Finding a good quality morning feed in Canberra will no longer be a hard task (nor lunch for that matter) with the arrival of Terra. The casual eatery sits in the CBD and is focused on a canteen-style menu for breakfast and lunch that will change regularly. Bites will include gourmet sandwiches, hefty salads, and spit-smoked meats, partnered with fresh juice, and Duke’s specialty coffee.

Terra is owned and run by brothers Anthony Marcus Iannelli (of deli The Food Forum) in conjunction with chef Sung Son (ex-Hartsyard). The result is a menu driven by produce, changing as often as daily depending on what ingredients are available. Thanks to the Iannelli’s deli roots, Terra has access to some of the best local growers and providores in the district and promises that in an added bonus means more on plates for less.

“The Terra menu was a collaboration, stemming from what we enjoy eating, and would like to see more of in the Canberra food scene,” explains co-owner Anthony Iannelli. “It’s about utilising the produce when it’s at its best and letting the natural flavours do the talking. If it looks great at the markets, it will be on our menu.” Head chef Sung Son agrees, “we are all foodies who love to experiment with flavours and host people for a great meal. We’ve made our own pickled vegetables, jams and chilli sauce fresh in-house and ready to serve.” He continues, “we want to create food that’s healthy enough to eat a few times a week, and delicious enough to want to.”

Terra is industrial in design; raw concrete finishes come accented by earthy greens, reclaimed timber, and bench seating (to enhance the communal component of the eatery). The interior stand-out features are both food-related; there is a three-metre custom-made charcoal spit and rotisserie (used for cooking the various meats available) within the space, sitting alongside a four-and-a-half metre island bench which will be used to display a collection of fresh market produce.

Convenience sits at the heart of the Terra menu, with takeaway available throughout the day. Breakfast is focused on grab-and-go fare; muffins and pastries mingle with protein snacks, smoothies and juices for a morning energy boost. Healthy bowls will also be available; think grain bowls topped with quinoa, pearl barley, kale, edamame, pepitas, and sherry, or a granola bowl with yoghurt, coconut shell, fig jam, orange marmalade, currants and lemon power. At lunch, guests can build their own lunch boxes to eat-in or takeaway from a selection of smoked proteins cooked on charcoal spit and rotisserie (smoked brisket included) partnered with freshly roasted vegetables and seasonal salads. There will also be hearty gourmet sandwiches and rolls available for the famished.

Terra; Shop G2, No Name Lane, 40 Marcus Clarke Street, City West, Canberra, terracanberra.com.au.