Ironbark Cafe closed? What's still good in Manuka?

Manuka’s too expensive, and with many people being a little more careful with money, it doesn’t take much for some of these places to go under.

I like Wasabi restaurant-it is awesome.But yes, Manuka is becoming dead…..

Francisco’s Mexican Cantina is my favourite restaurant. It’s in the style arcade in Manuka. Definitely worth a visit.

We checked out Bambusa, the new Thai place opposite the cinemas…for my money its a great top end Thai fusion experience, and our current favourite restaurant in Canberra. Service is still a little confused, which is more often than not the norm for Canberra, but what’s happening in the kitchen is spot on. Unfortunately I can’t see how they can make money from their fantastic degustation menu- choice of 4 starters and 4 mains for $50 is unbeatable value, but a lot of food.

Jethro said :

Manuka has always been over-rated.

Well jethro, up until when we went the other night I’d have argued and enjoyed a good flame exchange with you about that. But now, I reckon your right (although that night we did end up having a decent meal at Bellucis – even the front-of-house staff were good; unusual in Canberra), there was a slightly grubby down-at-heal feel to Manuka which we found a bit unsettling…. Could the classier joints be moving from Manuka to Charnwood?

Manuka has always been over-rated.

oh noes now wherever shall I go for a decent crocodile burger??

jenny123 said :

There is an ok seafood place called emillos ocean grill, we have had a few good meals there

Emillo’s has closed as well! We had some good stuff there as well. But it is now a Thai place I think (not knocking Thai places in the slightest :-)).

Are Manuka property owners hiking rents up above what is sustainable? Or is it just a coincidence that the places we like, or know of, are closing?

There is an ok seafood place called emillos ocean grill, we have had a few good meals there

watto23 said :

Whats worse is that the guy who i think owned Ironbark Cafe is now running the Zambrero’s that took its place. I like Zambrero’s (for a fast food option) but also liked Ironbark too, probably more so for its uniqueness.

Really!!?? How wierd… I thought Ironbark was very popular – and so profitable. The last time I was there the owners dad even came and sat/chatted with us about the ingredients and the fun his son has developing the menus (my favourite was the Coat of Arms :-)). We always found Ironbark to be good quality food without the pretentions of other ‘high class’ joints in Canberra.

Note that Zambrero’s is up for sale – it is in Allhomes. Owner is relocating overseas – maybe he thought that changing Ironbark to a fast-food chain franchise would make better money when it was sold?

Oh well, sad loss for Canberra me thinks…