Where to eat in Kingston
Tango Neuvo | Tim Forbes, Visit Kingston
Set against a backdrop of grand limestone architecture and storied 19th-century streetscapes, this former capital blends history with contemporary cool, a vibe very much reflected in its dynamic culinary scene.
From restaurants housed in reclaimed heritage buildings to Ontario’s oldest brewpub, Kingston’s food culture gives nod to tradition while being driven by innovation. Creative chefs, a thriving local food movement, global influences and a trend towards sustainable practices make this walkable city a serious dining destination. The annual Kingstonlicious culinary event makes winter a tantalizing season to visit.
Whether you explore on your own or join Kingston Food Tours for a guided deep dive into its food, history and architecture, this list highlights some of the best places to eat in Kingston.
Breakfast and brunch
Toast & Jam Cafe
This cozy cafe is a go-to for classic feel-good family breakfast, brunch and lunch dishes. There may be a short wait on weekends, so save yourself a spot on the digital waitlist.
Location: 1530 Bath Road, Kingston
Pan Chancho Cafe
Part bakery, part pantry, part cafe, Pan Chancho is a Kingston institution for fresh-baked bread, pastries and breakfast fare on the full-service, licensed patio.
Location: 44 Princess Street, Kingston
Tommy’s
This 1950s-style retro diner offers a nostalgic brunch with a generous selection, from pancakes to full traditional breakfasts.
Location: 377 Princess Street, Kingston
The Caesar Company
A brunch spot with a twist! Enjoy over-the-top Bloody Caesars alongside a full breakfast menu. Caesars come topped with everything from pickled garnishes to full snack skewers. The menu is equally indulgent, making it ideal for weekend outings.
Location: 177 Princess Street, Kingston
Northside
From brunch and coffee to lunch and cocktails, this Australian-inspired cafe offers a bright, modern space and a menu focused on fresh, flavourful dishes.
Location: 198 Princess Street, Kingston
Lay Low Cafe
Trendy and always buzzing, Lay Low Cafe delivers creative brunch plates in a stylish, intimate ambiance.
Location: 241 Princess Street, Kingston
Upscale dining
AquaTerra
Located along the waterfront, AquaTerra offers a refined dining experience perfect for special occasions. The menu highlights seasonal ingredients and expertly prepared dishes in an elegant setting. Large windows offer views of Lake Ontario, enhancing the experience.
Location: 1 Johnson Street, Kingston
HEIST Restaurant + Wine Club
Combining upscale Italian cuisine with steakhouse elements, HEIST delivers a polished dining experience with a focus on bold flavours and a strong wine program. House-made pastas and expertly cooked steaks are menu highlights.
Location: 168 Wellington Street, Suite 101, Kingston
Days on Front
This long-standing favourite offers an elevated take on North American cuisine. The carefully crafted menu makes it a reliable choice for a refined night out. Seasonal tasting features and thoughtfully plated mains, like the lamb shank, stand out.
Location: 730 Front Road, Kingston
Mayla Concept
Comprising two restaurants, Le Jardin and Mayla, Mayla Concept brings a modern, design-forward approach to dining in Kingston. Mayla, on the first floor, is a tapas-forward lounge. Le Jardin, on the second floor, offers a globally inspired menu. Reservations are recommended due to limited seating.
Location: 343 King Street East, Kingston
Neighbourhood favourites
The Everly
The Everly pairs elevated comfort-driven dishes and a curated wine selection with a mid-century ambiance. The attached wine shop makes it easy to bring a bottle home.
Location: 171 Wellington Street, #102, Kingston
Chez Piggy
A long-standing Kingston institution, Chez Piggy is known for its eclectic menu and historic atmosphere. The building is a repurposed 19th-century livery stable with a charming outdoor patio space.
Location: 68 Princess Street, Kingston
Dianne’s
East Coast seafood and Mexican fare meet at this colourful and cozy downtown spot, where fresh ingredients and bold flavours take centre stage.
Location: 195 Ontario Street, Kingston
Red House
A warm, brick-walled space with exposed wooden beams offers a welcoming tavern-style atmosphere and a menu of hearty, crowd-pleasing pub favourites.
Location: 369 King Street East, Kingston
Asian-inspired eateries
Pat’s Restaurant
A long-running favourite, Pat’s serves authentic Cambodian and Thai-style dishes, including soups, noodles, rice and curries and several vegetarian options.
Location: 455 Princess Street, Kingston
Hakka Himalaya
Blending Nepalese, Tibetan and Hakka influences, these flavourful dishes stand out in the local dining scene. The momos, spicy dough-wrapped seasonal meat and vegetables, are a must-try, served steamed or fried.
Location: 120 Princess Street, Kingston
Sima Sushi
This well-reviewed Japanese restaurant offers a wide selection of sushi, sashimi, rolls and cooked dishes in a relaxed setting. Rolls and combo platters are popular for both dine-in and takeout.
Location: 66 Princess Street, Kingston
Miss Bao
From bao buns to creative Asian-inspired street food, Miss Bao’s menu is not only fun and flavourful, but it’s also rooted in sustainability with a goal of zero-waste operation.
Location: 286 Princess Street, Kingston
Global cuisine
Shawarma Damascus
Enjoy generous portions of authentic, flavourful Syrian and Lebanese dishes, with shawarma being the menu specialty.
Location: 101 Dalton Avenue, B8, Kingston
Sally’s Roti Shop
The go-to for authentic Trinidadian cuisine, Sally’s offers rotis, curries, wraps and delicious doubles—curried chickpeas between soft dough patties—packed with bold, satisfying Caribbean flavours.
Location: 203 Wellington Street, Kingston
Mesa Fresca
With a fusion approach to Latin and Mexican fare, Mesa Fresca offers a fresh, modern take on classic dishes. Tacos and margaritas are go-to orders.
Location: 1347 Gardiners Road, Kingston
Atomica Kitchen / Cocktails
The globally inspired menu at Atomica offers everything from pasta to bao to piri-piri dishes. A stylish interior and curated cocktail list round out the experience.
Location: 71 Brock Street, Kingston
Rosa’s Fresh Pasta
Enjoy fresh, simple and simply delicious handcrafted pasta and sauces, from classic tomato and rosé to creamy Alfredo or pesto, at this cheerful Italian pasta bar.
Location: 170 Princess Street, Unit 100, Kingston
Tango Nuevo
Specializing in flavour fusion tapas and fine wine, Tango Nuevo offers a wide range of globally inspired, small plates perfect for sharing.
Follow Tango Nuevo on Facebook for menu specials.
Location: 331 King Street East, Kingston
Casual dining
Harper’s Burger Bar
Treat yourself to a juicy burger made from sustainably raised local beef and seared to perfection, paired with an old-fashioned hand-spun milkshake.
Location: 93 Princess Street, Kingston
Wooden Heads
Famous for signature gourmet, wood-fired pizzas, creative toppings and a lively atmosphere, Wooden Heads is a staple in Kingston’s dining scene.
Location: 192 Ontario Street, Kingston
Juniper Cafe
A local favourite, this waterfront licensed cafe serves soups, sandwiches and salads made with fresh, wholesome ingredients—perfect for a light lunch.
Location: 370 King Street West, Kingston
Desserts and sweet treats
Mac’s Chocolate & Bakeshop
You may find it difficult to choose from this indulgent and irresistible selection of doughnuts, pastries, cakes, pies and bean-to-bar chocolates.
Location: 2792 Princess Street, Kingston
Mio Gelato
This beloved gelato shop, serving a range of tried-and-true classics as well as new and rotating flavours, is especially popular during the warmer months.
Location: 178 Ontario Street, Kingston
Cocoa Bistro
Famous for handcrafted artisanal chocolates, Cocoa Bistro specializes in beautifully made truffles, barks and bars that make for the perfect treat or gift.
Location: 840 Development Drive, Kingston
White Mountain Ice Cream
Indulge in small-batch, traditional handcrafted ice cream in a variety of classic and creative flavours.
Location: 176 Ontario Street, Kingston
Late-night spots
Kingston Brewing Company
Ontario’s oldest brewpub keeps the vibe old-school with classic pub fare alongside house-made beers and rotating taps. It’s a lively, dependable choice in the heart of downtown.
Location: 34 Clarence Street, Kingston
Musiikki Cafe
A unique blend of live music venue, whisky bar and cafe, Musiikki offers an eclectic late-night experience in an intimate setting.
Location: 73 Brock Street, Kingston
The Bank Gastrobar at Frontenac Club
While not strictly late-night, this refined cocktail lounge is a great place to wind down the evening with expertly crafted drinks, small bites and live music on select evenings. Once a Bank of Montreal branch, the historic setting adds to the ambiance.
Location: 225 King Street East, Kingston
The Toucan
Famously, where The Tragically Hip first performed, this lively, long-standing Irish bar continues to pour pints, serve pub classics and support local live music.
Location: 76 Princess Street, Kingston
From casual brunch cafes and historic pubs to refined waterfront dining and globally inspired kitchens, Kingston’s diverse and evolving food scene is a welcome culinary oasis for food lovers.
Last updated: April 18, 2026