On Lonsdale

On Lonsdale is a café on Lonsdale Street in Braddon, serving specialty coffee, brunch and Asian-inspired sandos. Its signature offering is the On Sando range: generously filled Japanese- and Korean-influenced sandwiches made with soft shokupan milk bread baked locally in Dickson. The café says the sandos combine traditional and contemporary flavours with locally sourced Canberra ingredients, making them a clear alternative to a standard sandwich lunch. The menu also includes rice bowls and poke bowls, with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options available across the offerings; the team can discuss dietary adjustments when ordering.

Coffee is supplied by Canberra roaster ONA, whose work is closely tied to the local coffee scene. On Lonsdale serves a rotating house blend and changes its single-origin coffee from time to time, so it is a useful stop for both a regular coffee and anyone interested in trying something different. There is also room for a quick takeaway coffee, a sweet treat, or a longer brunch or lunch, with takeaway available for both drinks and food.

The space is designed to suit different types of visits, with indoor and outdoor seating and a welcoming community-focused feel. It is single level, with a wide, step-free entrance and accessible seating arrangements. Outdoor tables are pet-friendly, provided animals remain on lead, and the café is also set up with plenty of outdoor space for cyclists. That makes it a practical option for a casual catch-up, a solo coffee, a relaxed meal with friends or a stop with the family, although the venue does not take reservations.

There is a bit of Braddon history in the building, which began as one of the suburb’s old mechanics shops and was formerly home to Lonsdale Street Roasters. On Lonsdale now occupies the space with ONA Coffee, continuing the street’s connection with Canberra’s coffee culture. It is open for daytime visits only, serving from 7.30am to 3pm, with the kitchen closing earlier. The café is not licensed, so it suits coffee, brunch and lunch rather than an evening drinks outing.