I’ve walked past Dobinson’s in the city multiple times, and bought several cakes to go, but always look at the chalkboard menu thinking I must dine in one day. One morning, a friend and I caught up for breakfast and I finally got to dine in at Dobinson’s. There’s a tiny space inside with some booths, small tables and stools looking out the window. As it was a weekday morning, the place was filled with public servants enjoying a coffee/breakfast. Orders were taken at the counter and a table number provided.
I noticed there was a matcha chai latte on the menu ($6) and couldn’t resist ordering it. It wasn’t properly mixed together when it arrived with globs of matcha and sugar sitting at the bottom of the cup. I didn’t mind stirring it all together. Even though it was very sweet with no trace of the natural bitterness from the matcha, I didn’t mind this twist of a matcha latte with the spices from chai. Although I’m not a fan of chai, this matcha chai fusion was a nice pick me up and may convert me. It’s not something I could have every day, but it was different. (I’ll need to add this to my 10 places to get a matcha latte in Canberra post).
The buttermilk pancakes with seasonal fruits, lemon yoghurt sauce, house made honeycomb and vanilla ice cream ($15) sounded great. The portion was very generous with two large thick pancakes provided. I couldn’t finish it. I loved the lemon infused yoghurt that thickly coated the pancakes providing tartness to the otherwise sweet dish. The vanilla ice cream, also a generous serve (about 2 scoops!) was served in a small bowl on the side. No complaints. Fresh fruit, big portion and it tasted just as good as it looked.
My friend D ordered the deluxe egg and bacon roll ($12) with double egg, avocado, guacamole, cheese and tomato relish. It was gigantic!
Service was quick with my latte arriving soon after I’d ordered, and the pancakes closely after that. Service was always provided with a smile which was great to start the morning. Prices were decent and portion sizes on the larger scale. The undercover outdoor area is hugely popular in both summer and winter.
The main Dobinson’s eatery is at 117 Bunda Street in Civic. There is a smaller stall set up in the Canberra Centre but only sells cakes, pies and sausage rolls.
Foodgasm 8.5/10
Value for money 9/10
Service 9/10
FPJ score 26.5/30
If you want more random photos and updates about food, I’m on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Facebook: /foodpornjournal
Twitter: @foodpornjournal
Instagram: /foodpornjournal