Bookplate

A very nice little Cafe near the entrance of the National Library of Australia! There are some nice stain glass windows, and the tables are spaced out. We came to visit for a tea and a sweet afternoon treat. There was some nice slices of cake and some biscuits. Also, they offered some pre-made sandwiches, which looked very nice and healthy. They serve a few locals wines if you would like a glass or a bottle with some friends! It is a very nice place to visit and thank you to the staff for looking after us 😀 I look forward to the next trip

Beautiful spot with a great location and stunning views from the terrace. The coffee is good, and the desserts are excellent. I highly recommend trying the poached eggs. The staff is usually nice, though it can vary. It can be a bit noisy, but that’s a sign of how popular the place is.

Yesterday I took an interstate friend to Bookplate Cafe at the National Library of Australia. We had a wonderful time. The setting is superb, of course, with stained-glass windows casting colourful patterns on the diners. The atmosphere is very friendly. People of all ages, including children, were enjoying themselves very much, without disturbing anyone else. The ambiance was quiet and relaxed. The food was delightful - we had coffee and muesli cookies, with a large bottle of sparkling water. Even though it was only morning tea time, we could have had a full meal, as full meal service is available all day. Service was excellent: efficient, patient and thorough. If you're there on a weekend or a public holiday, it may be advisable to book. This can be done very easily online.

We sat on the Terrace with large umbrellas....excellent view of the lake. Reservation and confirmation handled very efficiently, and requirements for different people in the group very well met. We had 18 months to 91 years old. They checked with us to make sure we were happy and didn't want to move inside. Good range of food. Drinks and food were promptly served, notwithstanding we had a large group and it was busy there. Everyone enjpyed their meals and had a lovely, relaxed time. Recommended.

We had a second wedding celebration on the Bookplate terrace and it was just the most beautiful and fantastic day. The whole team were amazing and all of our guests were raving about the food, drinks and service. What a magical time! Thanks for accommodating our event and making it so spectacular.

Fabulous find in Canberra. Innovative, delicious food, Campos coffee, french stain glass windows and outside terrace facing the lake. We were serenaded by magpies, almost drowned out by crows and watched rabbits hop on the lawn. Great start to our day.

Beautiful spot, lots of dining options. Kitchen closes at 3pm.

Library cafe Bookplate is a lovely place to sit and have a break. The service is friendly and obliging. The atmosphere is quiet and peaceful and the lighting is excellent for low sensory needs. And in good weather sitting out on terrace is a lovely experience. The menu offers a wide selection of delicious healthy small to medium size meals and the coffee is very good. Prices are reasonable. My only dislike is paying for parking for the pleasure of enjoying some time Out with friends and family.

Bookplate punches well above its weight for a cafe attached to a national gallery/library. The menu is interesting and reasonably priced, with lunch options listed between $13 and $24.50. On the day I visited, they also offered a 2 course lunch special, which was antipasto followed by a choice of 4 mains and a drink (wine, beer, cider or soft) for $24. I ordered the Mexican chimichanga, which was a chickpea and bacon burrito with salad and yoghurt dressing. It sounds like a bit of a fusion mess but was actually very yummy. Fish and chips was the most popular item on the menu as it was Friday and the chips were delicious. I had admired the cake cabinet extensively so ordered tea and cake as well. Both were excellent. Partner ordered a coffee and it was perfectly adequate for a coffee snob. Service was prompt and friendly and the location with the stained glass windows is beautiful. Recommended.

Nice restaurant, however paper straws are a fat NO FROM ME. Halfway through mixing my watermelon juice the straw bends in half and won't stir as well. I could not care less about the turtles, clearly I am more important and if my straw snaps again I will personally strangle a turtle for putting me through this. And there was a bird inside the cafe. Just in case anyone cares. I'm kidding but some people have issues with paper straws and that's what Yelp is for.

The Bookplate Cafe it's located inside of the National Library. It offers a good menu with affordable prices. Moreover, inside and outside tables are available, so you can chose to between have a cosy atmosphere or to appreciate the nice view of the Griffin Lake while have your coffee or meal.

Great food excellent service and a lovely way to spend time before or after a walk through the library. Beautiful outdoor area if you feel like taking in the view or some rays. Relaxed and casual with just enough variety in the menu to please everyone. Fresh ingredients and flavoursome choices. A must do.

Always great food, and in such a lovely location. Can't wait for it to re-open for lunch after Covid.

Hmmm. I love coming here for coffee and cake there's always something to tempt me. However it was closed today apparently the owner has financial issues. Theres a coffee cart filling in, but I didnt try them. Looked okay though.

Atmosphere is cosy and very busy, but not cramped. Stained glass windows a beautiful surrounding to relax in. Located in the national library front foyer. Can actually study in there if you want outside main lunchtime 12-2. We got three gourmet sandwiches on different breads and rolls, pastrami, pesto, capsicum, provolone cheese all delicious. Coffee hot and freshly roasted. Service attentive and calm despite full house. Hard to get a seat so if you are counting on it, get in early or be prepared to wait / thieve... :-)

I had a Orange and poppyseed cake here at 4/5-14. Its definitely one of my favourite Australian cakes - the taste of oranges and the texture of poppyseeds is just a match made in heaven! I also made this cake back in Sweden, and it turned out great too!

Casual lunch with my 17month old while strolling the National Library. Ordered the lamb rage gnocchi-it was delicious! Baby loved it too :) I also ordered a slice of their raspberry and blackberry tart- it was very nice, not too sweet, not too heavy. Overall great experience!

Good food, passable coffee - the real selling point of this cafe is the seating and tables outside, which offers a lovely view over Lake Burley Griffin on a fine day. Good service, reasonably good wine list. I'd also recommend buying bottled water here rather than using the bottles provided - they tend to sit out in the sun and are usually lukewarm (after the last two visits).

Excellent coffee, outdoor area is nice. Really great ever changing menu and it comes out quick!