Updated August 2024
Yes, we all know that downtown Kingston has quite a 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
Open: Thu–Fri (11:30 am–8 pm), Sat–Wed (5–8 pm)
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 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, 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, you’ll absolutely love your dining experience.
Must-try: Steak & frites (Enright Cattle Co. picanha steak, chimichurri, frites, and beef tallow butter)
Bella Bistro
4050 Bath Road
Open: Tues–Thu (4–9 pm), Fri–Sat (11:30 am–9 pm)
A friendly, casual neighbourhood bistro known for its pizza, pasta, and panini, 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 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 (smoked chicken, pesto, sun-dried tomato tapenade, feta, parmesan, oyster mushrooms, and red onion)
Bread + Butter Bakery
1530 Bath Road
Open: Wed–Fri (8 am–5 pm), Sat (8 am–4 pm), Sun (8 am–3 pm)
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 for Kingston families just like her mother did for her – to much acclaim and fanfare.
From a smorgasbord of sinfully delicious, legendary sweets to savoury options like mac and cheese, pizza, and sandwiches, 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.
Toast + Jam
1530 Bath Road
Open: Wed–Sun (8 am–3 pm)
Wendy Whitall of Bread & Butter fame is the creative force behind Toast & Jam. 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 restaurants. Customers rave about Toast & Jam’s extensive offerings. Excellent service and friendly vibes mean you’ll be coming back for seconds.
Must-try: Chorizo breakfast sandwich (Seed to Sausage chorizo served on a toasted Bread & Butter potato bun with caramelized onion aioli, fresh tomato, lettuce, a fried egg, and a slice of Wilton cheddar. Served with your choice of daily soup, house greens, or roasted potatoes)
Mesa Fresca
1347 Gardiners Road, Unit 2
Open: Tues–Sat (11:30 am–9 pm), Sun (noon-7 pm)
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 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 before 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.
Must-try: Coconut shrimp for an appetizer and the ranchero burger for a main (6oz grilled local patty, smoked bacon, jack cheese, shredded lettuce, tomato, red onion, house pickles, jalapeno, 1000 Islands dressing, and a choice of side)
Smoke ‘N’ Barrel
627 Fortune Crescent
Open: Daily (11 am–11 pm)
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 lunch break! 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 (pickle-brined fried chicken, lettuce, tomato, and sweet creamy dill sauce on a toasted pretzel bun) with banana pudding for dessert.
