The location really does maketh the restaurant.

Melbourne couple Bryan Milligan and Leanora Romensky spent close to 18 months planning their concept of a restaurant focussed on sustainability, local culture and good old fashioned hospitality, but knew it was going to be down to the location to make things work.

After travelling up and down the east coast of Australia for six months, they came across a location at the Kingston Foreshore, formerly C Dine Bar, and knew it was the one.

"We wrote a checklist of what we needed to make this concept work, so that we can then go further and duplicate over time. And you've gotta be careful what you wish for - this place just ticked all the boxes," said Milligan.

"So here we are. We moved from Melbourne just to make this happen."

Opening on August 14, Circular will be a cafe by day, restaurant by night. The food is modern Australian, with a focus on quality meats and sustainable produce which is organic where possible.

While they're new to the area themselves, Milligan and Romensky have worked closely with their five Canberra chefs to use as much local produce, both on the plate and behind the bar.

The fit out has been stripped back from its predecessor, and is split into a casual drinks area, and more formal dining area, as well as the large outside space.

Ageing meats are on display in one corner, and scattered throughout the venue are garden beds with everything from herbs to edible flowers and strawberries.

"Don't be surprised if the chef pops over from the kitchen and grabs some more basil from next to you," said Milligan.

Circula will be open for lunch and dinner every day, with breakfast also available on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

There are plans for wine and beer dinners, jazz nights or even a book club.

The couple hasn't opened their first Canberra restaurant yet but already has plans for their second, with their eyes on the Gungahlin area.

Circula, 17/19 Eastlake Parade, Kingston Foreshore.