This is one of my favourite noodle take away stores in Canberra (fast becoming #1 choice) and I now go here regularly. Great prices, and meal deals. The Black Bean box is my particular favourite, made fast with fresh ingredients. Only down side is they only take cash. Very quick and great value.

Approximate cost: $12

If you want to waste a LOT of money, and a LOT of your time, enrol your kid into this dance school. Sadly, most ballet schools are the same, but this one is incredibly disrespectful to its students and their families. The costs keep coming and coming, the kids are expected to attend classes during the holidays with the threat that they won't pass exams if they don't attend (so no family holidays for you!) and the teachers keep you waiting and waiting after classes and rehearsals. The end of year concert is very badly organised, and the lead-up is incredibly painful for all concerned. It hasn't occurred to the staff that 99% of the kids go because they want to have fun and dance and play ballerinas for a while, and the parents and families don't want to have their whole lives taken over by it. They really need to be more respectful of people's time, be more realistic about how important ballet really is in the scheme of things, and let kids be kids.

Quite simply the best noodle boxes in the Canberra/Queanbeyan area. So much more flavour than Wok in a Box and all the rest, really filling and great fresh vegetables. My go-to is the Black Bean Box, highly recommended!

Approximate cost: $13

Sumo Salad is a great and healthy lunch alternative. Go for the 'make your own salad' option - you can either choose one from the menu or create your own from the available ingredients - rather than buying pre-prepared salads, as every pre-prepared salad I've had has been fairly soggy. A favourite of the fresh salads is the Man Salad, double protein keeps you full for the rest of the day and the salad and veg are great and fresh. Service is pretty quick, but be prepared to wait for the fresh made salads, as they're worth it. The only delay you'll get are customers ahead of you who can't make up their minds. Don't bother with the loyalty program, you have to spend hundreds and hundreds before you get a free salad.

Approximate cost: $15

This bakery is the bar to which all other bakeries must measure up to (and rarely do). The hot lunches are good (especially the chicken chips) but you have to try the pasties. The cannolis in particular are a must (although you have to get in early otherwise they all get snapped up, especially on the weekend) and their standard gateaux are still the best cakes I've had - lovely and light with beautiful custard (and you have to try the liqueur version). Absolutely the best bakery I have ever been to.

Approximate cost: $15

I've been going to the Belvedere for 35 years and it's simply the best pizza in this country. My favourite is the standard Belvedere - the crust is just right and the toppings are gorgeous and fresh. The pasta is also spectacular - I had the gnocchi on my last visit. The last time I was there, the service wasn't as great as it has been in the past (which seems to be a standard problem these days) but it didn't detract from the always fantastic food. I hope the Belvedere is around for many decades to come!

Approximate cost: $25

The Hotel Charsfield is one of the best hotels I've stayed at. Firstly, the 150 year old building is just gorgeous and I enjoyed exploring the public areas - the full size snooker table was great fun, and the library is a brilliant break out space. The staff were beyond amazing - they helped us with everything from transport, to recommending local eateries and how to make the most of our stay there. We stayed in the Premier Room, which was a great size for a 4 day stay and cleaned every single day. The shower had great pressure and the bed was probably the most comfortable I have ever slept in. It is quite costly compared to other hotels, but is well worth it. I've stayed in other expensive hotels that haven't had the space, service or the comfort. The website isn't the best and doesn't show how amazing this place is, but trust me, it's great. Keep an eye out for specials, and treat yourself to this hotel!

Approximate cost: $250

We visited Rosco's several times during our recent stay in Melbourne for the F1. It was very convenient, just a couple of blocks from our hotel, so we had dinner there a few times and take-away one night. The staff were incredibly friendly and attentive, and remembered who we were after our first visit. The menu had great variety - from pizzas and pastas to specials. I highly recommend the rack of lamb with it's amazing jus, and the Moroccan lamb was also great (although that was a special so I don't know if it will be available all the time). I also sampled a couple of pasts and loved the tortellini. Great wine list too, and not very expensive. I look forward to visiting again next time I'm in Melbourne. Thanks guys!

Approximate cost: $30

A gorgeous restaurant in a great Yerrabi Pond setting - it seems to be a well-kept secret but probably not for much longer! The decor is colourful and cultural, they also have a furniture store next door with some great pieces. The chairs in particular are incredibly comfortable. Their menu has a lot of options, and everything I've tried has been flavorsome - I especially recommend the lamb cutlets and the beef stew. Very very reasonably priced! I hope more people in the Gungahlin area support this restaurant - its elegant, interesting and great food, and the owners are really lovely.

Approximate cost: $25.00

We stopped in here for dinner on a Sunday night as there were very few other places open. The food was quite ordinary - we all had a pasta of some kind which was homemade (which was nice) but wasn't of a great standard. That did leave room for cake though, so we got stuck into that instead. It's a groovy little cafe, with paper tablecloths for scribbling while you're waiting. It was pretty dead in there the night we were there, but it has the potential to have a good atmosphere. Cost a bit more than it was worth. If they can get the standard of the food a bit higher, it will go back to its former glory as its been there for years and used to be quite popular. For now, though, there are better places to eat ... if they're open.

Approximate cost: $25.00