Gungahlin’s hidden food gems
Posted on
From slow cafés, comfort food, Singapore street food, and hearty pub meals, these little gems are officially no longer hidden.
The team at HerCanberra loves nothing more than to bring you news of the hottest new places to eat in town. Lord knows, we never seem to run out of openings to write about. But what about “old” places to eat—those which have stood the test of time and which draw us back for comfort and culinary reassurance year after year? Or just the reliable locals that might not have the wow factor, but they have our hearts and that’s what counts.
Whether you are a Gungahlin resident or just planning a trip into the area, this carefully selected list shares some personal favourites as well as those which regularly get a mention across our channels for consistent quality, service, and all the happy feels.
The District
View this post on Instagram
This is the kind of pub that feels like an old friend, where memories are shared over a burger and a beer in hand. It’s nostalgia, its warmth, it’s comfort food—all the things that make life on a cold Canberra day, just a tad easier.
56 Abena Ave, Crace | thedistrict.com.au
Hungry Bird Pizza and Pasta
View this post on Instagram
Chicken parmy pizza anyone? Hungry Bird Pizza and Pasta might be the undiscovered gem you need. Located in Nicholls, this quaint café is perfect for when your craving a warm meal with a twist. Serving a range of pizzas (including dessert pizzas and a special Indian range), you can also order burgers, pasta and pub classics. And it’s reasonably priced—need we say more?
Federation Square, 18 O’Hanlon Pl, Nicholls | pizza.hungrybird.com.au
Frankies at Forde
View this post on Instagram
It’s a restaurant that knows the best way to people’s hearts is through a hearty meal and a good deal. From wine(O) Wednesday, (those that buy a bottle get a free tasting plater) to Pizza and Beers Thursday (not as catchy but equally as alluring) when you get a glass of free beer for every pizza bought. Not to mention you can eat there any time of time day. Literally, they do breakfast, lunch and dinner.
1/26 Francis Forde Blvd, Forde | frankiesatforde.com
Sunday in Canberra
View this post on Instagram
Finding yourself fighting off the Monday blues? Why not pay a visit to Sunday in Canberra. At this humble little café, every day will feel like a lazy Sunday morning, where time moves slow, and food is eaten with care. Not to mention the delicious seasonal menu and the kind of coffee that you can drink by the cupful. Oh, and Fridays and Saturdays nights are ramen nights. Tempted? You should be.
54 Ernest Cavanagh St, Gungahlin | sundayincanberra.com
Le Bon Mélange Café, Pâtisserie
View this post on Instagram
Oui, I would like to go to Le Bon Melange right now, please! One look at their artisan pastries will get you sacrificing yourself to the cake gods. Proof that money can’t buy happiness, Le Bon Melange is really all you need.
G09/48 Gungahlin Pl & Bruning St | lebonmelange.com
Atlas Café
View this post on Instagram
A local café with a Greek God twist, Atlas Café is the perfect place to warm yourself with a coffee and toastie. With a small but high quality menu, an endless stock of delicious coffee beans and a casual vibe, you’ll often see this gem packed on weekends.
33 Hibberson St, Gungahlin | facebook.com/Atlasonhibberson
Pulp Book Café
View this post on Instagram
Books, coffee and a cosy atmosphere…it doesn’t get much better than that. A family owned and run café in Federation Square, Pulp Book Café is the kind of place you might need to get dragged out of (literally). With their hand-crafted book selection, an all-day breakfast menu and a delicious lunch menu to go along with your newest novel, it’s very hard to resist this quaint little cafe’s many charms.
6/18 O’Hanlon Pl, Nicholls | pulpbookcafe.com.au
Casey Jones
View this post on Instagram
Nothing quite beats winding down a work week with a beer and a good old fashion burger. A favourite of locals, Casey Jones has everything you want from a pub: great food, cold beer and friendly service. Add in boutique brews and award-winning wines and you have your Friday night sorted (thank us later).
15 Kingsland Parade, Casey |caseyjones.pub
The G Spot
View this post on Instagram
Yes, you did read that right. As the name suggests, this charismatic little van is all about providing you with the best kind of food pleasure. Beloved by locals, just head down and check out for yourself what all the hype is about. From decadent burgers, heart wraps, dinner boxes and Mexican, it’s comfort food at its finest.
Gungahlin Dr, Ngunnawal | facebook.com/TheGspotCanberra
Lion City
“When you drink the water, remember the spring.” If that sentiment can’t entice you, I don’t know what will. Lion City’s story begins in the east of Singapore, where they bring traditional flavours and street food influences to life. The Hainanese chicken rice, Chee Cheong Fun, Cendol and Loh Ba and some dishes to look out for, but there is a wide variety of options for vegetarians, too, from the Vegetarian Ma Po Bean Curd Hot Pot to the Vegetarian Noodles soup. It’s the closest thing our tastebuds can get to Singapore food heaven.
Shop 87, 275 Flemington Rd, Franklin | lioncityrestaurant.com
Feature image via facebook.com/sundayincanberra
