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. To help you figure out where to next venture for dinner, here’s our guide to the best restaurants in Kingston.

Onzieme

Onzieme is a wine bar cum restaurant that 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

Morks

Morks is located in a picturesque location by Lake Burley Griffin. The location 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. 

18/19 Eastlake Parade, Kingston

Agostinis

Family-owned and run, Agostinis at the East Hotel is passionate about Italian food. The pizzas are renowned and for good reason – they are baked to perfection in the state-of-the-art Marana Forni pizza oven – fancy! Enjoy a laid-back Sunday lunch or stop by for a scoop or two of homemade gelato.

East Hotel, 69 Canberra Avenue, 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. Yum!

29 Jardine 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 delectable.

38 Eyre Street, 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

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

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!