Where to find winter comfort foods with a healthy twist in Canberra
Posted on
Craving something comforting but don’t want to throw nutrition out the window?
We’ve found some places serving cosy food that will also make you feel amazing.
Whether you’re after a quick grab-and-go lunch or a proper sit-down meal that warms you from the inside out, these local spots are serving up comfort food you can feel good about.
The Goods Wholefoods (City)
View this post on Instagram
With the aim of serving food that makes you feel amazing without the fuss, The Goods has been focusing on creating simple and fresh meals since 2017. Only open during the working week, the beauty of this café is you can easily pop in to grab something to go while still feeling good. Serving a seasonal menu, during the cold months you can fuel yourself with their mouthwatering porridge bowls, toasties and signature salads. Name something more comforting than a hot bowl of porridge on a cold day!
Shop G9/40 Marcus Clarke Street, City | itsthegoods.com.au
Local Press (Kingston)
View this post on Instagram
Known for its seasonal brunch and lunch options, Local Press on the Kingston Foreshore has long been a go-to destination for those seeking a meal out that’s made with wholefoods – all unrefined, unprocessed and free of unnecessary additives and preservatives.
With lots of plant-based options (along with some for carnivores that are made with free range, pasture fed, chemical and hormone free proteins), from their Veggie Bowl to their Crepe, will make you feel good while honouring your cravings.
35 Eastlake Parade, Kingston | localpresscafe.com
Fox and Bow (Farrer and Red Hill)
View this post on Instagram
“Simple and tasty” is the motto of Fox and Bow, which is why their menu is all about café classics with a focus free range and pasture-raised proteins and lots of veg. Yes, you’ll find things like Hotcakes with lemon vanilla mascarpone and Canadian Maple syrup on the menu, but with other options like pastured raised eggs on toast or their Fritters – a delicious combination of zucchini fritters, dill yoghurt, tabouli and hummus – there’s also plenty of nourishing options.
4 Farrer Place, Farrer and 10 Duyfken Place, Red Hill | foxandbow.com.au
Café Stepping Stone (Strathnairn and Dickson)
View this post on Instagram
This café not only serves amazing vegetarian food that’s good for you and the planet, but it’s also an integration social enterprise that employs and trains migrant and refugee women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
Constantly evolving the menu based on what’s in season (and featuring a range of dishes inspired by the women they work with), everything is made from locally sourced ingredients. The menus vary at both locations, but examples include a potato masala toastie, tahini banana bread and a Myanmar-style corn omelette. And the best part? All their desserts are made in-house.
90 Stockdill Drive, Gullifer Street, Strathnairn and 8 Hawdon Place, Dickson | cafesteppingstone.com
Sweet Bones (Scullin)
View this post on Instagram
Serving the Canberra community for over a decade, Sweet Bones has a cult like status for its diverse vegan menu that highlights organic, plant-based, whole foods.
With options that range from the GF Pancakes (two protein pancakes topped with candied nuts, fresh fruit, berry compote, coconut whipped cream and coconut maple butter) to their Glow Harvest Bowl (roasted pumpkin with purple cabbage, carrots, kale, brown rice and fried chickpeas), there’s literally something for everyone – even if you eat meat.
They’re also focused on making eco-friendly choices in the café, so it’s a win-win!
Shop 3, 3 Scullin Place, Scullin | sweetbonescompany.com
Two Before Ten (All over town)
View this post on Instagram
With 11 locations in Canberra (and one in Murrumbateman), the ethos of Two Before Ten is to care for its customers, the wider community and the planet – which is why it’s a favourite for anyone seeking a comforting meal that will make you feel good. Serving coffee and food from their roastery and urban farm, they only use produce that’s in season, which means no matter where you go, you’ll be sure to find something delicious.
Various locations | twobeforeten.com.au
EightyTwenty (All over town)
View this post on Instagram
Life is all about balance which is why you’ll find fresh, nutritious and raw food at EightyTwenty, along with some indulgent treats. With the philosophy of 80 per cent of the menu being healthy and nutritious, leaving a cheeky 20 per cent for when you need something sweet, highlights include their açaí bowls, smoothies, and salads. All packed full of flavour (and nutrition), what’s not to love? Make sure to check out one of the nine locations!
Various locations | eightytwentyfood.com.au
Feature image: The Goods. Via Facebook.
