Isabel Cant is a freelance food writer based in Sydney. She contributes to publications like Time Out, Good Food and the Urban List when she isn't producing social media for MasterChef Australia. Catch her on the weekend galavanting about Sydney with a soy-sticky chai in her hand and Lana Del Rey in her ears.
Isabel Cant

Isabel Cant

Contributor

Follow Isabel Cant:

Articles (29)

The best bakeries in Perth

The best bakeries in Perth

We love our bread, we love our butter, but most of all, we love our croissants, cruffins, caramel slice… It’s hard to pick a favourite child from Perth’s brilliant baked goods scene. Whether you’re after a fresh-out-of-the-oven pastry for your morning commute, a crusty baguette for a lunchtime picnic, or a piping hot curry pie to cure your nighttime cravings, Perth has got your back.  Here are the best bakeries in Perth and beyond, as recommended by locals. If you're looking for somewhere to start, head to North Street Store for cinnamon scrolls or Miller + Baker for a morning bun. See you in line! 🍽️ Best cafés in Perth☕️ Best coffee shops in Perth🍷 Best restaurants in Perth right now
The best bakeries in Adelaide

The best bakeries in Adelaide

Bakeries provide comfort and certainty in an increasingly hectic world. They know that if you mix flour, water, salt and yeast, you’ll get a loaf of goodness to carry you through the working week. Our food writers have tasted their way through the city to scope out the best bakeries in Adelaide right now. Whether you’re looking for a sourdough loaf to make epic sandwiches or a doughnut to get you through the afternoon, these bakers are always there for you. Start working your way through the list. 🥐 Australia’s greatest bakeries🍽️ The best cafés in Adelaide☕️ Adelaide's best coffee shops
The best bakeries in Brisbane

The best bakeries in Brisbane

Calling all sweet tooths and savoury fans alike. Brisbane is bursting with innovative, tastebud-popping pastry sensations to make your heart go boom. From the sea breezy streets of Cleveland to the buzzy charm of New Farm, the zeitgeist of Zillmere to the greenery of Ashgrove, the pulsing Brisbane City to the sunbeams of Sunnybank, you are absolutely covered. All across this beating city are artisan bakers, pastry chefs and traditional treat makers ready to serve up fresh flavours that will leave you wanting more. Moreish is the word to describe what’s on offer in our metropolis, and you, my friend, have been warned – you won’t be able to stop at just one serving. Here are the best bakeries in Brisbane. ☕️ Brisbane's best coffee shops🍽 The best cafés in Brisbane🥐 Australia's best bakeries
The best bakeries in Hobart

The best bakeries in Hobart

All rise! Hobart’s best bakeries cook up some of the most buttery and flaky pastries our nation has ever seen. You’ll experience love at first bite with perfectly golden croissants, pies, quiches, scrolls and danishes, plus bread in all shapes and sizes. Many of Hobart’s greatest bakeries have been filling the hearts of carb lovers for more than a decade, collecting a loyal following along the way. Take local favourite, Pigeon Whole Bakers, which has been slinging sourdough since 2011, or Jackman and McRoss, a beloved Battery Point bakery and café that's been up and running since 1998. Whether you’re a long-time fan or just popping into town, here are the best bakeries in Hobart. ☕️ Hobart's best cafés🌳 The best things to do in Hobart🍽 Hobart's greatest restaurants
Where to get the best coffee in Perth for your caffeine fix

Where to get the best coffee in Perth for your caffeine fix

Although it’s a known fact that The Beatles’ motto is ‘all you need is love’, sometimes a good old-fashioned cup of Joe is actually all you need – we don’t make the rules. Lucky for us Westies, there’s plenty of choice when it comes to great coffee in Perth. Whether you’re into filtered from Parkside Coffee (which is quite literally parkside), cold brew courtesy of Community Coffee Co, or in-house roasted beans thanks to Micrology Coffee Roasters, there’s quality liquid energy served from the seaside to the hillside.  Time Out contributing writer and coffee enthusiast, Dale Anninos-Carter, has spent a good chunk of her life in The West and perused many a café and roastery in her time. So rest assured that these are some of the best coffee shops in Perth right now. Happy sipping! For more about how we curate our reviews and guides, see our editorial guidelines. ☕️ The best coffee roasters in Australia😋 Perth's cutest cafés🥐 Where to find the best baked goods in Perth
The 30 best bakeries in Australia

The 30 best bakeries in Australia

Australia takes its baked goods very seriously. Between our sourdough-centred meals, we all need a little sweet treat (trust us, you deserve one). Luckily, Aussie bakers are giving Parisian pâtissiers a run for their money, creating their own takes on classic baked goods that taste as good as they look. You’ve undoubtedly heard of the big players (hello Lune Croissanterie), but there are plenty of neighbourhood gems to spend your hard-earned dough. While we wish we could shower love on every flaky croissant, pie and sausage roll, our expert food writers have narrowed it down to 30 of the best bakeries in Australia right now. Find the best bakeries in:Adelaide | Brisbane | Canberra | Darwin | Hobart | Melbourne | Sydney | Perth
The 24 best things to do in Hobart

The 24 best things to do in Hobart

Hobart may be tucked all the way down the bottom of Australia, but it’s a destination not to be slept on. Tasmania’s capital city is blessed with natural beauty, with the glittering waters of the River Derwent on one side and the rugged peak of kunanyi / Mount Wellington on the other, and there’s plenty to do both outside and inside. From mountain walks and self-guided history tours to some of the country’s top-tier restaurants and the incomparable MONA, everyone will find something they like about this place. Whether you’re headed to Hobart for a quick weekend getaway or you’ve got time on your side, our local writers have rounded up the must-dos of this waterfront town. 🍽️ The best restaurants in Hobart🖼️ Hobart's best museums and galleries🚗 The coolest day trips from Hobart
Where to get the best coffee in Brisbane for your caffeine fix

Where to get the best coffee in Brisbane for your caffeine fix

When it comes to good coffee, Brisbanites don't have to look far. We’ve got it all: cool inner-city haunts, highly awarded local roasters, chic espresso bars, coffee-tasting experiences, plus enough espresso and cold brew to power the city. From a not-so-secret bunker to a 24/7 joint serving up killer coffee and tunes, these are the best coffee shops in Brisbane right now. 🥐 Brisbane's best bakeries☕️ Brisbane's best cafés🍕 Brisbane's best pizza joints
The 15 best cafés in Adelaide

The 15 best cafés in Adelaide

No matter where you venture in Adelaide, you won’t be far from a café serving world-class coffee with brunch fare and sweet treats to match. Whether you’re looking for a cheeky cup of Joe to go or a big (perhaps boozy) brunch with all the trimmings, Adelaide has it all.  Our local writers are here to recommend you the best spots for your next café catch-up. Beyond inventive, moreish food, you can guarantee a pretty outlook and warm service at these top Adelaide cafés.  🍽 The best restaurants in Adelaide🍷 Adelaide's best coffee shops🥐 The best bakeries in Adelaide
The 15 best bars in Canberra

The 15 best bars in Canberra

Our Bush Capital might not always top the charts for fun, but you’ll be pleasantly surprised to discover that it’s home to some of the coolest bars in the country. The good stuff is also fermented right here in the region – from craft beers to cool-climate shiraz and Australia’s only locally produced bourbon – making Canberra the perfect base for a day of winery hopping and cellar door shopping.  But, within the city itself there are buzzing wine bars like Bar Rochford; proudly Australian breweries, namely Capital Brewing Co; and even hidden basement whisky bars, more specifically, Hippo Co. Time Out Australia’s Travel & News Editor Melissa Woodley, dived head-first into Canberra's nightlife scene across four big years, where plenty of drinking and eating alike was done. So you can pin your hopes on these 15 hotspots and drink your way through our guide to the best bars in Canberra. For more about how we curate our reviews and guides, see our editorial guidelines. 🍽 Canberra's best restaurants🥘 Where to go for the best Indian in Canberra🍕 The best pizza in Canberra
The 21 Best Restaurants In Adelaide

The 21 Best Restaurants In Adelaide

Combining seriously stylish design with access to abundant fresh produce from the surrounding wine regions, Adelaide’s restaurant scene has the best of both city and regional dining. Forward-thinking mod-Oz cuisine is informed by food traditions from across the world, which are also visible in everything from Afghan comfort food to Parisian classics and what might be Australia’s first pizza restaurant.  The accompanying wine lists are just as wide-ranging, encompassing powerful Barossa reds, spritzy natural wines and everything in between, all served by knowledgeable staff. And the best bit? Even the extended degustations sit at a price point that will come as a pleasant surprise to East Coast diners. Contributing writer and 11-year resident of Adelaide, Dale Anninos-Carter, has long been scouring the city for the utmost tastiest fare within dining rooms that tick all of the boxes. Together with Time Out’s local food authors, we’ve curated this guide to the best restaurants in Adelaide for all your eating pleasure – and these 21 spots are bound to do the trick. March 2025: Since our last update, we’ve knocked a few restaurants off the list and added recently opened eateries that are already turning heads to our guide, like LVN at Bird In Hand and Monica Bistro, too. Further, we've included up-to-date opening hours, addresses and how much you should expect to pay, along with our tips for each restaurant. For more about how we curate our reviews and guides, see our editorial g
The 10 best cafés on the Gold Coast

The 10 best cafés on the Gold Coast

Beyond its beautiful beaches, the Gold Coast is home to some pretty incredible cafés – but where to start? There are breezy waterside spots and hidden gems. Lush garden eateries and tiny takeaway windows. Places with flaky pastries and others serving lengthy all-day breakfast menus. All of them, thankfully, with seriously good coffee. We’ve turned to Queensland locals for their top picks to bring you this guide to the best cafés on the Gold Coast right now. Whether you want to watch the crashing waves at Mermaid Beach with an almond croissant or dive into an Asian-inspired avo toast with a Vietnamese iced coffee, these are the top places to go for brunch on the Gold Coast. 🌮 The Gold Coast’s best restaurants🌊 The best luxury hotels on the Gold Coast🏄🏻‍♀️ The coolest things to do on the Gold Coast

Listings and reviews (29)

Anchovy Bandit

Anchovy Bandit

What is it? Part Italian restaurant, part inventive wine bar with a few modern twists up its sleeve. Why go? Traditional Italian dishes mingle with other cuisines at Anchovy Bandit to create playful, inventive dishes. Bucatini is tossed through Goolwa pippies, yuzu kosho and chives, and pineapple on a pizza gets a revamp with prosciutto, pineapple, kimchi and spring onion joining forces on their puffy dough. Anchovy Bandit's pizza crusts are so thick and round, you could roll your hair with them. Except don’t; it’s put to much better use paired with one of the house-made “crust dips”. Choose from garlic butter, taramasalata or XO sauce mayo. Wine is taken very seriously here too, with a great range of South Australian and Italian varieties to try.
Chianti

Chianti

What is it? A family-run Adelaide institution operating since 1985.  Why Go? Siblings Jessica Favaro-Richards and Nicholas Favaro have taken the baton from their parents to balance tradition and modernity with grace on their seasonal menu. Start with addictive rabbit croquettes, crunchy and soft in all the right places, and served with dragoncello sauce (tarragon salsa) and pickled carrots. Meaty centrepiece dishes are chargrilled over sangiovese vines, like juicy half-chicken with Jerusalem artichoke and porcini. Explore it all through the five-course menu – excellent value at $95 per person.
La Rustica

La Rustica

What is it? Simple, unpretentious Italian fare tucked away in Kingston Foreshore. Why go? Nab a table outside at this lakeside joint for straightforward, comforting Italian dishes by the lake. House-baked focaccia is warm and fluffy – perfect to dip in olive oil, but even better with their antipasto plate. Their secondi will have you feeling like you’ve just been fed by Nonna. Generous portions of rich veal saltimbocca and a pollo parmigiana are finessed but comforting.
Pizza Gusto

Pizza Gusto

What is it? A woodfired pizza staple with outdoor seating in the heart of town on Lonsdale Street.  Why go? Past the happy revellers parading down Lonsdale Street with takeaway boxes and through the restored stained-glass windows, lies some of Canberra’s finest pizza. For over a decade, Pizza Gusto’s oven has been cranking out pizzas and calzones cooked at a sizzling 400 degrees. Toppings range from classic Margheritas and capricciosas to less traditional (but packed with flavour) butter chicken and other specials, like beef brisket and jalapeño.
Chez Frederic

Chez Frederic

What is it? A part cool and casual wine bar, part luxurious takeaway on Lonsdale Street. Why go? Chez Frederic was born on Perth’s Cottesloe Beach in 2002, but has found a home in Braddon. Here, friends can share a cheeky bowl of gnocchi and a glass of vino, or opt for takeaway, where boxes of pasta fly out the door on any given night. The menu is Italian with some playful modern twists here and there. Crisp spring roll wrappers hide Italian flavours inside with garlic prawns and mozzarella, and cheeseburger gnocchi is the devilish dish that will revive you on a cold winter night. 
Trecento

Trecento

What is it? Canberra’s only Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana-certified pizza restaurant, located in Griffith.  Why go? Sometimes, no number of toppings will outdo a simple marinara pizza, where the sweetness of San Marzano tomatoes shines against the blistered bubbles of wood-fired dough. That’s exactly what earned this Griffith pizzeria, restaurant and bar certification from the strict Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana. Quick lunches here are also some of Canberra’s best, with their charred bread becoming the vessel for moreish Neapolitan sandwiches.
Belluci's

Belluci's

What is it? An Italian stalwart with more than 20 years under its belt.  Why go? This Italian institution has been serving this city since 1988. Since then, their two venues in Woden and Manuka have become Canberra’s go-to restaurants when it comes to classic Italian food. The Manuka location’s sleek black marble pass sees fluffy house-baked ciabatta with unfiltered olive oil, and crisp zucchini flours stuffed with four cheeses and honey vinaigrette. Both locations offer tried and true pizza and pasta, but the magic happens in their hefty secondi offering, featuring spatchcock with perfectly caramelised skin or hearty slow-cooked lamb shank that falls apart.
La Cantina

La Cantina

What is it? A longstanding family-run restaurant with hand-rolled pasta and an excellent wine list in Narrabundah. Why go? Walking through the brick arches at La Cantina feels like you’ve descended into a secret Italian wine cellar and not a leafy corner of Narrabundah. However, you would be right in some aspects, with stacks of Australian and Italian drops available from their impressive wine collection. Let their warm and savvy waiters steer you towards a drop to go with their traditional Italian menu. Their house-made pasta dough is a highlight here, with dishes like their umami-laden duck agnolotti being a favourite since opening in 2009.
Molto Italian

Molto Italian

What is it? A swish lakeside restaurant inspired by the Italian coast run by a celebrated Canberra chef.  Why go? Are we on the shores of Lake Como or Lake Burley Griffin? Carlo Tosolini’s expansive restaurant will transport you straight to the heart of Italy, with its comforting carbs and deli fridge, stocked to the brim with local and specially imported DOP cheeses and meats. Pair buffalo mozzarella and gnocco fritto with an Aperol Spritz on one of their outdoor tables and you could call it a splendid day, but you’ll want to order a dish from their woodfire oven. Butterflied king prawns in garlic and chilli oil, or one of their pizzas with a bubbly charred crust.
Mezzalira

Mezzalira

What is it? A handsome seasonally-focused restaurant in a famous Canberra setting since 1996. Why go? Behind the grand arched windows of the landmark Melbourne Building sits one of Canberra’s best and longest-running Italian restaurants. Between their fresh bread and pasta, and the peppering of woodfired dishes throughout their menu, the food at Mezzalira is truly special. Changing with the seasons, you may find pappardelle with smoked duck breast, casarecce with suckling lamb, and the mainstay wood-baked focaccia with whipped ricotta and chestnut honey.
Nido

Nido

What is it? Considered modern Italian fare in Hyde Park, perfect for your next date night.  Why go? In the warmer months, there may be no better place to be in Adelaide than dining al fresco at this contemporary Italian eatery. On the flip side, the best place to be in winter is with a bowl of ricotta gnocchi tucked into their booths. But before you go for one of their housemade pasta dishes, order as many Australian-inspired bites off their antipasti menu as you can. Their 'rootello bonnato' is a favourite, with diced kangaroo, shallots and bonito grated with cured egg yolk that’s worth its weight in gold. Local produce continues to shine on dishes like wood grilled Coorong mullet with artichoke velouté and a sprinkling of toasted seaweed.
Pizza e Mozzarella Bar

Pizza e Mozzarella Bar

What is it? A relaxed eatery slinging woodfired pizzas and mozzarella plates.  Why go? As the name suggests, come to this laidback restaurant for some of the best wood-fired pizza in this city. And don’t forget about their mozzarella plates! Their fresh buffalo mozzarella with beef carpaccio and pickled green tomato reminds us that simplicity really is bliss. Follow it up with a pizza, fresh out of their two hand-built woodfired ovens, roaring at 400 degrees. Our favourite is the calabrese, sticking to its roots with the addictive Calabrian nduja spread, hot salami and chilli. Learn the secret to their perfect dough at their monthly pizza-making classes.