With more restaurants per capita than anywhere else in the province, Kingston can lay a serious claim to being the Restaurant Capital of Ontario.
Sixty to eighty percent of the eateries, bistros, cafés and bars in this historic city are independently owned. Without exception, every one listed here supports local producers and their community by using fresh, organic, sustainable and seasonal ingredients whenever possible.
Here are just a few recommendations to guide your culinary adventure.
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In the mood for Mexican?
Finding the entrance to Baja Craft Kitchen (253A Ontario Street, Kingston) is a bit like hunting for Platform 9¾ in a Harry Potter movie, but worth the effort. It’s tucked away in a little alley off Ontario Street, but once you’re inside the restaurant, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a neighbourhood cantina.
Mexico’s cuisine provides a reason for coming together to socialize and share. Start your meal with a basket or two of Baja’s one-of-a-kind blue corn masa chips with good ol’ guacamole.
Tacos and tostadas are a Mexican staple, and guests are encouraged to order one, two, three or more. Some feature traditional fillings, while others like the Korean-inspired bulgogi taco have an international twist. Each item is delivered to your table when it’s ready, in no particular order, giving you ample time to relax, tune into the music, and enjoy a leisurely gathering with friends or family.
A rock star’s second act
Legend has it that Chez Piggy (68 Princess Street, Kingston) is where Kingston’s culinary revolution began when Zal Yanovsky, lead guitarist for the Lovin’ Spoonful, stopped touring and decided to return to his Canadian roots.
Unimpressed with the dining options available in the late ’70s, he and his second wife, Rose Richardson, restored a 19th-century stable. Then they called upon their network of internationally acclaimed chefs to help launch one of the city’s first fine-dining experiences.
The restaurant’s menu is eclectic, reflecting the influence of Zal’s collaborators, which means there’s something for everyone, no matter your preference.
Choose from mouthwatering dishes such as ahi dragon noodle salad, cioppino (an Italian-American fish stew), the Enright Cattle Co. burger or Do Ewe Believe in Magic?—a rack of lamb, cooked to perfection when I tried it, that pays tribute to Chez Piggy’s founder.
Terrific tapas
Tapas are meant for sharing and, in my mind, Tango Nuevo (331 King Street East, Kingston) is communal dining at its finest. This restaurant exudes old world charm and is the ideal setting for an intimate dinner for two or a group celebrating a special occasion. From kitchen to table, the service is impeccable. Small plates providing a wide variety of options from seafood to vegetarian are served at a pace that encourages conversation and connection. If you start your meal with a customized charcuterie board, be sure to include a bacon-wrapped date for everyone in your party. At four dollars apiece they may seem a bit pricey, but they are worth every penny.
Looking for something more casual?
Have a late-night craving? Breaking bread together takes on a whole new meaning when you bite into a crispy pizza at Atomica (71 Brock Street, Kingston). Tangy flavours, stone-baked crusts, gluten-free options and an extensive plant-based menu ensure everyone can enjoy classic comfort food. Be sure to check out Atomica’s creative cocktails, wine and beer specials during extended happy hours—Sunday through Thursday 3pm to 6pm, Sunday through Wednesday 8pm to close, Thursday to Saturday 9pm to close. And know that not only are you welcome, but so are your furry friends.
Learn more about restaurants in Kingston
If I’ve whetted your appetite and you’d like to dive deeper into Kingston’s history and food culture scene, why not take a leisurely stroll through downtown with Kingston Food Tours? Their midmorning Signature Tour and afternoon Tapas Tour are led by local guides who are passionate about food and their home city. During your two- to three-hour tour with Jessica or Heather, you’ll sample a diverse array of tasty treats. They’ll take you behind the scenes, where you’ll hear the inspiring stories of the owners and staff, who collaborate rather than compete to make Kingston a vibrant, inclusive culinary destination—bar none!
Bon appetit!
If you go to Kingston
Kingston, Ontario, is about 200km southwest of Ottawa. You can drive it in about two hours, or get there by bus or train.
The one-hour Kingston Trolley Tour is a fun way to get your bearings in the city, while learning a lot about Kingston’s history. And if fun on the water is your thing, find out how Kingston has embraced its Lake Ontario location.
If you’re looking for more things to see and do in Kingston, check out the Ottawa Road Trips big guide to Kingston.
Why not make it a weekend? Kingston is packed with international brand hotels, unique boutique properties and vacation rentals. Use the map below to find accommodations for your next stay. Disclosure: If you book accommodations using the map, Ottawa Road Trips will receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting this site!
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Ottawa Road Trips is based on the unceded, unsurrendered territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg Nation. We are grateful to have the opportunity to be present on this land. Ottawa Road Trips supports Water First, a non-profit organization that helps address water challenges in Indigenous communities in Canada through education, training and meaningful collaboration.
