I think Canberra has a really great café-culture. In the City alone there are so many options to grab a coffee and a little something to eat. If you live on the Southside, here are some fantastic little spots that have succeeded in bringing the sophistication and style of the City into the suburbs:
5 Senses
Tuggeranong Hyperdome
One look at the 5 Senses restaurant is enough to guarantee it as the perfect spot for breakfast, brunch or lunch. Located in Tuggeranong, 5 Senses has a funky, retro set-up, with a goal to provide its customers with the most relaxing and enjoyable experience possible. Through its atmosphere, coffee, quality service and tasty food, 5 Senses truly does appeal to all five senses!
Fox and Bow
Farrer Shops
Fox and Bow is a café that has succeeded in making Farrer trendy, with its delicious food, great coffee, and stylish décor. Fox and Bow supports local artists, and most weekends you’ll be able to enjoy live, acoustic musicians playing while you sip on your (excellently brewed) coffee. There is something for all tastes at this hip and happening café, with juices, smoothies, and a selection of both ‘healthy’ and ‘not-so-healthy-but-who-cares-because-it’s-Saturday’ tarts and pastries.
A Bite to Eat
Chifley Shops
Located in the heart of Chifley, A Bite to Eat is a cute café with an atmosphere that makes you feel as though you are being served in your own lounge room. Since its opening in 2004, A Bite to Eat has doubled in size – a testament to how popular it is amongst Canberrans. You can feel good about what you’re eating here, because the menu is full of wonderful meals that, where possible, are made with organic and free range products.
San Churros
Woden Plaza
Even though San Churros only opened up in Woden last year, it has managed to stake its claim as a ‘go-to’ café in the Southside. From first dates to catch-ups with friends to girls’-nights-out, San Churros is a spot on venue. Walking through the doors, the smell of melted chocolate hits and the experience only goes up from that (very enjoyable) first impression. The décor is colourful, quirky and comfortable, and I love it almost as much as I love the food (which, given that there is predominately chocolate on the menu, is a whole lot). If you haven’t gotten around to visiting San Churros, you’re missing out!
Red Brick Espresso
Curtin Shops
In December 2011, Red Brick opened a little hole-in-the-wall espresso bar in a sunny corner unit at the Curtin shops. The vision was for a special coffee roastery and over the past two years they have worked hard to achieve that goal. It has certainly become THE cornerstone of the Curtin neighbourhood, with sweet treats, a seasonal all-day menu and, of course, excellent coffee.
