Looking for a Southside Dinner Spot? Here are the Best Restaurants in Kingston

Nestled along the scenic foreshore and within the charming streets further inland, there are plenty of great places to grab a bite in Kingston. The culinary scene here is as diverse as it is delightful, offering something for every palate and preference. Whether you're in the mood for a laid-back meal at a cosy café with your furry pals, or a more refined dining experience, Kingston has it all.

In fact, many of the venues here are regarded as some of the finest in all of Canberra, making it nearly impossible to go wrong when selecting a place to dine. With such a wealth of culinary options at your fingertips, you're virtually guaranteed to savour a memorable meal. To help you figure out where to next venture for dinner, here’s our guide to the best restaurants in Kingston.

La Capanna

In the heart of Kingston, amidst the array of the town's best restaurants, La Capanna shines as a longstanding Italian favourite. A cherished gem that's been dishing up affordable, no-fuss Italian cuisine for years, La Capanna boasts rustic decor and a cosy ambiance that's perfect for a casual dinner or a laid-back group gathering. With a menu chock-full of authentic Italian classics like pasta and wood-fired pizzas, it's a place where comfort seamlessly blends with flavour. To top it off, their selection of Australian and Italian wines provides that perfect sip to complement your meal. La Capanna stands as a reliable choice for warm, homely Italian dishes, earning its spot as a solid contender among Kingston's diverse dining options.

32 Giles Street, Kingston

Otis

Nestled in Kingston, Otis Dining Hall is a beloved dining destination among locals seeking both sophistication and comfort. Located on Jardine Street, Otis invites diners with its warm, earthy decor, showcasing beautifully restored timber floors and an enchanting ceiling adorned with ceramic roses and glittering chandeliers. What truly distinguishes Otis is its commitment to showcasing the best Australasian produce, a commitment reflected in an extensive selection of cocktails, beers, and premium wines. Each dish, skillfully crafted by Chef Damian Brabender, is a work of art, whether you choose the Cowra lamb backstrap, paired with tataki, labneh, purple haze carrot jam, and ginger, or the roasted Hawkesbury duck breast with neck sausage, preserved cherries, and beets. Yum!

29 Jardine Street, Kingston 

Wild Duck Fine Asian Cuisine

Nestled along the picturesque Kingston Foreshore, Wild Duck Fine Asian Cuisine adds a dash of Asian flair to the best restaurants in Kingston. With elegant decor featuring golden-hued lighting, plush beige chairs, and teardrop lanterns, the ambience is as well-crafted as the dishes themselves. From pan-seared scallops with green curry and leek oil to wild mushroom duck and twice-cooked lamb cutlets with caramel lemongrass chilli jam, the menu explores a delightful array of Asian tastes. Wild Duck is where locals and powerful leaders alike come to appreciate the finer aspects of Asian cuisine in Canberra. Whether you're a newcomer or a regular, this spot promises a flavourful adventure you won't want to miss.

Shop 77-78/71 Giles Street, Kingston Foreshore, Kingston

Morks

Perched on Kingston's serene waterfront, Morks stands out among the best restaurants in Kingston. Its picturesque location by Lake Burley Griffin complements an elegant interior and a menu that fuses traditional Thai flavours with global influences and native Australian ingredients. For a fully immersive experience, opt for the full tasting menu.

Morks' origin story is equally captivating. Born as a retirement project for the Ratanakosol family, it's now a hub for innovative Thai cuisine. Run by the dynamic duo of Head Chef Mork and front-of-house maestro Benn, Morks brings an audacious twist to Thai food, with a strong emphasis on Australian elements. It's a culinary journey worth embarking upon in Kingston.

18/19 Eastlake Parade, Kingston

Pomegranate

For Mediterranean food with a modern spin, look no further than Pomegranate. At first glance, the menu may seem straightforward, but each dish is almost a work of art and much more complex than the description would have you believe. This is definitely the place to take a date or to celebrate something special. While you’re there, make sure to try the prawn moussaka – it’s easily one of the restaurant’s best dishes. With its exquisite Mediterranean cuisine and an inviting ambience, Pomegranate adds an extra layer of culinary delight to Kingston's roster of best restaurants, making it a memorable choice for special occasions or a romantic date.

31 Giles Street, Kingston

Tokyo Canteen

Among our picks for the best restaurants in Kingston is Tokyo Canteen, a culinary gem with extended dinner hours on Wednesday through Friday. By day, it delights with a dynamic menu of Japanese favourites, creatively infused with a modern twist to craft a flavorful experience. As night falls, Tokyo Canteen morphs into a haven for ramen enthusiasts, offering meticulously crafted ramen variations that promise an exquisite culinary journey. While obtaining a table during the limited evening hours can be a slight challenge, the reward is the delectable food, making Tokyo Canteen a must-visit for those seeking an authentic taste of Japan with a contemporary flair in Kingston.

38 Eyre Street, Kingston

La Rustica by the Lake

Situated along the Kingston Foreshore, La Rustica by the Lake is a great spot to enjoy pizza, pasta, wine, cocktails and more. The restaurant is warm and inviting, and offers lovely views of Lake Burley Griffin – especially if you’re seated at one of the outdoor tables.

On top of the pleasant atmosphere, you can also expect really good food here. The menu is packed with classic pizzas and pastas, along with mains, salads and desserts. But you also can’t go wrong with just a few starters and a glass of vino.

Eastlake Parade and Trevillian Quay, Kingston

Brodburger

A list of the best restaurants in Kingston – nay, Canberra – wouldn’t be complete without Brodburger. This casual eatery is a local institution in the national capital and for good reason: the vibe is fun and laid-back, it’s open for lunch and dinner most days of the week, and the burgers are some of the best we’ve tried anywhere in the country.

You really can’t go wrong with any of the menu items here, but the lamb burger (with a side of onion rings, of course) is a real highlight.

Canberra Glassworks, 11 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston

Onzieme

Onzieme hasn’t been open long, but in the short time since it launched, the wine bar cum restaurant has earned a lot of high praise. When you dine and drink here, you’ll quickly understand why. The small plates are intrinsically inventive and insanely good, and the drinks list – mostly filled with natural wines – is undeniably well curated.

We recommend seeing if you can get a place at the counter. It’s reserved for walk-ins only but is a great spot to chat and hang out with the staff.

5-39 Kennedy Street, Kingston

Champi

If you’ve never tried Laotian cuisine, make sure you head to Champi. This newcomer does traditional dishes from Laos with a few Thai favourites thrown in, and each one is totally delicious. Some of our top picks include Grandma’s Free Range Chicken, the Signature Larb and the Kingfish Ceviche.

The wine list is also surprisingly excellent and filled with lots of locally produced drops. But if you’re after somewhere to enjoy a post-dinner nightcap, take a short stroll over to nearby bar Queenies.

17 Kennedy Street, Kingston

The Dock

For a more pubby experience, The Dock is your best bet. The venue does great pub-style food – think burgers, steaks, parmis and tasty appetisers like beef brisket nachos and jalapeno poppers – alongside plenty of wines, tap beers, spirits and cocktails.

Our recommendation? Go along in the early evening, order your favourite drink and a few nibbles, and head out to one of the al fresco tables. With views over Lake Burley Griffin, The Dock is one of the nicest spots in Canberra to enjoy a well-deserved sundowner.

7/81 Giles Street, Kingston

Loved this edit of the best restaurants in Kingston and looking for more places to indulge in tasty food and drink? Make sure you check out our guides to the best Italian restaurants in Canberra and the best Japanese restaurants in Canberra. Happy eating!