The rumour is true. Canberrans are having a mad, passionate affair with the latest eatery to open in Kingston.

You can’t miss Me & Mrs Jones. It graces the corner of Giles and Kennedy Street with pretty flower boxes of colourful geraniums and signage reminiscent of the 1920s when the building initially opened. It has a thing going on and Kingston is all the better for the relationship.

Some generations will automatically get the connection with the number-one single Me & Mrs Jones, originally recorded by Billy Paul in 1972, which you’ll hear every so often when dining. And, if you do, you’ll smile at one side of the massive clock in the middle of the main dining area, sourced from a railway station from Czechoslovakia. It’s one of the many talking points of the stunning fitout, which is as warm and intriguing as the intrigue between the two lovers.

So far I’ve been for breakfast and lunch. Not a taste of disappointment.

Some serious thought has gone into creating dishes that aren’t run-of-the-mill and you can see how the team in the kitchen is determined to make your taste buds dance. Head chef Daniel McConnell, although only in his early 20s, has some serious experience under his belt, including at Sydney’s famous, multiple award winning and multiple hat wearing Quay Restaurant, where he worked with Peter Gilmore.

With summer just around the corner, breakfast options like the frozen yoghurt parfait are pretty cool, served with fresh stone fruit salad and a crunchy pistachio crumble ($15). I met friends when I first walked in the massive fire engine red front door with its elegant, glimmering brass plaques, who reported this dish and the vegetarian Tortilla were both delicious.

I settled on the tortilla, although tussled with whether to order the gluten free, vegetarian Smashing Persian—avo, Persian feta, soy linseed toast and poached egg ($16), or the white bean cassoulet, with speck lardons (housemade) and baked eggs ($19). The tortilla hit the spot, including the roasted corn, black beans and guacamole that made the dish bright and colourful. It was generously stuffed with scrambled eggs and went down exceptionally well with my creamy cappuccino.

Bread is sourced locally, from Bread Nerds—‘that bagel place’ operating out of Hume—and Bean and Grain at Fyshwick Markets, with interesting organic white sourdough, soy and linseed, rye sourdough and apricot fruit sourdough all available. Lovers of traditional brioche will be ecstatic, including with the local jam and preserves.

Me & Mrs Jones has made a concerted effort to offer a wide range of dishes that can be made into gluten free and dairy free versions. Vegetarians dishes have been well thought out.

Before moving to lunch let’s explore the fitout. Every inch tells a story. The private dining room, which seats up to 30 and faces Kennedy Street, is very special indeed. The original brick is exposed with a large zigzag crack on one wall and bits and pieces of old newspaper articles in other areas. On one side is a long, comfy, leather bench seat and on the other massive windows that can be thrown open with additional seating. You have your own waiting staff assigned while dining in this gorgeous little nook.

Other parts of the original architecture have been lovingly restored, including the glamorous windows and their pullies (look way up). Out front, the strapping under the awning has been replicated. Indeed, everything is meticulously sourced or made.

The wooden flooring is from an old farm in Queensland, pressed metal tiles from Bathurst, and some tables created from recycled Australian blackbutt and tallowwood. The old metal lights, sourced from Europe, make a real statement and have all been rewired to Australian standards. The ladies and gents toilets feature caged lighting from an old mine in Czechoslovakia. Even the electrical outlets—yes the electrical outlets—take you back in time. It’s all adds up to a wonderful, nostalgic feeling.

I’ve been for lunch a couple of times now and adore the variety of the menu. So far I haven’t ventured into the burger zone but have been told by two foodie friends that the classic beef and vegetarian (chickpea and pistachio patty) are soul satisfying.

The gluten free calamari is a nice twist on an old classic, with its chilli and lime dust—super tasty and fresh at the same time with its bed of glass noodles, fresh herbs, pea sprouts, shallots and yummy nam jim ($19). My next fav is the pappardelle ($27). The braised rabbit goes so well with the salty baby capers and olives and you can’t go wrong with a rich tomato concasse.

The health conscious will give a big thumb’s up to the quinoa tabouli salad, served with broad bean and pistachio falafels and bright beetroot pesto ($18). And the pulled lamb shoulder salad ($21) is very much ‘on trend’ with the ‘pulled’ referring to how easily this moist and tender meat is shredded. The pomegranate is pretty on the dish and the dukkah a testimony to the tastes of the Middle East.

The atmosphere at Me & Mrs Jones is relaxed to the core and the Bentwood chairs (I love the bright butter yellow ones) are comfy. The big communal table is impressive and it’s nice to see mums and bubs enjoying a cuppa in the afternoon, happily chatting away around a big round table.

Check out the pastries, all made lovingly onsite, including sweet little macaroons. A broader range of desserts are on offer, all beautifully presented. The light and refreshing strawberry meringue is destined to become a star in the hot summer months and the bitter chocolate tarte a big hit with those who love truly decadent sweets.

Me & Mrs Jones has outdoor dining on Kennedy Street, with tables and chairs nestled behind a sweet red picket fence. Try it. You’ll like the relationship.

Me and Mrs Jones, open seven days breakfast, lunch, dinner. Giles and Kennedy Streets, Kingston. 6162 3355. Open 7 days. Like them on Facebook or visit them at  www.mmjones.com.au