Kingston restaurant roundup

By Abbey McCauley

There is a charm in seeking out restaurants off the conventional path in Kingston, Ontario. These hidden gems promise unique flavours, captivating stories, and memorable dining experiences.  

Off the beaten path 

Mermaid Avenue Sandwich Factory

236 Wellington Street, Kingston, ON  

You can’t go wrong with a sandwich made from fresh produce, local meat, and in-house baked bread. Find Mermaid Avenue Sandwich Factory tucked away on Wellington Street (between Queen and Barrack). Try their unique sandwiches Casino Queen (slices of deli turkey with balsamic onion marmalade, bacon, mayo, avocado) or Hell is Chrome (devilled egg salad with lettuce and tomato). 

Open: Mon – Fri (7:30 pm – 3:30 pm)

View menu | Contact: 613-531-3438

Classics Tea Lounge

399 Princess Street, Kingston, ON   

Classics Tea Lounge serves Pan-Asian inspired dishes and teas in a welcoming atmosphere. Their most popular selection includes Pan-fried meat dumplings, Taiwanese spicy beef with noodles and fried udon. Pair your dish with a bubble tea – their peach crushed iced tea is a must-try!  

Open: Mon (4 pm – 11:30 pm), Wed – Sun (4 pm –11:30 pm)

View menu | Contact: (613) 546-8855

Coffee Way

472 Division Street, Kingston, ON  

Coffee Way is a Kingston staple, serving the best old-fashioned donuts in town. It’s hard to pick just one baked treat from this place so we recommend trying the sour cream cruller, honey-glazed donut, or any of their eclairs. They also offer hot drinks and lunch options that pair perfectly with their donuts. 

Open: Mon – Sun  (6 am – 11 pm)

View menu | Contact: (613) 546-9106

1000 Curry

1525 Centennial Drive Unit 5, Kingston, ON 

Some of the best Indian food in Kingston is served at 1000 Curry in Kingston’s north end. Their freshly ground spices are magic to your taste buds. Recommended dishes include the korma (your choice of meat in a traditional rich creamy sauce) and bhuna (your choice of meat roasted with a dry masala and 1000 Curry’s specialty spice). 

Open: Mon (3 pm – 9 pm), Wed – Fri (3 pm – 9 pm), Sat – Sun (11:30 am – 9 pm)

View menu | Contact: 613-507-7423

 

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Gaby’s Cafe

791 Princess Street, Kingston, ON  

Near the top of Princess Street, enjoy a freshly baked scone, fruity smoothie, or daily lunch special at Gaby’s Café. This spot offers home-style breakfast, lunch, baked goods, and refreshing drinks. 

Open: Mon – Fri (8 am – 2 pm)

View menu | Contact: 613-544-2297

Kino’s Sushi & Asian Cuisines

1730 Bath Road, Kingston, ON  

Sushi lovers, this place is for you! Kino’s Sushi earned the title of Best Sushi in Kingston in 2022. Travel down Bath Road to try their most popular dish, Kino’s Sushi Platter, which features a variety of their best sushi rolls.  

View menu | Contact: (613) 384-3883

Little Kitchen

1146 Clyde Court, Kingston, ON  

Little Kitchen is a small but mighty eatery, serving a variety of Asian dishes in the north-west of Kingston. Their food is enjoyable for the whole family and there is a plentiful of vegetarian options. You can’t go wrong with ordering their chicken pad thai or veg udon noodle.

Open: Mon – Fri (11 am – 2 pm)

View menu | Contact: (613) 389-6826

Podonamu

264 Princess Street, Kingston, ON  

Craving classic Korean food? Look no further than Podonamu, a Korean eatery in Kingston’s downtown core. Must-try dishes are the pork bone soup, scallion chicken, and BBQ pork belly.  

Open: Tue – Thur (12 pm – 3 pm, 5pm – 9:30 pm), Fri (12 pm – 3pm, 5 pm – 10 pm), Sat (12 pm – 3pm, 5 pm – 9:30 pm), Sun (4 pm – 9:30 pm)

View menu | Contact: (613) 777-9949

Patriam Coffee

Fine Balance Brewing Company, 677 Innovation Drive, Unit 4, Kingston, ON  

You will find a picturesque coffee shop known as Patriam Coffee inside Fine Balance Brewing Company in the east end. This coffee bar makes hot and cold drinks and sweet and savoury goods. Local favourites include their cappuccinos, biscotti, and scones.  

Open: Tues – Fri (7:30 am – 2:30 pm), Sat (9 am – 3 pm)

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Kingston Burger Company

695 Innovation Drive Unit 4, Kingston, ON   

Freshly grilled burgers, tangy sauces, and sharp cheddar cheese – does this have your mouth watering? Then head over to Kingston Brewing Company’s sister restaurant, Kingston Burger Company. Build your own burger or try a Nathan’s Famous dog.  

Open: Mon – Fri (11 am – 7 pm)

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The Hoagie House

384 Division Street, Kingston, ON   

As you wander down Division Street you will find Kingston’s quintessential sandwich shop, the Hoagie House. They offer build-your-own sandwiches. Pick your choice of meat and watch it be cooked right before your eyes. A classic showstopper is the double cheese steak with onions.

Open: Mon – Sun (11 am – 7 pm)

View menu | Contact: (613) 542-5971