Top 13 restaurants in Kingston Foreshore for the best waterfront dining
If there’s one thing that many visitors frequent in Kingston Foreshore, it’s the hub of dining options that offer diverse cuisines.
Whatever it is you’re craving, one thing’s for sure—there’s a place for your appetite and cravings. Add stunning waterfront views to the equation and you’ve got yourself a goldmine.
Here are Kingston Foreshore’s best restaurants to check out when you’re in the area, all offering unbeatable flavors.
1. Rakkas
– Media credit: Rakkas Kingston Foreshore
Website: https://www.rakkas.com.au/
Address: 18/19 Eastlake Parade, Kingston
Phone: +61262397378
Operating hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm and 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm
We’re starting strong with a restaurant that offers bold and flavorful Turkish cuisine. This refined yet approachable place invites you to try their well-curated menu with traditional flavors.
Their special cocktails are named after Turkish cities, and the wine list is composed of European and Turkish classic selections.
When you step inside, you’ll be met with a warm and elegant ambiance. Textures are rich, and the lighting is low, which gives the place a slightly mysterious feel.
It’s perfect for romantic dinners with friends and romantic dates.
The menu is complete with starters, mains, and desserts. And while Turkish dishes are known for their strong spices, the chef ensures that there is a balance of flavors, which many guests appreciate.
Surely, when you step in here, it will leave a strong first impression that won’t disappoint.
Pro tip:
When booking a meal, ask for a booth seat. It’s quieter, more private, and it offers the best view of the place’s interior.
2. La Rustica
– Media credit: La Rustica By The Lake
Website: http://larustica.au/
Address: Eastlake Parade & Trevillian Quay, Kingston
Phone: +61494061495
Operating hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 12:00 am – 2:00 pm and 5:45 pm – 9:30 pm
La Rustica is well-loved by many because of its relaxed, family-friendly vibe. Their menu offers classic Italian cuisine that bursts with flavors.
We’re talking about house-made pastas, pizza, gnocchi, and more. The aroma alone will leave you excited to try the comforting dishes.
They offer tables for families, couples, and large groups. And for the seating, you have options for both indoor and outdoor tables, and one thing’s for sure, there’s always a table with a view.
For their signature dishes, the Balmain bug linguine, veal saltimbocca, and spaghetti pescatore are some of the local favorites. The portions are generous, and every dish is rich in flavor.
When it comes to their wine list, you can choose from a wide array of Italian imports and Canberra-region bottles. In fact, the dining experience here won’t be complete without a glass.
Pro tip:
If you’re dining with them before sunset, request an outdoor table. The water views during this time are unbeatable.
3. Early Edition
– Media credit: Early Edition
Website: http://www.earlyedition.cafe/
Address: 4/2 Trevillian Quay, Kingston
Phone: +61423302010
Operating hours:
- Monday 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
- Tuesday to Sunday 7:00 am – 2:00 pm
If you’re looking for a tasty brunch, Early Edition is the place to go. It’s perfect for early risers and café enthusiasts who want to start their day right.
Early Edition’s concept is simple: brunch offerings made with fresh, local ingredients.
Some of the favorites are the avocado toast layered with heirloom tomatoes, feta cheese, and salsa verde. There’s also the buttermilk pancakes that are piled with berries and cream on top.
Their coffee is excellent, too. If you’re not into having coffee in your system, specialty drinks like tea and matcha are a great choice as well.
For us, we’d say it’s the perfect stop after your morning walk or after you have explored Kingston Foreshore.
Pro tip:
For the best chance at a window seat and faster service, try visiting just after they open at 7:00 am.
4. Foreshore Social
– Media credit: Foreshore Social
Social media: https://www.facebook.com/TheForeshoreSocial/
Address: 27 Eastlake Parade, Kingston
Phone: +61261937935
Operating hours:
- Monday 12:00 – 10:00 pm
- Tuesday and Thursday 3:00 pm – 10:00 pm
- Friday 12:00 pm – 11:30 pm
- Saturday 7:30 am – 11:30 pm
- Sunday 7:30 am – 8:00 pm
If you want a café and bar that can be visited at any time of the day, Foreshore Social seamlessly transitions from a casual brunch to a lively bar at night. The menu is pretty diverse, ranging from light snacks to hearty meals like steaks.
Families would often visit this place because of the wide selection. Kids can indulge in Aussie cheeseburgers, and mom can treat herself to some tacos while dad enjoys a pint of their classic beer.
Their frozen margaritas? Can’t get enough of them.
It’s a popular spot for tourists and locals alike due to its lively atmosphere and friendly staff.
Pro tip:
The place often holds special events on specific days. On Tuesdays, they run a trivia quiz, and on Thursdays and Sundays, they have live music performances from local artists.
5. Dockside Cafe Kingston
– Media credit: Dockside Cafe Kingston
Website: https://www.docksidecoffeehouse.com.au/
Address: 13/81 Giles St, Kingston ACT
Phone: +61262396379
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday 7:00 am – 3:00 pm
- Thursday to Friday 7:oo am – 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Dockside’s menu features dishes that include seasonal specials like the iced strawberry matcha and rose latte. The place is particularly famous for its brunch offerings like the eggs Benedict and pancakes.
It’s the perfect spot for breakfast and lunch as they’re only open until 3 in the afternoon. For dinner service, they only offer it a few days a week.
We couldn’t get over how cute their interiors are; it’s a perfect combination of wooden accents and a touch of pastel pink.
If you’d like an outdoor feel, they have tables outside, too!
Pro tip:
The dishes here are rich and hearty, so make sure you pair them with a healthy drink like their ginger or carrot juice to balance everything out.
6. Local Press Cafe
– Media credit: Local Press Cafe
Website: http://localpresscafe.com.au/
Address: 35 Eastlake Parade, Kingston
Phone: +61261621422
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday 8:00 am – 3:00 pm
- Saturday and Sunday 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Local Press Cafe is a family-owned restaurant that promotes healthy and sustainable eating. You can expect a menu that emphasizes whole foods that are unrefined and unprocessed.
If you’re a health-conscious person who doesn’t want unnecessary additives in your food, you should check this place out. Since they focus on clean eating, the menu also caters to most dietary restrictions, including vegan and vegetarian options.
The place has a rustic and playful feel, emphasized by hanging lights and plants.
Pro tip:
If you want to enjoy a dish with their freshest seasonal produce, we suggest ordering their salad of the day.
7. The Dock
– Media credit: The Dock
Website: http://thedockkingston.com.au/
Address: 7/81 Giles St, Kingston
Phone: +61262396333
Operating hours:
- Tuesday 4:00 pm – 10:30 pm
- Wednesday to Thursday 10:30 am – 11:00 pm
- Friday to Saturday 11:30 am – 12:30 am
- Sunday 11:30 am – 10:30 pm
The Dock has the reputation of being one of the most popular pubs not just in the area, but in the whole region. This is because of the community spirit and lively atmosphere that are brought together by hearty meals and refreshing drinks.
Here you can enjoy live music, watch a live sports match on a big screen, or just enjoy the views with a drink or a snack.
As for their menu, they offer gastro-pub delights, from juicy steaks to classic burgers, and even vegetarian options. They have an impressive list of craft beers, wines, and specialty cocktails that go so well with the meals.
Pro tip:
If you’re going for lunch or dinner, especially on a Friday, consider booking in advance. The place gets packed, and you might need to line up if you don’t make a reservation.
8. Sammy’s @ Foreshore
– Media credit: Alice Kao
Website: http://www.sammysforeshore.com.au/
Address: 39 Eastlake Parade, Kingston
Phone: +61261407078
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday and Sunday 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm – 9:30 pm
- Friday and Saturday 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm – 10:30 pm
If you’re into trying a fusion of Chinese and Malaysian cuisine, Sammy’s will offer you an authentic experience. It’s a favorite among locals due to its quality flavors and accessible location.
The interior is warm and cozy, blending wooden accents and sleek furnishings. It’s perfect for both intimate meals and larger celebrations.
The menu offers classic Asian dishes like the ever-popular dim sum, noodles, and Malaysian curries. Beverage options are just as impressive, with selections ranging from Canberra wines to Asian beers and cider on tap.
Pro tip:
It’s best to pair your meals with a glass of Japanese whisky or a local Canberra wine. These drinks complement the flavors of the dishes well.
9. Molto Italian
– Media credit: Molto Italian Canberra
Website: http://www.moltoitalian.com/
Address: Element Building Unit, 155/43 Eastlake Parade, Kingston
Phone: +61261407039
Operating hours: Tuesday to Sunday 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm and 6:00 am – 10:00 pm
Under the guidance of renowned restaurateur Carlo Tosolini, Molto Italian offers a contemporary take on traditional Italian dining. The dishes are not just well-presented, but also delicious.
The most popular dishes from their menu are the wood-fired pizzas, infused with smoky and authentic flavors, and available in many variations. Handmade pastas like the pappardelle and tagliolini are delicious as well.
Complementing the food is a wine list that features selections from Italy and Canberra.
For the ambiance, the place screams elegance with its high ceilings and dark wooden accents. The lakeside location offers a stunning view and makes the whole dining experience better.
Pro tip:
The best time to reserve a table is during sunset hours. The golden view will make your dining experience more relaxing and delightful.
10. Coconine Kingston
Address: Experience Eats
Website: https://coconine.com.au/
Address: 29 Eastlake Parade, Kingston
Phone: +61261621964
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday 10:30 am – 2:00 pm and 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
If you’re into Thai food, Coconine will bring you an authentic experience with a bold and modern twist, bringing Bangkok classics into Kingston Foreshore’s lakeside space.
For the menu, expect to find rich green curries, aromatic stir fries, and the ever-famous pad Thai. Not to mention, they also offer vegetarian and gluten-free dishes.
Thai-inspired cocktails and global wine selections are also available, and pair well with the spicy, sweet, and savory flavor profiles of Thai dishes.
The dishes are not only tasty but beautifully presented as well – vibrant and colorful yet elegant.
Pro tip:
For the perfect blend of flavors, we recommend trying their Coconine signature duck with a lychee cocktail. It’s a crowd favorite!
11. 7 By The Lake
– Media credit: Experience Eats
Website: http://www.sevenbythelake.com/
Address: 143/41 Eastlake Parade, Kingston
Phone: +61261407040
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm and 5:30 pm – 12:30 am
- Saturday 11:00 am – 2:00 pm and 5:30 pm – 12:30 am
- Sunday 11:00 am – 2:00 pm and 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm
7 By The Lake is an addition to Kingston Foreshore’s diverse food scene, offering aromatic and flavorful Indian dishes. The warm ambiance, colorful murals, and soft lake view blend well with the spice-rich food experience.
Classic Indian dishes like tandoori, buttered chicken, and samosas are some of their offerings, but the main highlight is probably the goat curry. It’s slow-cooked and paired with housemade garam masala.
If you’re not sure about which dish to order, the staff are always happy to explain the dishes and the right way to eat them, so you can feel comfortable and at home.
Pro tip:
If you want to try a little bit of everything, we suggest ordering the 7 Combo Platter. It includes momos, samosas, pakoras, and more. It’s the perfect intro for your Indian cuisine experience.
12. Taiwa Sushi
– Media credit: Canberra City News
Website: http://www.taiwasushi.com.au/
Address: 154/43 Eastlake Parade, Kingston
Phone: +61459038581
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday 11:00 am – 9:30 pm
Are you into Japanese cuisine? If so, Kingston Foreshore has a place for you, too!
Taiwa Sushi is a small yet modern Japanese restaurant that emits a Tokyo-style sushi bar vibe. They offer premium hand-rolled sushi, sashimis, and rice bowls.
And you don’t have to worry about quality, as you’ll find the freshest cuts of high-quality fish here, such as salmon, tuna, kingfish, and more.
This place is perfect if you’re craving the clean flavors of Japanese cuisine.
Pro tip:
If you come early for lunch, you might get the chance to try their seasonal cuts that aren’t listed on the menu.
13. Chong Co Thai
– Media credit: Chong Co Kingston
Website: https://www.chongcothai.com.au/kingston.html
Address: 31 Eastlake Parade, Kingston
Phone: +61261620200
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday 11:00 am – 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
- Friday to Saturday 11:00 am – 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
This place is another restaurant along Kingston Foreshore that offers classic Thai dishes. It’s ideal for casual get-togethers or date nights where you’ll have a more laid-back yet refined experience.
They offer all the Thai food staples you’d expect, like the pad Thai, green curry, and massaman beef. All dishes are rich in aromatic herbs, fresh side vegetables, and house-made sauces.
Every dish is well-presented and generous in portions. You can also request to customize the spice levels to your liking.
Many customers appreciate the fast and reliable service, even during peak hours.
Pro tip:
Chong Co is happy to tweak the dishes if you have any dietary restrictions or allergies, so feel free to inform them about them upon ordering.