Denise's girls at Elegance Beauty are great! They are unfailingly knowledgable, capable, polite and friendly. Although the rooms are fairly tiny, they're good at the whole pampering things - soft music, low lights and fluffy blankets. I've been to them for waxing, pedicures, manicures, facials and hot stone massage, all of which were very well done. Also, if you're not satisfied, the girls will re-do whatever it is until you are. Sign up to their newsletter for great deals!

Approximate cost: $100

This is the only salon in Canberra that guarantees I am always happy with my hair! Renee does a fantastic job regardless of whether I have something specific in mind or just tell her to try something new. Renee and Jo are so friendly and cheerful and always offer you a cup of tea and a kit kat as you walk in.

I found out about Jo Hall because a group of girls at my work also go there - and they all have great hair! Highly recommended.

I came here to get hems taken up after having a bad experience with the Looksmart alterations people in Canberra Centre (never again!)

The man that served me was friendly, knowledgable and efficient. The prices are comparable to any other alterations places and the work was done quickly and without a fuss. We've been back to have pants mended and the same experience. We recommended these guys to friends, who now also love this place and come back for all their alterations. Highly recommended.

Good things: 2 for 1 pizzas on Mondays and Tuesdays (dine in only, must book, two sittings - 6pm and 8pm); pizzas are good and generously sized; the other meals are also good; there's a HUGE range of beer on tap; their desserts change often are are usually divine; it's beautiful to sit outside in summer; they can be very accommodating for large groups.

Less good things: It is LOUD inside! Hard to hear your friends talk, especally if they're not sitting directly next to/across from you. The breakfast was only ordinary/acceptable, not as good as the rest of their food. The 6pm/8pm sittings thing can be annoying, but on the other hand, I'm pretty sure it's just for cheap pizza night.

Approximate cost: $20

I've enjoyed the hot drinks that I've gotten from Milk and Honey, especially their hot chocolates which are made with real chocolate. It's also a lovely place to sit, warm and bright and cosy.

However, we've been ignored a few times by the waitstaff (and simply went somewhere else) and they have the same unfriendliness/disinterest as most of the cafe staff in the area.

Their meals are really quite expensive, less cafe and more restaurant.

With so many other cafes and restaurants in the area, we very rarely come back to Milk and Honey - you might have a better experience though.

Zen Yai do $9 lunch specials which are curry/stir fry with rice. The beef massaman is always dependably good! The serve sizes aren't huge but they're not small either. Not bad for a dine in lunch in the city!

I went to Watson Takeaway for the first time last night! It made me happy just to walk in - it's a shop straight out of my childhood. They serve pizza, burgers, roast chicken and fish and chips (and probably a lot more). It all looks to be simple, tasty (if greasy) food for a very reasonable price.

We had 3 (large) pieces of battered bream and a (large) medium chips with the total coming to about $25. They piled on extra lemon for me for free and service was fast (be aware that the fish has already been battered and fried once, and they just refry as you order).

The fish was solidly satisfactory (even veering into the ‘good' territory), especially for Canberra fish and those prices. I'll definitely be back (although I probably need to work off the first lot of fish and chips first).

Approximate cost: $10

Supabarn is actually cheaper than Woollies or Coles a lot of the time, which surprised me when I first realised. In particular, their fresh fruit and vege and meat are often on sale for quite a lot less than Woollies. Also their fruit and vege are much better quality - fresher and looking less close to death. I prefer to shop there even with Woolworths being closer - better prices, better quality fresh food and I like supporting a company that's not a duopoly giant.

Dobinsons is by far the best bakery/burgers place in Canberra! Things great about it include:

*How you can get great food for not very much money (burgers for $12.50, delicious tarts under $4, milkshalkes around $5)

*Their burgers! Huge, tasty burgers (my favourite is the Aussie burger, which has a generously sized chicken schnitzel, cheese, beetroot, egg, bacon and BBQ sauce on freshly bake bread) served with a large helping of fantastic wedges and a garden salad with honey mustard dressing. It's more than enough for 2 people to share, because that way you can also get dessert!

*Their desserts. Dobinsons do an endless variety of tarts, including chocolate ganache, banana caramel, fruit flan, strawberry, white chocolate cheesecake, lemon, custard and apple pie.

It's quick, tasty, filling and inexpensive. It's one of my favourite places for a lazy weekend lunch.

Approximate cost: $13

What is this? Good fish and chips in Canberra?!

I don't know where these guys are getting their fish, but it's fresh and delicious. Their batter is light and crispy and there's a good batter/fish ratio. The chips are mediumly good, perfectly acceptable if overshadowed by the fish. You can choose to have your fish grilled or battered, and you can ask about the types of fish they're offering on any given day. Also, they will generously pile up the lemon if you ask! With a small but satisfying menu (no greasy potato scallops, but soft shelled crab instead) and the best fish and chips in Canberra, what more could you ask for?

Approximate cost: $10