Woden’s hidden food gems
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Let’s face it, there’s nothing better than new recommendations to sink your teeth into. And this week our tastebuds ventured into the hidden gems of Woden.
Lettuce tell you—there’s polenta to explore (sorry).
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 (because that’s what counts)?
From authentic Nepalese to Pan Asian cuisine and space-age desserts that are out of this world, macaroon in your heart for your new foodie obsessions.
Italian Continental Bakery
Take a trip to Italy…in Mawson! The Italian Continental Bakery has an impressive reputation for being a little slice of Italia in Canberra—and their cannoli is the star of the show.
Why not take a road trip to deliciousness? Italian phrasebook and red lipstick optional.
Italian Continental Bakery | 1 Mawson Place, Mawson | facebook.com/ItalianContinentalBakery
UNDER Bakery
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If you haven’t been to UNDER Bakery, let us introduce you to your newest obsession. Home to delicious sweet Scandinavian buns (and cookies and bread), choose from goodies like the cardamon bun or the vanilla bun and cosy up with a coffee.
1/30 Mawson Place, Mawson | under-bakery.com
Daana
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If you haven’t experienced the transformative, oh-so-flavoursome experience that is Daana’s—here’s your gentle nudge. The brainchild of owners and chefs Sanjay and Sunita, their love and passion for cooking translates directly into their food, with soul-warming authentic cuisine that gives us a taste of South India. The portions are generous, the menu is expansive, and the ambience is a love note to every state in India—need I say more?
83 Theodore Street, Curtin | daana.com.au
Stand By Me
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If you are looking to make your tastebuds happy, Stand By Me in Lyons is the place to go. Seriously, everything on their menu will get you drooling—from decadent burgers, perfectly cooked eggs and heartwarming pumpkin roti. Oh, and don’t even get me started on their French toast! Their weekly specials should be illegal— think Tiramisu; roast pear, mascarpone with honey, lemon and almond; as well as Oreo and strawberries, cream cheese with crumbs.
7/9 Lyons Place, Lyons | facebook.com/standbymecafe
Fox & Bow
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Nestled in the heart of Farrer, Fox & Bow serves up Spanish-influenced food that’s perfect for breakfast and lunch, seven days a week. With a relaxed atmosphere and strong community ties, it’ll soon become your new favourite spot for coffee, food and a catch-up with friends. Smoked trout croquettes anyone?
4 Farrer Place, Farrer | foxandbow.com.au
Tutto Delicatessen
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A blend of continental delicatessen and espresso bar, Tutto is the place to go for Italian pantry staples—not to mention incredible imported cheese, a range of smallgoods, fresh pasta and more. Browsing here is almost as fun as eating. When you’re done, grab a seat for some excellent coffee and a housemade sweet treat.
142-152 Mawson Place, Mawson | @tutto_delicatessen
Mustang Nepalese
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As Canberra’s top-rated Nepalese restaurant, it doesn’t take long to see why. Favourites such as the Nepalese dumplings and chicken chilli and chicken choila are a must try—rich in flavour and aromatic spices. Their goat curry is also said to be the best in town. Yum!
4 Farrer Place, Farrer | themustangcanberra.com.au
Corvina
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This Swinger Hill restaurant’s location is an absolute cracker, with gorgeous views over Woden Valley, and the menu offers a delicious array of traditional Italian fare and some great value banquet options.
10/84 Ainsworth Street, Swinger Hill | corvinarestaurant.com.au
Café Viin
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This is a quaint café oozing with French charm. The relaxing atmosphere will entice you, and the heavenly menu will make it hard to leave while their dinner menu is *chef’s kiss*, filled with decadent and surprising combinations. Think beef sirloin with confit potato, beetroot and truffle sauce; Jerusalem artichoke with chicken breast and pine nut, coq au vin; and cherry clafoutis for a sweet finish. Oh, and oui, coffee, sweets and savouries are available during the day. Enjoy!
Shop/4 Hodgson Crescent, Pearce | cafe-viin.business.site
Dada
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Modern Pan Asian cuisine with a modern twist and a menu that caters for pretty much any dietary requirement? Say hello to Dada. This elegant and intimate space creates the perfect backdrop to explore this mouth-watering menu. With punchy flavours and fresh ingredients, everything is delicious— but if you so get overwhelmed, the lemongrass pork, and Asian red date pudding are both must-tries. Heaven!
G4/12 Furzer Street, Phillip | dadarestaurant.com.au
Rama’s
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Yes, the Fijian/Indian dishes here are delicious, but if you’ve ever visited Rama’s you’ll know the real highlight is owner/hostess Mini Gaundar, who can remember almost every customer that comes through her doors and never fails to lift a mood with her cheerful service. Everything is good here, but we particularly love the pumpkin and coconut roti parcel.
Cnr Macfarland & Hodgson Cres, Pearce | ramas.com.au
A Bite to Eat
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For over 16 years A Bite to Eat has been feeding the Chifley community’s, heart, soul and stomachs. Simply take a seat (it’s hard to resist their vintage leather couches), grab a beer and dig into a flavoursome menu. You won’t be able to stop at a bite!
8 Chifley Place, Chifley |abitetoeat.net.au
SaPa Asian Fusion Restaurant
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Bringing the flavours of Northern Vietnam to Swinger Hill, Sapa is a must-try for fresh, fragrant and delicious dishes. Open Wednesday to Saturday from 11 am until 3 pm and Tuesday to Sunday from 5 pm to 10 pm, choose from sour spring rolls, BBQ crispy pork Bao-burgers, nest honey chicken and more.
14/84 Ainsworth St, Mawson | @sapaswingerhill
Alexander and Abermarle precinct
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Could this be Woden’s new foodie precinct? Boasting one of the area’s best gastropubs, The Alby; the southern offshoot of the insanely popular eightysix; two excellent coffee shops in the form of Bloom and Gemini; and Sri Lankan street food purveyor Short Eats and cult favourite Ramen O just nearby, residents and workers are spoilt for choice!
35-45 Furzer Street, Phillip
Al Manoosh
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Craving Lebanese food? Let us introduce you to Al Manoosh. Made with love, passion and tradition, trust us when we say you won’t be leaving hungry. Menu favourites such as the sahnkleesh and cheese, shakshuka and the ricotta calzone are a must try—soaked in tradition and fresh, local ingredients. Delicious!
47 Mawson Pl | almanoosh.com.au
Space Kitchen
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This magical foodie oasis will take your tastebuds on a powerful rocket ride—seriously, the food is beautiful (you almost don’t want to eat it) and has the flavours to match. And if you are a sucker for sweet treats, Space Kitchen does desserts like no one else. Think trailblazing mesmerising creations that will quickly abduct your heart.
12 Furzer Street (corner Of Furzer Street and Worgan Street, Phillip | space-kitchen.com.au
Au Lac Woden
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The equally delicious sibling to Au Lac in Dickson this all-vegan Vietnamese restaurant never seems to disappoint. A humble reminder of how scarily similar fake meat can taste to the real thing, the laksa, soy meat pho and sizzling clay pots are always consistently divine—but every dish will make you drool.
Westfield Woden, Shop G90A, Corinna Street, Phillip ACT | aulacveganwoden.com
Two Blind Mice
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A local gem that will you keep you coming back for more, Two Blind Mice walk the line between sophistication and casual dining as easy as it is to fall in love with their menu. It’s a nod to pub classics while infusing your palate with European flavours. Cheese and charcuterie anyone?
6/44 Curtin Place, Curtin | twoblindmicecurtin.com.au
Good Life Food
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If you are desperately craving a holiday to Bali, Good Life Food is perhaps the next best thing with simple, uncomplicated ingredients that don’t skimp on flavour. The beef rendang and ayam penyet are our humble recommendations, but every dish will have you saying, “Bagus Sekali.”
16 Wilbow Street, Phillip | goodlifefood.com.au
Red Brick Espresso
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A little coffee shop with a lot on offer. Nestled tightly in the Curtin community, Red Brick will quickly become your coffee go-to. Small, humble and welcoming, go for a takeaway coffee and B&E roll and stay for the service.
4/31/35 Curtin Place, Curtin | redbrick.coffee
Feature image: Pew Pew Studio.
