Little Oink

Little Oink is a beloved neighbourhood cafe in Cook, Australian Capital Territory, celebrated for its playful pig-themed decor and carefully crafted brunch offerings. Established in 2014 by Canberra businesswoman Natalie Legg, the cafe was born from a desire to create a welcoming community hub at the Cook Shops. It quickly became a go-to destination for locals and visitors alike who seek a memorable breakfast experience in suburban Belconnen. The cafe's quirky charm, combined with a dedication to high-quality ingredients and locally roasted coffee, defines its unique identity.

Every detail at Little Oink reflects a genuine passion for hospitality, even though its founder started with minimal experience in the industry. The space is filled with pig figurines, many gifted by loyal patrons over the years, which adds a layer of community connection to the light-hearted atmosphere. The team's daily mission is simple: to serve some of the best brekky and brunch in Belconnen, using fresh, thoughtfully sourced produce. From its early days, the cafe has forged strong partnerships with other local businesses, most notably its long-standing collaboration with Canberra roasters Two Before Ten, which supplies the coffee beans.

Little Oink is located at 22 Cook Pl, Cook ACT 2614, inside the Cook Shops complex. The cafe operates from 7 AM to 3 PM on weekdays and 8 AM to 3 PM on weekends, making it a prime spot for both early-morning coffee runs and leisurely weekend brunches. According to Google Maps data, the cafe offers dine-in, takeaway, and contactless delivery services, catering to a variety of customer preferences. It is also identified as a women-led business.

Menu Highlights at Little Oink

The menu at Little Oink is designed to satisfy a wide range of breakfast and brunch cravings, from indulgent classics to lighter, healthier options. One of the standout items is the Oinko Burger, a signature dish featuring bacon, eggs, avocado, and relish. French toast is another popular choice, frequently mentioned in customer reviews for its beautiful presentation. The cafe also caters to dietary needs with various gluten-free dishes available, and offers salads and burritos for those seeking something beyond traditional breakfast fare. For coffee lovers, the Turmeric Latte with Almond Milk is a well-loved beverage, alongside classic espresso drinks poured by skilled baristas.

Popular Dishes

• Oinko Burger with bacon, eggs, avocado, and relish
• French Toast
• Rührei mit Chili (Scrambled Eggs with Chili)
• Big Breakfast options

Coffee & Drinks

• Turmeric Latte with Almond Milk
• Cappuccino and Long Black
• Locally roasted coffee by Two Before Ten

Customer Reviews & Ratings

Little Oink holds a 4.3-star rating on Google Maps based on 699 reviews, reflecting a generally positive reception within the community. Customer feedback highlights a consistently recurring theme: the quality and freshness of the food. Many Google Maps reviewers, such as Victor Kaur, describe experiences with food that is "fresh, flavourful and beautifully presented," accompanied by excellent coffee. The staff are often praised for being warm and accommodating, which enhances the overall dining experience. Malcom, an accredited local guide, stated that it was "honestly one of the best breakfasts I’ve had in Canberra," while Elie, another accredited local guide, confirmed that after visiting, they believe it is a top spot for breakfast in Canberra.

While the majority of reviews are enthusiastic, some critical feedback provides a balanced perspective. A recurring criticism involves perceived value for money, with some customers finding portions small relative to the price. Joshua Niben mentioned that a scrambled eggs dish felt overpriced for the portion size. JS Ong, a local guide, noted a decline in food quality over recent visits, expressing disappointment compared to earlier positive experiences. These varied opinions highlight that while many diners leave impressed, expectations regarding portion sizes and consistency are areas of note.

Review Themes

• Fresh, flavourful, and beautifully presented food
• Excellent coffee and skilled baristas
• Warm, welcoming, and accommodating staff
• Playful and charming pig-themed decor
• Some reviews mention portions being small for the price
• A few critical reviews note inconsistency in food quality

The Dining Experience

Dining at Little Oink is an experience defined by its quirky, light-hearted atmosphere. The cafe’s interior is adorned with a collection of pig figurines, many of which have been gifted by customers over the years, creating a personal and community-driven aesthetic. This playful theme extends from the decor to the menu item names, making it a conversation starter. The atmosphere is described as friendly and welcoming, suitable for casual meet-ups, family visits, or a solo brunch.

The cafe offers multiple dining options to suit different needs. For those who prefer to enjoy their meal on-site, the dine-in service provides a cozy setting. Takeaway is available for customers on the go, and for local residents within a 3km radius, contactless delivery covers breakfast and brunch needs. This local delivery service is particularly noted for being handy when time is short. Additionally, Little Oink accepts online orders through its website, and bookings can be made directly via a me&u app link for pickup or delivery, as well as a "Book a Table" feature on its homepage.

Little Oink in Cook

Little Oink operates from the Cook Shops, a local shopping centre at 22 Cook Pl, in the suburb of Cook, Australian Capital Territory. Cook is a quiet, established residential suburb in the Belconnen district of Canberra, and the Cook Shops serve as a central hub for local commerce. The cafe's position within this complex places it conveniently for residents running errands or meeting neighbours. Public transport via bus services is readily accessible in the area, and the location offers standard suburban amenities.

The cafe's service footprint extends beyond its physical address. As stated on their website, Little Oink provides delivery services anywhere within a 3km radius of the Cook Shops. This covers a significant portion of the local Belconnen community, ensuring that a satisfying brunch is accessible even for those who cannot visit in person.

Hours, Reservations & Contact

Planning a visit to Little Oink is straightforward. The cafe is open 7 AM to 3 PM on weekdays and 8 AM to 3 PM on weekends. It is worth noting that the cafe closes at 3 PM daily, so it is exclusively a breakfast and brunch destination. For direct contact, the phone number is 02 6251 2688 and the email for inquiries is hello@littleoink.com.au. Reservations can be made via the "Book A Table" feature on the website, and online ordering for pickup or delivery is available through their Me&u app integration.

Common Questions

What are Little Oink's opening hours?

Little Oink is open from 7 AM to 3 PM on weekdays and 8 AM to 3 PM on weekends. The cafe is closed on public holidays and outside these hours.

Does Little Oink take reservations?

Yes, you can book a table through the "Book A Table" feature on the official Little Oink website at littleoink.com.au.

Is Little Oink a pig-themed cafe?

Yes, Little Oink is well-known for its playful pig theme, with a collection of pig figurines throughout the cafe, many gifted by customers.

Does Little Oink offer gluten-free options?

The Little Oink menu includes various gluten-free dishes. Inquire with the staff for specific dietary needs and options.

Does Little Oink deliver?

Yes, Little Oink offers contactless delivery to addresses within a 3km radius of the Cook Shops. Orders can be placed online via their website.

Where is Little Oink located?

Little Oink is located at 22 Cook Pl, Cook ACT 2614, inside the Cook Shops complex in the Belconnen district of Canberra.

Whether you are a local Canberran or just passing through, Little Oink offers a uniquely charming brunch experience. We encourage you to compare reviews and details with other cafes in Belconnen on Ilistify before planning your next morning out.