I have re-visited this cafe twice in the past fortnight. I rarely write a poor review, but think it is overdue that I do so for this venue. For both of my most recent visits, friends or colleagues suggested that we meet at the National Arboretum's cafe for a coffee. Both times I responded: "Thank goodness we are not in a hurry." The service is "notorious" amongst Canberrans for being so slow. The first meeting, a business meeting, but my husband acting as waiting staff, so we weren't too inconvenienced. The second time, we found a table that needed clearing, a super luckily for us, a staff member to do so. We waited while she cleared the table, but then she started to leave with a tray full...
Visited with family (5 people) at lunch time (12pm). Their food choices were great, unless you have dietary issues, they cater to Lactose and Gluten issues (1-2 options), but not Fructose friendly (chips are battered, for a start). The food was delicious, the portions weren't over the top. We had burgers, fish and chips and nachos - all were spot on. Acoustics are awesome - you can barely hear the table behind you talking, background conversations are a low murmur (even when its packed) you can talk normally without having to worry about being heard - great eating place to take someone with a hearing difficulty (my family includes the hard of hearing).Main complaint: Hard to find a table - g...
We had ridden our bikes up the very steep hill to the Visitors' Centre at the National Arboretum and our cold drinks (caramel milkshake, vanilla milkshake and iced chocolate) were therefore most welcome. But definitely nothing special. They were cold. They were made with milk. The iced chocolate did have ice cream in it. But there was very little of the flavouring evident in any of the drinks. They were also relatively expensive at $6 each. Of course, the view is just stunning, but it would be even better if the refreshments were stunning enough to draw some of our attention away from the view.
A must visit when in Canberra if just for the views BUT you can have great coffee and a good range of fresh food as well.All our visitors are stunned by the building and the views. The food is a high quality bonus. There is a range of drinks, alcoholic or non. The quiches are excellent and there is always a range of fresh salads. Or you could just gave one of the many cakes with your tea or coffee. Access is easy but it has pay parking so take coins or card.
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I like the Arboretum and enjoy the cafe usually. However, this last visit was disappointing. It was not too busy, but the tables were not cleaned and they all need fixing - the tops rock constantly. The worst part was our meal - we had the Beef Salad with Asian coleslaw and noodles - 3 small pieces of beef, normal salad greens, mainly all rice noodles. You can't charge $15 for a salad and only give about 10grams of meat.
I really like going to the arboretum for a coffee or light lunch and watch the scenery. This time however was disappointing I ordered a quiche which was overcooked and very average, To my surprise no salad was served on the side as it used to be. II thought for 10$ a few leaves of greenery would be welcome!I will go back for the scenery but i will think twice about eating there again.Very average food a bit overpriced.
The stunning architecture and wonderful views are the main assets of this cafe. The coffees were average and muffins OK but both could have been much better. On the positive side, there are ample tables to cope with the large visitor numbers and many of the botanical displays are interesting. The cafe, like the Arboretum itself, is well suited to families with young children.
We went there for lunch. It wa really busy day and the kids took time to order ther food but the guy at the counter was very patience. The The kids loved the quiche lorraine and sausage roll, one of the best that they ever had!! We enjoyed our food as well, the burger was absolutely delicious. Thank you for amazing food and wonderful service.
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We popped in here at 3pm on a Sunday for an afternoon coffee. It was really busy, but I'm not sure why. The coffee was OK, but the service was poor and the food was only OK too. I've been here three other times and the service has always been frosty and the food looks delicious but doesn't live up to expectations.
Going to the National Arboretum is a unique experience. Awesome. Cafe is very nice with gorgeous views over Canberra. There can be a bit of a queue but service is good and friendly. Absolutely worth the visit. Great playground for kids.
