Overlooking the lawns of Manuka, 1or2 Cafe offer a delicious, uncomplicated menu with locally-roasted Black Mountain coffee.
In among the diplomats & politicians of the trendy Canberra suburb of Manuka, the team at 1or2 bring a decidedly relaxed feel to the area. This is a family business focussed on simple quality, rather than the latest trend.
Alex and his uncle, Frank Catanzariti, opened 1or2 Café in 2016 after spying the perfect opportunity when the previous owners decided it was time to sell. At the time, Alex worked as a barista at the cafe next door, he explains “I’d walk past all the time and just think about all the different things we could do there, how we could improve on it”. After convincing his uncle that this was the right opportunity, they got to work making their plans a reality.
Overlooking the iconic communal lawns, their design successfully keeps the heritage of the shopfront while bringing a clean, modern feel to the colours and finishes throughout. It’s all about simple quality, just like the menu.
Menu
In the kitchen, Frank puts his 35 years of hospitality skills to good work by producing a menu full of simple, hearty favourites with his own unique style.
Alex is quick to jump in with a recommendation, “Spanish eggs is a big one. A little something from my childhood”. It’s hard to say no – beautifully presented with home-made tomato sauce, chorizo & basil, it’s a really hearty feed.
For lunch, the ‘Tuna Nicoise Salad’ with olive, capers & green bean is a popular choice, while the humble ‘Steak Sandwich’ is given an Italian twist with prosciutto, provolone cheese & mushrooms. Yep, looks like lunch is sorted.
For coffee, the house blend is Black Mountain, roasted at our local Fyshwick micro-roastery. It’s beautifully rich and smooth, with hints of dark chocolate, blood orange & sweet spice. The full flavours of the coffee are a perfect match for this classic, hearty menu.
1 or 2 Cafe
7 days: 6am – 4pm
Shop 4 / 19 Bougainville Street
Manuka ACT
Find out more about Black Mountain coffee here, or for more on how we can help local cafe businesses, click here
