A Foodie’s Guide to Spring in Prince Edward County: Countylicious & More
If you’re a foodie looking for an unforgettable culinary escape, spring is the perfect time to visit Prince Edward County. As the region awakens from winter, its farm-to-table restaurants, wineries, and charming towns offer the perfect backdrop for a delicious getaway.
At the heart of it all is Countylicious (March 27th – April 13th), a celebration of local flavours where top restaurants serve up prix-fixe menus featuring the best of the season.
Countylicious: A Must-Try Culinary Experience
Each participating restaurant offers a special menu highlighting fresh, locally sourced ingredients, allowing you to savour the creativity of The County’s chefs. Whether you’re returning to a favourite spot or finally trying that restaurant you’ve had on your list, Countylicious is the perfect excuse to indulge. Pair your meal with a local wine or craft cider for the full PEC experience.
Here’s the delicious list: 26 Participating Restaurants
The Beau Bistro Your Neighbourhood Bistro offers upscale comfort food in a welcoming atmosphere, serving thoughtfully prepared dishes with a focus on quality ingredients
Amelia's Garden The Waring House, celebrating 30 years, showcases refined country cuisine using local food and beverage products whenever possible. Both The Barley Room Pub and Amelia’s Garden Dining Room provide a relaxed, historic setting, reflecting the excellence of rural hospitality. The Waring House is also FeastOn Certified by the Culinary Tourism Alliance.
Beacon Bike+Brew is a vibrant, open space dedicated to fare meant for sharing. Partnering with local producers year-round, it highlights the bounty of Prince Edward County through food and drink. With a quick-serve and takeaway program, it’s an ideal stop for coffee and a bite to eat while exploring Picton Main Street.
Jackson's Falls Country Inn This charming country inn, located in the heart of Milford, focuses on creating dishes inspired by the favourites of its loyal customers.
555 Brewing Co This craft beer and wood-fired pizza destination, located in the heart of Picton, offers a casual and inviting space for great food and drinks.
Waupoos Estates Winery This restaurant celebrates the region’s freshest ingredients, with vegetables and herbs grown on-site and proteins such as cattle, pork, lamb, poultry, and game birds sourced directly from the estate farm.
The Royal Hotel is Rooted in Prince Edward County, this restaurant values the joy of gathering with friends and family over delicious food. With a strong connection to its own family farm, the menu offers an Italian-inspired interpretation of seasonal dishes crafted from locally grown ingredients.
Brasserie Alexandria at Merrill House This intimate wine cellar restaurant specializes in expertly executed French cuisine. Recognized with a Wine Spectator Award for the past five years, it showcases a carefully curated selection of fine French wines and premium Prince Edward County vintages.
Bocado is a warm and energetic dining space that explores local ingredients with a Spanish influence. Designed for sharing, it offers an inviting atmosphere for an aperitif, a casual evening, or a special occasion.
Onesta, located in Picton’s historic Stevenson Building, offers a rotating menu of seasonal Italian-inspired dishes. With an intimate 22-seat dining space, it specializes in fresh pasta and a curated selection of low-intervention Italian wines.
Vic Social This upscale diner, featuring a nostalgic 80s/90s theme, offers a lively daytime dining experience with patios, arcade games, and outdoor activities. In the evenings, it transforms into a cozy lounge with a dance floor, karaoke on Fridays, and a DJ playing classic dance tunes every Saturday starting in May.
Darlings, This rustic eatery offers scenic pastoral views, house-made pasta, crunchy pizza, and a selection of natural wines.
Hank's Lonesome Picton’s oldest honky tonk serves up live music, handcrafted cocktails, tavern fare, and signature pan pizza in a lively setting.
Drake Devonshire This farm-to-table restaurant, inspired by its lakeside location, blends coastal influences with playful takes on classic hotel dishes, celebrating the bounty of Prince Edward County.
The Grange of Prince Edward Set in a stunning 200-year-old barn, this winery restaurant offers sweeping vineyard views and a cozy dining space beside a 30-foot fieldstone fireplace. Its food philosophy focuses on pairing estate wines with comforting, classic dishes.
Flame and Smith, A sustainability-focused restaurant specializing in cooking over an open fire, brings bold flavours and innovative techniques to the table.
The Knoll Restaurant, perched on the edge of Westlake, offers breathtaking views of the Dunes. With the recent addition of Chef Amir Ahmadi, the menu has been elevated through inspiration from global cuisines and locally sourced County ingredients. Guests can enjoy a magical sunset while experiencing his culinary artistry.
Bloomfield Public House Located in a historic 1940s bank in Bloomfield, this restaurant is dedicated to seasonal and locally inspired cuisine, offering an ever-changing weekly menu.
Gather at Wander the Resort embraces the nostalgia of fireside gatherings, fostering community and connection through food. Located lakeside, it blends indoor and outdoor dining seamlessly. Executive Chef Justin Daniel Tse crafts a balanced, seasonally inspired menu that highlights Prince Edward County’s local ingredients.
Parsons Brewing connects beer to the County’s agricultural heritage with a menu that reflects a diverse cultural background. Latin American flavours are blended with beer-loving classics, offering a unique dining experience. The chef works closely with local farmers and producers to source the freshest ingredients available whenever possible.
Quaich & Banter, located in Prince Edward County, blends Scottish warmth with modern Canadian flavours. Focusing on locally sourced ingredients, it offers comforting yet refined dishes alongside a carefully curated whisky selection, creating an inviting dining experience.
The Blue Sail Seafood Market & Restaurant This seafood-focused restaurant sources the highest-quality fresh seafood straight from its on-site seafood market, bringing the best of the ocean to the table.
Theia This homestyle eatery specializes in thoughtful, familiar dishes crafted with care, designed to bring comfort and satisfaction to every meal.
Creekside Cafe Set in a picturesque location, this restaurant delivers delicious food and warm hospitality in an inviting and beautifully designed setting.
Hartley’s, situated in downtown Picton, offers a creative and carefully curated menu of food and wine. With knowledgeable and professional staff, it provides a casual yet elegant dining experience.
Stella's Eatery, a farm-to-table restaurant in Waupoos, highlights local and seasonal ingredients while celebrating regional foodways. Encouraging a shared dining experience, its menu showcases fresh flavours and the abundance of Prince Edward County.
View all participating Countylicious partners on this interactive map.
Exclusive Stay Packages for Countylicious
Select participating lodgings are offering exclusive stay packages during Countylicious. Promotions include off-season rates, complimentary bonus inclusions, discounts on multi-night stays, dining vouchers, and more. Extend your visit and make the most of this delicious season in The County. Book Now!
More Reasons to Visit Prince Edward County in Spring
While Countylicious is a highlight of the season, there’s plenty more to see and do in The County in spring. Here are a few ways to round out your visit:
1. Tour the Wineries Without the Crowds
Spring offers the perfect chance to enjoy Prince Edward County’s world-class wineries before the summer rush. Sip on cool-climate Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs while chatting with winemakers in a relaxed setting. Many wineries also offer food pairings or special tastings this time of year.
2. Shop the blocks
Take time to browse the boutique shops of Picton, Bloomfield and Wellington, where local makers showcase handcrafted goods, stylish finds, and unique treasures.
3. Explore the Arts & Culture Scene
Prince Edward County is known for its thriving arts community, and spring is a great time to browse galleries and artisan studios. The PEC Arts Trail is a great place to start.
4. Take a Scenic Hike or Beach Walk
Spring is a beautiful time to explore the natural side of The County. Wander the trails at Macaulay Mountain Conservation Area, take in the views at Lake on the Mountain, or enjoy a peaceful walk along the dunes at Sandbanks Provincial Park before beach season kicks into high gear.
5. Sip on Craft Beers & Ciders
If you’re more of a beer or cider fan, PEC has plenty to offer. Many of the region’s breweries and cider houses roll out new releases in the spring, making it a great time to stop by favourites like Matron Fine Beer or The County Cider Company.
Ready to plan your visit? Start by booking a table at a Countylicious restaurant and make the most of your trip!