Located in the heart of Ontario’s Thousand Islands region, Kingston is one of Canada’s top culinary destinations.
What sets it apart? Its direct access to fresh produce from nearby farms and its concentration of restaurants, making it one of the cities in Canada with the highest number of restaurants per capita.
Surrounded by farmland, the town boasts local, seasonal cuisine all year round, a true paradise forfarm-to-table enthusiasts.
And this concept isn’t just a slogan here, it’s at the heart of Kingston’s unique culinary culture.
With its public markets, numerous microbreweries and restaurants showcasing local producers, the city is a true foodie destination.
During a long weekend, you’ll uncover hidden gems around every corner while enjoying the many activities it has to offer.
Feast On: Celebrating Local Cuisine
One of the main reasons for my visit to Kingston was to experience the Feast On The Farm event, organized by the Culinary Tourism Alliance, which took place at the end of September.
This annual event celebrates Ontario’s diverse culinary regions. During my visit, the Kingston area and southeastern Ontario were in the spotlight, with six Feast On®-certified chefs.
Feast On is first and foremost a certification, managed by the Culinary Tourism Alliance, that requires restaurants and producers to use a minimum of 25% of food and 25% of beverages from Ontario farms and businesses.
At the event, five of the six participating chefs were from Kingston, confirming the city’s gastronomic dynamism.
Chefs Rahul Bhatt of AquaTerra, William Arnaud of Otter Creek Kitchen and Food Truck, Sawyer Flemming of Toast & Jam, Zach and Luhana of Littlejohn Farm, Shane Whalen of Atomica Kitchen and Black Dog Tavern presented their delicious dishes accompanied by local beers, wines and ciders in a magnificent setting at Mackinnon Brothers Brewing Company.
A Diverse and Vibrant Local Culinary Scene
Another good example of this local culinary approach is Collective Joy Urban Farm, an innovative urban farm in the heart of Kingston.
“It was during the pandemic that I saw the need to have more fresh produce accessible to communities,” owner Tammara Maher explained during our visit.
Opened in 2023, this small indoor farm specializing in the production of organic microgreens distributes its produce to local restaurants and also offers fresh salads and juices made with local ingredients.
Local Markets: At the Heart of the Community
Local markets also reflect Kingston’s culinary dynamism.
The Kingston Public Market, Ontario’s oldest public market, is a must-visit. For over 200 years, it has brought together local producers and artisans on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from April to November, at the foot of City Hall.
You’ll find everything from artisan jams from Henderson Farms to products from Generations Apiary, which sells unpasteurized wildflower honey, and even a cactus and succulent stand at Limestones Succulents, where I bought the most adorable cat-shaped pot with a cactus inside.
Another market not to be missed is the Memorial Centre Farmers’ Market where all products come from within 100 km of Kingston, further strengthening the close connection to the land. You’ll also find Tammara Maher from Collective Urban Joy Farm there, hosting a booth every Sunday.
Discover the Culinary Scene on a Food Tour
To better understand Kingston’s culinary soul, there’s nothing like a food tour.
These tours allow you to sample a variety of local dishes while discovering the city’s history and architecture.
During my stay, I was lucky enough to take part in Kingston Food Tour’s Tapas Tour that took us to five different establishments.
Generous in quantity, the tour allowed us to sample signature dishes from the chosen restaurants, all accompanied by cocktails and beers.
We were able to discover some well-guarded gems, such as the restaurant and terrace of the Frontenac Club hotel, located in the First Bank of Montreal building.
Another stop was Dianne’s, known for its margaritas, tacos and chowder (Dianne’s mother’s recipe); Olivea, a restaurant featuring homemade Italian dishes; Black Dog and its excellent poutine with duck confit and Brie cheese; and Mio Gelato’s gelatos.
Kingston and Its Microbreweries: A Local Beer Scene to Discover
Kingston shines not only for its local cuisine, but also for its many microbreweries, which showcase the region’s artisan know-how.
Whether you’re a fan of lager, sour, brown ale or IPA, you’ll find a variety of local beers to enjoy in Kingston.
- Fine Balance Brewing Co.: Located just outside downtown, this brewery is known for its IPAs and seasonal creations featuring carefully selected ingredients. Their flagship beer, Oats and Cream, is a must for fans of creamy, light beers.
- Daft Brewing: With a taproom set up in a former garage, this brewery specializes in sour beers and offers a lovely patio. The mural alone is worth the visit!
- Skeleton Park Brewery: This brewery takes its name from a former cemetery for the poor, now transformed into a park. Here you’ll find beers with a strong character, like their English Ale, brewed using traditional methods.
- Kingston Brewing Company: One of the oldest pubs in Ontario, opened in …1986!
Where to Eat in Kingston
Many restaurants in Kingston follow this farm to table philosophy, using local and seasonal ingredients wherever possible.
In addition to the addresses we visited during the Food Tour or those featured at Feast On, we were lucky enough to discover these addresses:
Everly: This restaurant offers a seasonal menu, where everything is homemade, from the bread to the sauces and even some of the cheeses. The atmosphere is friendly and the dishes are tasty.
Chez Piggy: An iconic restaurant housed in a renovated former cowshed, with a terrace second to none in Europe. Opened in 1979, it was one of the first to establish Kingston as a culinary destination. Its eclectic menu is inspired by world cuisines, while showcasing local producers.
Pan Chancho Bakery & Café: From the same team as Piggy’s, this bakery-café is perfect for stocking up for a picnic or packed lunch.
Tea at the Secret Garden Inn: The Secret Garden Inn is one of Kingston’s 6 historic bed-and-breakfasts and a true tribute to Victorian heritage. It serves afternoon tea with sandwiches, scones, pastries and petits fours served on tiered trays handmade by local artisans.
Northside Espresso + Kitchen: This charming restaurant, with its dog-friendly terrace, serves excellent brunches.
Between Meals: What to Do in Kingston?
There’s much more to Kingston than its culinary scene. As you explore the city, you’ll discover many historic monuments, fascinating museums and charming boutiques. For a break between meals, here are a few suggestions:
- Murney Tower: One of Kingston’s Martello Towers, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that traces the city’s military history.
- Kingston Penitentiary: This historic prison closed its doors in 2013 and is now open to visitors.
- Thousand Islands Cruise: Enjoy a cruise to discover the natural beauty of this unique region.
- Shop along Brock Street and discover charming stores offering everything from fine foods to olive oils and local delights.
Why not take advantage of the local producers and go apple picking (in season) at the Waddell Apples Orchard and Farm, just a 20-minute drive from Kingston.
Depending on the season, picking berries or pumpkins is also an option.
Nearby, you can also enjoy a picnic at Kingston Mills, the site of the first mill built on the Rideau Canal.
How to Get to Kingston and Where to Stay
Kingston is easily accessible from Montreal, with a 3-hour drive.
If you prefer to travel by train, VIA Rail also offers direct routes, making it a comfortable option for those wishing to avoid driving.
When it comes to accommodation, Kingston’s waterfront downtown is ideal for enjoying the city on foot.
The Holiday Inn Waterfront and the Delta Hotel offer breathtaking views of Lake Ontario, with easy access to major attractions.
For a more historic experience, Kingston is also full of charming inns, such as The Secret Garden Inn which combine modern comfort with heritage architecture.
The costs of this trip were covered by Visit Kingston, but the opinions expressed in this article are those of the author.
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Marie-Noël Ouimet is a writer and content creator specializing in gastronomy, wine, and travel. She is the founder of the digital magazine Urbaine City, where for over 10 years she has been highlighting the pleasures of the table and the destinations that bring them to life. She also holds the WSET Level 3 certification in wines and spirits.