Yes, we all know that downtown Kingston has quite the plethora of incredible food options – and while the spotlight sometimes shines a little brighter on them, if you’re willing to venture beyond the confines of downtown, you’ll discover a world of talented chefs and incredible food waiting for you in the city’s west end. Below are some of our favourites!
Days on Front
730 Front Road
Owned by Matt Day (son of local Kingston chef Clark Day), Days on Front is an exquisite addition to the city’s west-end dining scene. Serving up contemporary Canadian cuisine reflective of a simplified, yet refined approach to taste, Days on Front proudly uses locally sourced ingredients from the likes of St. Albert Cheese Factory, Sweet Days Bake Shop, Freedom Farm and many others.
Chef Jay Legere has been dazzling foodies for years, having cooked in Kingston’s best restaurants including Le Caveau, Le Chien Noir and AquaTerra – and strives to maintain Days’ menu with the most interesting and intriguing seasonal ingredients. Known for his consistency and uncomplicated yet intense flavours, Legere’s talent ensures you’ll absolutely love your dining experience.
Must-try
Arctic char (gluten-free) made with beet risotto, spinach and leek purée, citrus beurre blanc, and mango and pea shoot salad. Pair it with 2020 Plan B! Wines Dry Riesling from Western Australia.
Image from Bella Bistro’s Facebook Page
Bella Bistro
4050 Bath Road
A friendly, casual neighbourhood bistro known for their pizza, pastas and paninis, Bella Bistro is another west end gem and local favourite. With a deep commitment to serving local food, owners and chefs Paul Muller and Kevin Lapeer work directly with local farmers and suppliers to source naturally-raised, hormone- and antibiotic-free beef, pork and lamb. They bake their own bread and make their own (delicious) pizza dough, while their arsenal of sauces, dressings, and desserts are (of course) homemade.
With an impressive selection of local craft beers, Ontario (and international) wines, and creative, original specials offered each night –Bella Bistro promises good food that’s good for you.
Must-try
California pizza with smoked chicken, pesto, sun dried tomato tapenade, feta, parmesan, oyster mushrooms and red onion.
Bread + Butter Bakery
1530 Bath Road
Seen by many as the best bakery in Kingston, Bread & Butter has been a local favourite since 1998 when its concept and establishment began. Since then, owner and founder Wendy Whitall has been whipping up home-cooked meals and baked goods to Kingston families just like her mother did for her – to much acclaim and fanfare.
From a smorgasbord of sinfully delicious, legendary sweets including cakes, pies, scones, squares and pastries – to a mouth-watering assortment of savoury options that include mac and cheese, pizza, sandwiches, quiche, bagels, salads, and roasted veggies – Bread + Butter is the go-to spot for unparalleled quality, flavour, and selection in the west end.
Must-try
Butter tarts, vegan apple pie, croissant pecan sticky buns, squares, sourdough loaf… you know what? Just try everything.
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Toast + Jam
1530 Bath Road
Wendy Whitall of Bread & Butter fame is the creative force behind the newest addition to our list – the already super popular Toast & Jam – located beside her bakery on Bath Road. The restaurant itself is beautiful – modern and cozy, featuring couches and a fireplace. They’re open for breakfast and lunch daily (with all-day breakfast available on weekends). You can also join an online real-time waitlist and be notified exactly when your table is ready.
Everything at Toast & Jam is made from scratch – they don’t serve any prepared products whatsoever (besides the Heinz ketchup, as per several customer requests) – an impressive feat in the hectic world of restauranting. Customers rave about Toast & Jam’s extensive offerings, from house-smoked beef brisket and meatloaf featuring brew from Stone City Ales – to soup, salads and pizzas. Excellent service and friendly vibes mean you’ll be coming back for seconds.
Must-try
Apple caramel French toast (baked French toast topped with warm cinnamon apples, toasted pecans, and caramel and your choice of smoked bacon or apple sage sausage). Hint – add Chantilly cream for $2!
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Mesa Fresca
1347 Gardiners Road, Unit 2
Mesca Fresca proudly proclaims itself as an “authentically inauthentic fresh table” serving Mexican fusion cuisine. This locally owned and operated restaurant offers a unique menu of Latin- and Mexican-inspired dishes – as well as some twists on classics. Dive into some homemade masa flour tortilla tacos, empanadas, hand-rolled flautas, and more.
The atmosphere here is casual, fun, and fully accessible. Mesa Fresca works with the finest local suppliers to provide you with the freshest meals and beverages. Anyone with dietary restrictions or plant-based preferences is welcome here – just let your server know of any food allergies or preferences prior to ordering.
You certainly can’t go wrong with their salsa, sauces, and guacamole made fresh in-house daily. Their bar selection also highlights local craft beers, signature margaritas, and delicious wines. Check out their Instagram for deals such as Taco Tuesdays, Burger Wednesdays, and Weekend Features.
Must-try
Coconut shrimp for an appetizer and the Coco Loco Burger for a main (6oz grilled local beef patty, fried coconut shrimp, jalapeno pineapple aioli, jack cheese, pickled red onions, and shredded lettuce on a brioche bun).
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Smoke ‘N’ Barrel
627 Fortune Crescent
Smoke ‘N’ Barrel is a newer addition to the Kingston food scene, but customers have made it clear that this just might be the best barbecue north of the border. The founder of Smoke ‘N Barrel spent 2019 travelling the seven BBQ regions of the Southern U.S. to discover the meat, wood, smoke, seasoning, spices, and culture that make up the best barbecue.
The menu offers shareables like cornbread cheese biscuits and smoked peach salad. You can choose from a family-style BBQ or a plate with a variety of meat options like smoked Alabama chicken, Texas dry-rub ribs, and Texas-style brisket. They have several sides to hit every craving such as beer-battered fries, creamy slaw, and their wildly popular mac ‘n’ cheese.
Smoke ‘N’ Barrel is also a great place to spend your west-end lunchbreak! With their “express lunch menu,” your food is guaranteed to be at your table in 15 minutes. If you’re looking for some lighter options, they offer sandwiches, wraps, and tacos.
Must-try
Southern Fried Chicken Sammy (pickled-brined fried chicken, lettuce, tomato, and sweet creamy dill sauce on a toasted pretzel bun) with banana pudding for dessert.
This article was updated March 2022 to reflect changes in menus and venues, using previous content by another writer.
