With uni season in full swing, here are the best places to eat in and around UC, ANU, UNSW Canberra and ACU, plus the student deals worth knowing. 

University is expensive enough without spending $18 on a sad sandwich between lectures. 

Whether you’re after a quick coffee, a proper lunch or something cheap enough to leave some money in your bank account, here’s your guide to eating around Canberra’s university campuses.

 

UC Students: Bruce & Belconnen 

You don’t have to leave campus to find a decent feed at UC. 

Mizzuna Café — UC 

Located in The Hub, Mizzuna is a UC staple for breakfast, lunch and coffee, with plenty of filling options for between classes. 

The Coffee Grounds — UC 

Under Cooper Lodge near the library, The Coffee Grounds is ideal for a study break, serving coffee and all-day breakfast until 2pm. 

Oscar’s Bakery Café — Bruce 

Another convenient campus option for pastries, sandwiches, breakfast and lunch. 

Yin & Yum Asian Fusion — UC 

Head here when you want something warm and filling, with Asian fusion dishes available until 8:30pm on weekdays. 

Student saving tip 

Get a free UCX membership. Members can access discounted prices at places including Global Kitchen and UCBarX, as well as student events and other perks. The UC Food Pantry is also available to students who need some extra help with groceries. 

 

ANU Students: Kambri & the Inner North 

With Kambri right in the middle of campus, ANU students have plenty of food options within walking distance. 

The Food Co-op — Acton 

One of the best-value options around campus, with a $10 weekday student lunch featuring vegan and gluten-free food. 

Gangnam Lane — Kambri 

A solid option for a filling lunch, with its lunch bowl previously listed at $10.80. 

What the Pho — Kambri 

Vietnamese favourites including banh mi, noodle salads and Vietnamese iced coffee. The Saigon Combo has been listed at $12. 

Spicesizzle — Kambri 

A go-to for Malaysian food when you want something more exciting than the standard campus sandwich. 

Yori Canberra Poke — Kambri 

Poke and bento-style meals that are easy to grab between lectures. 

The Cupping Room — Acton 

Just off campus on University Avenue, this is the spot for a proper coffee run. 

 

 

UNSW Canberra Students: ADFA & Campbell 

UNSW Canberra might be a little further from Civic, but Campbell has plenty of options within reach. 

AAFCANS Café — ADFA 

The easiest option is often right on campus. The Building 33 café serves coffee, sandwiches, fresh rolls, hot meals and snacks from 7am–3pm on weekdays, with another café located at Lecture Theatre North. 

Kiitos Cafe — Campbell 

A nearby option for breakfast and coffee when you need caffeine before class. 

Maji Japanese Cuisine — Campbell 

Head here for Japanese food and a more substantial lunch after class. 

Asian Noodle House — Campbell 

A reliable option for filling noodles and Asian dishes without blowing the budget. 

Knot Just Pasta — Campbell 

Because sometimes the only appropriate response to a full day of uni is a giant bowl of pasta. 

Cheap-eat hack 

Sliceria — Campbell 

Grab a Roman-style pizza and soft drink for $11.95 during lunch, from 11:30am–3pm. 

 

ACU Students: Watson & Dickson 

ACU’s Signadou campus is in Watson, putting you within easy reach of Watson shops and Dickson. 

Yala Café — ACU 

Located inside the Veritas Building, Yala Café is your easiest option when you don’t want to leave campus, serving meals, snacks and drinks during semester. 

The Knox Made in Watson — Watson 

A short walk from campus and a favourite among locals, The Knox is a good option for breakfast, lunch, coffee or a pastry. 

Cafe Stepping Stone — Dickson 

Head into Dickson for coffee, breakfast or lunch at this popular daytime café. 

Gang Gang Cafe & Bar — Downer 

A little further away, but worth the trip when you want a proper café meal or somewhere to hang out after class. 

 

Student saving tip 

Keep an eye on Signadou Student Association events. Free-food events and giveaways can pop up throughout semester, making them one of the easiest ways to save money on campus. 

 

Cheap lunches Every Canberra Uni Student Should Know 

Sometimes you don’t care where you’re studying – you just want cheap food. 

$10–$15 lunches 

Indo Café — Civic 

Weekday $10 lunch specials including rice, curry, an entree and a drink. 

The Food Co-op — ANU 

$10 student lunches on weekdays. 

Sliceria — Campbell 

$11.95 pizza and soft drink during lunch. 

Dolly’s — Civic 

$15 weekday lunch specials, Monday–Thursday. 

 

The Student Food Rules 

Check your student association first. UCX, SSA and other student organisations regularly run free-food events, discounts and giveaways. 

Look for lunch specials. The $10–$20 weekday lunch is your friend. 

Stay local. You don’t need to travel into Civic every time you’re hungry – Bruce, Acton, Campbell, Watson and Dickson all have plenty of options. 

Check before you go. Deals, prices and trading hours can change, so check with the venue before making the trip.