I've only been here for lunches, but have found it great. My favourite is the Beef Bento Box (approximately $14) which has a great variety for a filing and tasty lunch. Service is friendly and quick (although they do have a $30 limit on their Eftpos, so remember to take cash if you're just having a small lunch). The restaurant is very lovely and spacious. Look forward to having dinner there soon.

Approximate cost: $15

Overpriced and overrated. Went here just before Christmas and were underwhelmed. This is not great Italian food - the pasta is very small servings and quite tasteless. My partner's lamb was overcooked. There wasn't much point complaining to the staff as we had waited long enough as it was, and weren't interested in staying longer than we had to, and the staff seemed to be too busy being told off by management who were rude to both staff and customers. The wine list isn't as varied as we'd have liked although the prices were acceptable. Sadly, the food didn't justify the price and the service was lacking. Better Italian food can be found elsewhere in Canberra, with a much happier atmosphere. They try too hard with the decor to make it look 5 star, but the food and the service doesn't stack up.

Approximate cost: $120

We have been here twice now. Both times the food was lovely (although at the last visit our swordfish had to be taken back to the kitchen as it wasn't a great cut). If there are a lot of patrons, be prepared for a bit of a wait as the service can be slow, but they are always very friendly. I booked online last time and it took a few days for them to get back to me and didn't respond to any seating requests. Lovely food and a good wine list, but they need to work on the speed and individuality of customers service, given its one of the few 'fine dining' options in Batemans Bay.

Approximate cost: $50

Not as good as it used to be. When it opened it had a great mix of art house and commercial cinema, but now there isn't a great deal of alternative cinema. The Kevin Spacey film at the end of last year was only shown for a couple of days, for example. Even the classics seasons are a bit ordinary now - all the ones that were shown this year had already screened at Arc Cinema. I find myself going to Palace more and more for good art house cinema and don't bother checking Dendy anymore. There also never seems to be enough staff on at the candy bar, and the last time I was in Cinema 2 it was filthy. Sad to see it go downhill and too commercial.

Probably the best mechanic around. Keith has a very personalised service from his home in Amaroo. He has looked after two of our cars - both Holdens - even better than the after sales service from the car dealership. Keith never overcharges, and is knowledgeable about all makes, models and years. We also go to him for advice when trading up to a new car. Word of mouth is spreading so he's getting popular, make sure you book a couple of weeks in advance. Honest, trust-worthy, reliable, well priced - everything you look for in a mechanic but rarely find.

The best laksa in Canberra (and possibly Sydney as well, as I've had the best rated laksa in Sydney and it's not as good as here). Dine in for either half or full size, or you can take away full size only for $14. Both eat in and take away are very fast, and great prices. They also offer other noodle dishes, but you can't go past the laksa. My fave is the beef.

Approximate cost: $14

It's very sad what's happened to the National Film and Sound Archive. It used to be a great place for exhibitions and film screenings, but now it's a ghost town. For some reason, they've gotten rid of the exhibition, the library, the shop and the cinema. I used to go to Arc Cinema regularly, but now they only have a film screening every now and then, and they're pretty boring films compared to what they used to be, and only have the odd event that doesn't seem to have much to do with anything, and the last lot of kids programs weren't interesting at all. I don't know what's going on there, but it was better a couple of years ago when it was a great place to take friends and visiting relatives, especially to hang out in the cafe and courtyard on a sunny weekend and see an interesting movie. Now it's not worth the visit, and is a real shame. They shouldn't have gotten rid of everything, and it will be hard to get people back now.

Approximate cost: $0

I hadn't been to Hoyts for a while, and now I remember why. Guys, it's just too expensive. It shouldn't cost the better part of $100 for myself and my teenage son to go and see a movie. Over $40 for two tickets and over $30 for candy bar, it's just ridiculous. The popcorn was stale, and even though there were hardly any patrons, it took us a while to get served (and that's standing in the internet booking line). Commercial cinemas need to get their act together and make going to the movies more affordable, or they are just going to kill their own industry. On the plus side, the foyer was cleaner than I remembered, but they need to pay more attention to the toilets.

Approximate cost: $80

I've been here twice now, once for a Hot Oil Aromatherapy massage for an hour, and more recently for a Neck, Back and Shoulders massage for half an hour. The staff are lovely and make sure you're getting the right strength at all times so you're getting a benefit but you're not uncomfortable. The rooms are very well fit out and clean. It's about average price, certainly not a bargain, but they do have some good package deals and are open extended hours.

Approximate cost: $80

I have been going here for nearly 15 years, and Marcus is the best chiropractor I have seen. He's thorough and caring, and makes sure you get the attention you need (as opposed to some who nag you but won't take much time with adjustments). You generally don't have to wait too long for an appointment, and you can use your private cover (if you have it). They also offer a range of other services (I have used their diet and nutrition service, and naturopathy), and all the staff are great. Highly recommended, you won't go to another chiro/natropath after you visit INT.

Approximate cost: $80