It can be a polarising subject, but there’s no denying the popularity of the paleo diet in recent times – it’s been the most Googled diet over the last two years and there are over 5000 paleo cookbooks available on Amazon. With more and more cafes and restaurants offering paleo-friendly dishes, the idea of paleo isn’t as foreign as it once was, and Paleo Café on Braddon’s Mort Street has proudly joined the growing list of Canberra cafes offering a paleo-only menu.

With its clean white walls, bright orange chairs and mini pot plants on every table, Paleo Café has an vibrant, welcoming atmosphere that’s ideal for a quick weekday lunch, lazy Sunday breakfast, or just a coffee or smoothie in between meetings. Sit inside and watch the chefs at work through the open kitchen (they’re more than happy to answer questions about the menu), or grab a seat at the window or outside to take in all the hustle and bustle of Braddon.

The menu, developed in consultation with celebrity chef and paleo advocate Pete Evans, offers a range of exciting, nutritious dishes that wouldn’t look out of place on any other café menu – the only difference being that they’ve been given a paleo twist and are all 100% gluten free. These include the Tuna Tataki Salad and Lamb Shish Kebabs with Cauliflower Cous Cous, which sit on the menu next to paleo favourites such as Bone Broth and the summery Acai Bowl.

For a fresh, filling breakfast, look no further than the Smashed Avocado & Eggs. While it’s a simple dish, no detail is overlooked in its execution. The free range eggs are poached immaculately, with the yolk slowly oozing out (rather than exploding all over your plate); while the paleo toast is surprisingly light and provides a welcome contrast to the denser, heavier gluten-free breads found at other places. A side of lean bacon, with just enough fat around the edges to crisp up, is a perfect accompaniment.

The stack of Zucchini and Pumpkin Fritters, served with chilli jam and smoked salmon, is a meal that you’d be happy to eat at any time of the day. The generously-sized fritters have a pleasing crunch to them without feeling greasy, while the chilli jam provides a kick of spice and a hint of sweetness.

It’s not hard to understand why Mexican cuisine has been so popular in recent times – it’s healthy, the flavours are fresh, and it’s always fun to eat. The Pulled Pork Tortillas at Paleo Café are no exception to this, with each hand-sized tortilla urging you to pick it up (yes, with your hands – after all, cavemen didn’t have cutlery!), add a healthy squeeze of lime, and dive right in. The contrast of flavours, along with the combination of the tender, juicy pork and the crunch of the red cabbage and capsicum, is certainly hard to beat.

Paleo Café is proving that paleo doesn’t mean having to sacrifice flavour or substitute everything out of your regular diet, and it’s a great place to visit for the health-conscious or those with dietary requirements. As well as the café menu, they offer ready-made meals and stock a range of pantry items from specialty brands, and their team can even work with you to develop a paleo meal plan.

Click here to read more about Paleo Café.