Lobster, oysters, scallops, mussels, tuna, crab — have I missed anything? I’m talking seafood. If you can’t get enough of it, that delicious, delicious seafood, and you’re in Kingston (or planning a trip), read on. I’ve got a few recommendations for you that cover the entire aquatic spectrum. Learn about some of the tastiest dishes this beautiful, foodie city has to offer.
Bella Bistro
4050 Bath Road.
This cute spot in the West End (Bath Road and Collins Bay) does a wonderful job with their fish specials — they feature a different one every day, and they stay as local as possible so you can find dishes featuring fish like Ontario Rainbow Trout or perch cooked to perfection every time
Tango Nuevo
331 King Street East
Do you like a good mussel broth? I do. You can find a perfect one at this tapas hotspot, Tango Nuevo. Of course, the mussels alone are delicious, but the garlicky, lemony broth that you sop up with fresh bread is easily the best part in my opinion! Tango Nuevo is located right in the hub of downtown across from Springer Market Square, so it’s a great date night location.
Dianne’s Fish Shack & Smokehouse
195 Ontario Street
The classic lobster roll: buttered, toasted bun, succulent, juicy lobster. You can’t go wrong. Dianne’s version of the lobster roll includes tarragon, lemon, chives, celery, mayo and pickled red onion. Is your mouth watering yet? Mine is. Dianne’s is so good it’s been featured on “You Gotta Eat Here!”
AquaTerra
1 Johnson Street
Sticking with the lobster theme, how would you like it folded into a creamy, buttery risotto? If your answer is “very much,” visit the elegant, gourmet AquaTerra in the Delta Hotel. The lobster risotto is currently being featured on their Chef’s Kitchen Menu and can be enjoyed best paired with their beautiful waterfront view.
Days on Front
730 Front Road
Named one of the top 100 Best Restaurants in Canada by OpenTable, Days on Front does every dish well. I especially love their scallops. The perfectly seared scallops appetizer is served with leek and brown butter puree as well as bacon jam and pine nuts. That’s right, I said bacon jam. It’s a must-order if you find yourself at the West End restaurant.
Woodenheads
192 Ontario Street
Woodenheads is a classic go-to for locals. They serve consistently delicious food right downtown near the waterfront with a great patio. One of my favourite dishes to share as an appetizer is the Coco Shrimp. It’s black tiger shrimp fried in a spiced beer and coconut better with Vietnamese nuoc cham sauce on the side.
Chien Noir
69 Brock Street
This downtown French bistro serves up a ton of great dishes, one of them being their Yellowfin Tuna Tartare. The flavours feature Asian influences with avocado, sambal, soy, sesame seeds, green onions and wonton chips to scoop up all of the goodness.
Olivea
39 Brock Street
If you’re a fan of oysters, Olivea is the place to eat. Located beside Springer Market Square, this Italian fine dining spot serves up East Coast oysters that are ice cold and delicious. Plus, they have different daily selections to choose from.
