I do believe congratulations are in order; you’ve made it past that tentative first date! You’ve clearly decided that you’d like to get to know this person a little better but, alas! Where to go?
Lately, I’ve been really interested in the personality and quirk of Braddon. Mixing up the old with the new, here are some places that would be perfect for a second date.
Vitis Eatery
Vitis is definitely the ‘new kid on the block’, having opened in June 2014. Despite this, however, it has certainly made a big bang in the Braddon precinct. The décor is truly what makes Vitis special, with the focus very much being on natural elements. Think stone, wood, and lots of greenery. If you’re like Joey Tribbianni (‘Joey, doesn’t share food!’), you should probably avoid Vitis, since the dishes on the menu are designed to be to be shared.
You would definitely be missing out though, because the food is quite spectacular. You also don’t necessarily have to save this restaurant for a dinner-date – Vitis is just as great during the day as it is at night.
The Elk and Pea Eating House
How could I have a list about the quirky places to visit in Braddon and not include The Elk and Pea? I love the open kitchen – the sight and smell of food being cooked definitely helps you work up an appetite! This is another restaurant whose menu is designed for sharing, making it a perfect place for two people to get to know each other a little better over a plate (or four) of delicious food.
Debacle
Debacle is definitely the place to go if you’re looking for somewhere that’s a bit more on the ‘informal’ side. The atmosphere is perfect for a date, with live music that provides a nice background, but isn’t so loud that you can’t have a conversation. The pizza alone has its own menu of delicious-sounding toppings and is a popular choice among Debacle’s regulars.
The Civic Pub
Don’t be fooled by the name, because The Civic Pub is not just any old pub. The menu serves a variety of pub food, but not as we know it. Among the classic chicken parmy is a blue cheese burger and soft shelled chilli crab – both of which you would definitely not find in any old pub!
The inside feels like a cosy den, with leather seating, interesting paintings on the wall and a large open fire which casts a warmth and glow over the entire pub. The Civic Pub is the place to visit if you’re looking for a relaxed atmosphere with food that will make for great conversation starters.
Tranquilo Espresso
Not in the mood for an evening date? Try breakfast at Tranquilo! Tranquilo is a small café and is located on the ground floor of the Mode 3 building on Lonsdale Street. This location means that you can relax and enjoy the Braddon scene.
Fun fact: the name ‘Tranquilo’ is derived from the Spanish word ‘relax’, and I think this sums up the atmosphere of the café quite impeccably. The prices for both breakfast and lunch are pretty cheap for Canberra, but the servings are still generous and will leave you feeling full.
Good luck with that second date. Here’s hoping there’s a third!
