This is my favourite Indian restarant in Canberra! Their curries are absolutely delicious, especially the tikka masala and the aloo mutter (which I haven't found matched anywhere else). And their naan bread! OMG, words cannot describe. It's delicious and fluffy and crispy and buttery and hot and fresh and I could eat it on its own forever. And there was one dessert that I can't remember the name of - icecream and milk dumplings and rose syrup - that sounded entirely odd but had me scraping out the bowl before I admitted I was done.

Generally just a very good, warm and welcoming restaurant! Perfect for the long Canberra winter.

Approximate cost: $18

This coffee shop is great for two reasons: firstly, they make an admirable coffee (without too much of a wait time even during 10am peak hour) and secondly, their dark-brown, warm, hipster decor makes me happy just to look at! We keep meaning to come for breakfast because the food smells great but so far we've just enjoyed their coffee (I think the beans change frequently) and muffins. Highly recommended!

A group of us went to breakfast at Cream after being ignored for 15 minutes at another cafe close by (no greeting, no menu, no acknowledgement when we walked out!). It was then a pleasant surprise to be greeted at the door at Cream, by a smiling girl who offered us menus and water. Our order was quickly taken and breakfast followed shortly after. The coffee was good enough to order two of, and the bacon and eggs on toast was comforting and nicely done.

Ah, Koko Black. The place you go when you want a hot chocolate so rich you die before you finish it. (Try the chilli hot chocolate, or the cinnamon hot chocolate!) It's such an elegantly outfitted chocolate bar that it feels like a special ocassion whenever I walk in. Their handmade chocolates and truffles are wonderful, if pricey ($1.95 per chocolate) and make great presents and treats. The staff are usually friendly and attentive but often it's just too busy for them to be quick. In addition to the chilli hot chocolate, I'd recommend the chocolate icecream and the tasting plates for too. Also, it's impossible to go in for a drink and not come out with a bar or chocolate or a bag of truffles.

Approximate cost: $8

I only go to Babar's on Wednesdays and Sundays - buy one pizza get one free days! With the 2 for 1 deal, Babar's becomes great value. 2 (huge) large pizzas for $30, more than enough to share between 4-6 people. Personally I like their pizzas better than Debacle - the BBQ pizza and the Supreme (whatever they're called) are the best. They also seem to have an extensive cafe menu and the cakes in the dessert cabinet look gorgeous. We're always too full from pizza for dessert though! Also, it's in a great, convenient location.

Approximate cost: $30

Almost everyone I know raves about Sammy's. And they do have efficient service, good prices and decently tasty food. They're good for a quick dinner before a movie and they're open late and on public holidays. Nothing I've had there has ever been bad, but in the same vein nothing's really blown me away, either. It's just solidly decent food.

Approximate cost: $16

I've had some good coffees and some ok food at Gus's. I know it's an institution, but I really can't see why. The service is offensively slow/indifferent and with so many cafes around that strip, why not go somewhere else?

On the food front, they do decent enough breakfasts. It's probably on par with some of the better breakfast places in Canberra that I've tried, but I really think that's because I haven't found any great places yet.

Worth trying because it's so famous - but then I'd try all the other ones along that strip (and never went back to Gus's).

Approximate cost: $15

iPho's a nice little Viet place that's opened recently in Garema. Cute name, good pho! Service is reasoably efficient and it's about $12 for a big bowl of pho that's one of the best I've had in Canberra. Good for lunch for all the city workers! I think they do other food as well, but I wouldn't know because I always just get the pho.

Approximate cost: $12

I go to Ka Sushi Ramen for the meal sets: meal + rice + miso + agedashi tofu = happiness! There's a lot to choose from but my favourites are the curry katsu don, unagi and teriyaki. The rice is always hot and fluffy, and the agedashi is actually my favourite part of the meal. It's crisp on the outside and silky on the inside and delicious. They also do a bunch of good sides including takoyaki and chicken wings, as well as very good sushi rolls.

The seating is all benches, so perhaps better suited to a casual/group meal than an intimate dinner.

Approximate cost: $15

Dependably good pho! Generous serves and very reasonably priced. The other meals here are quite good too according to my dining companions but I always come for the pho.

Approximate cost: $13