There’s something deeply satisfying about a meal enjoyed outdoors or in spaces that feel effortlessly connected to nature. These venues blend casual charm, vibrant flavours and beautiful settings that invite you to slow down, savour the moment and stay a little longer. Here’s where you can enjoy a dining experience that feels like the perfect picnic—without having to pack a basket.
Part Parisian patisserie, part Brooklyn café, Silo Bakery on Giles Street in Kingston captures the essence of relaxed European dining. A buzzing backdrop of chatter, white subway tiles and geometric floors sets the scene for leisurely brunches and long catch-ups over expertly brewed coffee and a plate of something irresistibly indulgent. There’s a reason it’s a beloved staple on Canberra’s culinary map.
Start your day with their famous French toast, topped with Prosecco jelly, pomegranate coulis and housemade mascarpone, or tuck into handmade pasta swimming in blue swimmer crab and tamarind broth. Lovers of comfort food shouldn’t miss the slow-roasted lamb pot pie, crowned with golden puff pastry and nestled next to creamy mash. Don't leave without a loaf of their iconic sourdough or a slice of pear and caramel tart for later.
WYM; Where You Meet – East Geelong, VIC
Nestled right beside the picturesque Geelong Botanic Gardens, WYM; Where You Meet feels like a secret escape where coffee, cake and cocktails collide with a love of nature. This vibrant café offers an alfresco experience that’s as much about connection as it is about cuisine, with manicured lawns and flowerbeds creating a backdrop you’ll want to melt into.
Grab a locally roasted brew and a focaccia packed with fresh fillings, or linger longer over tapas-style plates and a cheeky wine or cocktail under the open sky. Sweet tooths will find plenty to love too, with options like orange and almond cake or an irresistible apple and rhubarb crumble.
Rising triumphantly from adversity, Café Capella’s has found a new home on Henry Street in Moonta, surrounded by sweeping lawns and a heritage home-turned-pizzeria. After a devastating fire, this Italian favourite has created a beautiful new space where food, family and good vibes are the beating heart of every meal.
Start your morning with a vibrant plate of smashed avo scattered with dukkah and rocket, or swing by for dinner and share smoked salmon bruschetta crowned with dill sour cream and capers. For mains, it’s hard to resist their spaghetti crowned with crab, prawns and rose sauce—or go big with the bistecca, a char-grilled Scotch fillet drenched in creamy garlic prawn sauce and served with crispy fried potatoes.
Sometimes the best meals aren’t just about the food—they’re about where you’re sitting, who you’re with and how the world slows down for a little while. These venues deliver the perfect blend of ambience, quality and charm, turning every meal into a mini getaway.
