Bucket List: 25 Restaurants You Need To Try If You Haven’t Already In Kingston
The food scene in Kingston has always been plentiful, but now they’re starting to get even more buzz for it. Listed below are just some of the city’s restaurants that stand out on local flavours and innovation.
1. The Grizzly Grill
Keeping it classy as always, The Grizzly Grill is an awesome place for an upscale dinner that won’t break your bank. Order from their vast menu of flavourful favourites including the Enright ribeye, which comes with juniper fries, double smoked bacon & parmesan brussel sprout skillet and a rosemary & horseradish aioli. Make it a late night with some games of pool and then hit the dancefloor once the music starts pumping.
2. Olivea
You will want to book a reservation in advance to save a table at this hot spot in Kingston. Serving up authentic Italian food including pastas, salads and fresh breads. Whether you want something ‘sea-foody’ like the Seafood Linguine (includes shrimp, mussels, clams, scallops and squid with spicy tomato, olive and caper sauce) or something else like Spaghetti aglio olio or Chicken al Mattone, you will be sure to find something that turns up your taste buds.
3. Harper’s Burger Bar
Known to Kingstonians as having the best burger in town, Harper’s Burger Bar will not disappoint! You won’t have a hard time finding something with several burger options including fish, chicken, vegan and vegetarian options, as well as a “build your own” option. We recommend trying their “Pig In The Orchard” burger, topped with swiss, apple slices, arugula, bacon jam and garlic-rosemary mayo.
4. Go Italian
A casual vibe with a fine dining palate. Go Italian, located on the west end of Kingston, offers a truly delicious Italian eating experience. Their signature dishes include chicken marsala, Primavera, cheese tortellini and seafood portofino. If you really enjoyed your meal, order a “take-and-bake” to bring home and share with your family (or eat it all yourself!).
5 . Dianne’s Fish Shack & Smokehouse
A hop, skip and a jump away from the St. Lawrence River, Dianne’s Fish Shack is all about serving up fresh seafood. Famous for their undeniably delicious fish tacos and fish cakes, Dianne’s will blow you out of the water when you try their seafood poutine (made with fries, coconut green curry, shrimp, haddock, calamari, mussels and queso fresco).
6. Toast & Jam
This top-pick for locals originated as a delightful bakery called Bread and Butter, and gained such a strong customer base that they opened up a brunch restaurant beside the bakery and named it Toast & Jam! This spot has a large, open rustic dining area that is filled with light and laughter from the regular customers. Order yourself a big breakfast such as “Jordan’s Breakfast” (includes 3 eggs, 2 slices of bacon, 1 apple sage sausage, peameal bacon, roasted tomatoes and a buttermilk biscuit), or dare to try a fresh Italian Pizza (includes tomato sauce, mozzarella, pancetta, fresh sliced tomatoes and olives and topped with fresh greens).
7. Woodenheads Gourmet Pizza
If you are a pizza lover, you may think you’ve tried it all. We can assure you, you haven’t tried it all until you have had a Woodenheads pizza. Located in downtown Kingston, Woodenheads uses unique ingredient pairings to create unforgettable pizzas.
8. Sima Sushi
Keep your eyes peeled as you walk down Princess Street in downtown Kingston for this beautiful little secret! This cozy little restaurant has become well known around town as the freshest sushi in YGK. Pick up a meal or sit in and watch as the talented chefs prepare your order in front of you. We recommend their spicy salmon roll and california rolls if you are looking for a life changing eating experience.
9. Sally’s Roti Shop
A vacation spot for your tastebuds! Sally’s Roti Shop is a super casual eatery where you can stuff your face with delicious Rotis. Expect traditional home-style cooking.
10. Bubba’s Poutine
It’s known as “The Best Damn Poutine in Kingston.” Ask anyone who has ever had a night out in Kingston and they will tell you how they ended up at Bubba’s at least once. They’re known for their poutine, it’s what they do and they do it oh so well. It’s the kind of poutine that doesn’t try too hard but still taste unreal. With two locations downtown, it’s the ultimate spot for both locals and visitor
11. Days On Front
Kingston is known and loved for its beautiful downtown limestone streets, awesome local eateries and bustling local businesses, but what is often forgotten is the treasures of the west end of the city. Days on Front noticed that void and decided to create a fine dining experience for all ages to enjoy. By shopping locally, owner Matthew Day provides fresh ingredients from local farms and businesses and brings them to your table in a beautiful and delicious entree.
12. Tango Nuevo
Food is for sharing right? Grab your best pals and head over to Tango Nuevo in the beautiful downtown Kingston for some meat, seafood and veggie tapas. With a large selection of delightful cocktails and on-tap brews, as well as a uniquely international atmosphere, you will be coming again to introduce all your friends and family to this stellar restaurant.
13. Pan Chancho
Owned and operated by the same founders of the beloved Chez Piggy, Pan Chancho is a lovely European-style bakery located just a block away from Kingston’s historic city hall and city square. Not only can you pop in to grab some freshly made breads, pastries, desserts and cured meats, but you can also venture to their beautiful patio garden for a lovely dine-in meal that you can be sure is fresh and delicious!
14. Coffee Way Donuts
Fresh, soft, and chewy doughnuts are the star of the show and are available all day every day! That’s right, they have warm fresh donuts available any time of the day.
15. Grecos
For any Greek food lover, we suggest coming here. The food is completely authentic and big on flavour. Your tastebuds will for sure enjoy Grecos. Now don’t start breaking plates while you’re dining here. ?
16. Amadeus Cafe
Unreal Austrian and German food prepared from scratch! We suggest you try the platter for two which includes a pork chop, Schnitzel, plus more favourites!
17. Chez Piggy
Know as Kingston’s favourite destination for food lovers, Chez Piggy is a staple! “The Pig,” has been part of Kingston since 1979 and has kept up with the food trends with its creative vibrant menu. We recommend Pichotta de Mediterraneo – brined and seared chicken with an olive-lemon tapenade, honey carrots, and harissa potatoes. Follow it up with a ginger sticky pudding with Calvados + orange toffee and apple dust for dessert.
18. Miss Bāo
If sustainability and keeping green is important to you, then you need to try Miss Bāo! Having built itself from the vision of becoming a waste-free business, they quickly achieved this and have expanded their menu to offer some delicious and eco-friendly options. Try out their Shoyu Glazed Tofu Bites, a delicious (and vegan) plate of sweet deep-fried goodness and pair it with their Szechuan Tofu Bao for the perfect pairing!
19. The Everly
If you have a passion for food you need to grab a meal from The Everly. They are a classical style restaurant with a menu that changes frequently based on seasonal ingredients and local availability. Check their website frequently for updated menu offerings to stay up-to-date on the feature of the month!
20. The Union
Modern meets fine dining at The Union in Kingston. They have a massive menu that offers classic options like buttermilk brined wings, as well as more ‘new-age’ options including ricotta gnocchi made with warm brown butter squash puree. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for updates on their featured entrees!
21. Mesa Fresca
The finest place in Kingston for fresh Latin and Mexican-inspired menu options with a fun atmosphere to boot! Mesa Fresca partners with local businesses to source their delectable ingredients, allowing them to offer up great dishes including their poblanos raja, which includes cumin lime chicken, chimichurri shrimp, poblano and red peppers, verde cream sauce and the ‘fixings’ – yum!
22. Smoke N Barrel
Where BBQ and whiskey go hand in hand. This is simple but anything but plain: barbecue by region of the USA. With delicious styles of BBQ, your mouth will start watering as soon as you get in the door at this Kingston restaurant. Try the summer cocktails here, too, and be sure to look for taste bud-tingling take out packages that would feed your whole family.
23. AquaTerra
Stellar water views paired with every meal! AquaTerra entices from plate to surroundings. Enjoy globally inspired dishes and an extensive local, regional, and international wine list here. The menu focuses on freshly prepared dishes made with locally-sourced ingredients whenever possible.
24. Mayla
This elegant, eclectic gourmet restaurant is an instant pick-me-up in downtown Kingston. Embracing the themes of Earth, Fire & Water, they present fusion gastronomy combining complex flavours and a variety of global styles. The menu here changes often and much of it is shared in person at your table. A true dining experience!
25. Pizza Monster
Nom nom nom! Pizza Monster is a small capacity, high-quality, neighbourhood pizzeria located in Kingston’s Inner Harbour. This is the real deal – the sky’s the limit on these pies. From marinara to pineapple and from salami to buffalo chicken, these are legit delish. Look here for gluten-free and vegan options, too!
Bonus: The Bank Gastrobar
The Bank at the Frontenac Club is an upscale lounge and gathering place for both accommodation guests and for neighbours who are keen on finding a comfortable, vibrant environment to unwind and socialize. Featuring hand-crafted cocktails, select whiskeys and unique wines, every patron will find an excuse to make extra trips to The Bank.