Looking for bridge-to-bridge motivation? We found it at Walter Café

Posted on 7 June, 2022

Water views, mid-century architecture, and a delicious menu to match: Walter Café may be the bridge-to-bridge motivation you need.

Located on the edge of Lake Burley Griffin, the 120-seater is serving up contemporary Australian cuisine with a relaxed yet luxurious café vibe.

Named after Walter Burley Griffin and designed by Chris Grinham, co-director of the award-winning H&E Architects, the interior of the Walter Café boasts a combination of unique colours and materiality—timbers alongside green marble highlights and muted brass finishes—highlighting the phenomenal views of Lake Burley Griffin.

Inspired by various elements of the building’s original mid-century architecture and sketches by Marion Mahony Griffin, it’s not only the interiors that offer a combination of comfort and opulence.

Focusing on great coffee and quality food, head chef Matthew Ouwerkerk (who brings close to 15 years’ experience cooking in well-established restaurants across Sydney, Melbourne and London) has planned a menu inspired by local produce.

Think light and fresh breakfast options that include Alaskan crab omelette with chilli, coriander and lemon; ricotta hotcakes with caramelised banana, wattle seed butter, manuka honey, and pecan crumble; and a green bowl with organic grains, edamame, fermented garlic hummus, halloumi, avocado, pickled cabbage, cucumber, spinach, and poached egg.

The lunch menu (which is perfect for a long meal on the balcony on a warm day—remember them?) consists of small and large plates, burgers, sandwiches, and sides, including delicious options like a 180g Wagyu cheeseburger with maple bacon, lettuce, tomato, burger sauce, and pickles; Walter Café Niçoise salad with grilled swordfish or roast chicken breast and a light curry-spiced chicken with cauliflower cream, roast heirloom vegetables, pine nuts, and currants.

For those with a sweet tooth, you can’t go past the sticky date pudding with butterscotch and vanilla or the chocolate tart with espresso mascarpone and raspberries, perfect when served with tea or coffee.

You can also expect a beverage list that not only includes tea, coffee, milkshakes, and juice but also a wide selection of local and imported beer, Italian and French wine, and bubbles.

Perfect for a  scrumptious breakfast by Lake Burley Griffin or a leisurely lunch with a wine in hand, Walter looks set to be your new lakeside destination. Pre-or-post walk optional.

Photography: Pew Pew Studio