Dockside Cafe Kingston

Dockside sits right on the Kingston Foreshore at 13/81 Giles Street, a few steps off the Lake Burley Griffin walking track, and its line is "pet friendly if your pet is friendly." Dogs take the outdoor and covered, heated semi-outdoor tables straight off the footpath, so you never route past indoor diners on the way in.

The dog setup

Well-behaved leashed dogs are welcome across the outdoor and semi-outdoor zones, water bowls are usually about, and staff are genuinely keen on dogs. On a hot day, a top-up of your own water is still wise. The semi-outdoor tables are covered and heated, which makes this one of the more weatherproof dog tables in the precinct, and the lakeside position makes it an easy mid-walk stop.

The vibe and the menu

The kitchen leans Japanese-fusion over standard brunch: think shakshuka and eggs benedict alongside fritters and fish and chips, with gluten-free bun options and good vegetarian and vegan coverage. ONA coffee anchors the drinks. Hours are 7am to 3pm daily. It is a social, stylish spot that fills fast on weekend mornings, so an early walk lands you the better table.

Getting there and parking

The cafe sits on Giles Street in the Kingston Foreshore precinct. There is free and paid street parking along Giles and nearby bays on Eyre Street and Eastlake Parade, but weekend brunch makes the frontage competitive, so the easiest arrival is on foot along the foreshore trails.

While you're out there

The lakeside track runs straight past the door, Norgrove Park is a short walk for a grassy break, and Telopea Park adds room to roam. If Dockside is full, Giles St. Cafe & Catering is up the same street, Good Neighbour Cafe covers the social-enterprise brunch brief, and Rosemary by EightyTwenty is the newer wholefoods option nearby.

More of the precinct is on the Kingston destination page and in the ACT cafes index.