 🥂🤩🥂
J WilliamsLocal Guide·46 reviews·77 photos
★★★★★
Hands down best meal I’ve had in ages! Exceptional service and lovely atmosphere. Was not expecting the novel take on the baklava dessert (looked kinda like a troll doll) but it was still delicious 👌
Brad PedleyLocal Guide·62 reviews·50 photos
★★★★★
The food was refreshingly creative, well balanced, and tastefully plated. Food portions were good, nothing seemed to delicate or over the top. Pricing matched the experience and service was prompt… The food was refreshingly creative, well balanced, and tastefully plated. Food portions were good, nothing seemed to delicate or over the top. Pricing matched the experience and service was prompt and friendly. Good venue with comfortable seating, noise level and lighting.
Stefan Giammarco2 reviews·4 photos
★★★★★
We've been to Rakkas 3 times now and every experience leaves us wanting more!
The mezze dips are amazing and we've enjoyed trying different entrees each time we've gone - but one thing we can never… We've been to Rakkas 3 times now and every experience leaves us wanting more!
The mezze dips are amazing and we've enjoyed trying different entrees each time we've gone - but one thing we can never say no to is the fried halloumi with honey. On our most recent visit, we tried the lamb dish on their new Spring/Summer menu - it was perfection!
Highly recommend!
Sheilon StarLocal Guide·49 reviews·31 photos
★★★★★
Highly rate this place! We had lunch here recently and there was 10-12people in our group including 3 kids. We had the shared menu for 80pp. Every dish we had in our table was sublime 👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼… Highly rate this place! We had lunch here recently and there was 10-12people in our group including 3 kids. We had the shared menu for 80pp. Every dish we had in our table was sublime 👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼 sooo delish so worth the $$$. They’re also great with kids which is a plus!
EDLocal Guide·21 reviews·37 photos
★★★★★
The food was phenomenal for both taste buds and eyes. So many flavours. The staff are to kind and friendly which is the cherry on top. Hot towels on arrival at your table and Turkish coffee with a… The food was phenomenal for both taste buds and eyes. So many flavours. The staff are to kind and friendly which is the cherry on top. Hot towels on arrival at your table and Turkish coffee with a Turkish delight to finish. I honestly couldn’t fault this place.
Jessica LLocal Guide·18 reviews·23 photos
★★★★★
Rakkas is located at the beautiful Kingston waterfront. We dined mid-week at lunchtime, and were able to walk in with no issues. We also had an infant in a pram (who slept the entire time), and at no… Rakkas is located at the beautiful Kingston waterfront. We dined mid-week at lunchtime, and were able to walk in with no issues. We also had an infant in a pram (who slept the entire time), and at no point were we made to feel like we weren't welcome.
The atmosphere, decor, plates etc are all incredibly modern and chic. We received complimentary sparkling water promptly, and the waiter who took our orders was incredibly polite.
We ordered the turkish white wine (narince), to try something new, and I honestly couldn't fault it. I would absolutely order this again, as it was incredibly smooth and a beautiful balance of oak, butter and fruit.
Food wise we ordered the trio of dips, and the following mains: roasted cauliflower, lamb backstrap and wagyu steak... Wow! The presentation was immaculate on all plates. The lamb backstroke and wagyu steak were perfect. The cauliflower could have used a few more minutes of cooking time; it was well-roasted on the florets, however it was under on the inside.
We also ordered the deconstructed baklava dessert. This divided us - one of us loved it, however I found the icecream icy and lacking in flavour. The Persian fairy floss had an impressive, nutty depth of flavour, and the pistachio cream was a flavour bomb.
The Turkish coffee was exceptional. I often find it too bitter, and "sludgy", but this one I would order again.
This was not a cheap experience, and the portions aren't huge. However, as a fine dining restaurant we found the pricing appropriate and we did not leave hungry.
We had a lovely time and will be back.
Rakkas is open Tuesday to Saturday - lunch from 12pm to 2pm and dinner from 5:30pm to 9pm. We are closed Sunday and Monday.
Do you cater for dietary requirements?
Yes - dietary requirements such as gluten free and halal are accommodated. Please tell our staff about any allergies or requirements when you book; some dishes can be adapted.
What is the Sound of Istanbul menu?
Our twelve-course signature tasting menu at $125 per person, available for two or more guests. It moves from mezze and entrées through chargrilled mains to dessert, with wine pairing options in our wine list.
What does dinner at Rakkas cost?
The twelve-course Sound of Istanbul tasting menu is $125 per person. À la carte, entrées are $24 to $29, mains $42 to $68, desserts $20, before drinks.
Can I book for a large group?
Yes. For groups of eight or more we serve our set menu so every guest eats well and together. Mention your group size when booking.
Do you sell gift cards?
Yes - Rakkas gift cards are available to buy online through our gift card portal.
Crispy Buttered Kadayıf Wrapped Around Palace-Style Milk Custard, Hazelnut, Light Rose Syrup
Drinks Menu
Signature Cocktails
$25 each
Our distinctive cocktails are crafted to showcase the seven regions of Turkiye, each with its own captivating narrative. Every recipe incorporates ingredients renowned in that specific region.
