This was to be our last meal following a short visit with friends Tony and Julie Beal. However this post will concentrate on XO as we enjoyed a gastronomic dining experience that was hard to forget.
The location is in a bit of a back water, not mainstream and in a suburban area at 16 Iluke Street Narrabundah, it is not easy to find. We were mesmerized from the time of arrival until it was time to leave hard to imagine in this strip-shopping location. XO is hard to miss, with its ultra-modern dynamic black and white mural outside bigger than the shopfront itself commanding your attention.
The bi-fold windows at the front are covered with a retractable mesh grille and a light box installation sits behind the glass front door. You cannot see the interior of the restaurant from the street and I tried!
Tony took pleasure explaining some of the checkered history of its former tenant, The Artisan. A Canberra speakeasy styled institution. It is a smallish space inside but utilized very well β the use of whitewashed brick walls and blonde wood is impressive. Our table was mid centered on the right wall.
We were 12 noon starters and had little competition so all staff were providing table attention for our group of 4.
