Fresh Finds: Newly Opened Spots to Explore in South Eastern Ontario
It all seems brand new at this time of year. The calendar has flipped revealing 365 days to make this year your own. Start with discovering some new places to feel refreshed, nosh, grab a drink and stay in South Eastern Ontario. Read on for some insight into newly opened spots in SEO - soon to be your local go-tos!
Fresh finds in the Bay of Quinte
1. Moonlight on the Bay
Luxury boutique villas in Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory featuring incredible sunsets overlooking the water, cozy outdoor fires, deep soaker tubs, private dock - quiet moments of pause and connection. Sounds pretty good, right? Moonlight on the Bay specializes in slow living at their spa-like villas for couples or solo travellers. Artisan finishing touches. We hear they even have a discounted winter rate in place right now!
2. The Kafana
You have to try the perogies. It’s a must. The Kafana is a slice of Eastern European bistro and cafe atmosphere in Belleville! Curating joy and community, The Kafana is serving up Mediterranean food and European fare, with a special nod to Ukrainian perogies. Cozy, welcoming and something to tempt your taste buds. Sounds like the perfect January dinner spot!
3. Bay of Quinte Experiences
Bay of Quinte Experiences are immersive and meaningful ways to really connect with the stories of people and places in the Bay of Quinte. No matter if it’s holding a frame of bees or arranging a mason jar bouquet of flowers in the field, participants always leave with something unique to take away. Seven experiences are available that launched in the last two years with more to come in 2025.
Brunch is served! This old-school diner on the border of Quinte West and PEC expertly mixes nostalgia with delicious food. From classic BLTs to fluffy pancakes to a kid-approved menu, Josh’s Diner is where it’s at for your favourite breakfast staples. And yes, it’s fully licensed! Locally roasted coffee, smashed burgers, classic bacon and eggs, milkshakes and more. Be sure to check out the vinyl room adorned with a record-covered wall.
Discover what's new in L&A County
This is the spot for a superb daily pick-me-up! Whether you’re craving lattes, flat whites, cappuccinos, iced teas, espresso or more, Humble Coffee House in Napanee makes it honest. Look here for good, ethical coffee with a side of local art and lovely community vibes.
Hot spots to explore in Prince Edward County
6. Wander The Spa
The first lakefront Nordic Spa in Ontario is set to open this month! The 10,000 square foot Nordic spa is nestled below ground level in Prince Edward County. It features a thermal escape with a cycle of sauna, steam, pools and cold plunge completed with sauna rituals and treatments to elevate the experience. Wander the Spa is also on a private beach with communal fires and even boasts outdoor heated floors!
What's Fresh in Kingston?
7. The Cannery Kitchen & Social
Celebrating Canada’s vibrant history and roots on the East Coast, The Cannery Kitchen & Social opened its doors in Kingston last year and is already a staple on the scene featuring amazing fish and chips, as well as delicious apps, perfect risotto, butter chicken and hearty steaks. Look here for a fun happy hour from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday with deals on appetizers and drinks! This special spot is located in the DoubleTree by Hilton Kingston, which also opened in 2024 after revitalization. In addition to spacious rooms and suites, look here for an indoor pool, restaurant and bar, as well as a fitness centre.
Celebrate diverse flavours with Chef Paulson at Mercury Bar and Lounge on Brock Street in Kingston. The menu fuses western culinary traditions with Asian influences and the result is a journey that pushes boundaries and ignites passion in the plate.
If you can dream up a burger, Burger 347 in Kingston is likely making it. We can’t stop thinking about The Not-Cho Cheeseburger, The Smokeshow and The Jam Session to name a few. This locally-owned resto uses ingredients sourced from suppliers right in their backyard, expanding that to include lots of local brews on tap and in cans, as well as cocktails at the ready. It’s about to become your next go-to.
10. Lazy Daisies
Nothing is mundane here! Check out the colourful Lazy Daisies for thoughtfully curated home and lifestyle accessories on Princess Street in Kingston that will be instant conversation starters in your house. From prints and vases to hats and sunnies, and from candles to stationary Lazy Daisies is the perfect browser on a Sunday afternoon.
New kids on the block in 1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways
11. Revolve Farms
Incredible spot with cozy B&B in a romantic, original log home. The icing on the cake? There’s a Cordon Bleu trained chef here offering a local food experience in a gorgeous kitchen and dining space. Look for creative workshops here, too, on the 100-acre heritage farm property in Lombardy.
Small batch craft brewery with big community vibes! Kemptville Brewing Company is brand spanking new - just opening its doors a few weeks ago, but it’s already the talk of the town with an inviting taproom and kitchen, retail store and events host. See a mural inside with a few special nods to Kemptville culture while sipping and savouring brews like the newly-released Rideau Fog.
New gems in Brockville
13. Brockville Tourism Visitor Centre
New last summer, Brockville now has a brand new Tourism Visitor Information Centre at 16 Market St. E. in the city. Stop by to learn more about Brockville, a city with a rich history, stunning parks and trails, waterfront activities and family fun. Look also for a recent re-brand of Brockville Tourism with a new logo and visuals reflecting the charm and one-of-a-kind activities that make this vibrant city shine.
14. Nature’s Elements Wellness
Find peace, energy and wellness at this truly special spot near Mallorytown. Nature’s Elements Wellness offers yoga, meditation, a thermal spa experience, guided forest walks, workshops and much more, all melding mindfulness with the healing power of nature. Your journey of self-discovery and wellness begins here.
New and Noteworthy in SDG Counties
15. Butte & Bine Farm Cafe
This will be your new local fav! Butte & Bine is preparing to open this year, as a cozy countryside cafe located directly on a family farm. We’re looking forward to farm-to-table sourdough loaves, buttery croissants, warm espresso, local produce and intimate spaces for your friends and family to enjoy. Rural at its best!
16. Tan’s Fusion Morrisburg
This new Thai restaurant is a local hot spot brought to you from the owners of the Nakhon Thai in Brockville and Kemptville! Stop by for delicious cuisine including signature stir-fry dishes, crispy spring roll apps, and much more. Don’t forget to check out the Unwind and Socialize nights every Friday and Saturday evening, with specialty drinks and cocktails paired with unique off-the-menu items.
Exciting additions in Cornwall
This new spot in Cornwall is perfect for enjoying great food with friends. Soak in the local vibe and discover both classic toppings and unique flavours and friendly staff. The owners here are dedicated to serving delicious pizzas with halal ingredients so everyone can enjoy a slice!
18. Spice Haven Tandoori Grill
Spice up your day! Enjoy the essence of Indian street food mixed with rich flavours of traditional cuisine. Discover the authentic tastes of Tandoori delicacies and Chaat street food that will leave you wanting more!
19. Vibza Caribbean Bar & Grill
Vibrant flavours of the Caribbean, authentic dishes alive with spices, tropical ingredients and an inviting island atmosphere turns dining with Vibza Caribbean Bar & Grill into an experience! New to the Cornwall scene, it’s earned a loyal following already for bringing the warm Caribbean to your plate.
20. The Dev Hotel & Conference Centre
This reimagined space has a long history in Cornwall - but its story is far from over. The Dev Hotel & Conference Centre is reopening as a hotel and meeting space, a comfortable retreat on 75 acres overlooking the St. Lawrence River. With a pool, conference areas, a theatre, double gymnasium, two restaurants, board rooms, lounges, free parking and many more amenities, The Dev Centre provides a space for conferences, special events and sports training like no other. An all-in-one destination for business or leisure!
Keep an eye on…
20. Haymakers Coffee Co.
Haymakers Coffee Co. is newly open in Gananoque! Yes, you read that correctly. This Wolfe Island staple is now under new ownership and roasting in Gananoque - just not currently operating with a storefront. Purchasing online and picking up from the roastery is available! Get your fix and watch for more update from the new owners as we flow further into 2025.
Located in downtown Belleville Memorial Marketplace is known as un-square retail space for lifestyle. This historic building is being restored with a new vision. Benji’s Coffee Bar and Cracked Glass Design are already operating there and we hear there are more businesses coming up this year!
22. Mike’s Pizza and More
A little birdie told us that this little slice of pizza heaven in Bath is also opening up a new spot in Sydenham this spring! Stay tuned to their socials for more info and plan a trip because anytime is the right time for pizza from Mike’s!
With so many new places to try, which will you gravitate towards first in South Eastern Ontario?