J and I decided to head to Public in Manuka for brunch one weekend. I’ve been to Public on a few occasions, mainly during the evening with work colleagues but never for brunch. It was such a beautiful sunny morning that we left the car at home and walked to the Manuka shops instead. We joined a few other people sitting outside and found a spot underneath the heaters.
We realised our order had been forgotten after a 30 minute wait and when a table that ordered after us received all their dishes while we were still waiting. After asking our waitress if it would be much longer, it took a further 10 minutes for our meals to arrive. I ordered the baked eggs with chorizo and baked beans with sourdough ($16) and added a side of mushrooms ($4) with my order too. Unfortunately, one of the eggs was completely dry but the second egg had a bit of ooziness when I popped it. The chorizo and baked beans mix was nice but there wasn’t as much chorizo as I would have liked. I didn’t think the mix had any heightened punchy flavour either. So although it was a nice dish, there was nothing spectacular about it. I was quite surprised to only receive 2 mushrooms for $4, very expensive mushrooms!
J had the big breakfast with bacon, tomato, mushrooms, potato rosti, baked beans, fried eggs and toast ($22). The eggs were still slightly runny. The wedge of potato rosti was nice and moist with crispy potato bits on top. The baked beans mix was pretty much what was in my baked eggs. I realised too late that it was better value to simply order the big breakfast rather than the baked eggs. J said it wasn’t the best big breakfast he’s had and there wasn’t anything special about it. I liked that overall dish wasn’t too greasy.
Location-wise, Public is in a good spot in Manuka, right on the corner with plenty of car and foot traffic. Our experience wasn’t fantastic with our orders forgotten even though the eatery wasn’t busy, and our relatively average meals. Perhaps I should’ve ordered the white chocolate pancakes instead. With so many great breakfast spots around Canberra, Public hasn’t made it high on my priority list of breakfast eateries to revisit but I should the lunch menu one day.
Public is situated on the corner of Flinders Way and Franklin Street in Manuka. Open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Foodgasm 5/10
Value for money 6/10
Service 6/10
FPJ score 17/30
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