Belconnen’s hidden food gems
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Hello foodie folks, you know the drill—this week our stomachs took a journey through Belconnen, leaving no (delicious) stone unturned.
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 Greek cuisine, to humble cafés and Japanese restaurants that will transport you directly to the heart of Tokyo, there are plenty of mouth-watering gems to explore in this list.
Cafe Mame
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With fantastic coffee, ridiculously good sweet treats and a short but interesting and everchanging menu, we reckon Cafe Mame is one of Canberra’s best suburban gems.
Shop 2/4-6 Melba Ct, Melba | instagram.com/cafemame_melba
BZ Burgers
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Born out of Brisbane award-winning burger joint Benz on Miller, BZ Burgers have laid their delicious roots down in Grazier Lane. With a relaxed atmosphere and burgers such as the ‘Sweet Baby Jesus’ on the menu this hidden gem will quickly become your lazy go to meal. Oh, and they also serve coffee—because there simply isn’t a better combination than a cuppa and a hand-crafted speciality burger in tow. Sorry, I don’t make the rules. Noms.
Unit C04/6 Grazier La | bzburger.com.au
Ramen O
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Bringing to life authentic Japanese ramen and Gyoza dumplings, this hidden gem is one to add to your weekly rotation of ‘never disappoints’ restaurants. With vegetarian options available and surprising flavours to explore, Ramen O will transport your tastebuds to the heart of Japan—perfect for those cooler spring nights where all you are craving is a bowl of warm ramen to heal your soul from the inside out. Heaven!
1F/54 Benjamin Way | facebook.com/ramen.o.japanese
Little Oink Café
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Nestled in Cook shops, this café will have you squealing for joy. Their menu is not only delicious but filled with clever puns—think the What You Porkin’ Bout Burger, Start Spreading The News Toast and the drool-inducing Oinkin’ Burger. This charming and oh-so-tasty little café is guaranteed to keep you coming back for more.
22 Cook Pl, Cook | littleoink.com.au
Olive at Hawker
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Imagine for a minute that you’re sun kissed in Greece, eating your body weight in Mediterranean cuisine. Well folks, this no longer has to be a dream. Olive at Hawker is a family own restaurant giving us a taste of authentic Greek food with Italian influences—and it never disappoints. From pork medallions, black mussels and lamb ragu—this menu speaks for itself.
2a/78 Hawker Pl | oliveathawker.com.au
54 Benjamin
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This is a modern and stylish escape in the heart of Belconnen, serving everything your hungry heart can desire. From banoffee pancakes, creamy carbonara and seasonal salads, and high-quality coffee to wash it all down, 54 Benjamin Street ticks all the hidden gems boxes.
4/54 Benjamin Way | 54benjamin.com
Raijin Japanese Cuisine
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Serving up authentic Japanese Cuisine in the heart of McKellar, Raijin never disappoints. Their deliciously fresh salads are perfect for these warmer days— the assorted sashimi salad is our humble recommendation. But for an exciting favour hit the Raijin House specials always have something new to offer—we can’t look past the stir fry enoki mushroom, a quick gateway to any foodies heart. And it’s reasonably priced! Need we say more?
Unit 3/4 – 6 Bennetts Cl, McKellar | facebook.com/RaijinJapaneseCuisine
Sweet Bones Scullin
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As the second location for the darling Braddon café, Sweet Bones continues to have a strong hold over the ACT (and for a good reason). Their hand-crafted vegan menu is infused with unique and exciting combinations—proof that vegan food can hold its own. Oh, and a small word of warning, their Cinnabons will get you instantly addicted, so be prepared to visit this hidden gem more than you anticipated.
Scullin Shops, 3 Scullin Pl | sweetbonescompany.com
Two Before Ten
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Snuggled within a vibrant community, Two Before Ten offers an experience no other. From a bar, roastery, yoga studio, mushroom growing rooms, beehives and a local garden, getting your morning coffee will feel like you are entering into some otherworldly oasis. It’s not a surprise this trailblazing café is packed on the weekend, but if you can snag a seat outside, it’s a perfect spot to enjoy a cuppa of coffee with friends and soak up some spring sunshine. Devine!
68 Bandjalong Cres, Aranda | twobeforeten.com.au
The Poet
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Fancy Indian cuisine that packs a powerful flavour punch? Look no further than The Poet. There’s a lot to explore on this deliciously expansive menu, so if you are feeling overwhelmed, let us point you in the direction of the butter chicken samosas and the beef vindaloo, and for vegetarians, the paalak path chaat (fried spinach fritters) and samoa cahaat are a must try. Yum!
41 Chandler St, Belconnen | thepoet-restaurant.business.site
Hachiko Restaurant
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With its diverse menu filled with delectable Japanese flavours, Hachiko is a restaurant that you run, not walk towards. The brainchild of Vanessa Ji and chef Vincent Yu the menu creates a 5-star dining experience with the ease of a casual eatery. Open for lunch and dinner, there’s almost too much deliciousness to choose from. Think dengaku eggplant, tempura platter with prawns, oysters, and seasonal vegetable tempura. For a sweet finish, there is a range of speciality ice cream to choose from—the roasted green tea flavour is seriously life changing. Enjoy!
8/114 Emu Bank, Belconnen | hachikobelco.com
Turkish Pide House
Calling all Pide lovers, this one is for you—because who can go past an enormous slab of warm-out-of-the-oven Pide bread topped with garlic and herbs, sundried tomatoes and olives? Their menu favourites such as the bursa kebab, kofte and their authentic Pide pizzas are a must try. Fresh, tasty, and incredibly hearty, Turkish Pide ticks all of the boxes.
2 Lawry Pl, Macquarie | turkishpidehousebelconnen.com.au
To All My Friends
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If you are craving authentic pizza, To All My Friends has you covered. Their handcrafted pizza is a delicious nod to Italian cuisine while bringing to life modern favours—think shoestring fries and mozzarella sticks! Nestled away from the city centre, To All My Friends is the perfect setting to share a beautiful meal with loved ones and soak up the afternoon spring air.
Shops, 24 Cook Pl | toallmyfriends.com.au
Bella Vista
If you are craving a holiday to Italy, perhaps all you need is a trip to Belco. While it won’t fill the void completely, Bella Vista is an authentic taste of Italy without having to leave the country. At the hands of owner and head chef Sebastiano Reggente, rich flavours come to life with an effortless touch of modern elegance. Think capesante with honey smoked pancetta wrapped in scallops, agnello marinated with rosemary and garlic and crumbled feta cheese on creaming mashed potato. Bon appetit!
84 Emu Bank, Belconnen | bellavistarestaurant.com.au
Cesar’s Café
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Tucked away in Florey shop, Cesar’s Café is filled with charm. Their high-quality coffee is served with ‘on-the-go delights’, perfect for those in need of a sweet pick-me-up to get through a long work week. Not to mention you always be served with a friendly smile—what more could you ask for?
1A/26 Kesteven St, Florey | facebook.com/cesarscafecanberra
No10 Restaurant + Bar
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Looking for a tasty meal in a relaxed setting? Head to No10 Restaurant + Bar, hidden in the Abode Hotel in Belconnen. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, they have unexpected menu offerings (think fried chicken, Belgian waffle, pecans, maple mayonnaise and slaw for dinner) and monster servings sizes that will leave you wanting more—once you’ve digested that is.
Abode Belconnen, 3 Grazier La | number10restaurantandbar.com
Feature image via facebook.com/bella.vista.belconnen
