Kiln at Belco Arts is a café with a picturesque setting, a large outdoor area soaking up the sunshine and a place to enjoy a leisurely brekkie, lunch or evening dinner, says dining reviewer WENDY JOHNSON.  

Make it an adventure Kiln at Belco Arts and book in time to check out the exhibitions at the arts centre itself or meander around the Lake Ginninderra waterfront after you’ve had a bite to eat. 

Breakfast is served until noon, when Kiln kicks over with a menu covering both lunch and dinner. Some dishes feature Indian, Mexican and Italian influences, and café classics are readily available, such as burgers, chips, wedges and fish and chips. 

It was a stunner of a day, and we lucked into a seat outdoors at one of the wooden tables, enjoying the water views. 

At Kiln, orders are taken at the cash register, then food is brought to the table. Healthy juices are made fresh on site ($9) and while the “Healthy Glow” sounded vibrant (orange, carrot and ginger), I opted for the “Green”, a refreshing balance of green apple, spinach, cucumber, lime and ginger. My friend enjoyed a trustworthy orange juice. 

Kiln’s drink line-up also includes a masala chai ($6), quality teas, the full range of coffees, milkshakes ($8) and a cooling and refreshing mango lassi ($8). Local wines are available, as are craft beers and a small selection of spirits.

Staying on the healthy theme, I ordered the veggie stack, which was loaded with colourful roasted veggies and mixed salad ($22). This was all placed on top of two crispy hashbrowns and a lovely tomato relish decorated the dish.

On top of the scrumptious veggies were two slices of perfectly cooked salty haloumi and a mound of creamy avo finished off with fresh peppery rocket. It was a super generous offering and my only regret was I couldn’t eat it all!

My friend ordered the traditional Tex-Mex-inspired chimichanga, which hit the spot. The deep-fried burrito was stuffed with tasty beef and served with pico de gallo and guacamole. A chicken filling is available, and so is a black bean filling ($27). The pico de gallo (authentic Mexican salsa) wasn’t terribly pronounced, but the dollops of fresh avo a perfect accompaniment. 

Kiln also dishes up flavoursome dishes such as a chickpea curry ($20), a butter chicken ($22), nachos ($25) and a parmigiana ($24). The Healthy Bowl is good for the soul ($27) and Kiln also has a display cabinet with smaller items and sweets, perfect with just a cuppa.

Earlier in the day, food options include mung bean pancakes ($25), Mediterranean eggs ($23) and an Acacia Bowl ($20).

After lunch, we popped into Belco Arts and wandered through a couple of exhibitions before spending an hour walking alongside the lake.