LOCATION Conveniently located in Manuka.
PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIA Urban Pantry is a new arrival on the Manuka dining scene. Although it is young it is sure to skip teething problems with experienced management behind it who have an extensive knowledge of Canberra dining. The team behind Canberra favourite Cream Café and Bar have opened up Urban Pantry and the new restaurant is quickly gaining a solid reputation for its quality coffee and delicious food. It is situated in the heart of Manuka which is the much loved Canberra restaurant area, and is easily accessible by bus or car. A modern and airy space, the décor and furnishings at Urban Pantry sparkle with an understated elegance. There is also ample outdoor searing for diners to enjoy the sunshine.
The food at Urban Pantry is best described as modern Australian, with Italian, French, Mediterranean and Asian influences featured on the menu. Added attention to detail such as the use of organic sonoma bread makes Urban Pantry a cut above its competitors. The lamb back strap sous vide is served with an array of flavours that come from the accompanying three bean mix, sweet potato and sage puree, and roasted garlic and sticky port jus. The eye fillet with mushrooms is equally tempting, served with spinach puree, eschallots with nuts and grains, and finished with a sparkling shiraz jus. Despite only being open for a few months Urban Pantry is already renowned in Canberra for the quality of its desserts. The two favourite choices are the warmed honey tart with salted peanut butter ice-cream, and the chocolate torte with chilli praline. Both are incredibly delicious creations. Urban Pantry is an excellent choice for semi-formal dining, and is sure to become a well know favourite among picky Canberra diners.
Elizabeth Hall