The Fat Goanna

Shop 1/23 Brindabella Cct, Pialligo ACT 2609, Australia
+61 2 6247 9111
$$$ Cafe , Breakfast restaurant , Coffee shop
(253 Reviews)
Price Range $1–20

Welcome to The Fat Goanna, a delightful café nestled in the heart of Pialligo, ACT. Known for its warm ambiance and inviting decor, The Fat Goanna combines modern style with a comfortable atmosphere, making it the perfect spot to unwind, grab a bite, or meet a friend for coffee. With its ample natural light and spacious layout, this café is a breath of fresh air in a busy business precinct.

At The Fat Goanna, food is a passion, not just a menu item. The extensive selection will entice any palate, showcasing an array of delicious dishes that highlight comforting yet innovative Australian cuisine. Start your meal with the Warm Sourdough with Dukkah Spice and Extra Virgin Olive Oil, which awakens the senses with its aromatic blend of spices. Then, indulge in the Grilled PeriPeri Chicken Burger for a spicy kick, or savor the rich and creamy Butter Chicken, where tender chicken dances in a luscious sauce that perfectly represents Indian influences in Australian cuisine.

If you're in the mood for something heartier, don’t miss the Slow Cooked Pork Belly—its crispy skin and melt-in-your-mouth meat are the perfect combination of textures that will leave you craving more. For lighter fare, the Warm Chicken & Pumpkin Salad is a vibrant mix that brings seasonal ingredients to life, and Gnocchi and Risotto offer a comforting embrace for the soul.

What truly sets The Fat Goanna apart is not just its scrumptious menu, but also the efficient service that feels genuinely attentive. Customers rave about the unique experience of dining with innovative technology, including a charming robot server who delivers meals directly to your table, adding a whimsical touch to your meal. As customer Cormac Farrell puts it, “Worth it just for the robot cat that brings you your meals!”

The Fat Goanna has attracted a loyal local following, with customers appreciating the café's consistently high quality and reasonable prices. Glen & Ellie shared their delight after dining with a large group, highlighting that it was “better than cafe culture and pub grub.”

Moreover, The Fat Goanna is a fine example of blending traditional hospitality with modern flavors and innovative service. Whether you're a coffee aficionado looking to sip on top-notch brews or a food lover eager to explore a menu filled with tantalizing offerings, The Fat Goanna promises an experience that is both gratifying and memorable.

So next time you're in Pialligo, treat yourself to a visit at The Fat Goanna—where fantastic food meets a wonderfully engaging atmosphere!

Service options
Outdoor seating
Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Great coffee
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
Good for working on laptop
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Happy-hour drinks
Healthy options
Quick bite
Spirits
Vegetarian options
Wine
Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Table service
Amenities
Bar on site
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Crowd
Family friendly
Groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Transgender safe space
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Parking
Free parking lot
Paid street parking
Openings Hours

Monday

07:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Tuesday

07:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Wednesday

07:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Thursday

07:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Friday

07:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed

253 Reviews
Glen & Ellie

21 Sep 2025

End of year lunch, group of 12. Better than cafe culture & pub grub. Service spot-on. Prices reasonable, menu excellent. Atmosphere modern, light-filled, spacious, comfortable. Meal delivery robot is a pleasant novelty & works well. Lots of foot traffic (regulars), being in business precinct. Very popular. Coffee spot, takeaway & dine-in, all efficient & quality product. Thoroughly enjoyed our lunch due in no small part to THE FAT GOANNA.

Claire Jones (CJ)

13 Aug 2025

Top coffee, home made baked items and extensive menu with all the options. Also there is a super cute robot server that brings your food to the table!

Cris O

09 Aug 2025

I recently had lunch and I really enjoyed the chicken and pumpkin risotto. It was perfect!

Cormac Farrell

22 Jul 2025

Worth it just for the robot cat (yes, you read that correctly) that brings you your meals!

Ari Vennonen

09 Jul 2025

Returned to The Fat Goanna after 2 years of working elsewhere, and the food was just as good as previously. Please get rid of the tacky robot and transform the waiting personnel to excel with their service. The stupid robot brings food to the end of your table, makes some stupid twangy comment re order number which is never clear when ordering a dine-in meal and then a waiter appears to move your meal from the robot’s tray to your table. Alternatively reprogram the robot voice to be more friendly. Service rating lower due that stupid robot and unlikely to return until it is retired.

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