CAFE BISTROT CBD

Cafe Bistrot CBD is an Italian-leaning cafe at 20 Genge Street in the Griffin Centre, on the edge of Canberra's Civic centre. It trades the early shift, 6am to 2pm Monday to Friday and closed on weekends, so it is a weekday breakfast-and-lunch room for city walkers and office crowds rather than a weekend destination.

The dog setup

Dogs are welcome at the small al fresco seating area out front, set on the footpath beside the Griffin Centre. It is a compact strip of tables, so a well-behaved dog tucked in beside you is the brief. Water is usually available on request, but carry a collapsible bowl in the bag. Indoors stays people-only, as with most ACT CBD venues.

Worth knowing

The kitchen works an Italian street-food line: house-baked focaccia including a porchetta version, flaky croissants with pistachio or vanilla custard, cannoli and carrot cake, plus a solid coffee program. Local food coverage has flagged it as one of Civic's better quick stops. With a 2pm close and a small outdoor setup, earlier is easier for a dog-friendly table.

Getting there and parking

Genge Street sits between Bunda Street and City Walk in Civic, walkable from anywhere in the centre. Parking is in the nearby commercial car parks around the Canberra Centre, or arrive by the light rail stop on Northbourne.

Close by with the dogs

Haig Park is a few minutes' walk north, and its dog agility course gives the morning walk a purpose. For a longer circuit, the Molonglo River and Lake Burley Griffin loop track starts near the city. Another Civic-side stop is Lil Brew Espresso Bar.

Max: focaccia at 6:30am, agility course by 7:30. Canberra mornings are made for this order.

More options are on the Canberra destination page and in the ACT dog friendly cafes guide.