Dining reviewer WENDY JOHNSON stops by at Bookplate and enjoys a relaxing lunch. She says its a great place for anyone who wants something smaller with a quality coffee or tea.

THE floor-to-ceiling Leonard French stained-glass windows at the National Library of Australia are stunning and stylish. 

Bookplate is lucky to have them as a major design element of the café and there’s no doubt they’re a drawcard for Canberrans and visitors alike. 

So, too, is the massive outdoor and sun-drenched terrace with picture-perfect views of Lake Burley Griffin and Patrick White Lawns. 

It was a glorious warm, spring day – the type of weather that entices you to go for a long walk. We were peckish and, as we were passing Bookplate, we stopped for a leisurely lunch. 

Bookplate offers an all-day brunch menu including a basic bacon and egg roll ($15), avo toast ($16) and granola ($16). I would have chosen the Shakshuka ($24.50), always finding baked eggs with chorizo soul-satisfying, but I was more in the mood for lunch.

We ordered wine and food inside, sat in a beautiful spot outside and were efficiently served our meals. 

My three fish cakes were moist and full of flavour. The dish is super generous and excellent value at $22. The cakes were piping hot and crispy on the outside. The side salad – featuring fennel, parmesan, walnut and peppery rocket – was fresh and inviting. The yuzu gel was punchy and lifted the dish tremendously.

One friend went for the house-made pot pie of the day. It, too, was piping hot and loaded with chunks of meat. The fresh mesclun green salad was a lovely addition ($20). 

Another friend, very adventurous with his food, opted for the smoked duck salad ($25). The duck was glazed with a combo of citrusy orange and salty and tangy hoisin. The presentation was unique and not quite what was expected for a “salad”. The slices of duck (and plenty of them) were plated on one side and the rocket salad featured thick slices of red onion and julienned carrots (not quite what was described on the menu but tasty enough). The half-chargrilled lime was squirted on top of the tender duck, elevating it a level or two. 

Bookplate is relaxing and light meals are great for those in the area who want something smaller with a quality coffee or tea. Toasties are $12 or $13, and the lemon, raspberry and ginger loaf sounds scrumptious ($9). 

After lunch we wandered along the water and settled in at Margot Bar for a bit, enjoying one of its red sangrias ($16) – not too sweet. This small espresso and wine bar, right on the water, continues to evolve with a slightly broader food offering. We were told a new container bar will soon open..