LOCATIONAt the Griffith shops.
PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIAIn comparison to its much trendier and louder sisters Kingston and Manuka, the suburb of Griffith in the Inner South is often somewhat overlooked. Not being near a major road and the relative lack of high-density apartment blocks means that those who end up at the Griffith shops are either horribly lost or are there with a purpose. If it is the latter, it could very well be to dine at the Griffith Vietnamese Restaurant. If it is the former, then soon enough dining at the Griffith Vietnamese Restaurant will begin to sound like a wonderful idea. In all seriousness however, Griffith Vietnamese Restaurant is fascinating. Despite being neither large nor surrounded by many other Vietnamese eateries, it offers a wonderful array of dishes at prices that offer possibly the best value in the Inner South. Soups are $5 or less, meat and seafood mains generally fall around the $11 and $15 marks respectively and an entree of quail is $4.50.
At first glance the restaurant looks like most other similarly-priced establishments – Formica tables – clean but unassuming. This is not the full picture, however. Indeed once patrons take a closer look at the walls, or more specifically at the writing on the walls, it becomes apparent that Griffith Vietnamese Restaurant is a part of Canberra’s history. Here you’ll find a collection of politicians’ signatures perhaps second only to Parliament House itself. The collection is quite simply amazing and a testament to the fact that Griffith Vietnamese Restaurant is good enough for ministers, journalists, celebrities and sports stars. There is a bi-partisan appreciation of the wonderful food at this tasty Canberra restaurant. And if people with money to throw around choose a place where two courses often come to less than $20, you know the food must be good.
Elizabeth Hall, February 2010