The first morning I stepped out into Kingston’s crisp air, I felt a subtle thrill. The limestone buildings glimmered softly in the early light, and the scent of fresh bread and coffee drifted from cafés along Princess Street. I had planned this trip entirely around food. My hotel, booked through Hotels.ca, placed me at the heart of downtown, so I could easily walk between my stops. Friends flying in from other cities had coordinated flights via AirCanada.com and Expedia.ca, and we planned to share as many meals as possible.
My strategy was simple: research, book ahead, and embrace the unexpected. I used OpenTable extensively to secure tables at busy restaurants, and checked websites for pre-orders of pastries and specialty items. Weekday visits often came with hidden deals, and off-peak dining rewarded me with quieter, more intimate experiences.
1. Chez Piggy
Address: 68R Princess Street, Kingston, ON
Walking into Chez Piggy was like stepping into a warm embrace. The exposed brick walls, soft lighting, and eclectic décor gave the restaurant a cozy yet sophisticated atmosphere. I was immediately drawn to the aromas of roasted garlic and fresh herbs, and the hum of conversation made it feel alive without being overwhelming.
Signature Dishes
- Duck Confit: Tender, rich, perfectly paired with roasted seasonal vegetables.
- Twice-Baked Goat Cheese Soufflé: Light, creamy, with a delicate crust and a hint of nutmeg.
Booking ahead via OpenTable is essential, especially for weekend dinners. Calling in advance to note a special occasion sometimes led to complimentary extras, such as amuse-bouches or dessert suggestions from the chef.
2. Wooden Heads Gourmet Pizza
Address: 353 King Street West, Kingston, ON
For casual dining with a gourmet twist, Wooden Heads is unforgettable. I tried the Truffle Mushroom Pizza, and the earthy aroma of truffles blended perfectly with creamy mozzarella. The thin, crisp crust added a satisfying crunch, and each bite felt indulgent without being heavy.
Insider Tips
- Arrive before peak hours or reserve via OpenTable for weekend evenings.
- Pair pizzas with a local craft beer; I discovered a Maple Amber Ale that harmonized beautifully with the flavors.
3. Pan Chancho Bakery & Café
Address: 49 Princess Street, Kingston, ON
Mornings in Kingston felt incomplete without stopping at Pan Chancho Bakery. The smell of fresh bread and pastries greeted me each day, and the café’s warm, rustic ambiance made it easy to linger over coffee.
Must-Try Items
- Pain Au Chocolat: Buttery, flaky, and decadently chocolate-filled.
- Sourdough Loaf: Crispy crust with a chewy interior, perfect for a hotel breakfast or picnic.
Pre-ordering specialty items online through Pan Chancho’s website guaranteed I didn’t miss out on limited pastries, and pairing them with a café latte on-site made each morning a small celebration.
4. The Grizzly Grill
Address: 223 Ontario Street, Kingston, ON
On my fourth culinary stop, I found myself at The Grizzly Grill, a spot that feels both lively and comforting. The scent of grilled meats and fresh herbs hit me the moment I walked in. I ordered the Grizzly Burger, and the first bite was an explosion of flavor—juicy beef, smoked cheddar, caramelized onions, and a soft toasted brioche bun that held everything together perfectly.
Insider Tips
- Weekday specials often include discounted appetizers or combo meals.
- Request a window seat along Ontario Street to watch passersby while enjoying your meal.
- Booking via OpenTable is recommended for weekend lunches or dinner.
I paired my burger with a local craft IPA, recommended by the bartender. The subtle bitterness of the beer enhanced the rich, smoky flavors of the burger, and I found myself savoring each bite slowly, soaking in the atmosphere of the bustling dining room.
5. Harper’s Burger Bar
Address: 281 Ontario Street, Kingston, ON
Just a few blocks away, Harper’s Burger Bar offered a completely different vibe. The focus here is locally sourced ingredients and inventive combinations. I tried the Bacon & Blue Burger, which featured crispy bacon, tangy blue cheese, and a perfectly balanced brioche bun. Their hand-cut fries, seasoned with rosemary and sea salt, complemented the burger beautifully.
Booking Tips and Tricks
- OpenTable reservations help avoid waits during peak hours.
- Visiting mid-week often allows for quieter seating and occasional chef’s specials.
I loved that the staff were willing to describe each seasonal special in detail, giving me insight into local ingredients and techniques. It made the experience feel personal and educational, not just a meal.
6. Harper’s Fish & Chips
Address: 2 Princess Street, Kingston, ON
Seafood in Kingston has a charm of its own, and Harper’s Fish & Chips delivered crispy, golden perfection. I opted for cod, and the light, flaky fish paired with house-made tartar sauce was heavenly. Their batter was crisp without being greasy, and the hand-cut fries were perfectly salted.
Insider Tips
- Portions are generous, so consider sharing if you’re exploring multiple restaurants in one day.
- Pair your fish with a local beer; the pairing elevated the simple dish into something extraordinary.
- Pre-ordering for pickup or checking their daily specials online can save you both time and money.
I spent a long afternoon here, savoring the meal while watching boats drift along the Kingston waterfront. The combination of great food and the serene lake view made it one of my most memorable stops.
7. AquaTerra
Address: 2 Johnson Street, Kingston, ON
For a more upscale experience, AquaTerra offered a refined and sensory dining experience. I sat at a lakeside table and watched the sun set over Lake Ontario as the first courses arrived.
Signature Dishes
- Seared Scallops with Corn Purée: Sweet, tender scallops balanced with the natural sweetness of corn purée.
- Braised Lamb Shank in Red Wine: Rich, hearty, and tender, melting effortlessly in my mouth.
Booking Recommendations
- Reserve through OpenTable for waterfront seating.
- Visit mid-week for subtle menu specials or prix-fixe deals.
Dining at AquaTerra felt like a curated experience. Each plate was a balance of flavor, texture, and presentation, and the attentive service made it easy to linger, savoring each bite while watching the sky shift from orange to deep blue over the water.
8. Dianne’s Fish Shack & Smokehouse
Address: 72 Ontario Street, Kingston, ON
One evening, I made my way to Dianne’s Fish Shack & Smokehouse, drawn by its reputation for fresh seafood and lively atmosphere. The moment I entered, the aroma of smoked fish and rich spices enveloped me. I couldn’t resist ordering the Smoked Salmon Platter, served with a side of their signature garlic fries.
Signature Dishes
- Smoked Salmon Platter: Freshly smoked, tender, with a hint of sweetness from maple glazing.
- House-Smoked Brisket: Slow-cooked to perfection with a subtly smoky flavor that lingered delightfully.
Booking and Tips
- Reserve via OpenTable for weekend evenings, especially if you want a waterfront seat.
- Signing up for their newsletter occasionally provides promotional offers or early notifications for seasonal specials.
- Pair dishes with a local craft cider, which balanced the smoky flavors beautifully.
Dining here felt like being part of a community—friendly staff, bustling tables, and the smell of smoke from the open kitchen made it both comforting and vibrant. I lingered longer than expected, savoring every bite and chatting with locals who recommended hidden gems in Kingston.
9. Panini’s & Wraps at The Brass Pub
Address: 85 Brock Street, Kingston, ON
For something quick yet satisfying, I explored The Brass Pub for their gourmet paninis and wraps. I selected the Mediterranean Chicken Panini, stuffed with roasted vegetables, feta, and a tangy sun-dried tomato spread. The bread was toasted just enough to give a crisp texture while keeping the fillings warm and gooey.
Insider Tips
- Lunch hour can be busy; ordering ahead through their website or SkipTheDishes ensured I didn’t have to wait.
- Opt for weekday visits for more relaxed service and occasional combo deals.
The casual vibe and quick service made it perfect for a midday pit stop. I enjoyed my panini while walking along the waterfront, appreciating how Kingston’s culinary scene balances casual, fast options with high-quality ingredients.
10. Panini’s & Wraps – Sweet Endings at Le Chien Noir
Address: 218 Princess Street, Kingston, ON
No culinary journey is complete without dessert. I found Le Chien Noir, a cozy French-inspired café perfect for sweet treats. I indulged in a Salted Caramel Crème Brûlée and a Dark Chocolate Éclair. The custard was silky smooth, with a perfectly torched caramel layer that cracked satisfyingly with my spoon.
Booking and Tips
- Evening visits are ideal; weekdays are less crowded.
- Check LeChienNoir.ca for seasonal pastries and pre-order options, which sometimes include small discounts.
- Pair desserts with a locally roasted coffee or a sweet dessert wine for the ultimate indulgence.
Sitting there, enjoying the desserts and watching streetlights reflect off wet cobblestones, I felt fully immersed in Kingston’s food culture. It was the perfect conclusion to my culinary exploration.
Tips for Booking Restaurants, Flights, and Accommodation
Throughout my Kingston trip, I relied heavily on these platforms to streamline reservations and ensure the best deals:
- OpenTable: Essential for restaurant reservations, especially at popular spots like Chez Piggy and AquaTerra.
- AirCanada.com and WestJet.com: Reliable for booking domestic flights into Kingston or nearby airports.
- Expedia.ca and Hotels.ca: Great for bundling accommodations with flights, often unlocking discounts or free perks.
- SkipTheDishes or Uber Eats Canada: Useful for pre-ordering or takeout from local favorites like The Brass Pub or Pan Chancho Bakery.
Booking in advance, signing up for newsletters, and visiting mid-week whenever possible helped me save money while enjoying quieter, more intimate dining experiences. Seasonal specials, local craft pairings, and chef recommendations added extra layers of richness to my culinary journey.
