Located by the water of Lake Burley Griffin, the Kingston Foreshore has become one of the top destinations in Canberra to go out with friends and family for a nice meal or a few drinks. Due to its ideal location and vibrant atmosphere, Canberrans have taken to the Foreshore precinct that is now packed with great restaurants, cool bars and trendy cafes. So, if you're looking for the best Kingston Foreshore restaurants and bars, look no further!
Skip to the list of Kingston Foreshore's best restaurants and bars
- Lakeside Gurkhas
- La Rustica
- The Dock
- Magoo’s Cafe and Bar
- Molto Italian
- Morks Restaurant
- Wild Duck
- Zeytin Turkish Cuisine
What type of restaurants are at the Kingston Foreshore?
The Kingston Foreshore is home to a variety of different restaurants, each with its own unique atmosphere. Whether you're in the mood for a casual meal or a fine dining experience, you're sure to find something to suit your taste. On the cuisine side of things there is a range of options including Italian pizza, pub style burgers, Turkish, fine Asian, Thai and more.
For a casual meal or snack, there are plenty of cafes and bakeries to choose from. If you're looking for something more substantial, there are plenty of restaurants that offer lunch and dinner options.
There are even a few places that serve breakfast, so you can start your day off right with a delicious meal. No matter what your preferred cuisine, you're sure to find something to your taste at the Kingston Foreshore.
As for drinks, there are plenty of different bars and restaurants that serve a range of beer, wine, cider and even some cocktails.
What makes a great bar or restaurant?
When it comes to bars and restaurants, there are many factors that can make or break the establishment. The first and arguably most important element is of course the food. There needs to be a good variety of dishes that are tasty and reasonably priced.
Secondly, the atmosphere is important. Whether it’s a cozy pub or an upscale eatery, the space should be inviting and comfortable.
And last but not least, great service is a must. Whether it’s delivering drinks to tables or helping to choose the perfect wine pairing, bartenders and servers should be knowledgeable and attentive. When all of these elements come together, it creates a truly enjoyable dining experience.
The best Kingston Foreshore bars and restaurants 2024
To be listed as one of Canberra’s best businesses, Canberra Daily requires them to have maintained a track record of positive reviews on Google and Facebook, with a minimum average of 4/5 stars. All Google ratings shown were updated January 2023.
We also check to see if businesses have verified customer reviews.
When looking for the best restaurants and bars at the Kingston Foreshore, check out our list of Canberra Daily’s best local businesses below.
Lakeside Gurkhas
Lakeside Gurkhas has joined the dockside dining precinct, offering authentic Nepalese cuisine and lessons in the land it hails from.
Not only will you find delicacies from all three regions of Nepal – from the Himalayas, to the central hilly regions, to the planes of Terai – you will also find a hint of British influence, particularly in their popular weekend breakfasts.
However, it’s the momos that will have me coming back. Nepalese momos are similar to dumplings in shape but are packed with more flavour.
Available in vegetarian paneer, chicken, and buffalo, the Dirty Chilli Momos in particular are bursting with flavour and will warm you up from the inside out.
On Google, Pratha Giri left this five-star review: “I have never been to a Nepalese restaurant with such a beautiful ambiance. Customer service was outstanding and all the food that we ordered was really delicious. I would highly recommend to everyone.”
Magoo's Cafe and Bar
Magoo’s Cafe & Bar has a warm and enjoyable atmosphere that makes it the perfect place to have a bite to eat or grab a drink with friends and family.
They have a happy hour from 5-6pm on weekdays for those looking to enjoy a drink after work and they also have great live music acts on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Medhi Sharifi left this five star review on Google; “Great food and good location! We were 8 people and all happy with the foods and the portions. Highly recommend this place!”
La Rustica
As the name may suggest, the Italian food at La Rustica is rustic and authentic.
Hailing from the southern tip of Italy, their menu brings with it the region’s culinary secrets, with a range of delicious pizzas, pastas, seafood and desserts that you’re sure to enjoy.
The restaurant itself is located on the waterfront with a bright interior, wood surfaces that give a rustic touch and an expansive window frontage that gives diners a fantastic view.
Cameron Dawson wrote this review on Google; “Great Italian restaurant on the Kingston Foreshore. Food and drinks were delicious and very good serving sizes. Staff were nice and friendly.”
Molto Italian
Molto Italian is the perfect mix of modern and the traditional, combining a rich celebration of history teamed with the joy of Italian food and culture.
Set against the beautiful backdrop of Lake Burley Griffin, the 130-seat restaurant boasts sleek interiors, high ceilings, an open kitchen and bar and a feature wood fire oven pizza.
On Google, Sophia Vela left this five star review; “I had such a nice dinner last evening at Molto. Everything we had was absolutely delicious and the service was perfect, on point. Recommend and will be back!”
Morks Restaurant
Morks is all about bringing Thai cuisine into the 21st century with a focus on showcasing Thai food under a different light.
Their food is creative, passionate, delicious and is grounded with traditional Thai flavours while using new school methods.
They also cater for all dietary requirements, with vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options outlined on the menu.
Peter C left this review on Google; “Yes takeout! What I loved was how fresh everything was. Pork buns were perfect. Chicken was crispy and delicately spiced. Fried eggplant with plum sauce and greens was a favourite. Even the fried rice was the best I’ve had. So well done Morks team in these tough times. Highly recommended.”
Zeytin Turkish Cuisine
Zeytin Turkish Cuisine is dedicated to making your dining experience memorable, drawing on traditional flavours with a modern twist to create food you will love.
Their delicious menu includes Turkish meze plates and banquets to shar, grilled meats, seafood, salads with wine and imported Turkish raki and beer.
Mahjabeen Ali left this review on Google; “Pricey side but really good quality delicious filling meals. This was a stop over on our road trip from Melbourne and we were not disappointed. The quality of the meals are exceptional. The flavour was mouth watering. The view from the restaurant is really nice too.”
Wild Duck
Wild Duck is a restaurant that offers customers a fine dining experience and delicious Asian food.
It has a warm and welcoming atmosphere and is perfect for anyone looking to explore China’s exciting cuisine, as well as other authentic options from across South East Asia.
Lex Howard left this review on Google; “Very good Asian cuisine, helped by attentive service in an excellent, quiet and relaxed atmosphere. To top it off, they do BYO bottled wine at a reasonable corkage if $20 per bottle. Private rooms available for special occasions, and you get special attention along with it. There should be many more restaurants like Wild Duck. Highly recommended.”
The Dock
The Dock is the perfect place to catch up friends and family for any occasion, with the waterside pub offering live sport, live music, an outdoor beer garden, great food and drinks specials and four unique function spaces.
Atmosphere is important for any great pub and The Dock has it in spades. The warm environment, friendly staff and a certain buzz in the air makes it an enjoyable experience every time you step foot in the doors.
They have 14 beers on tap and a delicious pub menu, making it the ideal place to go with mates to watch the Raiders, Brumbies, State of Origin or any other major sporting event.
Happy customer, Mel Anie, wrote this five star review on Google; “A group of us dined at the Dock in the dome they have assembled temporarily. The whole experience was lovely, the food was great and they have a nice selection of drinks. The staff are welcoming and offered my mother a complimentary cocktail to celebrate her birthday which was lovely.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there parking at the Kingston Foreshore?
There is quite a bit of parking on the Kingston Foreshore although it can fill up quite quickly in peak times. It is a nice place to walk when the weather is nice so parking further away and strolling down to the restaurant is also an option.
Are there different types of cuisine at the Kingston Foreshore?
There are plenty of different restaurants at the Kingston Foreshore for people with all kinds of tastes to enjoy. There are Italian cuisines for your pizza lovers, Thai food, Asian, fine dining, Turkish, typical pub food like hot chips and burgers and more.
Can I hire a boat to go on the water?
Yes there are GoBoats for hire at the Kingston Foreshore if you are looking for something more to do before or after getting some food or drinks.
Are the Kingston Foreshore restaurants expensive?
There is such a range of restaurant options at the Kingston Foreshore that the price will come down to where you dine. There are more standard places that will cost you regular prices, while the more fine dining options will be more expensive.
