Stella's By The Lake

Stella's By The Lake has carved out a special place in Belconnen's dining scene as Canberra's favourite dog-friendly café. Located at 1 Beissel Street, just across from the shores of Lake Ginninderra, this warm and welcoming spot has become a beloved destination for breakfast, brunch, and lunch. Owned by the father-and-daughter team of David and Ashlinn Reid, Stella's was founded to honour one of their late, cherished dogs—a sentiment that pulses through every part of the café's identity. Whether you are a local walking your pup by the lake or visiting from another part of the Australian Capital Territory, the café delivers a genuinely community-focused experience built around excellent coffee and simple, delicious food.

The menu focuses on all-day breakfast and brunch classics designed for everyday enjoyment. Patrons can dig into favourites like the Potato Stack, a dish that has quickly earned a loyal following, alongside Tank's Breakfast Roll, named after another late family pet. The kitchen also prepares a range of relaxed lunch options, ensuring there is something for everyone. For diners with four-legged companions, Stella's goes far beyond providing a water bowl: the café offers a full pup menu that includes puppachinos, donuts, pupcakes, and take-home dog treats. Inside and outdoor seating is available, with dog beds provided for furry visitors so they can relax as comfortably as their humans.

Menu Highlights at Stella's By The Lake

The culinary team crafts unpretentious food that balances quality with approachability. The all-day breakfast format makes it easy to drop in for a late-morning meal or an early lunch, and the café's structure is built for flexibility—whether you're dining in, taking away, or ordering online for contactless delivery.

Signature Breakfast & Brunch

The Potato Stack and Tank's Breakfast Roll are the standout crowd-pleasers, frequently referenced in reviews. Classic dishes like Eggs Benedict, avocado toast, and breakfast rolls are complemented by house-made sauces and fresh ingredients. The café also offers lighter options, such as the Chicken & Soba Noodle Salad, for those looking for a fresh, balanced meal. As one Google Maps reviewer noted, the combination of thoughtfully prepared food and a relaxed setting makes Stella's a favourite for catch-ups with friends or solo work sessions.

The Pup Menu

A point of genuine difference is the dedicated dog menu, which includes puppachinos, donuts, pupcakes, and packaged treats that can be taken home. This makes Stella's not just a place that tolerates dogs, but a café that actively welcomes them as guests. Dog beds and water bowls are provided, and the outdoor seating area is designed to comfortably accommodate pups and their people.

Atmosphere & The Dining Experience

Stella's By The Lake is defined by its relaxed, family-friendly vibe. The café offers both indoor and outdoor seating, with the outdoor area providing views across to Lake Ginninderra—a highlight frequently praised in customer reviews. Being LGBTQ+-friendly and self-described as women-led, the environment is inclusive and welcoming to a wide range of patrons. The interior features comfy chairs that some reviewers noted make it a cosy choice even on rainy or cold Canberra days. The overall atmosphere is one of casual comfort, where families, friends, and solo diners can feel at ease.

The café is open from 7am to 2pm on weekdays and 8am to 2pm on weekends (with a slight shift to 8:30am–1pm on Sundays, based on Google data). Stella's accepts credit cards and offers online ordering, takeaway, dine-in, and contactless delivery. Reservations can be made through a booking widget linked from the website, which is helpful for weekends and peak brunch hours when the café can get busy.

Customer Reviews & Ratings

Stella's By The Lake holds a 4.4-star rating on Google Maps, based on over 500 reviews. This very strong rating reflects widespread satisfaction with the food, the lakefront location, and the unique dog-friendly approach. Google Maps reviewers consistently mention the café's relaxing atmosphere and the genuine welcome extended to both human and canine guests. A Local Guide reviewer described the venue as a “gem by the lake” with a “warm, inviting aura,” and specifically highlighted how dog-friendly the space is, right down to the availability of a full pup menu and dog beds.

Another reviewer pointed out that the location near Lake Ginninderra makes the outdoor seating especially pleasant, while also noting that the interior provides comfortable refuge during less sunny weather. A small number of reviews mention that portion sizes and pricing can sometimes feel like they don't fully align, though the consensus remains overwhelmingly positive. The café’s owners actively respond to feedback, thanking patrons for kind words and addressing any concerns raised. This responsiveness has helped build a loyal local customer base and a strong sense of community around the café.

Stella's By The Lake in Belconnen

The café is situated at 1 Beissel Street in Belconnen, Australian Capital Territory, directly across the road from the western edge of Lake Ginninderra. This location makes it a natural stop for dog walkers, cyclists, and anyone enjoying the lakefront paths and parklands. Belconnen itself is a bustling town centre in the ACT, with a mix of government offices, residential neighbourhoods, and retail hubs. Stella's By The Lake sits near several other popular cafés and contributes to the suburb's reputation as a go-to destination for quality food and coffee.

Wheelchair-accessible seating and entrance are not explicitly listed in the available attributes, so travellers with specific mobility needs are encouraged to contact the café directly for detailed accessibility information. On-street and nearby parking is generally available in the area, although it can fill up during busy weekend brunch hours.

Hours, Reservations & Contact

Stella's By The Lake operates on a daytime schedule that suits brunch and lunch crowds. The core hours are 7am to 2pm on weekdays and 8am to 2pm on weekends. Based on the Google Maps panel, some variation may apply on certain days, such as a later opening of 8:30am on Sundays and a closing time of 1pm on some Sundays. The café offers online ordering, dine-in, takeaway, and contactless delivery options. Reservations can be booked through the link on the official website, and the phone number for direct contact is (02) 6105 9497. The email address is stellas@stellasbythelake.com.au. The café also caters events, and inquiries for catering can be directed to the same email.

What Sets Stella's By The Lake Apart

The most striking differentiator is the café's genuine commitment to being dog-friendly—not just a place that allows pets, but a business built around celebrating them. The dedicated pup menu, dog beds, water bowls, and regular dog meet-ups foster a community of pet owners who return frequently. The café's literal and emotional investment in canine comfort is woven through its branding, its menu, and its event programming.

Stella's By The Lake also carries meaningful recognition within the hospitality industry. It has been a finalist and winner in the Restaurant & Catering Association Awards for Excellence across multiple years. In 2023, 2024, and 2025, the café won Café Dining in those awards, and at a national level, it was named Australia's Best Breakfast Restaurant and received Silver in Café Dining. Additionally, it was named Most Outstanding Café in Canberra in the 2023 Local Business Awards. These honours attest to a consistent standard of quality that goes beyond word-of-mouth popularity and into professionally judged recognition.

Common Questions

Does Stella's By The Lake take reservations?

Yes, reservations can be made online through the booking link on the café's website. Walk-ins are also welcome, but booking ahead is recommended for weekends and peak brunch hours.

What are the opening hours for Stella's By The Lake?

Weekday hours are typically 7am to 2pm, and weekend hours are 8am to 2pm. Please note that on some Sundays, hours may shift to 8:30am–1pm. It is always a good idea to check Google Maps or call ahead before visiting.

Is Stella's By The Lake genuinely dog-friendly, or just dog-tolerant?

Stella's is truly dog-friendly. The café provides a full pup menu (including puppachinos, donuts, and pupcakes), dog beds, and water bowls. It also regularly hosts dog meet-ups and special dog-oriented events.

Does Stella's By The Lake offer takeaway or delivery?

Yes. Customers can order online for contactless delivery, or choose dine-in and takeaway options. The café's menu is available through a Square site linked from the official website.

What is the Potato Stack that everyone mentions?

The Potato Stack is a signature brunch dish at Stella's By The Lake that has become a crowd favourite. Along with Tank's Breakfast Roll and other all-day breakfast items, it represents the café's focus on simple, delicious comfort food made from quality ingredients.

Does the café cater for events?

Yes, Stella's By The Lake provides catering services. Inquiries can be sent to stellas@stellasbythelake.com.au, and the team will provide details on menu options and availability.

Is there parking available near the café?

Street parking is available in the area around 1 Beissel Street, Belconnen. Availability can be tighter during busy weekend brunch periods, so arriving a little before peak times is helpful. Contact the café directly for advice on accessible parking options if required.

For anyone looking for a lakeside café that treats dogs as honoured guests, Stella's By The Lake delivers a genuinely warm and high-quality experience. Before you decide where your next brunch or coffee catch-up will be, explore all the local cafe listings on Ilistify to compare businesses and find the one that fits your needs.