Kingston is a city full of fresh, diverse flavour. Local ingredients are the cornerstone of many an unforgettable dish here and many of our chefs and restauranteurs have the Kingston Public Market to thank.
The Kingston Public Market is the oldest Farmers’ Market in Ontario and has been providing local food and a sense of community to the people of Kingston since 1801.
Kingston is surrounded by an abundance of rural land giving our makers easy access to farmers and producers for year-round ingredients.
Visit the Markets to find everything you need to concoct your own feasts or visit any one of our incredible restaurants and eateries, cafés, bars and brewpubs for an unforgettable Kingston culinary experience. During the summer, make sure you don’t miss out on a Canadian staple—the patio—we have plenty so you’ll be sure to find a table.
Local Food Served Here
AquaTerra/The Vu Lounge
Located on Kingston’s renowned harbourfront, AquaTerra is located within the 4 star Delta Hotels by Marriot. Chef Brent McAllister and his team use fresh and locally sourced ingredients to create the most interesting, yet uncomplicated dishes. After dinner, enjoy a cocktail next door at the Vu.
Contact Aquaterra.
Chien Noir
A classic French restaurant with a modern twist, Chien Noir is located steps from Market Square. In an upbeat, comfortable atmosphere, with courtyard terrace, you can enjoy French classics and Farm to Table comfort foods prepared with fresh, local ingredients.
Contact Chien Noir.
Dianne’s Fish Shack & Smokehouse
Where an East Coast Kitchen meets the flavours of Baja Mexico, Dianne’s Fish Shack & Smokehouse menu features lobster rolls, fish n’ chips, and oysters along with tacos, guacamole and Mexican BBQ. Enjoy one of the city’s best fresh-squeezed lime margaritas while you enjoy Kingston’s harbourfront.
Contact Dianne’s Fish Shack & Smokehouse.
Atomica
Atomica serves up Italian food and contemporary cocktails. Gourmet pizzas & pasta are all prepared using fresh and local ingredients. Located next to Market Square, relax on the sunny street-side patio with a cocktail from one of Kingston’s most creative drink menus.
Contact Atomica.
Harper’s Burger Bar
Kingston’s local kid-friendly burger joint. Harper’s Burger Bar features hand-crafted burgers using 100% local ‘Enright Cattle Co’ beef, plus natural chicken, turkey, lamb, veggie and wild salmon burgers.
Contact Harper’s Burger Bar.
The Kingston Public Market
Located in Kingston’s historic downtown, right behind City Hall, the Public Market is full of vendors selling the highest quality local produce, prepared foods, garden plants, flowers and handmade crafts. It’s a must-see stop on your tour of Kingston’s culinary scene. The Kingston Public Market is open April through November, 8:00am–6:00pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
So many Kingston restaurants are adopting the Farm to Table philosophy, using fresh, seasonal local ingredients to prepare thoughtfully crafted dishes.
We asked local Kingston chefs and restaurateurs to tell us how the concept of food literacy integrates with their menus.
Take a tour of the 10 weird and wonderful dishes available in Kingston.
There are over 100 eateries within a nine-block area of downtown. The only problem is, which one do you choose? We’ve asked Kingston chefs for their recommendations.
Plan Your Trip to Kingston
Make your stay even easier by knowing how to get to—and around—Kingston. Find interactive maps, public transit information, Visitor Information Centre, international travellers’ passport requirements and more. Start planning your stay.
