A couple of weeks ago, we introduced you to five new places to try in Canberra

Sip & Chill at the Kingston Foreshore, Treehouse, Autolyse, Alchemy Bar and The Loft at Duxton. Well, the local restaurant, cafe and bar scene continues to grow at a crazy pace.

Today, we take a look at some more new ‘must visit’ places – the oldest just a few months old, the newest set to open its doors tomorrow – and reveal four more establishments that are coming very soon!

Four new faces

Loading Zone

Loading Zone is “a little taste of Italy in Canberra’s oldest alley way.”  I love this place more than words can say. I love that it’s unpretentious in every way – from the ‘back alley’ location, to the attitude of the staff, to the honest amazeballs food. Since opening in mid-March, it has consistently delivered  great service and fare, and is a refreshingly down-to-earth addition to the city’s food scene.

Places like this are a big slap in the face for anyone who says Canberra doesn’t have any soul. The everchanging menu is geared towards providing food just like nonna used to make – the last time I was there I had a yummy little panini, and then watched with envy as the waiters walked around to other diners, dishing out freshly cooked and piping hot lasagne straight from the baking tray.

Want a taste of what’s in store? For lunch yesterday, there was penne with creamy basil pesto, croutons, smashed egg and broccoli; pork and fennel ragu in nonna’s sugo on pappardelle; Italian minestrone with home made sourdough; piadinas, frittatas, and ham & cheese croissants from the cabinet (perfect if you want some good food on the run); salads; and home made pork and fennel sausage rolls with nonna’s sugo.

Grab a seat in the busy yet somehow tranquil little space, order a meal or just a great cuppa and a cakes, and watch the world go by. I guarantee Loading Zone will become a firm favourite.

the essentials

Where: 22 Odgers Lane, Melbourne Building, Civic.
When: 6:30am to 4pm, Monday to Saturday.
Web: Loading-Zone on Facebook

A. Baker

The already buzzing New Acton precinct is getting another injection of foodie goodness, with the news that A. Baker, is due to open soon in the space formerly occupied by Flint. A partnership between the Two Before Ten team and New Acton developers the Molonglo Group, is set to be “an artisan bakery, eatery and basement speakeasy bar”…and with ex-Dieci e Mezzo chef Adam Bantock at the helm, it’s sure to be something special.

But you don’t have to wait until launch to get a taste of the A. Baker experience. Get your fix from their pop up espresso bar – it serves local hand crafted coffee, beautiful sandwiches and freshly made sweet treats. Open Monday to Friday, 7:30am – 3pm inside the Nishi building.

the essentials

Where: 15 Edinburgh Avenue, New Acton
When: 7:30am to 3pm, Monday to Friday
Web: A.Baker on Facebook 

Sup Espresso Bar 

This charming and intimate hole in the wall is all about the coffee experience. Sup might be tiny in size, but it’s big on ambience, with decorative glass jars brimming with cookies, orchids and succulents adding personality to the space.

Open 8am to 4pm weekdays, it boasts its own Sup blend of Lonsdale Roasters coffee, sure to go down an absolute treat with the passing parade of public servants.

the essentials

Where: 4A/148 City Walk, Garema Place, Civic – just near Sizzle Bento
When: 8am to 4pm Monday to Friday
Web: sup on Facebook

Barcode

Barcode Canberra – Canberra’s Newest LGBTIQ Cafe, Club Lounge and Bar – opens in Dickson tomorrow, and there looks to be something on every day and night of the week! It’s nothing if not ambitious, open from 7am til late every day of the week, taking patrons from breakfast to the dance floor.

In the Barcode Club Lounge and Bar, Monday is Wine Bar Night; Tuesday Ladies Night; Wednesday it’s all happening with Trivia, Bingo, Karaoke and Speed Dating; Thursday you can expect live music, with everything from Jazz and Blues to girl bands; Friday and Saturday are Nightclub Nights and every Sunday from 5pm, it’s Rachel’s Follies.

During the day, the Cafe Code Bagel and Juice Bar gives back to the community, with patrons receiving a 20c token for every cuppa purchased. The token can be poped into one of the three boxes provided, with proceeds donated to the corresponding LGBTIQ organisations each month.

The essentials

Where: 6/26 Challis Street, Dickson
When: Open 7am til late, seven days per week. Breakfast 7am–10am; Lunch 11:30am–2:30pm; Dinner/Tapas 5pm–9:30pm; BarCode Club 10pm – late.
Phone: 6257 7370
Web: www.barcodecanberra.com.au/

Four to look out for

Here are four places set to open in the next wee while – two by the water featuring well known faces, and two breathing new life into old premises – are we excited yet?

C Dine Bar

The Kingston Foreshore is really starting to come into its own as a dining destination, with two new eateries set to open in the next couple of months, and a third Lonsdale Street Roasters coffee spot also moving in later this year.

The first of these is C Dine Bar, a waterfront restaurant with a strong emphasis on local seasonal produce, exceptional prime cuts of steak and perfectly prepared seafood. Owners Dan Keogh and Shann Howman, formerly of Artespresso, will deliver Modern Australian cuisine  in a casual, fine dining atmosphere.

the essentials

Where: 17/19 Eastlake Parade, Kingston.
When: Opening end of June.
Web: www.cdinebar.com.au

Polit Bar

Filling the Manuka space left by The Vinyl Lounge (and before it, Julep Lounge) is Polit Bar, “a discreet, warm cocktail lounge where the influential can relax, network, and enjoy themselves in the heart of Canberra’s parliamentary entertainment triangle.”

With two women behind the venture, it’s sure to be a space for a quiet drink and a chat, far removed from the busy pub scene of Public just downstairs.

the essentials

Where: 8 Franklin Street, Manuka.
When: Opening mid-July.
Web: www.politbar.co 

Mini Bar

From the team behind Indian-Italian fusion restaurant, Digress, comes Mini Bar – “espresso bar by day and a trendy cocktail bar by night”. You’ll be able to find it where the old Ticketek CBD box office used to be.

With a playful fitout (think a genuine Mini grille and Rubik’s Cube stools) and tasty fare like Butter Chicken Pie and Hot Mojito Tea, it looks like the Digress team are continuing to push the boundaries!

the essentials

Where: 11 Akuna Street, Civic.
When: Opening mid-July.
Web: Minibarcanberra on Facebook.

Morks 

Southside fans of Morks Restaurant in Florey will be chuffed to know that Mork and Benn Ratanakosol are opening a bigger, more comprehensive version of their popular Thai eatery in a waterside location at the Kingston Foreshore’s Aurora Residences (above). Northside devotees may be in denial that they will soon have to cross the bridge for their favourite fare.

The boys hope to change perceptions of Thai food, from cheap-and-cheerful to a luxe experience with innovation, authenticity and flavour as the focus. Morks on the Kingston Foreshore will be open for lunch and dinner, and breakfast on weekends.

the essentials

Where: 17 Eastlake Parade, Kingston
When: Opening August
Web: Morks Restaurant on Facebook