The Bookplate is a pleasant little cafe tucked away in the Parliamentary Triangle. It's handy for a coffee or quick lunch if you work nearby, are visiting the national attractions, or for a pit-stop on a walk around Lake Burley Griffin.

The food is a little on the expensive side, but always consistently good quality. In good weather, lunch on the outside deck is one of Canberra's simpler pleasures.

We were 10c short and the waitress serving took the 10c from the tip plate and said 'No worries - enjoy your meal'. After receiving our coffee and biscuit, a Scottish sounding waitress (red haired) approached our table and said 'You owe us 10 cents. Pay the 10 cents'. We explained to her that we are regular customers, were 10 cents short this time and would be happy to pay the difference next week - if she insisted that the 10 cents from the tip plate should be returned. She insisted on the 10 cents being paid NOW and a friend obliged. Now we don't go there because our feelings were sorely hurt and we feel tricked.

Approximate cost: $5.40

Had a latte and some cake there. The cake was quite good and the coffee decent. Service is excellent - the staff are a pleasure to deal with!

The food at Bookplate is fantastic, but expensive. Service is always friendly and its a great place to visit on a sunny day.

Bookplate is a great break from visiting any of the cultural attractions nearby and the stained-glass windows give it a really comfy feel.

The menu is a bit limited, but what they do have is excellent - the fish and chips were cooked beautifully, the coffees were good & the cakes lovely and in very generous portions. Beautiful space as well

Approximate cost: $20-30