Maple + Clove

In the leafy, tranquil surroundings of Barton, Australian Capital Territory, Maple + Clove stands as a haven for wholefood dining. Located at the heart of the Realm Precinct, this cafe is a serene escape that champions honest, nourishing, and delicious natural goodness. The philosophy here is simple: nature provides seasonal food to nourish the body naturally, and this belief is woven into every dish served. From the moment you arrive at 7 Burbury Close, you are greeted by an atmosphere that is as calm and restorative as the food itself. The cafe is designed to power your mind, body, and spirit, making it a beloved spot for both locals and visitors to Canberra's inner south.

What sets Maple + Clove apart is its uncompromising commitment to wholefoods—produce consumed as close as possible to its natural state, with little or no refinement or processing. This means the menu is a celebration of micronutrient-dense, immune-boosting ingredients, entirely free from artificial colours, flavours, preservatives, and sweeteners. Every meal is handmade daily on the premises, using fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients. The result is a dining experience that feels both indulgent and deeply wholesome, whether you're stopping by for a quick coffee or settling in for a leisurely brunch. The cafe is fully licensed and offers ample outdoor seating, allowing guests to dine al fresco while soaking up the northern sun in the adjacent Realm Precinct Park.

Menu Highlights at Maple + Clove

The kitchen at Maple + Clove serves a diverse array of wholefood creations, spanning breakfast and lunch. The all-day menu ensures that whether you're craving a morning staple or a midday feast, nutritious options are always available. Based on customer feedback and the cafe's own highlights, several dishes have emerged as clear favourites that define the culinary experience.

Savory Spelt Waffle

Reportedly one of the most popular items on the menu, the Savory Spelt Waffle showcases the kitchen's creative approach to grain-based dishes. This signature plate transforms the ancient grain into a satisfying base, layered with seasonal accompaniments that balance texture and flavour. It is a must-try that exemplifies how wholesome ingredients can be elevated into cafe comfort food.

Full Breakfast

Another star on the menu is the Full Breakfast, a robust plate designed to fuel your day the natural way. This dish features a composition of handmade components—often including perfectly cooked eggs, slow-roasted tomatoes, mushrooms, and other nutrient-rich sides. It avoids heavy processing, instead relying on the innate flavours of high-quality produce.

Community Favorites

Beyond the official highlights, regular patrons frequently mention several other standout dishes in their Google Maps reviews. Avocado toast appears repeatedly as a favourite, celebrated for its generous portions and fresh, vibrant presentation. The sweet potato dishes also draw attention for their earthy, wholesome appeal. Frittatas offer a light yet protein-packed option that changes with the seasons. On the sweeter side, house-made waffles receive consistent acclaim, while cappuccinos are often cited as a perfect match for the food.

The Dining Experience

Walking into Maple + Clove, you are immediately struck by an atmosphere that is genuinely relaxed and soothing. The cafe is described as super clean and orderly, with a quiet, pleasant ambience that encourages lingering. Indoor spaces are thoughtfully arranged, but the true gem is the outdoor terrace. Overlooking the expanse of Realm Precinct Park, this open-air seating area is the perfect spot to absorb the Canberra sunshine. The cafe welcomes diners to stay a while, whether for a family lunch, a solo coffee break, or a working breakfast.

Service is a cornerstone of the experience here. Multiple reviews highlight the super friendly and attentive staff, noting that their warmth enhances the meal just as much as the delicious food does. Even during busy periods, the team works hard to maintain a welcoming environment. The cafe is also family-friendly, as evidenced by visitors who hosted family gatherings there during weekend stays at the nearby Burbury Hotel. For those on the go, takeaway options are readily available. The business had previously faced some criticism online regarding takeaway coffee wait times and quality, with an old review mentioning a disappointing cappuccino experience; however, more recent feedback overwhelmingly focuses on excellence in both dine-in service and food quality.

Customer Reviews & Ratings

Maple + Clove holds a strong 4.1-star rating on Google Maps, based on 986 reviews—a testament to its consistent performance and popularity. When diving into the feedback, several themes emerge clearly. Long-time reviewer alastair baldwin, with 369 reviews, raved about the "super friendly staff" and "fantastic coffee," noting that his family dined there three times during a four-day stay. He specifically praised the Long Black as delicious and called the lunch and breakfast menus superb.

Mafay, a Local Guide with 247 photos, shared a positive experience of hosting a family lunch on the outdoor terrace, celebrating the all-day breakfast and lunch menu. Another Local Guide, Mandeep Singh, described the weekend breakfast visit as "really relaxed" and emphasized the super clean, orderly, and calm atmosphere that made the meal truly pleasant. Across the board, Google Maps reviewers consistently mention the delicious food, the excellent coffee, and the beautiful, laid-back vibe of the cafe. The most frequently mentioned items—brunch, waffles, healthy options, and scrambled eggs—paint a picture of a cafe that has mastered the art of wholesome, satisfying daytime dining.

Maple + Clove in Realm Precinct, Barton

The cafe is situated at 7 Burbury Close, Barton ACT 2600, within the prestigious Realm Precinct. This location places it in one of the most beautiful areas of Canberra, a leafy, well-planned neighbourhood known for its blend of government offices, embassies, and residential charm. The cafe is directly adjacent to the Realm Precinct Park, an expansive green space that enhances the outdoor dining experience. For those arriving by car, the surrounding streets generally offer parking, though it's always wise to check for any time restrictions during business hours. The cafe is accessible via public transport, and the area is conducive to cycling and walking, making it a welcoming destination no matter your mode of travel.

Hours, Reservations & Contact

Maple + Clove operates seven days a week, catering to both weekday routines and weekend leisure. The opening hours are Monday to Friday from 7:30 AM to 3:00 PM, and Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. This schedule makes it an ideal spot for early morning coffee pickups, relaxed breakfast meetings, and long brunches that stretch into the early afternoon. To secure a table, especially on weekends or for larger groups, diners can make a booking through the cafe's website. The site integrates with a platform called NowBookIt, allowing for a seamless reservation process. For immediate inquiries, the cafe can be reached by phone at (02) 6162 0777 or (02) 5121 9983.

Common Questions

Does Maple + Clove take reservations?

Yes, you can make a booking directly through their website using the NowBookIt reservation system. Walk-ins are also welcome, though booking ahead is recommended for busy weekend periods.

Is Maple + Clove a wholefood cafe?

Yes, the cafe's entire philosophy is built around wholefoods—ingredients consumed as close to their natural state as possible, free from artificial additives. Meals are handmade daily with fresh, local, and seasonal produce.

Are there vegan or healthy options available at Maple + Clove?

Absolutely. The menu focuses on nourishing, healthy food and includes options that cater to various dietary needs. Given the emphasis on plant-forward, wholefood ingredients, there are numerous sweet and savoury items suitable for vegans and health-conscious diners. Contact the cafe directly for specific dietary accommodations.

Does Maple + Clove offer takeaway?

Yes, takeaway service is available for both food and coffee. While some past online feedback mentioned inconsistency with takeaway coffee, more recent reviews focus on the excellent quality of their coffee, particularly the Long Black and cappuccino, and the restaurant maintains a high standard. It's recommended to order ahead during peak times.

Is there outdoor seating at the cafe?

Yes, there is ample outdoor seating on the terrace overlooking Realm Precinct Park. It's a lovely spot to enjoy your meal in the sunshine.

Is Maple + Clove licensed to serve alcohol?

Yes, the cafe is fully licensed, meaning you can enjoy an alcoholic beverage alongside your brunch or lunch.

What are the opening hours of Maple + Clove?

The cafe is open 7 days a week: Monday to Friday from 7:30 AM to 3:00 PM, and Saturday to Sunday from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM.