Gus's

Gus's is a cafe in Garema Arcade on Bunda Street that offers seating both indoors and on a sprawling terrace. Large windows frame the street view while the outdoor areas give it an open, street-facing character.

The cafe opened in 1969 as Canberra's first outdoor street cafe, though local authorities initially resisted this idea. This innovation had to overcome resistance before becoming part of the city's dining culture.

The place was founded by an Austrian immigrant and changed how people in Canberra approach dining out. It shows how a single restaurant introduced a new way of eating and gathering to the city.

The cafe serves light dishes and meals ranging from 20 to 30 dollars, open daily from early morning until late evening. The menu changes seasonally, so checking current offerings before your visit helps you plan what to expect.

The restaurant closed after more than 50 years of continuous service but is planning to reopen within a new luxury hotel development. This transformation reflects its enduring importance to the city.