Eight new suburban gems worth checking out

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It’s time to hit the ‘burbs, because some new gems are popping up outside of Canberra’s usual eat streets.
From casual cafés to pubs and future-hatted restaurants (we’re calling it now), here are eight newbies worth crossing off your bucket list.
BanMé (Gungahlin)
We said it was Vietnamese street food worth finding a park in Braddon for, but now BanMé is bringing its truly superior line of Banh Mi to Gungahlin.
Located next to Ikigai Ramen on Hibberson Street, run, don’t walk, to sink your teeth into some delicious authentic Vietnamese, including rice paper rolls, noodle bowls, Banh Mi and more.
114/43 Hibberson Street, Gungahlin | banme.com.au
Bottega (Barton)
Serving up tasty delights – including coffee, bagels and Italian drinks – those located in or near Barton have a new weekday favourite. Especially when it comes to their pizza.
Pre-cooked and heated up in a fast-cooking oven, it costs less than $10 a slice and they sound delicious. Located right next to the Barton Grocer, pop in Monday to Friday to grab one for yourself.
48 Macquarie Street, Barton | barton-grocer.myshopify.com
Good Neighbour (Kingston)
The team behind iconic Bunda Street café Gus’ Place has opened a new café and we were sold when we heard that they make strawberry-iced matcha.
Slinging breakfast, brunch, and lunch classics, you can expect everything from Mexican-inspired Heuvos Sucios (Dirty Eggs) to a Reuben toastie, New York-style chunky cookies and more.
1/55 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston | @goodneighbour.cafe
Home Brew (Wright)
Brought to life by the team behind Honeysuckle and Morning Dew, Home Brew is a new café and bar that will be brewing from day until night.
Currently open until 3 pm (with plans to bring in delicious dinner options very soon), head along to sink your teeth into goodies like ONA coffee, poached eggs with Japanese croquettes, pancakes and more.
76 Steve Irwin Avenue, Wright | @homebrewcbr
Kickstart (Belconnen)
Northsiders now have a good excuse to stay in bed in the morning – drive thru café Kickstart Expresso is open in Belconnen Town Centre.
The menu at Kickstart Expresso Belconnen will be the same as their Fyshwick café, sourcing local fresh ingredients and using Toby’s Estate coffee. Offering barista-made coffee, a range of smoothies, homestyle toasties, bacon and egg rolls, freshly baked muffins, and more, all of it can be accessed from the comfort of your car.
5 Chan Street, Belconnen | kickstartexpresso.com
Mínima (Yarralumla)
Mínima has finally opened its doors in Yarralumla, and it’s as good as it sounds. With brothers Mork and Benn Ratanakosol back to cater to Canberra, the tiny, intimate space will be serving lunch and dinner to those who have missed the award-winning and boundary-pushing food that made Morks so popular.
Expect delicious, home-style meals that don’t break the bank.
29 Bentham Street, Yarralumla | eatminima.com.au
Recess Coffee (Griffith)
If you live in Griffith, it’s time to wake up and smell the coffee because the suburb has a brand-new café with the opening of Recess Coffee.
A collaboration between hospitality veterans Anthony Iannelli (the brains behind hatted restaurant Terra) and coffee aficionado Scott Brewer (formerly of Barrio), it serves breakfast, lunch and coffee seven days a week – but it’s menu’s fresh produce that will set Recess apart.
6B Barker Street, Griffith | @recesscoffeegoodtimes
The Denman (Denman Prospect)
With an inventive menu of nose-to-tail dining that is approachable, sustainable and, most importantly, delicious, The Denman offers diners an elevated menu of “not just pub food” alongside some classics.
Sink your teeth into dishes such as goat rendang curry with glutinous rice and fried cashews, house-made gnocchi with wild mushrooms, sage, pecorino, truffle oil, a cheeseburger, crispy southern fried chicken burger, and, of course, some ‘fat chips’ served with harissa mayonnaise. Hungry yet?
1 Felstead Vista, Denman Prospect | thedenmankitchen.com.au
Feature image: Good Neighbour. Credit: Ben Calvert Photo.