At first glance, the stretch of Highway 401 between Montreal and Toronto may not seem all that exciting. If you’ve traveled along this stretch of highway before, you know it well: the route cuts through farmland and forested areas, and by the time you’ve hit the halfway point of your trip, everyone in the car is hungry and eager for a distraction. It’s easy to pull off the highway for a quick bite at a chain restaurant, but interesting stories and delicious flavours are just around the corner … if you know where to look!
Today, we’re exploring a roughly 100-kilometre-long stretch of Highway 401 in South Eastern Ontario that is chockfull of hidden gems that are well worth the detour. We’re breaking down our itinerary by exit to help you find cool stops no matter where you’re headed. Keep reading or click to jump directly to your highway exit:
- Exit 522: Quinte West – Carrying Place
- Exit 525: Quinte West – Trenton
- Exit 543A: Belleville
- Exit 556: Shannonville & Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory
- Exit 611: Kingston – Cataraqui Westbrook (via Gardiners Road)
- Exit 615: Kingston – West Side (via Sir John A. Macdonald Blvd)
- Exit 617: Downtown Kingston (via Division Street)
Ready? Start the car!
Exit 522: Quinte West – Carrying Place
Located on the border between Quinte West and Prince Edward County, Carrying Place may serve as the gateway to The County, but it’s a destination too! Take Exit 522 and head south on County Road 40 for just a few minutes to reach two great culinary spots in this area.
Fawn Over Market
Where: 22186 Loyalist Pkwy, Carrying Place, ON K0K 1L0 (View map)
Fawn Over Market is an award-winning neighbourhood grocery store led by Chef Alexandra Feswick, formerly the Executive Chef of the Drake Hotel and Drake Devonshire. Chef Alexandra curates a wide range of local and specialty products, seasonal produce, provisions, prepared food, coffee, baked goods, frozen meals, unique gifts & handmade items. Throughout the market, you’ll find local goods like Cherry Bomb coffee (roasted in the County), County Bounty Sodas, wines from The Grange, Wilda mead drinks and so much more. Chef Alexandra also works with Afrim Pristine from Toronto’s Cheese Boutique to bring in gourmet cheese, dried pasta, and other high-quality ingredients to enjoy at home.
In the kitchen, you’ll find co-Executive Chef Marc Dufour whipping up pastas, focaccia, and the nightly family dinner specials. His incredible pizzas are available by the slice or as whole pies – order ahead to avoid missing out!
Josh’s Diner
Where: 2544 County Rd 64, Carrying Place, ON K0K 1L0 (View map)
Josh’s Diner offers the best of both worlds: an old-school diner with a new-school menu! You’ll find classic bacon and eggs and BLTs alongside blintzes (a traditionally Jewish dish of thin, crepe-like pancakes, soft cheese, and fruit), fried chicken & waffles, and Eggs Barrington (a twist on Eggs Benedict named after their garden gnome-like mascot). The decor is classic diner: checkerboard floors, bright retro colours, and vinyl records on the walls – see if your little ones can spot the unique silver record hidden among them.
From May to October, Josh and Barbara also operate The Real JERKebago, a go-to destination for authentic Jamaican flavour. Conveniently located next to Fawn Over Market, don’t miss their wood-smoked jerk chicken and delectable Jamaican beef patties.
Exit 525: Quinte West – Trenton
You may be familiar with Trenton as a Canadian Forces military base, but there’s lots more to see! Located on the Bay of Quinte, Trenton is the starting point for the Trent-Severn Waterway, which continues northwest to Port Severn on Georgian Bay, 386 kilometers away. Trenton is a great place to visit museums, watch boats, spot planes, play a round of golf, and of course, eat!
The Counter Restaurant
Where: 11 Front St, Trenton, ON K8V 4N3 (View map)
“Good food done right” – that’s the motto at The Counter, a recent addition to Trenton’s culinary scene. The Counter opened its doors in 2023 with a goal of creating classic lunch favourites with a gourmet twist.
Try the creamy soups with a side of fluffy, springy housemade focaccia, or the classic grilled cheese topped with bacon and a swipe of housemade red pepper jelly. The Reuben is topped with housemade sauerkraut, and … well, you get the idea! Local beers, non-alcoholic options, and chocolate milk from Reid’s Dairy round out the menu at this classic lunch spot.
The Grind and Vine
Where: 45 Front St, Quinte West, ON K8V 4N3 (View map)
Step into the Grind and Vine for a boost of energy – either from drinking a handcrafted coffee or from chatting with owner Taylor Russett, whose passion for coffee and entrepreneurship is palpable!
At The Grind and Vine, Russett has created a vibrant environment for people to work, catch up with friends, or simply enjoy a quiet moment between errands. The range of baked goods includes vegan and gluten-free options to cater to all tastes. Later in the day, stop by to enjoy a charcuterie platter and a glass of wine or a cocktail, like a Springtime Spritz or a classic Espresso Martini.
Tomasso’s Italian Grille
Where: 35 Front St, Trenton, ON K8V 4N3 (View map)
In December of 1970, the original Jim’s Pizzeria opened at 26 Front St. in Trenton. After five decades, a fire, and much iteration, the newest incarnation of Jim’s Pizzeria is Tomasso’s Italian Grille, a family-owned bar & grill focusing on classic Italian dishes and craveable comfort food.
Tomasso’s pastas are topped with house-made sauces, the pizza dough is made from scratch daily, and every dish features fresh, local ingredients that highlight the best of what the region has to offer. Don’t miss the tiramisu for dessert! Tomasso’s Italian Grille is Feast On® certified!
Exit 543A: Belleville
The city of Belleville is located on the Bay of Quinte’s north shore and it’s the perfect place to stop when traveling between Toronto and Montreal. Whether you pull off the highway for lunch or stay overnight to enjoy some of Belleville’s sights, there are tons of great dining options that range from bakeries and cafes to international restaurants with music and dancing.
Small Scale Bread
Where: 14 N Front St Unit C, Belleville, ON K8P 3A7 (View map)
Small Scale Bread is a bakery specializing in organic whole grain sourdough bread, pastries, and coffee. The sourdough loaves are mixed, proofed, shaped by hand, then baked to perfection on-site in the bakery’s open concept kitchen.
The flaky laminated pastries feature local ingredients: try the Everything Bagel Bun stuffed with cream cheese from Cross Wind Farm, or the danishes topped with fresh seasonal fruit. For lunch, try one of their focaccia sandwiches, or grab a slice of delicious pizza, which is available for lunch from Wednesday-Friday!
Tropical Blends Cafe
Where: 322 Pinnacle St, Belleville, ON K8N 3B4 (View map)
Tropical Blends Cafe is an oasis in the heart of Belleville, just around the corner from the waterfront. Owners Thom and PJ honed their business skills in the corporate coffee world before purchasing the store in 2024 with a goal of reinvigorating Tropical Blends, and they’ve succeeded in creating a space that feels fresh and relaxing.
The vegetarian menu features goods from local producers, including Sweets Bakery, Hale Coffee Roasters, and the Kingston Olive Oil Company. Grab your smoothie to go or pull up a chair and stay a while.
L’Auberge de France
Where: 304 Front St, Belleville, ON K8N 2Z8 (View map)
Looking for a taste of Paris in downtown Belleville? L’Auberge de France offers an authentic French culinary experience under the direction of Chef Jean-Marc Salvagno, who hails from Avignon, France. The bistro is open every day and features gourmet sandwiches, soups, and beautiful patisseries for dessert. Visitors can also shop from a selection of imported cheeses, charcuterie, wine, frozen gourmet meals, and more.
On Saturdays, the boulangerie turns out hundreds of butter croissants, pain au chocolat, almond croissants, and raisin rolls along with baguettes, loaves, and brioches. Make sure to arrive early as these treats tend to sell out quickly!
Meyers Creek Brewing Company
Where: 60 Dundas St E, Belleville, ON K8N 1B8 (View map)
Meyers Creek Brewing is a true labour of love: owners Gretta and Bill Barnwell and Rick Stinchcombe, who took over a dilapidated building and set out to convert it into their dream brewery, navigated many challenges along the road to opening up shop, including – but not limited to – a global pandemic. Pivoting quickly, they launched the brewery with curbside sales only, opening the taproom some time later when restrictions were relaxed.
Today, the Meyers Creek taproom is a bustling place where guests can enjoy warm hospitality alongside tasty cold drinks. They produce 16 beers in their small-but-mighty brewhouse; many of the beer names draw inspiration from Belleville’s history, like the Stoney Lonesome Extra IPA (the former name of the Hillcrest neighbourhood) or The Pier, a Bohemian Pilsner named after the pier on the waterfront just down the street from the brewery. The brewery has snacks available, including fresh popcorn that pairs perfectly with a beer or two.
The Kafana
Where: 199 Front St #101, Belleville, ON K8N 5H5 (View map)
A kafana is a type of cafe or tavern commonly found in Southeastern Europe. Kafanas are the social hub of their communities – a place where you’re likely to run into friends and end up staying a while, snacking on small bites and soaking up the lively vibes.
Owners Corinne and Myroslava and the team at The Kafana have successfully recreated this atmosphere in Belleville. The menu is best enjoyed family-style – you’ll find lots of small plates that are designed to share, like flavourful perogies or bashniki, a crispy triangle of phyllo stuffed with Bulgarian feta. For a taste of Eastern European hospitality, don’t miss the Balkan Folk Dance Nights, where you can learn the steps and join in on the fun.
BayLeaf Authentic Indian Cuisine
Where: 182 Front St, Belleville, ON K8N 2Y7 (View map)
BayLeaf Authentic Indian Cuisine opened in early 2024, but this recent addition to Belleville’s main strip has quickly become a neighbourhood favourite. On the menu, you’ll find modern twists on classic Indian dishes, all prepared with authentic spices and fresh local ingredients. With lots of vegetarian options as well as a range of mild and spicy dishes, there’s a dish to please every palate.
Alongside the diverse menu, BayLeaf also offers a range of handcrafted cocktails, local beer, and international wines. There’s lots of seating available for groups of all sizes and everyone is sure to leave with full stomachs and smiling faces!
Capers
Where: 272 Front St, Belleville, ON K8N 2Z8 (View map)
Capers has been a go-to restaurant in the heart of Belleville since 1999, and it’s easy to see why: the attentive service, comfortable atmosphere, and delicious menu make Capers an easy choice for lunch or dinner.
The seasonal menu features fresh local ingredients and inventive flavours – you’ll find steak and entree-sized salads alongside lobster donuts, duck cassoulet, and even a Thai wagyu burger. Capers also offers a great selection of local craft beer, wine, and interesting cocktails. Stop by on Friday or Saturday night for an evening of live music and fun.
Bonus: Glanmore National Historic Site
Where: 257 Bridge St E, Belleville, ON K8N 1P4 (View map)
Glanmore House is a great example of the Second Empire style, which was popular in Canada in the 1870s and 1880s. This imposing house opened as a museum in 1973 and features a large collection of furniture, art, and other artifacts that reflect the history of the Belleville region – nearly 20,000 in total!
Wander the halls to discover the lives of the residents who called Glanmore home over the years, and don’t miss the rotating exhibits covering everything from Glanmore’s Creepy Curiosities to Victorian Christmas traditions. Glanmore is accessible and family-friendly, making it a great afternoon stop for families!
Exit 556: Shannonville & Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory
Located along the edge of the Bay of Quinte between Belleville and Napanee, Shannonville and the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory offer the perfect opportunity to take a break, stretch your legs, and grab a treat before getting back on the road.
Wavy Cafe
Where: 5379 Old Highway 2 Unit 9, Shannonville, ON K0K 3A0 (View map)
Wavy is an Indigenous-owned cafe, wellness boutique, and skateboard shop rolled into one! Owners Megan Barnhart and Ryan Bush opened Wavy in 2023 as a way to blend their love of specialty coffee, skateboarding, and community. In the boutique, you’ll find lots of health and wellness items alongside handmade art and Indigenous goods. You can also shop Wavy’s collection of skateboards and apparel (ask Ryan about his plans for a community skate park!).
Megan is the creative mastermind behind the lengthy seasonal beverage menu, which is chockfull of creative takes on hot, iced, and blended beverages. Not sure where to start? Ask for a recommendation – and keep an eye on Wavy’s Instagram for the soup of the day!
Exit 611: Kingston – Cataraqui Westbrook (via Gardiners Road)
Located on the western outskirts of Kingston, the neighbourhood of Cataraqui Westbrook is a primarily residential area with lots of small businesses, cafes, and restaurants. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite, a sit-down meal, or a spot to pick up treats on your way to your destination, you’ll find it at Exit 611!
Toast & Jam
Where: 1530 Bath Rd, Kingston, ON K7M 4X6 (View map)
Toast & Jam is located next door to Bread & Butter Bakery, a longtime Kingston staple with two locations where visitors can pick up fresh bread, baked goods, specialty cakes, frozen meals, and much more.
Toast & Jam is a natural extension of the business – the breads and other specialty items feature heavily on the menu, from quiches and sandwiches to eggs Benedict with decadent toppings piled high on Bread & Butter’s Italian bread. Fuel up with a coffee or try a mimosa flight, featuring four mini-mimosas that are as cute as they are tasty. Toast & Jam is Feast On® certified!
Cha Cha Tea
Where: 506 Days Rd, Kingston, ON K7M 5R4 (View map)
Tea Sommelier Kaoru opened up shop in 2006 to fulfill her own need for a local source of high-quality teas. Two decades later, Cha Cha Tea is a vibrant hub for tea lovers in Kingston, who flock to the shop for specialty teas, beautiful pottery, and local honey, chocolate, and other goodies.
If you’re new to the world of tea, just ask! Kaoru is a fountain of knowledge and can guide you to the perfect tea blend. Kaoru also hosts tea pairing events to help attendees discover new flavours; check the Cha Cha Tea website for upcoming dates.
CocoaBistro
Where: 840 Development Dr, Kingston, ON K7M 5V7 (View map)
Audrey Brown is an artisan chocolatier who uses the language of flavour to express herself through her range of artisanal chocolate bars, candies, and beautiful truffles. A visit to CocoaBistro is a chance to discover new flavours and treat yourself to decadent and affordable luxury.
A box of CocoaBistro truffles makes a great host gift; try flavours such as Fig-Tastic, Earl Grey Martini, or the Oh My Heart!, an anatomically-correct heart filled with hibiscus tea from Cha Cha Tea and raspberry vinegar from nearby Devil’s Orchard.
Skeleton Park Brewing & Spearhead Brewing Company
Where: 675 Development Dr, Kingston, ON K7M 4W6 (View map)
Spearhead and Skeleton Park fused their operations in 2023, transforming their joint taproom into a one-stop haven for beer lovers (Corbyville’s Signal Brewery completes the trio). You’ll find a wide variety of beers from all three breweries on tap, including Spearhead’s award-winning Hawaiian Style Pale Ale, Signal Brewing’s hazy Wave Pale Ale, and Skeleton Park’s Proper English Ale, which is brewed using a 150 year-old best bitter recipe.
Alongside the beer, wine, and cocktail/mocktail options, you’ll find a food menu packed with crowd favourites that pair perfectly with a cold beverage. The taproom hosts frequent events – keep an eye on Instagram for future announcements.
Otter Creek Kitchen
Where: 2792 Princess St, Kingston, ON K7P 1W9 (View map)
Otter Creek Kitchen serves the ultimate farm-to-table burger: each bite showcases well-marbled Wagyu Beef raised at Otter Creek Farms, just 5 kilometers from the restaurant. They foster strong relationships with other local farmers and producers to source their ingredients: Wild Acres Chicken, cheddar from Wilton Cheese, and burger buns from Mac’s Bakeshop (both spots share a kitchen!). Don’t forget the golden, crispy fries made with Canadian potatoes.
Otter Creek Kitchen is a quick-service spot with a few tables where you can enjoy your meal before heading off to your next stop. Otter Creek Kitchen is Feast On® certified!
Mac’s Chocolate & Bakeshop
Where: 2792 Princess St, Kingston, ON K7P 1W9 (View map)
Chef Brendan McAleer is committed to the craft of bean to bar chocolate making and fine pastries. Mac’s award-winning bean to bar chocolate and house-made croissants and viennoiseries are reason enough to stop by for a visit, but ask anyone in Kingston and they’ll tell you: come for the chocolate, stay for the donuts!
Every donut is handmade with brioche dough then stuffed with housemade curds, jams, and pastry creams. Mac’s Chocolate & Bakeshop is conveniently located inside Otter Creek Kitchen, making it easy to grab a few treats for dessert.
Exit 615: Kingston West Side (via Sir John A. Macdonald Blvd)
The area west of Queen’s University is primarily residential, with a few museums and a network of waterfront trails. Grab some lunch and beverages from these two stops, then head down to the lake to stretch your legs and enjoy a picnic al fresco.
Juniper Cafe
Where: 370 King St W, Kingston, ON K7L 4H2 (View map)
The Juniper Café’s King Street location is tucked behind the Tett Centre for Creativity & Learning, with a beautiful view of the waterfront and a patio in the summer months. Owner Raissa, who took over operations in 2019, aims to provide a space that encourages folks to put down their electronics and connect over coffee and delicious food.
Juniper Cafe prioritizes community, sustainability, and quality, three attributes that are reflected in their supplier list, which includes Reid’s Dairy, Wilton Cheese, Mackinnon Brothers Brewing, and a number of local farms and producers. The concept – and the food – are so popular that Juniper Café expanded to a second location in 2023. Both locations accept reservations before 10am and after 3pm.
Daft Brewing
Where: 768 Princess St, Kingston, ON K7L 4E4 (View map)
Daft Brewing is a colourful brewery in Kingston with West Coast influences and relaxed vibes for anyone who loves beer and fun times. They brew a wide range of different beer styles; order a flight to sample a few at a time, but don’t skip Cool Cool Cool their flagship crispy dry-hopped pilsner with Sabro and Nelson Sauvin Hops.
The small but mighty kitchen turns out crispy, airy pizzas with a variety of toppings, like the Slytherin Bite (a spicy blend of hot Calabrese salami, candied jalapeños, and hot honey) or the Peppa Pig, with pepperoni, bacon, and sausage. Got little ones with you? Order the fish & chips – that’s Goldfish crackers & ruffled chips, of course.
Exit 617: Downtown Kingston (via Division Street)
Downtown Kingston packs a punch, with loads of culture, entertainment, and food options to choose from. We suggest parking the car and checking out a few spots on foot – and bring a reusable bag if you plan to stop in a few boutiques along the way!
Dianne’s
Where: 195 Ontario St, Kingston, ON K7L 2Y7 (View map)
Dianne’s combines classic East Coast dishes and vibrant Mexican flavours to create a totally unique and totally delicious menu that is perfect for seafood lovers. Try the hearty Down East clam chowder with toasted ciabatta or order a few delicious street tacos featuring shrimp al pastor, cider-battered fish, or Oaxacan style slow-braised beef brisket.
Dianne’s works with local producers to source fresh ingredients – you’ll find Canadian seafood along with products from Seed to Sausage, Patchwork Gardens, and Mio Gelato (located just across the street!). This family-friendly spot is a great place to stop for lunch or happy hour near Kingston’s Confederation Park. Dianne’s is Feast On® certified!
Aquaterra
Where: 1 Johnson St, Kingston, ON K7L 5H7 (View map)
You’ll find Aquaterra tucked inside the Delta Hotels Kingston Waterfront, but it’s not your typical lobby bar. Under the direction of Sous Chef Rahul Bhatt, this fine dining restaurant highlights fresh, seasonal ingredients and you’ll spot local makers and producers in every section of the menu, from the appetizers to the cocktail list.
The picturesque waterfront views make AquaTerra the perfect destination for a special meal with friends or loved ones. In the summer, the patio opens for casual dining, with Adirondack chairs, fresh lake breezes, and a curated menu that includes s’mores to toast over the fire pits. AquaTerra is Feast On® certified!
The Everly
Where: 171 Wellington St Unit #103, Kingston, ON K7L 1R8 (View map)
The Everly is a beautiful mid-century inspired restaurant offering a rotating menu of classic dishes made with ingredients sourced from local purveyors: chicken from Wild Acres Farm, greens from Patchwork Gardens and Greenreach Farms, and many more. This lively, bustling spot is great for a date or an outing with friends – and they’re open late, so you can stop in for a cocktail and dessert after dinner to soak up some late-night vibes before turning in.
Owners Amber Thom & Jamie Hodges offer a carefully-crafted menu of small and large plates that are perfect for sharing: chicken liver parfait with sourdough, kale salad showered in parmesan, mushroom gnocchi in white wine sauce, and heritage pork sausage from Haanover View Farms, to name just a few. The knowledgeable staff can offer a great wine or beverage suggestion to pair with your selection of dishes. The Everly is Feast On® certified!
Academy Food + Drink
Where: 285 King St E, Kingston, ON K7L 3B1 (View map)
Academy Food + Drink is a beautiful open-concept restaurant in the lobby of the newly-renovated Kingston Marriott. The menu celebrates the region’s flavours and features diverse dishes inspired by Chef Ahmed Boukraa’s Moroccan background.
Alongside classic cheeseburgers and inventive mains, you’ll find braised Moroccan lamb shank with couscous and dried fruit, a standout dish that highlights the unique flavours of North Africa. For a more relaxed dining experience, request a table on the low couches – perfect for a meandering catch-up over cocktails with a few friends!
Secret Garden Inn
Where: 73 Sydenham St, Kingston, ON K7L 3H3 (View map)
The Secret Garden Inn is a beautiful boutique hotel and restaurant in a converted 1888 Victorian home. Charming stained glass windows, antique fireplaces, and ornate fixtures serve as a perfect backdrop for the Inn’s signature afternoon tea, where guests can enjoy delicate cakes, buttery scones, and petit fours with a cup of their favourite tea. This memorable experience is a great way to spend an afternoon in the Kingston area.
For dinner, try the Inn’s renowned five-course European Fondue experience, which includes cheese fondue (a classic Swiss blend of Emmentaler and Gruyère cheeses), fondue bourguignonne, and chocolate fondue served with house-made cakes and fruit. Fondue is best enjoyed with others, so bring a few friends along for a lively (and tasty) evening!
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