Just when you think you are on top of all the new eateries popping up along King Street, the precinct surprises you with another – The Pine Kitchen. This spacious and friendly cafe and restaurant is quickly earning praise for its sterling menu of modern Australian-meets-Lebanese dishes, served with a side of warm ambience created by colourful furnishings, plenty of lush wall greenery (it’s all real!) and inspirational mantras keeping you in a great mindset. With a focus on nourishing fare for the mind, body and soul, it’s a safe bet that diners are in for a well-rounded (not to mention tasty) experience.

If there is one thing we know about Lebanese cuisine it’s that it is perfect for sharing. For lunch and dinner The Pine Kitchen pumps out some stellar communal fare starting with six kinds of dip (hummus, labneh, baba ganoush – when I dip, you dip, we dip), followed closely by spiced cauliflower, tabouleh salad, haloumi, za’atar sweet potato, baby calamari, a range of shish plates and mezza share plates piled high with kofta, skewers and more dip. It’s only natural to want a little somethin’ somethin’ for yourself – you can order The Pine Kitchen sandwich stuffed with your choice of lamb, lemon chicken, spiced beef, felafel or haloumi, a burger served to get your fangs around, or a sugar-water infused knafeh. Early risers would do well to stop by for a morning feed – there’s no better way that to start your day than in a saucy, post-shakshouka daze. Trust us. The Pine Kitchen can also provide a suitable morning perk with some great coffee, organic tea, rosewater-infused hot chocolate and milkshakes. While The Pine Kitchen isn’t licensed, patrons are welcome to BYO.

For opening hours and contact information, find The Pine Kitchen in the Stumble Guide.