15 cafés in Woden (and surrounds) you need to cross off your bucket list
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There’s nothing quite like supporting a local café.
From eating dishes that have been carried through generations of family members or seeing the owner’s face light up when you enter their shop (and again when you return), it’s one of the best—and yummiest—experiences.
From Mediterranean meals to Italian treats, coffee for days, and cosy, intimate spots, we have fifteen gems in Woden (and the surrounding area) you need to check out!
Little Mez
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Inspired by Greek and Lebanese food, Little Mez is a glorious food truck placed right in Phillip. With heady aromas filling the area, you’ll see your food being freshly made and you can soak up the sun as you patiently wait. We recommend a sweet homemade Roxakia in one hand and a coffee in the other. If you have more hands, get the Souva or The Village Box, they don’t disappoint.
91 Hindmarsh Dr, Phillip | facebook.com/Little-Mez
Fika
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Fika is a concept, a state of mind, an attitude, and an important part of Swedish Culture. It’s also a stunning café. Many Swedes consider that it is almost essential to make time for ‘Fika’ every day. It means making time for friends and colleagues to share a cup of coffee and a little something to eat. Offering quiches, frittata, pasta, salads, meatballs, toasties, and a whole lot more. Dine in or takeaway, the choice is yours.
17 Botany St, Phillip | fikacafedeli.com
Short Eats
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Roti toasties, Chicken Biryani, and Kottu *insert drool emoji*. Short Eats specialises in authentic Sri Lankan street food. You may remember them from their delicious little food van in Barton, and the good news is you can enjoy them from the Southside. The perfect winter warmer.
G06/35 Furzer St, Phillip| facebook.com/shorteatsvan
Gemini Café
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Split a meal instead of your personality (Sorry, Geminis). Serving up Campos coffee and gourmet breakfast right in the heart of Woden, with a solid sweet selection of macarons, brownies, custard slices, cannoli’s, and more, Gemini has got us sorted.
Alexander Building, G08/35 Furzer St, Phillip | geminicafe.com
Elaine’s Pies
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Looking for the pie-fect hot treat? Elaine’s is an intimate quiet spot to sit and enjoy a meal. They also can make fresh sandwiches and rolls if a pie’s not your thing. There’s also plenty of spots for parking and it’s very friendly to elderly diners. We’ll meet you there!
71 Dundas Ct, Phillip | elainesphillip.com
Lil Milkbar
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This is a delightful family-run café in Mawson. With Vietnamese influence on some dishes and lots of homemade treats, a trip to this café is like a big warm cuddle. Brewing from 6:30 am, you will be sure to enjoy your morning with Lil Milkbar.
9B/22 Mawson Pl, Mawson | lilmilkbar.com
Italian Continental Bakery
No need to miss out on that Europe summer when we have a little slice of Italian heaven right here in Mawson! Italian Continental Bakery is such a classic, yummy, place for a meal that will remind you of Nonna’s cooking. From cannolis, chocolate cake, pistachio biscuits, biscotti, and moreit’s deliziosa!
1 Mawson Pl, Mawson | facebook.com/ItalianContinentalBakery
Queenies Mawson
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Stop by after your Woolies shop to visit the Kings and Queens at Queenies. With loads of classic brekkie options and plenty of hot beverages, this spot is nice and spacious for families. Babycinos encouraged!
71 Mawson Pl, Mawson| facebook.com/queeniesmawson
Cafe Viin
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The cutest café by day that turns into a French inspired dining experience at night. Cafe Viin is serving all kinds of divine treaties in an intimate setting. They are one of Woden’s best-kept secrets, until now. With intimate private dining options, get ready for a memorable meal to share with pals!
Shop3A/70 Hodgson Cres, Pearce |cafe-viin.com
A Bite to Eat
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Maybe not as hidden but one you should not forget about! Located at Chifley shops, A Bite to Eat has been proudly open for 16 years. A very charming place with a range of outdoor seating as well as heaters and blankets, drop in for a coffee or stay for a cheeky bite or two.
8 Chifley Pl, Chifley | abitetoeat.com
Under Bakery
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Once you see how good these baked goods look, it’s gonna be the only thing you think about for the next week. Think fresh baguettes, escargot, croissants, buns and more. Be warned things go fast at this place, so get in quick if you haven’t already!
1/30 Mawson Pl, Mawson | @under_bakery
Fox and Bow
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A Spanish take on some breakfast classics—think Blue Swimmer Crab with scrambled eggs and chorizo and Manchego Croquettes with your Eggs Benny. If you’re feeling adventurous, adventure to the Farrer shops for a little glimpse of Spanish-inspired cuisine. Si, por favor!
4 Farrer Pl, Farrer | foxandbow.com
Maple and Pine
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We can’t stress enough how cute and hidden this gem is. In a peaceful pocket of Isaacs with sunshine and leafy surroundings, you’ll be greeted by warm smiles and great customer service. Very kid friendly and very yummy.
Shop 3/6 Farr Pl, Isaacs | @mapleandpinecafe
Smogue
Smogue Owner James saw the need for a really good café in the suburbs and let’s just say he absolutely understood the assignment. A chilled atmosphere, accompanied by snug, welcoming seating and homely food = a recipe for tasty success.
Unit 2 Number, 24 Torrens Pl, Torrens| facebook.com/smoguetorrens
Tutto Delicatessen
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A café and a deli…What more could you want? We like to think of Tutto as a chance to escape the Canberra winter to put ourselves in an Italian summer. The perfect alternative, really. You can even find some pasta, sauces, and deli goods to help bring Italy to your home. Bravo!
142-152 Mawson Place, Mawson | @tutto_delicatessen
Feature image: Maple and Pine. Via Facebook.
