Where to fuel up for Floriade
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There is nothing quite like a spring morning spent wandering through a million blooming tulips.
And although there are plenty of food and drink options in Commonwealth Park, sometimes you want to fuel up or chill out off-site with a relaxed, sit-down meal nearby. Here’s where to eat near Floriade.
Parkes and Campbell (a five-to-30-minute walk)
The Marion
Just a short stroll from Commonwealth Park, The Marion offers a luxurious lakeside setting for a springtime sojourn.
Serving high tea from 10 am daily, you can indulge in freshly baked scones with cream and preserve, finely cut sandwiches, savoury pastries and delectable petit cakes all prepared daily by their award-winning pâtissier.
Act Parks Depot, Barrine Drive, Parkes | themarion.com.au
Walter Café
Open seven days a week from 8 am until 4 pm, Walter Café is the perfect pit-stop for some lakeside fuel. Along with coffee and tea, you can also indulge in wine, beer or an iced matcha if you need to cool-off from your walk.
As for food? Classic breakfast options are available until 12 pm when the offering swaps to the lunch menu, which includes share plates like warm sourdough bread served with aged balsamic and olive oil, mains like Korean-style braised lamb shoulder, and sides.
If that’s not enough, Devonshire tea (two buttermilk scones with homemade jam, dollop cream and a pot of tea or coffee) is available from 10 am!
Barrine Drive, Parkes | waltercafe.com.au
Catbird
Celebrating fresh, in-season, and vegetable-forward dishes and nestled in the leafy enclave of Parkes, Catbird has everything from breakfast burritos to sandwiches and salads.
Our pick that’s perfect for any time of the day? The Hot Honey Bird: buttermilk marinated fried chicken on a savoury waffle, served with hot honey, pickled red onion, fresh herbs and charred lemon.
Unit 255/44 Constitution Avenue, Parkes | catbirdcanberra.com.au
East Traders Hall
For those willing to walk a little bit further, East Traders Hall offers plenty of options. Home to Lava Coffee, Lager House, Sliceria, and WORLD, there’s something for every time of day and craving.
From coffee to pizza, go for the food and stay for the atmosphere.
62 Constitution Avenue, Parkes | easttraders-canberra.com.au
NewActon (A 30-minute walk)
Capitol Bar & Grill
If you’re craving something like antipasto or a grilled steak with a glass of wine, Capitol Bar & Grill is the place to go.
With a focus on Modern-Australian dining, the bar menu (available Monday to Sunday from 12 pm) spans everything from shoestring fries to a classic hamburger, pizza, chicken schnitzel and even a hazelnut tiramisu for dessert.
For those seeking an energy hit after a morning of walking, order yourself a coffee or book a table at their QTea High Tea for the ultimate sugar hit.
6 Marcus Clarke Street, City | capitolbarandgrill.com
Močan & Green Grout
Something about stopping at an eco-friendly café before looking at flowers feels right.
Open seven days a week from 7 am, Močan & Green Grout is the perfect spot for free or post-Floriade fuel. Grab a table amongst the garden beds to soak in the sun while you enjoy top-tier local coffee and seasonal, farm-to-table breakfast and lunch plates.
Unit 1/19 Marcus Clarke Street, City | mocanandgreengrout.com
Rebel Rebel
Situated on Marcus Clarke Street, this chic space is great for a luxurious meal.
With a wide variety of plant-based options as well as protein-based dishes, we recommend ordering the famous sugarloaf cabbage with parmesan cream and always make sure to leave room for dessert.
23 Marcus Clarke Street, Acton | rebelrebeldining.com.au
Dom’s Deli & Bar
A modern deli and bar serving locally roasted coffee, pastries and signature sandwiches, Dom’s is perfect for the whole family.
Open seven days a week, here you can grab both fresh and toasted sandwich options, with the Italian-inspired menu ranging from the Dom’s Special (mortadella, basil pesto, sliced black olives, roasted red peppers and fior di latte) to the Tuna Melt (house tuna mix, guindilla peppers, green onion, and Swiss and American cheese).
It’s also worth noting that all the toasted sandwiches can be made gluten-free!
National Film and Sound Archive, McCoy Circuit, Acton | @doms.deli_
City (a 15 to 20 minute walk)
Redbrick Coffee City
With a food menu of refined classics, Redbrick focuses on local produce, lunch takeaway options and locally roasted coffee.
Open seven days a week, the all-day menu ranges from eggs benedict to beef short ribs, coffee to Capital Brewing Co. beer. Whatever mood you’re in, there’s sure to be something to satisfy you.
Shop 1/1 Constitution Avenue, City | redbrickcoffee.shop
Such and Such
For those wanting a high-end, polished lunch in the city precinct, Such and Such offers inventive, bright spring flavours and an excellent natural wine list just across the footbridge.
With lots of different menus to choose from (including an hour-long IN AND OUT menu for $55 per person), whether you want something casual or bespoke, they’ll have an option for you.
220 London Circuit, City | andsuchandsuch.com
Two Before Ten
Did you know that there’s a Two Before Ten on Constitution Avenue? A little oasis amidst the hustle and bustle of the city, with floor-to-ceiling windows and cosy booth seating, it’s the perfect place to unwind after a busy morning.
On the seasonal menu, you’ll find all your café favourites, including a miso-butter avocado smash, soft chilli scrambled eggs and a sandwich special of the week. They also have plenty of grab-and-go if you’d rather get back to Floriade!
5 Constitution Avenue, City | twobeforeten.com.au
Clover
With a $33 lunch special every day, a meal at Clover won’t break the bank. Of course, if you’re looking for something more substantial, you can always look at the à la carte menu, where you’ll find options like confit duck Maryland, tempura eggplant and spaghetti alle polpette.
Order yourself a cocktail to wash it all down, because why not?
197 London Circuit, City | cloverdining.com.au
Banana Leaf
The fresh flavours of Sri Lanka are always best enjoyed after Floriade. Book a table here for a vibrant blend of Sinhalese, Tamil, Moor, Dutch and Malay tastes and textures. One thing to note is they only serve lunch Monday to Friday, but are open for dinner seven days a week, so make sure to plan your meal ahead!
2 Akuna Street, City | bananaleafrestaurant.com.au
Feature image: Catbird. Credit: Pew Pew Studio.
