As a self-proclaimed coffee fanatic and a writer, it’s important to have a hit-list of trusted cafés in your local area to escape to. Whether it be in of caffeine or simply somewhere to study, Canberra Centre has an array of unique cafés you won’t mind waiting in queue for. Specialising in only the most premium coffee, offering city-goers something niche and keeping shoppers fuelled on their endeavours; Canberra Centre homes cafés with personality.
Wreckless by LSR
While Reckless sits in a little hideout under the escalators, the venue is no secret to city workers. In the early AM crowds line up for their morning hit of caffeine by the trusted baristas using Lonsdale Street Roasters coffee. Specialty coffees are available including house made panela syrups or the addition of turmeric and ginger or iced drinks such as matcha or chai lattes. This small kitchen packs big flavour, they have mastered the art of on the go foods at a high quality. In the baked cabinet you’ll find a strong presence of healthy snack options and their cold pressed juices and kombucha are made locally by their sister store Gather. With our morning coffee we were treated to a delicious kefir carrot with a pistachio crumble. A morning cake with a cultured filling, this café is progressive and knows how to satisfy a sweet tooth without refined sugars.
Located on the ground floor near Fitness First, Canberra Centre
Koko Black
The key to enjoying a winter morning in Canberra is a stop by Koko Black on your way into work. The venue boasts warm wood tones, a leather seated lounge area, and most appealing – melted chocolate. We sat in for a Hot Chocolate Flight which is a classy and unique was to enjoy a hot choccy, coming with a side of three Koko Black pralines. The Belgium Hot Chocolate is made in store using 56% dark chocolate and topped with a milk foam with their signature web of chocolate art. We had the salted caramel milk, almond praline, and classic Belgium pralines with each allowing your warm beverage to take on new flavours in every sip. For those after pure indulgence the Chocolate & Hazelnut Gateu is for you. A rich flourless choc brownie forms the base with layers of buttery hazelnut and creamy vanilla crémeux, finished with 54% dark chocolate mousse. You’ll also find a golden leaf and Koko Black chocolate logo as the cherry on top of this marvellous creation.
Located on Bunda Street, Canberra Centre
Passiontree Velvet
This café is sitting pretty in the Canberra Centre’s beauty precinct, playing an important role in fulfilling a full service of luxury in this realm. Picture a pamper day involving a pedicure, a skin consultation, topping up your makeup bag and popping into Passiontree Velvet for a treat of a different kind. We had a dessert which was a little bit whimsical, a bright green glazed apple which was intricately made and almost too cute to eat. The Apple Delight was crafted with apple mousse which surrounded caramelised apple and was coated in a white chocolate flavoured glaze. The apple sat on a buttery digestive biscuit base, and the apple had a tiny chocolate stalk for finishing touches. The dessert replicated a mini apple pie in taste. The mousse was fluffy and not too sweet, definitely something you could get away with eating in the morning. We also delved into the Blood Orange Soda which was fruity and floral just like the precinct. The sodas are all made from fresh puree, this one had lemonade for a little fizz, plus blueberries, mint and lemon for added freshness and decoration. The spritz is so refreshing it will send you back to summer and give you life to keep shopping. The sweet little café also offers a small savoury menu of healthy brunch favourites. If you’re on the run, you can always grab a freshly baked scone, flavoured meringue or brownie cookie on your way out.
Located in the Canberra Centre Beauty Precinct
