outsider cafe lounge gallery

A truly uplifting experience in all respects!! Christine didn't turn a hair when I listed my challenging dietary needs of the time. The meal she served was so full flavoured and healthy. The cakes and coffees..say no more!We loved the art, both indoors and out and....we have paid much money for tickets to shows with nothing like Gunther's welcoming style of humour!

Great hosts, delicious and quality food reasonably priced, and unique venue....a must visit/experience! We've enjoyed a variety of goodies from the brekky menue (and great coffees).

One of those places that are unique. Great value for money.The food was excellent in quality and quantity, eaten in an envronment with atmosphere galore.The owners (Gunther and Chris) are both engaging people and the area is very pleasant - with artworks everywhere and a garden walk down to the Molongo River.I endorse all the K878 says below.Well worth a return visit, but remember that it's cash only.

Excellent food in interesting art gallery/home with lovely garden. The art work is intriguing and the food delicious and plentiful. Well worth a visit if you're in the Canberra area. About 30 mins drive in pleasant countryside.

Debated whether or not to include this review - in the five years I have been going to The Outsider, I have watched it get busier and busier and I am not sure I want the secret out... However, Chris and Gunther (owners and cook & waiter) deserve acknowledgement for their little piece of something special in the middle of nowhere - although I know they couldn't give a hoot about acknowledgement! The Outsider is a very unique place. The cafe is the house of Chris and Gunther, which they open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and public holidays for honest and delicious food. The cafe doubles as a gallery for Gunther's art. Gunther is not a mainstream, formally trained artist, and the 'art world' (about which I am completely clueless) apparently refer to artists like Gunther as 'outsiders'- hence the name. The gardens are mainly the domain of Chris with her welded treasures dotted throughout. The menu of the cafe is not extensive, but what is on it is sensational, and make sure you are hungry when you get there. My favourite is the ham Picasso and the crumbed chicken fillets, while my other half if very fond of the kangaroo fillet with prawns. The pancake stack is to die for, and it has become something of a ritual for all of my visiting family to make the pilgrimage to Captains Flat for pancakes. All of the cakes are huge and sinful creations. Bookings are definitely required on special days such as Mother's Day etc and for larger groups, and it's a good idea to call ahead and book if you are travelling a decent length of time as Chris and Gunther do have a break mid-year and over Christmas. With regard to value, I think it's great but at the higher end of what you would expect. The ham Picasso and pancake stack are both under $20, the chicken fillets under $30, kangaroo fillet with prawns around $40. However, we love this style of fresh, seasonal and honest food so it's right up our alley. Service-wise, keep in mind that it is only Chris and Gunther and on days they know will be busy, they do have another staff member. However, if they have an unexpected influx, don't expect your food and coffee at lightning speed. You don't wait an eternity though, and it does give you the opportunity to have a look at Gunther's art and Chris' gardens and sculpture. Summary? It's a long drive by Canberra standards (thirty minutes from Queanbeyan), but the food is definitely worth it. A warning though - it's cash only (NO credit cards or eftpos) and there are NO cash-out facilities in Captains Flat. Also, there is no fuel in Captains Flat, so if you are like my other half and enjoy the challenge of the flashing fuel warning light... don't try it on this trip!