A Bite to Eat, A Drink as Well

4.5 Below Average

Food  6      Ambience  6      Service  1      Value  5     

The quirky decoration was different and promised a relaxed atmosphere, however, that was not the case. The atmosphere was strained thanks to the rude and unfriendly wait staff. We had a booking for our significantly sized group, however, were told on arrival that we were under an hour time limit (This was not mentioned when we booked weeks in advance).

The food was prompt to arrive and portion size was decent, however, it lacked seasoning. The crockery was chipped badly. The coffee was luke warm and so milky that you could not taste the actual coffee. What was meant to be a lovely farewell was totally ruined by hostile staff and a rushed meal. I can not think of one thing good enough about our experience at this cafe that would redeem it enough to recommend it to anyone.

Jan 23, 2012 

6.3 Average

Food  7      Ambience  7      Service  5      Value  6     

The quirky decor of this place was refreshing and can't think of another place in Canberra with the same feel. The menu is interesting, not your standard boring bacon-and-eggs style breakky. However, the coffee was lukewarm and reasonably expensive, and there's only one size (no mugs).

Breakky was quite good, but let down by the cold centers of my rice and lentil cakes. We were there reasonably early, but the service was slow for the number of tables, was fortunate we didn't want another coffee, because the waitress didn't come near us again after our breakfast arrived. Also got a bit cramped as more diners arrived, not a fan of other people's bottoms in my face as they squeeze past to their table.

If you want a quirky atmosphere, don't mind being close to other diners and you have time to spare, this place is worth a look.

Dec 17, 2011 

8.5 Highly Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  10      Service  9      Value  7     

A bite to eat is the best cafe in Canberra and one of a kind. All this talk of terrible service is complete crap. The staff there are always friendly and helpful, not to mention fun to talk too.

The coffee is incredible, the food is loverly and I believe there is no place that has such a welcoming atmosphere. Sure it can get very busy on the weekends, but there is clearly a reason, it's because it's a great place! The best place to relax and have a good meal.

Nov 18, 2011 

1.5 Not Recommended

Food  3      Ambience  1      Service  1      Value  1     

I had real all the reviews so did not expect excellent service, and they did not surprise in that regard. What annoyed me is that with slow service etc we were given the bill about 10 minutes after last food item was served and told the next people for the table were waiting. We had booked for a Sunday brunch and was at no time told we would need to be out in an hour (as I would not have booked).

As per other people’s comments service was slow, but my other comments on the place include: cramped (we could only get into the table one way as the other ways other chairs and tables were in the way and then stuck as other people sat down and we could not get past there chairs), some things that were meant to be eclectic were just junk (eg old chair had the vinyl peeling in a number of places), parking hard for the little shops, limited menu (although cool names for the dishes), and on the expensive side ($4 for a cup (not a mug) of coffee, $7.92 (the 2 is not a typo) for a bacon, egg and cheese bagel (and just one piece of bacon) and mug of hot chocolate came in a small soup bowl, which was nice, although it had to be almost cold before you could pick it up as no handle.

And then there was the service (or lack thereof). Fifteen minutes to get menus (we ordered drink then), then when our drink arrived 20 minutes later we had to ask to order (as the waitress has already walked off) and as mentioned before shortly after getting our food we were given the bill and told the next party for our table was ready.

Suggest people who want something in the general Woden area turn Mawson (Bruno's) or Delissio’s in Curtin (who are open for Sunday breakfast). This was a great place years ago but has changed hands and now is just expensive and try hard with poor service. Avoid.

Aug 08, 2011 

8.8 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  9      Service  8      Value  9     

I came across A bite to eat a few months ago and ever since it has become my Sunday breakfast outing, the relaxing courtyard out the back feels so homely and is the ultimate spot to chill out and enjoy a big breakky that sometimes turns into lunch and have even stayed on for the live music and tapas afterward! The place has a great atmosphere, nothing like anything else in Canberra.

Mar 01, 2011 

6.3 Average

Food  8      Ambience  9      Service  1      Value  7     

This is one of my favourite places to hang out for breakfast, lunch or just a coffee. Unfortunately, the service is not great as they don't even acknowledge you when you walk in and can leave you at the counter for about 10mins. But the food and fun of the place soon take my mind off that!

Dec 23, 2010 

2 Not Recommended

Food  5      Ambience  1      Service  1      Value  1     

When we were there for breakfast, we were told that there is a table turn around time of 1.5 hrs. We were told to finish off our food and leave as soon as possible. We were shock as we were not told of this when we book nor were we told when we made the order. The food took a very long time to come to the table which was part of the reason why we were there for a long time. The waiter acknowledged and apologised for this but insisted that the 1.5 hrs was a policy they have. We were very disappointed. So, if you would like to have a 1.5 hrs meeting in this restaurant, please keep in mind that you will be kicked out.

Sep 24, 2010 

6.3 Average

Food  7      Ambience  7      Service  5      Value  6     

The first time I went to "a bite to eat" the coffee was luke warm and had a burnt flavour. But the hot chips we had were very good. The second time I went on a saturday morning for a coffee they told me that the entire place was booked out (despite at least 25 empty seats in the cafe). Surely they could have seated one person for half an hour to read a book and have a coffee. Apparently not. So I got a takeaway coffee anyway and it was once again luke warm.

Sep 04, 2010 

8 Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  8      Service  7      Value  8     

I love a bite to eat. Its unique and we should value that in boring middle class canberra. Sure, it isn't perfect, but what cafe is? I love the salmon croquettes and the fish and fat crunchy chips. A relaxing place to just be and great funky food. Thankyou!

Apr 23, 2010 

6 Average

Food  6      Ambience  7      Service  5      Value  6     

The food is quite good, relatively adventurous and mostly successful. It's overpriced when you compare the quality you would get in either Melbourne or Sydney for the same or less, but frankly almost everywhere in Canberra is. The service is average, why does every table have to order as one, up at the counter? If you charge $25 a head for breakfast come and take the order. Coffee is pretty average, but, unfortunately, again this seems endemic to Canberra. On the upside it's a very pleasant place to sit and relax.

Apr 19, 2010