Is this Civic’s best kept secret?

Posted on 17 March, 2025

In a quiet corner of Canberra’s Civic district, lies a hidden gem those in the know have been reluctant to share.

Because while Canberra’s city centre is home to a range of amazing eateries – from award-winning restaurants to innovative cafes turning classics on their heads –  this venue has been offering something a little more unique for those seeking fresh and flavoursome food without the fuss.

As we’ve watched them evolve over the last nine months, it’s time to ask: Is Cafe Bistrot CBD Civic’s best-kept secret, and is it finally ready for the spotlight?

Located in the Griffin Centre, just near the corner of Bunda and Genge Street, Café Bistrot CBD was founded by Federico Ferrario and David Prette after they decided they wanted to bring a slice of their homeland – Italy – to the city centre.

Small and intimate, with only a few seats inside for those quick enough to grab one, Café Bistrot CBD started out serving freshly made Italian favourites that were easy to grab and go or enjoy with an espresso in the little café.

But as the venture has grown, so has the menu.

Now, along with their delicious focaccia that’s overflowing with fresh, seasonal ingredients (a must-try staple), the pair have expanded their offering, managing what few establishments can: maintaining authentic culinary traditions while adapting to the changing tastes and preferences of Canberra’s increasingly cosmopolitan population.

And they had us at authentically made matcha Italian gelati and strawberry matcha cheesecake.

The matcha cheesecake. Hungry yet?

“We’ve introduced gelato and burgers…We still have our homemade desserts and cake but then we went back to the more local produce – if I can call it that,” says Federico.

“We decided to start our gelato with just one flavour and now we have 16,” adds David.

“When I had the shops in Italy, I started to make gelato then. It was about 10 years ago! We decided to try vanilla because a lot of people were asking for affogatos. Then we decided to do lemon and now we do pistachio, matcha, hazelnut and we’re working on salted caramel.”

Crafted daily in small batches using locally sourced ingredients, the gelato is a sweet finale to their savoury offerings, with mouthwatering options that range from the Caponata sandwich to the roast pork focaccia. And while burgers are always sure to be a hit, at Cafe Bistrot CBD it’s the Italian specials you need to keep an eye out for. Think: Lasagna Bolognese, Spicy Arancini, Zeppole e Prosciutto and even a charcuterie board with Italian cured meats.

Some of the savoury menu offerings.

Is now a good time to mention that everything from the pasta to the jam in the tarts is made in-house?

Using authentic European flavours and techniques and combining them with his experience as Head Chef at Mocan and Green Grout, Mezzalira Ristorante, and the Italian Place Providore (and that’s just his resume from Canberra), Federico is constantly in the kitchen cooking.

Whether it’s slow-roasting the pork or making a chocolate and pistachio tart from scratch, the magic of the menu here is that you know whatever is on it, it’s been created with love.

“That’s the thing about owning a café, you can introduce whatever you like,” says Federico.

“So, why not?”

You need to try this combination of matcha gelato with a flaky croissant.

But more than anything, both Federico and David just want people to come in to try their food – which is why they’ve extended their opening hours to catch diners looking for a delicious evening meal.

Now open until 10 pm six days a week, they’re looking to introduce a dinner menu and alcoholic offerings. Aperol Spritz, anyone?

Perhaps what truly makes Cafe Bistrot special isn’t just the handcrafted food or the expanding menu – it’s the genuine passion Federico and David bring. And in a city centre filled with chain eateries and quick-service options, their commitment to authentic, made-from-scratch cuisine offers something increasingly rare: food with both heart and history.

Some secrets are simply too delicious to keep, and this might be Canberra’s most delectable discovery yet.