With early signs of a cafe renaissance happening around the ACT, Ona Coffee founder and director Sasa Sestic said local coffee lovers were discerning but adventurous when it came to their favourite cup.

''The coffee scene here in Canberra is not very big, but I believe it is powerful with a great collection of cafes and little coffee roasters really trying to make a difference,'' he said.

After beating out his Sydney-based competition at the Australasian Specialty Coffee Association Barista Competition in Melbourne at the weekend, Sestic said the secrets of his success included taking pride in the craft, sourcing his own beans from leading international producers and using ripe red coffee cherries.

The 10-year industry veteran finished third behind competition favourite Matt Perger, of St Ali specialty cafe in Melbourne and fellow Victorian Craig Simon of Veneziano Coffee Roasters.

After making judges four espressos and four cappuccinos, Sestic used the signature drinks category to show off his coffee parchment reduction brew.

Crowned ACT barista champion and Australasian grand barista in 2011, Sestic returned to competition this year after helping judge the event last year. Ever the perfectionist - Sestic said he wished he could have done better for Canberra in the close competition.

"I like to go and hang around with all of the guys who promote quality coffee in Canberra and we support each other's events as a way to better educate our customers."

With stores in Fyshwick, Manuka and Belconnen, Sestic is working on his dream of creating a Canberra coffee-lovers circuit to help showcase the best options using an innovative map of local coffee houses.

He said making quality coffee at home had become very accessible with tools and freshly roasted beans available around Canberra.