Five Canberra suburban eateries absolutely worth the trip
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Sure, the inner south and city get a lot of the glory – but some of Canberra’s best meals are waiting in the suburbs.
Think family-run bakeries, cult-favourite cafés and unexpected fine dining in local shopping centres.
A little extra driving? Absolutely. Regret it? Not a chance.
Al Manoosh Lebanese Bakery (Mawson)
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Head to Al Manoosh on the weekend and you’ll see Mawson locals and the Lebanese community lining up out the door.
Open from 8 am until 4 pm Monday to Saturday, and until 3 pm on Sundays, the small, family-owned shop has a mouthwatering menu that spans breakfast and lunch dishes – from shakshuka to musabaha, zaatar, labne and more.
Simply follow your nose to find this cornerstone of the Mawson food scene.
47 Mawson Place, Mawson | @al_manoosh
My Rainbow Dreams (Dickson)
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For those seeking vegetarian and vegan options, this dedicated café has been serving the local community for over 10 years – and it’s worth rediscovering.
It may be a little bit hidden but it’s home to wholesome plant-based food, from burgers to dhal, soups to salads, and even a few sweets.
Go for the food and stay for the welcoming vibe.
25 Dickson Place, Dickson | myrainbowdreams.com.au
Café MAMÉ (Melba)
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Already discovered Café MAMÉ in Melba? You don’t need convincing of its charms. If you haven’t, welcome to your new obsession.
A small, suburban spot serving food that looks like it belongs in an Australian Good Food Guide photoshoot, this is another café that has locals happily lining up out the door.
With a steady stream of takeaway coffees flying out the door from the moment it opens, make sure to get here early.
Shop 2/4-6 Melba Circuit, Melba | cafemame.com.au
Café Blanco (Kambah)
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Inspired by the flavours of Latin America, Café Blanco has been bringing life to Kambah’s Carleton Street since it opened in 2022.
What’s on the menu? A Latin-infused take on café favourites – like a chorizo and egg roll with provolone and salsa, and rice pudding served with poached pear, pistachios and halvah.
It’s well worth a road trip.
Shop 1/3 Carleton Street, Kambah | @cafe___blanco
Ureshii (Greenway)
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Japanese fine dining in Tuggeranong’s South.Point shopping centre might sound like an unexpected combination, but that’s part of what makes Ureshii so exciting.
Quickly becoming a popular dining destination when it opened in 2023, from the freshness of the fish to the flavours of the sushi, the menu might give ‘fine dining’, but it’s affordable and casual – perfect for a spontaneous adventure to the south.
SouthPoint G U 22/210 Anketell Street, Greenway | @u_reshii
- Photography by Andrew Ly, Nineteen Creative
