Allergy-friendly dining in Kingston

Whether you are gluten-free, dairy-sensitive, or allergic to nuts, Kingston is a place where you can find delicious yet allergy-friendly food. From farm-to-table to comfort foods, the city will leave your taste buds delighted. Here are the best of Kingston’s allergy-conscious restaurants for you to explore.  

Legend: 🥜 nut-free kitchen, 🌾 gluten-free options, 🧀 dairy-free options 

Mesa Fresca 🥜🌾🧀  

1347 Gardiners Road  

Kingston’s Mexican fusion restaurant, Mesa Fresca, has a plethora of gluten-free and dairy-free plates. From tacos to Mexican cake, all their dishes are made in a nut-free kitchen. Experience fresh and local ingredients with a Mexican twist – worry-free.   

Open: Tues.–Sat. (11:30 am–9 pm), Sun. (3–8 pm) 

Must try:  

• Ensalada de la casa (tender leaf greens, pickled red onion, red peppers, puffed hominy, and house cumin & cider vinaigrette)   

• Mexican dark chocolate cake (morita chocolate, coconut ganache, and coconut whip)   

The Silly Yak Gluten Free 🌾  

1365 Midland Avenue (Unit 130F)  

The Silly Yak is a fully gluten-free bakery. They offer freshly baked bread, treats, cheesecakes, cakes, and pies. Try a sandwich with homemade brown rice bread. Their frozen pizza shells, lasagna, and quiche are perfect for weeknight meals.   

Open: Tues.–Fri. (9 am–5 pm), Sat. (9 am–3 pm)   

Must try:  

• Yak stack sandwich (two-year-old cheddar with cucumber, tomato, onion, and romaine on fresh brown rice bread)   

• Cinnamon raisin bread   

• Chocolate raspberry cheesecake 

Baja Craft Kitchen 🥜🌾🧀  

253 Ontario Street (Suite A) 

Who doesn’t love a good taco? Find tacos and much more at Baja Craft Kitchen, a coastal-influenced tapas eatery. The restaurant has thoughtfully created gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, and vegan menus in a nut-free kitchen to ensure everyone can experience their good vibes and lively flavours.   

Open: Mon.–Wed. (11:30 am-10 pm), Thurs. (11:30 am-11 pm), Fri.–Sat. (11:30 am-midnight), Sun (4–9 pm) 

Must try:   

• Portobello mushroom tacos (grilled mushroom, avocado, salsa, pickled onion, cilantro, and flour tortilla) 

• Macha Lettuce Wraps (grilled chicken, salsa macha, pineapple pico, and bib lettuce) 

Tango Nuevo 🌾🧀  

331 King Street E  

Journey around the world while in Kingston by tasting Tango Nuevo’s international menu. Over half of their menu items are gluten-free and many of their dishes can be made gluten-free by request. As well, their dishes are inclusive to those looking for dairy-free options.   

Open: Sun.–Thurs. (11:30 am–11 pm), Fri.–Sat. (11:30 am–midnight)   

Must try:  

• Roasted brussel sprouts (feta, almond dukkah, pomegranate jelly, brown butter, and a white balsamic glaze) 

• Thai curry cod (Thai yellow curry, coconut cream, ginger, red chili, cilantro, and sticky rice)   

• Pork ribs (with ginger, soy, and a honey & anise glaze) 

Days on Front 🌾   

730 Front Road   

You will want to spend days savouring the cuisine at Days on Front! Their inclusive lunch and dinner menus feature dishes prepared with local and fresh ingredients. Try a sandwich on their lunch menu with a gluten-free bun or sample a fresh salad with seasonal produce.   

Open: Sat. (5–10 pm), Wed. (5–9 pm), Thurs.–Fri. (11:30 am–2 pm, 5–10 pm)   

Must try:  

• Beet salad (baby greens, beets, goat feta, pickled red onions, dried cranberries, pumpkin seeds, and a raspberry & peach vinaigrette)    

• Scallops (leek & brown butter purée, bacon jam, and pine nuts)   

HEIST Restaurant + Wine Club 🌾🧀  

101-168 Wellington Street 

Steal the moment and enjoy upscale Italian cuisine at HEIST. Their artisanal pizza, pasta, and seafood accommodate many dietary restrictions. With a modern yet cozy restaurant vibe that is as good as the food, you won’t want to leave.   

Open: Tues.–Thurs. (5–10 pm), Fri.–Sat. (5–11 pm), Sun. (4–9 pm)  

Must try:  

• Hunter’s Chicken (roasted half chicken, mushroom pan sauce, whipped potato, and charred cabbage) 

• Tenderloin or striploin (roasted lemon potatoes, seasonal vegetables, and a red wine jus) 

Miss Bāo Restaurant + Cocktail Bar 🌾🧀  

286 Princess Street 

Kingston’s nearly zero-waste restaurant serves many innovative plant-based and gluten-free Asian fusion plates. Combining quality fresh ingredients and traditional yet bold flavours, the team at Miss Bāo creates a unique dining experience for all foodies. Miss Bāo updates its menu seasonally, offering customers the freshest ingredients. 

Open: Thurs.–Sat. (5–11 pm), Sun. (5–10 pm)   

Must try:  

• Thai red curry (house-made Thai red curry paste, coconut milk, seasonal vegetables, legumes, and fresh herbs, served with rice)   

• Any bāo   

Atomica 🌾🧀  

71 Brock St  

Find plenty of dairy-free and plant-based options, stone-baked pizzas, and fresh pastas at Atomica. Their extensive pasta dishes can be gluten-free pasta, and their pizza offerings can be crafted with gluten-free crust and house-made plant-based cashew ‘mozzarella’.   

Open: Sun.–Thurs. (11:30 am–9 pm), Fri.–Sat. (11:30 am–10 pm)   

Must try:  

• Rigatoni primavera (charred scallion pesto ‘crema’, cherry tomatoes, green peas, roasted garlic, grilled lemon, and pea shoots)  

• Plant-based funghi pizza (pesto, cashew ‘mozzarella’, cremini, shiitake, portobello & oyster mushrooms, funghi ‘bacon’, triple seed ‘Romano’, and truffle oil)   

• Carne finta pizza (Bomba tomato, fennel tofu ‘sausage,’ roasted paprika chickpeas, red onion, chopped spinach, triple-seed ‘romano,’ and harissa-chive ‘sour cream’) 

When dining in Kingston, it is recommended to share your allergies with restaurant staff to ensure the safest dining experience. If you are searching for vegan and vegetarian options in Kingston, check out the best restaurants serving vegan or vegetarian food in Kingston part 1 and part 2.