Discovery Cafe CSIRO

Discovery Cafe CSIRO is a welcoming café and catering service located in the heart of Acton, Australian Capital Territory. Situated within the Discovery Centre on North Science Road, the café serves CSIRO staff, guests, and the general public, providing a bright and relaxing space with views across Acton to Mount Ainslie. The glasshouse-like architecture of the building creates an open, airy atmosphere that makes it a popular spot for breakfast, lunch, or simply enjoying a barista-made coffee.

Since opening in 2014, the café has built a reputation for delicious food and exceptional coffee served with a touch of personality. The team focuses on quality ingredients and friendly service, making it a favorite among locals and researchers working on the Black Mountain site opposite the Australian National University (ANU).

What We Offer

The menu at Discovery Cafe CSIRO is designed to cater to a variety of tastes and dietary needs, with options available for dine-in, takeaway, and catering. The kitchen prepares gourmet breakfast and lunch items alongside convenient grab-and-go choices for busy professionals and students.

Breakfast & Lunch Menus

Breakfast is served from 7:30am to 10:30am, featuring classic and modern dishes. A reviewer highlighted the Halloumi eggs as a standout item. From 11am to 2pm, the lunch menu takes over, offering a rotation of hot dishes, fresh salads, sandwiches, sushi, and bain-marie options for those who need a quick, hearty meal.

Specialty Coffee

Coffee is a cornerstone of the café experience. Guests consistently praise the consistent quality of the espresso-based drinks, including the popular Long Black. The baristas are skilled and welcoming, ensuring every cup meets high standards.

Catering Services

Discovery Cafe CSIRO provides professional catering for conferences, meetings, and events on the CSIRO Black Mountain site. The catering menu can be customized to suit different group sizes and dietary requirements. Orders can be placed through the online order form on the website.

• Corporate meetings & workshops – morning teas, working lunches, and afternoon snack platters.
• Conferences & seminars – full-day catering with breakfast, lunch, and refreshment breaks.
• Special events – tailored menus for celebrations and functions held at the venue.

Why Customers Choose Us

Visitors return for the combination of a peaceful setting, quality food, and genuine hospitality. The café is centrally located for anyone working at or visiting CSIRO, ANU, or the surrounding research facilities, yet it remains a quiet retreat from the usual campus bustle.

Customers also appreciate the transparent pricing and the effort the team puts into accommodating dietary preferences. Despite being a modest café, the menu punches above its weight with interesting daily specials and well-executed classics.

Hours, Location & Directions

The café is open Monday to Friday from 7:30am to 2:30pm and is closed on weekends and public holidays. The address is North Science Road, Acton ACT 2601, at the base of Black Mountain. Public transport and cycling paths make it easily accessible, and there is parking available on site for those driving.

• Public transport – bus stops within walking distance on the ANU campus side.
• Cycling – bike-friendly area with racks near the entrance.
• Driving – enter via North Science Road; look for signage for the Discovery Centre.

Questions Visitors Ask

Can I order takeaway or delivery?

Takeaway is available for all menu items. However, delivery is not currently offered. The best way to enjoy the food is to visit in person or arrange a catering order for collection.

Is the café open to the public or only CSIRO staff?

Everyone is welcome. While it primarily serves CSIRO staff and guests, members of the public, students, and visitors to the Acton campus can dine in or stop for coffee.

Do you cater for dietary requirements?

Yes, the team is happy to discuss vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary needs. It is best to mention any requirements when placing a catering order or before ordering at the counter.