Discover Kingston- the Feast On® Capital of Ontario | Ontario Culinary
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Long exposure of two folks at the bar inside black dog tavern

Discover Kingston- the Feast On® Capital of Ontario

Just a short drive away from Toronto, Ottawa and Montréal, in the heart of eastern Ontario, is where you’ll find one of the tastiest foodie destinations in Ontario. Celebrating local flavours all-year-round, mark your maps and get ready for a delicious adventure diving into the tastes of Kingston with these 8 Feast On® restaurants. 

What is Feast On®?

Feast On® is an initiative managed by the Culinary Tourism Alliance, aimed at boosting the appreciation for Ontario-grown food and drink. It’s all about making it simple for both travelers and locals to find spots that celebrate our local bounty.

Through an auditing process, we track the amount a restaurant or businesses devotes to their food spend to support local. Becoming Feast On® certified helps restaurants and businesses showcase their commitment to local sourcing. 

Atomica Kitchen + Cocktails 

Where: 71 Brock Street, Kingston, ON (View Map)

a pizza, hummus and some pita bread with a glass of red wine on the table at atomica
Photo Credit: Tim Forbes

Showcasing their love for flavour and locally sourced foods and drinks, Atomica Kitchen and Cocktails is an upbeat restaurant located in the Historic Farmer’s Market district in downtown Kingston. Atomica proudly showcases fusion flavours inspired by international dishes and hand crafted cocktails that never compromise on flavour or creativity. 

One of our favourite ways to enjoy this must-try stop is to round up some friends and hit the patio. Sitting streetside for lunch or dinner we suggest pairing a pitcher of sangria to share with one of their signature pizzas! One pie that stood out to us was the “Canuck AF,” topped with cheese curd, pepperoni, smoked bacon, mushrooms, and Crown Royal-maple drizzle- yum!

Perfect for all appetites Atomica also boasts an impressive plant-based menu featuring favourites like, cauliflower popcorn, or garlic roasted hummus loaded with lemon, crushed pistachios and served with cucumbers, pita, and kettle chips. Additionally, they offer a selection of refreshing non-alcoholic beverages that are delicious for any time of day. Whether you’re in the mood for a cool, crafted mocktail or a sparkling soda, Atomica will become your go to Kingston staple!

Toast and Jam

Where: 1530 Bath Rd, Kingston, ON (View Map)

maple syrup being poured over blueberry pancakes
Photo Credit: Mike Wing

Our next Feast On® restaurant is a shining example of how taking care to add quality local foods and drinks to the menu can be a strong connector for local communities. 

Wendy Whitall first warmed the hearts of Kingston’s west end with her cozy family run bakery, Bread and Butter. As love for their delicious baked goods continued to rise, Wendy was inspired to expand the business.

Next door to the bakery, Wendy opened Toast and Jam, a restaurant that invites everyone to enjoy an unforgettable meal powered by local flavors and fresh ingredients. Serving breakfast staples with an elevated local flair and hearty lunch options there’s something on the menu for everyone! 

Serving up comfort on a plate, without a doubt we recommend you try their hearty mac and cheese. Covered in a warm and creamy Wilton and Empire cheese sauce and served with a garlic toasted baguette, easily this dish will become your go-to order! 

Black Dog Tavern 

Where: 69 Brock St, Kingston, ON (View Map)

Long exposure of two folks at the bar inside black dog tavern
Photo Credit: Tim Forbes

With a 20 year history of serving up fresh local flavours, Black Dog Tavern has become a staple for locals and visitors to enjoy delicious meals and drinks. 

Located in Kingston’s vibrant downtown district the tavern’s menu blends a unique mix of classic pub favourites like burgers and elevated dishes like mixed mushroom toast, loaded with gourmet mushroom varieties sourced locally from Heatree Foods in Kanata, Ontario. 

Our fail safe menu pick is a pub-classic, fish and chips. Packed with flavour their cider-battered haddock, is served with a creamy cabbage & apple slaw, and of course fries!  Something to drink? Pair your delicious meal with a local beer from Draft Brewing.  

Want to know more? Check out our recent blog on Black Dog Tavern

Dianne’s Fish Shack and Smokehouse

Where: 195 Ontario St, Kingston, ON (View Map)

A seafood pasta dish with a glass of red wine, cocktail and skillet of seafood in the background, all sitting in the window at Dianne's
Photo credit: Tim Forbes

After a fun day of shopping and exploring Kingston, savour relaxing lakeside views devouring the blended flavours of the East Coast with Mexican cuisine at Dianne’s Fish Shack and Smokehouse.

With so many delicious items to choose from the menu crowd favourites include the buttery lobster rolls, and fresh shrimp al pastor tacos. Topped with avocado crema, Napa cabbage, and grilled pineapple –there’s no shortage of flavour here! Ocean Wise certified, Dianne’s gives diners the confidence that every seafood dish served is sourced from sustainable seafood options. 

Pairing your meal with equally delicious beverages, the Mexican Mule is a fun and fizzy twist on a cocktail classic featuring tequila, ginger beer, and lime. But for those looking for a non-alcoholic choice opt for a craft soda beverage from The County Soda Company, produced just down the road in Prince Edward County!

Harper’s Burger Bar

Where: 93 Princess St, Kingston, ON (View Map)

A mom and two sons sitting at the table enjoying onion rings at Harpers Burger Bar
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Levelling up Ontario’s burger scene, Harper’s Burger Bar combines the comforts of classic diner favourites with an upscale dining experience that celebrates local Ontario flavours.

So whether you’re a burger aficionado ready to flex those creative muscles to build your perfect burger or need a little guidance from the burger masters themselves, Harper’s Burger Bar is here to fill your craving! 

Made fresh using Enright Cattle Co family farmed and sustainably raised beef we recommend trying the Pig in the Orchard 2.0 Burger. Sandwiched between a pretzel bun and topped with havarti, bacon, fresh apple slices, arugula, and finished with a maple syrup drizzle, you can really start to taste the farm-to table flavours!

Don’t forget to end your meal on a sweet note, with a  handspun milk-shake or classic root-beer float.

Wharf and Feather

Where: 2 Princess St, Kingston, ON (View Map)

pouring sauce over green-wrapped dish
Photo Credit: Tim Forbes

Located on Kingston’s largest outdoor waterfront patio, Wharf & Feather at the Holiday Inn delivers bold Ontario flavours serving elevated pub-style fare. 

Open for breakfast and dinner, start your day of adventures with a savoury full English breakfast complete with assorted baked goods, and seasonal fruits. After breakfast and a full day of exploring you’ll soon find yourself eagerly returning for round two.

Extend your stay for an overnight getaway and enjoy a heartier meal inside the cozy enclosed patio for dinner. Channeling the cozy atmosphere opt for their Baked Bolognese, featuring pan roasted beef with tomato sauce, tagliatelle pasta and an aged cheese mix. 

Otter Creek Kitchen

Where: 2792 Princess St, Kingston, ON (View Map)

two burgers on a tray with french fries and ketchup
Photo Credit: Tim Forbes

Farm-to-table dining experiences is what this next Feast On® business is all about! Otter Creek Farms in Kingston specializes in raising 100% full-blood Wagyu beef born on their family farm. The farm has since expanded to include Otter Creek Kitchen, which encompasses their catering services, food truck operations, and a new brick-and-mortar location.

 Otter Creek Kitchen’s menus showcase Wagyu beef perfectly paired with other local ingredients and products from regional businesses, like Wilton Cheese Factory cheddar and Fungi Connection Mushrooms, reflecting a strong commitment to promoting local Ontario flavours. 

They offer a range of dishes made from scratch, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. For a taste of Ontario, try their classic Wagyu burger on a brioche bun.

Aqua Terra

Where: 1 Johnson St, Kingston, ON (View Map)

three dishes laid out on the table at aquaterra
Photo Credit: Tim Forbes

Home to stunning waterfront views and a rotating menu of locally sourced seasonally inspired dishes, AquaTerra at the Delta is truly a unique and special gem to visit in Kingston.

Paired with a delicious glass of VQA Ontario wine, the Lamb Rogan Josh with kashmiri curry, preserved lemon and citrus spice is the ultimate combination of local ingredients boasting big global flavours!

For dessert, you can’t go wrong with a classic crème brûlée, or chocolate hazelnut torte. Trust us that no matter what you decide your belly and sweet tooth will thank you!

Cheers to your #FeastOn® adventures in Kingston, Ontario!

Get to know the exciting local flavours of Ontario that wait for you in Kingston! We hope you enjoy exploring these 8 Feast On® restaurants and businesses. 

Kingston