Every once in a while you need a change in routine, start fresh, take a break – go on a trip around the world! Okay, so that may not be the most practical option. But there is a way to still switch things up and get a taste of life abroad without the 80-day trip. Enter Kingston’s International Food Guide.
Kingston is lucky to not just be home to an array of top rated restaurants, but a diverse population of people from all over the world. Put the two together, and you have a foodie city that’s steeped in talented chefs bringing out the best authentic, international cuisine to the Limestone City.
Get your taste buds ready, leave your passports at home, and climb aboard for a trip around the world.
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Royal Angkor
Thai & Cambodian
523 Princess Street
Chef Vath Sin doesn’t just have 30 years of experience, but he used to live in Thailand and owned a restaurant specializing in Cambodian soups and Thai curries. In 2001, he opened up Royal Angkor (named after Angkor Wat temple), using fresh ingredients from Thailand to make everything from scratch. Try one of their (generously sized) famous dishes like Thai Tom Yum soup, Cambodian Spring Rolls, or Thai Panang Curry!
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Amadeus Cafe
German and Austrian
170 Princess Street
Secret beer garden anyone? Home to not only one of the best-hidden patios in the city but delicious German and Austrian Cuisine, it’s Amadeus. Since 1992 this family-owned restaurant has been serving Old World family recipes like Wiener schnitzel, German sausages, Hungarian Goulash, and an extensive draft menu (to fill your 2-litre boot of beer). Get ready for a European feast. Guten Appetit!
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Northside Espresso + Kitchen
Australian
281 Princess Street
Northside was inspired by the “third wave” coffee trend coming from Melbourne, which also came with the opportunity to take a break from your day, enjoy great service, and have a delicious Aussie “brekkie.” Take a trip down under with their Melbourne classic, Avo Smash or indulge in The Huxtaburger with Haanover View Farms bacon, a fried egg, avocado, cheddar, house tomato jam, and rocket on a brioche bun.
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Saka Izakaya
Japanese
101-168 Division Street
An unsuspecting brick building on Division, Saka Izakaya has become a Kingston foodie favourite for its Japanese dishes and Sushi bar. What makes it stand out? Beyond their amazing service, Saka is known for its huge menu that doesn’t sacrifice quality. From fresh Dynamite rolls, crisp tempura, buttery sashimi, and steaming noodle dishes – the only problem you’ll have here is deciding what to order!
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Casa Domenico
Italian
35 Brock Street
It turns out you don’t need to fly to get to Italy, just head downtown to Market Square. Casa is an upscale foodie haven, serving classic Italian dishes with a “modern elegance” that emphasizes the freshness of each plate. Pair a delicious dish like their Genovese Gnocchi, Capesante (seared scallops), or Scivolo Bianco, with a glass of wine from their international selection. Bellissimo!
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Cajun on King
Cajun, Acadian, French Canadian
343 King Street East
Even if you’ve never made it to New Orleans for Mardi Gras, you can still get a taste of Louisiana at Cajun on King! Taking the Acadian and French Canadian traditions of ‘Cajun’ country, this sleek spot serves dishes like N’awlins Jambalaya with shrimp and pork sausage, bullfrogs legs deep-fried with remoulade sauce, blackened Mississippi catfish with Creole rice and so much more. Top it off with a Mint Julep for an authentic experience!
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Grecos Grill & Wine Bar
Greek and Mediterranean
167 Princess Street
In 1972 the owner of Grecos, Gus, moved from a small Greek Village to Kingston. Fast forward 20 years, and he opened Grecos, bringing culinary treats of the Mediterranean to Kingston. Now, the torch has been passed to Jimmy who’s keeping the family tradition alive with a huge menu that combines Greek classics with fresh flavour. Try the steaming shish kebab, home-made tzatziki or the famous pan-fried cheese dish served with a flambé flourish to find out why all 80 seats of the restaurant are always full.
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Curry Original
Indian
253A Ontario Street
Owners Weais and Ali Afzal have created an authentic Indian culture possible from the moment you step in; from the smell of rich curries, savoury Tandoori, and spices to the artwork around the restaurant. Using local and organic produce, they offer up delicious dishes from various regions of India. Make sure to get the naan bread, it’s a local favourite!
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Tango Nuevo
Spanish, Mediterranean
331 King Street East
Their tapas are legendary, the atmosphere is intimate and chic, and the wine menu features the best local and international blends there is; it’s no wonder this Spanish tapas restaurant has been a hit from day one. The owners are obsessed with using high-quality products and locally sourced ingredients to create their delicious international dishes. Some of our favourites? The Boniato Frito, Tuna Tataki, and Carne Picante!
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Mekong
Vietnamese
394 Princess Street
Hidden in the downtown hub lies your chance to taste one of Kingston’s favourite Vietnamese spots. They have simple decor with a stand out menu of over 50 items to choose from, including plenty of vegetarian options! Start with the Cha Gio Viet Nam, before trying one of their Vermicelli dishes (like Bun Bo Xao Xa Ot), or maybe the delicious Pad-Thai Bo. With generous portions for a great price, international dining has never been easier!
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Sally’s Roti Shop
Caribbean
203 Wellington Street
A Trinidad native, Sally grew up on her mother’s rotis and started cooking them herself growing up. Skip to 2014 when Sally finally brought her freshly made, authentic Caribbean dishes to Kingston! All the dishes are made in house daily, and that quality comes through. You have to try one of the roti wraps, fresh curried potatoes in a homemade dhal puri roti with your choice of meat or veggie (beef, chicken, lamb, chickpeas, eggplant + spinach, and more).
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Wok-In
Thai, Cambodian
30 Montreal Street
For years food lovers have been flocking this hole-in-the-wall, family run shop. Anyone who’s tasted the food will tell you why — it’s amazing. Small and simple, Wok-In provides portions as generous as they are delicious. Their pad thai is a fan favourite, and we can’t stay away from their vermicelli spring rolls!
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AquaTerra
Canadian
1 Johnson Street
Of course, no international food guide is complete without a tribute to your home country! Working with local farmers, the chefs here serve up an ever-changing menu that’s inspired by international flavours and blended with contemporary Canadian cuisine. Head here for brunch, lunch, dinner, afternoon tea, or cocktails at The Vu Lounge, and relax with the view of our stunning waterfront.
