Or pilot for that matter, if we’re talking about Canberra’s latest and greatest eatery. The first solo endeavour by partners Dash Rumble and Ross Mcquinn, Pilot is a self-proclaimed ‘expression of the quintessential Australian restaurant’ set right in the heart of the nation’s capital. The concept is that of an ever-changing menu, that will see contemporary takes on classic dishes interspersed throughout.

Joining Rumble and Ross Mcquinn is head chef Malcolm Hanslow. And while this may be their first venue, it’s not their first rodeo; the trio have worked across some of Sydney’s best fine diners, Momofuku Seiobo, Automata, and Ester included. Hanslow was also nominated for the Josephine Pignolet Young Chef of the Year award in 2018. Having met while working at Canberra restaurant Eighty Six, the trio have now come full circle and hope to champion the produce and potential of their hometown via Pilot.

A sleek, simple colour palette has been embraced at Pilot, where everything within is largely local, from the plates to the art. The menu is served on ceramics made by local maker Chris Harford and Linburn Handmade, with even the wine decanters created in Canberra, and co-designed with glassblower Scott Chaseling at Canberra Glassworks. Walls are adorned with artwork that has come courtesy of fellow locals the artist-run gallery Tributary Projects.

Pilot offers both an a la carte share-style menu, as well as a fixed share menu depending on your preference. Dishes are focused around seasonal, local ingredients and vary on the experimental, with menu items including a char siu octopus, potato bacon balls, bug with peach, and a particularly tempting potato ice cream with brown butter.

Pilot is open from 6.00pm till late Wednesday to Saturday, and for lunch from 12.00pm on Sundays. Shop 5/6 Wakefield Gardens, Ainslie; pilotrestaurant.com