Chef Francesco Balestrieri of Canberra’s beloved Italian eatery Agostinis is a gourmand with a sixth sense for seeking out great food. The ACT local shares his top tips for spending a weekend in this burgeoning territory.

Best place for coffee

ONA in Fyshwick: I go there on my way to the local markets. I love the Black Betty espresso blend with a hint of chocolate – it’s perfect for my morning cappuccino!

onacoffee.com.au/about/

Best place for Italian

Agostinis, of course! We make all of our pastas, pizza doughs, focaccias, gelatos and Italian doughnuts daily. It’s a big production, but it’s worth it when you want to create a true Italian food experience for your customers.

easthotel.com.au/eat-and-drink/agostinis/

Best place for breakfast

I like Local Press in the Kingston Foreshore. Locally sourced ingredients are something I’m passionate about. The Ploughman’s Pan is hard to go past, with roast potatoes, eggs, bacon and pecorino… Perfecto!

localpresscafe.com.au

Best vineyard

Ravensworth Winery is top of my list. Bryan Martin has blended a wine specifically for Agostinis – he is a wine genius. We actually had Bryan present his new wines to our guests in the lobby of East Hotel and his new Spanish-inspired Tinto has won me over with Grenache, Tempranillo and Graciano – love it.

ravensworthwines.com.au

Best place for dessert

I’m normally working nights, but when I can get to my favourite local patisserie Sfoglia in Dickson, I indulge in their pastries. There are so many to choose from!

sfoglia.com.au

Best place for drinks

I don’t have to go far for great Italian cocktails. Joe’s Bar at East has the best negroni menu and a particular favourite of mine is the Fool’s Negroni with Poor Tom Fool’s Strength, Poor Toms Imbroglio Amaro and Lillet Rouge – it’s incredible!

easthotel.com.au/eat-and-drink/joes-bar/

Tourist must-dos

Any or many of the local wineries in the Canberra area are a must. Then, lunch at Grazing at Gundaroo on 25 minutes’ drive from the city is a very special experience for foodies! If you visit Canberra in the winter months, head to the local truffle farms for a morning of truffle hunting. It’s a real grassroots experience and you come home with your own fresh black truffle!

Best day trip from ACT

My wife and I love jumping in the car and heading down to the Mollymook area. It’s a treat to stop and have lunch at Cupitt’s Winery for some local craft beer, wine and cheese! Their Fromagerie is pretty special.

Best gallery

The National Portrait Gallery is my favourite. I love the National Photographic Portrait Prize exhibition they hold annually in March and April.