Ciao Cafe makes national restaurant awards finals for second year running
Ciao Cafe and Cakes in Queanbeyan has been named a national finalist in the Breakfast Restaurant category.
Owners Connie Zarb and Damien Hick announced Friday they are finalists in the 2026 Restaurant and Catering Hostplus Awards for Excellence. The Crawford Street cafe, already known for its cakes, is being recognised for its breakfast menu for the second year running.
Damien said the team felt "ecstatic" to make nationals again. Breakfast favourites include bacon and egg rolls, eggs Benedict and a steak sandwich made with meat from local butcher Peter Lindbeck.
The national winners will be announced in Sydney on October 26. Lunetta restaurant in Red Hill and Petrichor Farm at Gundaroo are also among the Canberra finalists across multiple categories.
- Crawford Street, Queanbeyan
- Cafe location
- Connie Zarb and Damien Hick
- Owners
- Breakfast Restaurant
- Award category
- October 26 in Sydney
- National winners announcement date
Why it mattersA national finalist award puts a spotlight on a local business and attracts more customers, boosting the local economy.
AustraliaCanberrans can check out a nationally-recognised breakfast spot in nearby Queanbeyan, and the award celebrates local food businesses.
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