Champi Restaurant

Welcome to Champi Restaurant, where the vibrant culinary traditions of South East Asia come alive in the heart of Canberra’s Kingston precinct. Situated at 17 Kennedy Street in the Australian Capital Territory, we offer a dining experience that is both unforgettable and deeply authentic. Our menu is a celebration of bold flavors, fragrant herbs, and time-honored family recipes passed down through generations.

We take immense pride in guiding our guests on a journey back to simplicity and authenticity. Every dish we serve tells a story of childhood memories—of catching fresh produce from the family farm, picking herbs straight from the garden, and grilling over the smoky glow of a charcoal fire. Our commitment is to deliver the true, unaltered essence of South East Asian cuisine, specifically inspired by the rich gastronomic tapestry of Laos and its neighboring regions.

What We Offer

Our carefully curated menu is a tribute to the bustling markets and home kitchens of South East Asia. We provide a variety of options designed to suit every occasion, from an intimate dinner for two to a lively group celebration. Guests can indulge in an array of flavor-packed offerings that are designed to be shared and savored.

Signature Dishes & Dining Experiences

The menu is renowned for its vibrant and aromatic creations. Popular choices include the aromatic Massaman Lamb Curry, where the meat falls deliciously off the bone, and the fresh, spicy Larb, a traditional Laotian minced meat salad that is a true crowd-pleaser. Other favorites like the smoky Crying Tiger, sizzling Cashew Nut Chicken, and our perfectly executed Pad Thai and Fried Rice keep guests returning time and again to explore new tastes.

• Dine-In Experience: Immerse yourself in a warm, homey atmosphere that transports you to a South East Asian family gathering.
• Takeaway & Delivery: Enjoy your favorite flavors at home with our convenient takeaway and local delivery services, available for online ordering.
• Banquet Menus: For groups of seven or more, we offer a specially curated set menu that showcases the very best of our kitchen.
• Catering Services: Bring the unforgettable taste of Champi to your next event with our professional off-site catering.

Why Customers Choose Us

Diners in Canberra consistently choose Champi Restaurant for a combination of exceptional food, generous portions, and remarkable value. Our price point, typically $40–$60 per person, reflects our dedication to providing a high-quality, affordable fine dining experience that leaves a lasting impression. We are a go-to destination for those seeking the finest Laotian and South East Asian flavors in the region.

Authenticity & Culinary Expertise

What truly sets us apart is the passion and expertise of our team, led by founders Aiden and Bianca. Their deep knowledge and love for their culinary heritage are evident in the thoughtful preparation of every single plate. Bianca’s tableside storytelling about the origin and process behind each dish turns a meal into an educational and heartwarming journey. The love and time invested in our food is palpable, with fresh ingredients and complex spices combined to thrill your taste buds without altering the authentic flavors of South East Asia.

Gracious Hospitality

Our front-of-house team is renowned for providing attentive and gracious service that makes every guest feel like family. We pride ourselves on creating a welcoming environment where the vibrant, colorful presentation of our food is matched by the warmth of our hospitality. The combination of incredible food and exceptional service has cemented our reputation as a hidden gem and a favorite dining destination in Kingston.

Serving Canberra & Australian Capital Territory

Nestled in the lively suburb of Kingston, Champi Restaurant serves as a premier culinary hub for the entire Australian Capital Territory. We welcome locals, professionals, and tourists alike who are searching for a unique and sophisticated dining experience. Our location on Kennedy Street places us at the center of Canberra’s evolving food scene, and we are humbled to be a part of so many special occasions and casual evenings out for members of our community.

The inspiration for our restaurant comes from a very special place—a small province in South Western Laos named Champi, nestled on the borders of Thailand and Cambodia. This remote and beautiful area, reachable only by a tailboat, is the home of our founder’s grandmother and the birthplace of our recipes. We are proud to bring a taste of this incredible heritage to Canberrans, offering a dining experience that is genuine, colorful, packed with herbs and chillies, and impossible to find anywhere else in the city.

Hours, Location & Directions

Planning your visit to our Kingston restaurant is simple. We are open for lunch from Tuesday to Friday, and serve dinner from Tuesday through Sunday. We are closed on Mondays to allow our team to rest and prepare for the week ahead. Our dining room operates with set seating times to ensure every guest enjoys a relaxed and unhurried meal.

• Lunch Service: Tuesday – Friday: 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM
• Dinner Service: Tuesday – Sunday: 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM
• Monday: Closed
• Address: 17 Kennedy Street, Kingston ACT 2604, Australia

Conveniently located with easy access via public transport and local road networks, our restaurant is a straightforward journey from anywhere in Canberra. For those driving, ample local parking options are available nearby. If you are traveling by bicycle or prefer a scenic walk, our charming Kingston neighborhood is the perfect backdrop for an evening out. We recommend checking your preferred mapping app for real-time directions and travel times based on current traffic conditions.

Questions Visitors Ask

Many first-time visitors have questions about what to expect, and we are always happy to provide details. Our menu is designed to be a culinary exploration, and our team is on hand to guide you through it. We take pride in transparency and creating a seamless experience from booking to the last bite.

Do I need a reservation?

While we welcome walk-in guests, reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner and weekends. Tables of seven or more are required to dine from our banquet menu, and all bookings for larger parties or private functions can be arranged by reaching out to us directly via phone or email.

Can you cater to dietary requirements?

Absolutely. We can accommodate most dietary needs and preferences with advance notice. Please inform our team of any allergies or specific requirements when making your reservation or placing your order, and our chefs will be delighted to craft a memorable meal for you that meets your needs while retaining our signature authenticity.