A Canberra dining institution on Kingston’s Kennedy Street has closed, reports CityNews dining reviewer WENDY JOHNSON.

Portia’s Place, which opened on Kennedy Street, Kingston, on October  8, 1996, has cleared out the furniture and locked the door.

Portia’s was a well-loved restaurant famous for Cantonese-style Chinese cuisine. The menu showcased around 50 main dishes, including some of the best crispy duck pancakes in the capital.

Original owner Portia Young became well known for her political clientele, built over many years before she sold the restaurant around 2011. The current owners are closing for a combination of family priorities and landlord-related issues, including the need to have the roof repaired at one point over a 10-week period.

Portia’s closing creates a big gap in old Kingston’s dining offering. The staff at Portia’s were fabulous and it’s sad to have to say goodbye.

Portia’s Place is not the only restaurant on Kennedy Street shutting its doors in today’s highly competitive and tough hospitality market.

Multiple award-winning Onzieme is scheduled to have its last day of service on May 30. Owner-chef Louis Couttoupes has reportedly said he had no choice but to close the venue after five years due to the challenges of finding and keeping qualified staff.

On other Kingston news, Eve by Queenies has just opened on Giles Street, around the corner from sister restaurant Queenies, with the talented chef Adrianne Davos at the helm in the kitchen. Owner Pamela Howarth says Eve will be open lunch and dinner Wednesdays to Saturdays.

Tintino, a playful wine bar-bottle shop on Kennedy Street, is soon to celebrate its first anniversary. Co-owners Ben Florance and Adam Brown have set up a lovely outdoor area and continue to implement their vision with determination.