From authentic Greek cuisine, to humble cafés and Japanese restaurants that will transport you directly to the heart of Tokyo, there are plenty of mouth-watering gems to explore in Belconnen. Here are 10 of our favourites—all within easy reach of Ginninderry.

Cafe Stepping Stone

Cafe Stepping is a community-driven vegetarian kitchen located in the Strathnairn Arts precinct, providing “inclusive employment and practical training opportunities for migrant and refugee women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds”. Pop along for light meals, coffee and baked goods with an emphasis on locally grown produce—served up in a sweet weatherboard cottage.

Strathnairn Arts, 90 Stockdill Drive, Gullifer Street, Ginninderry | cafesteppingstone.com

Cafe Mamé

With fantastic coffee, ridiculously good sweet treats and a short but interesting and everchanging menu, we reckon Cafe Mamé is one of Canberra’s best suburban gems. Tucked away at the Melba shops, it’s worth seeking out.

Shop 2/4-6 Melba Ct, Melba | instagram.com/cafemame_melba

Ramen O

Bringing to life authentic Japanese ramen and Gyoza dumplings, this hidden gem is one to add to your weekly rotation of ‘never disappoints’ restaurants. With vegetarian options available and surprising flavours to explore, Ramen O will transport your tastebuds to the heart of Japan—perfect for those cooler spring nights where all you are craving is a bowl of warm ramen to heal your soul from the inside out. Heaven!

1F/54 Benjamin Way, Belconnen | facebook.com/ramen.o.japanese

Little Oink Café

Nestled in Cook shops, this café will have you squealing for joy. Their menu is not only delicious but filled with clever puns—think the What You Porkin’  Bout Burger, Start Spreading The News Toast and the drool-inducing Oinkin’ Burger. This charming and oh-so-tasty little café is guaranteed to keep you coming back for more.

22 Cook Pl, Cook | littleoink.com.au

Olive at Hawker

Olive at Hawker is a family-owned restaurant serving up a taste of authentic Greek food with Italian influences—and it never disappoints. From pork medallions, black mussels and lamb ragu, this menu speaks for itself.

2a/78 Hawker Pl, Hawker | oliveathawker.com.au

Raijin Japanese Cuisine

A delightful surprise—Raijin is a little slice of Japan in the heart of McKellar. Their deliciously fresh assorted sashimi salad is our humble recommendation for a warmer day, while the Raijin House specials always have something new to offer—we can’t look past the stir fry enoki mushroom. And it’s reasonably priced!

Unit 3/4 – 6 Bennetts Cl, McKellar | facebook.com/RaijinJapaneseCuisine

Sweet Bones Scullin

As the second location for their Braddon café, Sweet Bones continues to have a strong hold over the ACT (and for a good reason). Their hand-crafted vegan menu is infused with unique and exciting combinations—proof that vegan food can hold its own. Oh, and a small word of warning, their Cinnabons will get you instantly addicted, so be prepared to visit this hidden gem more than you anticipated.

Scullin Shops, 3 Scullin Pl  | sweetbonescompany.com

Two Before Ten (Aranda)

Snuggled within a vibrant community, Two Before Ten offers an experience no other. From a bar, roastery, yoga studio, mushroom growing rooms, beehives and a local garden, getting your morning coffee will feel like you are entering into some otherworldly oasis. It’s not a surprise this trailblazing café is packed on the weekend, but if you can snag a seat outside, it’s a perfect spot to enjoy a cuppa of coffee with friends and soak up some spring sunshine.

68 Bandjalong Cres, Aranda | twobeforeten.com.au

Hachiko Restaurant

With its diverse menu filled with delectable Japanese flavours, Hachiko is the brainchild of Vanessa Ji and chef Vincent Yu. Open for lunch and dinner, there’s almost too much deliciousness to choose from—think dengaku eggplant, tempura platter with prawns, oysters, and seasonal vegetable tempura. For a sweet finish, there is a range of speciality ice cream to choose from (we love the roasted green tea flavour!).

8/114 Emu Bank, Belconnen | hachikobelco.com

To All My Friends

If you are craving authentic pizza, To All My Friends has you covered. Their handcrafted pies are a delicious nod to Italian cuisine while bringing to life modern favours—think shoestring fries and mozzarella sticks! Nestled away from the city centre, To All My Friends is the perfect setting to share a beautiful meal with loved ones and soak up the afternoon spring air.

Cook Shops, 24 Cook Pl, Cook | toallmyfriends.com.au