#cbr_eats

The venue itself is filled with light, is extremely spacious and styled to somewhat of an industrial theme. With a relaxed and spacious feel, featuring plenty of dark wooden tables and concrete flooring it’s a trendy yet casual cafe with an effective order at the counter system that works surprisingly well. As the second venture by Rick De Marco, the genius behind Ricardo’s in Jamison, Space Kitchen still offers an amazing assortment of cakes and sweets but more importantly focuses on a delicious all day breakfast.

With an established menu featuring an overwhelming number of delicious meals and drinks to choose from, choice was tough. We ended up picking Pulled Pork Sliders (I had heard positive things about the black brioche buns) and the corn, zucchini and halloumi Breakfast Fritters alongside a watermelon, orange, mint and strawberry juice and a classic cappuccino.

The overall open plan design of Space Kitchen features an open kitchen, providing entertainment during the experience. With a buzzing environment staff were extremely friendly, helpful and well presented. In no time at all, our food arrived and was presented impeccably. They certainly are a leader in the presentation of café food around the capital, bringing creativity and flair like no other. Each of our meals was delicious, hearty and extremely filling. Of course we couldn’t leave without picking up a few sweet goodies, this choice was even tougher than for our meal. In the end we decided on Summer Passion and the Snickers Gaytime.

Overall, there is nothing but positive things to say about Space Kitchen, with it being a must for everyone to check out for a lovely casual brunch or special sit down meal.

With a large open seating area which is somewhat broken up into different areas, there is plenty of room for big groups. With a range of seating options such as a large a comfortable couch area running along the back wall, and free standing tables scattered throughout. It’s a great setting for both groups and individuals to sit down and study or simply unwind after a stressful day.

The Coffee Grounds is not just about great coffee, they have a large range of affordable meal options for breakfast, lunch, dinner or a quick snack, perfect for large customer based of university students. With a menu including classics such as burgers, salads and wraps, there are also a range of muffins and other sweet treats for any sweet lovers out there.

With a warm, inviting atmosphere, great coffee and friendly staff the food is not only tasty, and affordable but the generous portion sizes are a big winner, especially for university students on a tight budget.

Civic

Elk & Pea

Where: 21 Lonsdale Street, Braddon When: All weekend 8am – 3pm Web: www.elkandpea.com.au Recommendations: Conquistador Breakfast Burger with fried egg, bacon, lettuce, tomato, red onion, charred corn, avocado, tomato relish and chilli sauce or Bircher Museli - coconut and cinnamon infused muesli, poached pear compote and toasted nuts.

Kingston

Local Press

Where: 9/81 Eastlake Parade, Kingston Foreshore When: All day on weekends Web: www.localpresscafe.com.au Recommendations: Granola Smoothie Bowl with house roasted granola, kiwi fruit, honey dew, pineapple, lychees, strawberries, peach and finger limes along with a mango smoothie to poor over or Green Pea Pancake with poached eggs, macerated avo, corn salsa, fetta, chilli jam and mint garnish.

Woden

Stand By Me

Where: 1 Lyons Place, Lyons When: All day on weekends Web: www.facebook.com/standbymecafe Recommendations: Boston Baked Beans - baked beans, free range poached eggs and toast or Smashed Avocado with avocado, almonds, ruby grapefruit, alfalfa and free range poached eggs on rye.

Tuggeranong

Brew Bar

Where: Shop 9a Anketell Street, Greenway When: 8am to 3:30pm Saturday and 8:30am to 3:30pm Sunday Web: www.facebook.com/BrewBar-Anketell-Street Recommendations: Choc Hazelnut Pancakes - three choc hazelnut drizzled pancakes with choc hazelnut swirl ice cream or Blueberry Bagel - toasted blueberry bagel with fresh banana, strawberries, maple syrup and vanilla cream.

Belconnen

Chatterbox

Where: 40 Cameron Ave, Belconnen When: Weekend Breakfast 8am–2pm Web: chatterbox-catering.com.au Recommendations: Spanish Omelette – 3 eggs opened omelette with chorizo, capsicum, Spanish onion and house made Romesco sauce (spicy capsicum and almond couli) or Potato Stack – layered herbed potato rosti with cottage cheese topped off with poached eggs and your choice of ham or bacon, salmon, avocado and tomato.

Gunghalin

Two Before Ten

After what felt like forever trying to pick from the menu, the Pancake Delight was chosen along with the Tropical Mango and Coconut Smoothie. Within 15 minutes, food was served and what a delight the pancakes were. The smoothie had the perfect balance of sweet flavours and was lovely and refreshing. Service was impressive, food was delivered quickly and staff were extremely polite and helpful. It was no surprise that by the time we had finished our food, a large queue had grown out the sliding doors of the café, indicating that the lunch rush of customers waiting for takeaway delights had arrived.

Before leaving, it was impossible not to have a quick look at the beautiful pastries, tarts and cakes located inside the café’s doors. With an overwhelming number of creations to choose from, a banana custard tart and fruit salad flan were our choice of the day.

Overall the experience at Dobinson’s was a great one, and there is no doubt that it will become a regular choice for brunch in the city. Prices are very reasonable, servings are large, and tables are available both inside and outside. Blankets and heaters were even provided, assisting with the chilly cold Canberra morning. It is a great place for anything from a quick snack to a lazy breakfast, all in the heart of Canberra's Civic shopping precinct.