Courtyard Restaurant

Nestled on the ground floor of the historic Mercure Canberra, the Courtyard Restaurant offers a tranquil buffet breakfast experience in the leafy suburb of Braddon, ACT. Overlooking the hotel's peaceful internal courtyard gardens, the restaurant is open daily to both in-house guests and the public, providing a welcoming start to the day seven days a week. With a focus on a full buffet spread complemented by made-to-order egg dishes, Courtyard Restaurant combines convenience with a relaxed atmosphere just moments from Canberra's city centre.

According to Google Maps reviews, the Courtyard Restaurant holds a 3.4-star rating. Customer feedback highlights the quality of the omelettes and the convenience of its late-morning breakfast hours, which extend to 11am on weekends. One reviewer described the experience as "absolutely delicious and worth every cent," specifically noting the advantage of a later closing time compared to other Canberra breakfast spots. Another guest praised the "good standard breakfast buffet with individual egg options," emphasizing the value when combined with Accor Plus membership.

Breakfast Menu Highlights at Courtyard Restaurant

The Courtyard Restaurant’s daily offering centers on a full buffet breakfast, featuring a variety of hot and cold selections designed to suit a range of tastes. Guests can start with fresh seasonal fruits, pastries, cereals, and yogurts before moving on to cooked items such as bacon, sausages, roasted tomatoes, and hash browns.

Made-to-Order Egg Station

A standout feature of the breakfast service is the custom egg station. Rather than relying solely on steam-table eggs, the kitchen prepares omelettes, poached eggs, and fried eggs to order upon request. Google Maps reviewers consistently single out this station, with one noting, “a good standard breakfast buffet with custom egg options (poached, fried, and omelette) — just ask the staff.” The Truffle Prawn dish listed on the menu also receives special attention as a highlight for guests looking for something beyond a standard hotel breakfast.

Dietary and Beverage Options

The buffet is complemented by barista-made coffee, a selection of teas, and chilled juices. While specific dietary labels are not detailed on the official website, guests with dietary preferences or restrictions are encouraged to check with the restaurant team, who can clarify ingredients and accommodate requests where possible.

The Dining Experience at Courtyard Restaurant

Dining at Courtyard Restaurant is defined by its serene setting. The restaurant overlooks the internal courtyard gardens of the Mercure Canberra, creating a light-filled, leafy backdrop that sets it apart from busier street-facing cafes in Braddon. The space is equally suited to a quiet solo breakfast, a family meal, or a casual business catch-up.

Who Can Dine at Courtyard Restaurant?

Unlike some hotel restaurants that restrict service to overnight guests, Courtyard Restaurant welcomes the public. Whether you are a Braddon local meeting friends, a professional staying in the area for a conference, or a visitor exploring Canberra’s attractions, you can book a breakfast table without being a hotel guest. The restaurant is also available for private functions, including lunches, Christmas parties, dinners, and special events, with function kits available on the hotel’s website.

Customer Reviews & Ratings

With a 3.4-star rating on Google Maps from a modest number of reviews, feedback on Courtyard Restaurant reflects a mix of satisfaction with the food and occasional service challenges. Recurring positive themes in customer reviews focus on the generous buffet spread, the quality of the custom egg station, and the convenience of weekend hours extending to 11am. One reviewer specifically mentioned paying $26 per person in January 2024 and using their Accor Plus membership for a discount, indicating a price-conscious customer base that appreciates loyalty program benefits.

Not all feedback is uniformly positive. A 2018 review described a difficult experience with service communication, noting a 45-minute wait for drinks even after repeated inquiries, and the first drink delivered was incorrect. While this is an older review, it highlights the importance of consistent service delivery. More recent feedback does not repeat this criticism, suggesting improvements may have been made in subsequent years. As always with review platforms, ratings represent individual experiences, and potential diners are encouraged to read the latest reviews before visiting.

Courtyard Restaurant in Braddon

The Courtyard Restaurant is located at the Mercure Canberra on Limestone Avenue, on the corner of Ainslie Avenue, in Braddon ACT 2612. Braddon is known as one of Canberra’s trendiest inner-city suburbs, packed with cafes, restaurants, boutiques, and bars. The restaurant’s position makes it a convenient breakfast stop before visiting nearby landmarks such as the Australian War Memorial, the National Museum of Australia, or the central business district, all reachable within a short drive.

Parking and Accessibility

The Mercure Canberra offers private parking for guests. Visitors specifically attending the Courtyard Restaurant for breakfast should confirm parking arrangements and any applicable fees when making a reservation. The hotel is committed to accessibility and inclusion, with accessible rooms and facilities available on-site; it is advisable to contact the restaurant directly to confirm any specific mobility requirements for the dining area.

Hours, Reservations & Contact

Courtyard Restaurant serves breakfast at the following times:

• Weekdays (Monday–Friday): 6:30am – 10:00am
• Weekends & Public Holidays: 7:00am – 11:00am

Bookings are recommended to secure a table, particularly on weekends and during peak holiday periods. Reservations can be made by:

• Phone: 02 6243 0000
• Online: Via the Mercure Canberra website’s “Book a Table” function
• Email: stay@mercurecanberra.com.au

Takeaway and delivery are not available at Courtyard Restaurant; the experience is designed exclusively for dine-in enjoyment.

Common Questions About Courtyard Restaurant

What type of cuisine does Courtyard Restaurant serve?

Courtyard Restaurant serves a full buffet breakfast with both hot and cold selections, including a made-to-order egg station and signature items such as Truffle Prawn.

Can I dine at Courtyard Restaurant if I'm not a guest at Mercure Canberra?

Yes, the restaurant is open to the public as well as in-house guests.

What are Courtyard Restaurant's breakfast hours?

Weekday breakfast is served from 6:30am to 10:00am, and weekend and public holiday breakfast is served from 7:00am to 11:00am.

Does Courtyard Restaurant offer takeaway or delivery?

No, Courtyard Restaurant does not offer takeaway or delivery; all meals are dine-in only.

How can I make a reservation at Courtyard Restaurant?

Reservations can be made by calling 02 6243 0000, using the online booking form on the Mercure Canberra website, or by emailing stay@mercurecanberra.com.au.

Is Courtyard Restaurant accessible for wheelchair users?

The Mercure Canberra has accessible facilities. It is recommended to contact the restaurant directly to discuss any specific access needs for the dining area.

To make an informed choice about where to eat in Braddon, compare local buffet and breakfast options and read verified reviews on Ilistify before you book.