With more restaurants per capita than almost anywhere in Canada, Kingston likely has a few gems you haven’t heard about. Here are eight of the best-kept secret restaurants, including a west-end Italian joint and a downtown roti shop.
2815 Princess Street
Keep going west on Princess Street until you hit the cluster of solid strip-mall restaurants near Bayridge Drive. You’ll eventually come across this small, clean-lined bistro that’s been plating some of the tastiest chicken parmesans, caesar salads, and pasta in the city since 2012.
They also have panini sandwiches, thin-crust pizzas, and plenty of gluten-free options. The wine list is short but good, mainly filled with Italian reds and whites but a few vintages from Niagara and Prince Edward County. You’ll likely leave with leftovers, but if not, think about picking up a take-and-bake pasta on your way out.
Must try: Meat Lasagna
Hours of operation: Mon.–Sat. (11:30 am–8 pm)
2 Princess Street
This hidden gem has the biggest waterfront patio in downtown Kingston. At Wharf and Feather, you’ll have a truly unique and thoroughly satisfying dining experience, indulging in their pub-style dishes. Their incredible, locally sourced cuisine and beautiful waterfront view will check every box on the list.
Must try: Pier Fish & Chips (Mackinnon beer-battered haddock, tartar sauce, french fries, and red cabbage slaw)
Hours of operation: Tues.–Thur. (7–10:45 am, 4–9 pm), Fri. (7–11 am, 4–9 pm), Sat. (7–11 am, 3–9 pm), Sun.–Mon. (7–11 am)
203 Wellington Street
If you haven’t eaten here before you are missing out! This Trinidadian restaurant is one of a kind, offering fresh roti, curries, and wraps. Sally’s Roti Shop is a family-run business, and the owners are involved in the community. They have seating inside their restaurant but it’s also a great spot to grab takeout. Everyone needs to know about this unique Kingston culinary destination!
Must try: Doubles are by far the most popular among the Kingston community. It is curried chickpeas between soft dough patties. Another must-try is chicken and goat curry. Vegetarian? No problem, try the Eggplant + Spinach curry.
Hours of operation: Mon.–Sat. (11 am–7 pm)
264 Princess Street
This is probably one of the best-kept secret restaurants in Kingston! PodoNamu is an authentic Korean restaurant that serves dishes packed with flavour. This little hole in the wall is easy to walk past, but once you go you will be hooked, and it will immediately become one of your favorite restaurants to attend.
This small, charming restaurant serves big portions of comfort food for a great price! Giving authentic Korean restaurants in Toronto a run for their money, loyal customers will tell you they have the BEST fried chicken!
Must try: There are so many things worthy of this list but the most popular are the Kimchi Jeon, Pork Bone soup, Fried Chicken, and the stone bowl Bibimbap. Take the risk and explore the menu, you will not be disappointed!
Hours of operation: Tues.–Sat. (noon–8:30 pm)
30 Montreal Street
This hole-in-the-wall Thai and Cambodian restaurant has its own army of supporters who return week in and week out. Chances are you’ll join their ranks after trying the pad Thai, curry shrimp with coconut milk, spicy hot chicken with peanuts and lemongrass, or big and beautiful spring rolls. There are only about 20 items on the menu, but that won’t make your choice any easier. Your best bet is to just close your eyes and point; you can’t go wrong.
Must try: Asian Style Chicken with Red Curry, Basil, Peanut, and Coconut Rice
Hours of operations: Tues.–Sat. (11:30 am–2 pm, 4:30–9 pm)
83 Aberfoyle Road
Fran’s has been around for over 40 years, and while Fran herself is no longer at the helm, the fish and chips at this shop near Sir John A and John Counter Boulevard are still to die for. Choose BC halibut, New Zealand cod or east coast haddock, then watch as the most gorgeous golden hand-battered filets arrive with fresh, hand-cut chips, and homemade tartar sauce. Scallops, shrimp, and calamari round out the seafood menu, though you can find burgers, sandwiches, poutines, and other deep-fried goodies here as well.
Must try: Famous Fish & Chips or Fran’s Jumbo Club (Roast turkey, ham, Quebec bacon, cheddar cheese, shredded lettuce, tomato, and mayo on three slices of fresh bread served with fresh hand cut chips)
Hours of operation: Mon.–Fri. (11 am–7 pm), Sat. (noon–7 pm)
286 Princess Street
What do you mean this is a best-kept secret? Miss Bao has done extremely well for themselves over the last few years. However, not enough people know about this game-changing place! Miss Bao has built her restaurant based on sustainability. Their zero-waste mission of reducing, repurposing, reusing, and recycling brings something unique to the Kingston food scene. This is the place to go have a drink and share some food with friends. The cocktail menu itself is diverse and imaginative. The food menu isn’t too far off the creative train as well! Offering a range of Asian flavors, Miss Bao is vegan, gluten, nut, and shellfish friendly, and the bao buns are out of this world.
Must try: Try everything! Their most popular items are Karaage Fried Chicken and the Bao Sampler.
Hours of operation: Thur.–Sat (5–11 pm), Sun. (5–10 pm)
213 Montreal Street
Nestled away in Kingston’s Inner Harbour neighbourhood is one of the most mouth-watering places to get a pizza. Although they are a small-capacity restaurant, Pizza Monster churns out wood-fired pizzas that will blow your mind such as its Vegan Margherita or Buffalo Chicken. Everything is made in-house, and they offer indoor dining, pick-up, and take-away from their window located at the side of the building. This is one edgy pizzeria you do not want to miss.
Must try: the Margherita or the Caicio e Pepe
Hours of operation: Wed.–Thur. (4–8 pm), Fri.–Sat. (4–9 pm)
