Savouring 2024: A Wrap-Up of The Tastiest Bites in Downtown Kingston
By Rosalyn Gambhir
As the year comes to a close, I’m celebrating my favourite foodie bites of the year that Downtown Kingston had to offer in 2024.
From drool-worthy newcomers to beloved classics, I’m bringing you a festive round-up of everything that made this year magical, giving you even more reasons to enjoy the holidays downtown and adding these must-haves to your foodie bucket list.
1. El Gringo Tacos – Birria & More
A fiesta for your taste buds - you best be getting downtown and knock for some tac’. Dip your birria in the consommé for the ultimate experience. El Gringo’s take on birria and various taco options have already cemented its place as a must-try in Kingston.
2. Lay Low Café – Eggs Benny
Sunday brunch just hit a new level - a fairly newbie to Kingston’s coffee scene, Lay Low Café is all about chill vibes and casual bites. This dish for me is all about the maple glazed bacon and house-made hollandaise on an English muffin with supreme home fries. Are you drooling yet?
3. Mercury Bar Lounge – Whipped Ricotta Cheese
A new kid on the block, Chef Paulson George is redefining modern Asian fusion here, so expect bold flavours and creative flair. A slice of sourdough topped with creamy whipped ricotta, herbed cherry tomatoes, and bell pepper pesto is a must-try.
4. Le Jardin – Seafood Platter
For the ultimate indulgence, the seafood platter at Le Jardin is a showstopper. Think oysters, shrimp, crab, mini octopus tacos and all the ocean’s finest, artfully arranged. It’s perfect for celebrations or treating yourself - because heck, you deserve it!
5. Bar Mayla – Turkish Breakfast
This new addition to the downtown core is so refreshing! A colourful spread of fresh bread, cheese, olives, jam, and more - it's a feast for both your eyes and your taste buds.
6. Bar Mayla – Mushroom Croquettes
Crispy on the outside, and creamy on the inside, these mushroom croquettes are a savoury bite of perfection. Pair with a Cloud Nine cocktail, and you’re golden.
7. Nosh Bagels & 23 & Co – Fresh Bagels and Chunky Cookies
The dynamic duo we didn’t know we needed! Freshly baked bagels and drool-worthy chunky cookies under one roof make this a dream destination. And when it comes to picking just one cookie, do yourself a favour and get a few!
8. Bobbi Pecorino's – Burrata and Italian Wine
Rich, creamy burrata paired with a perfectly chosen Italian wine is all you need for a cozy evening. Bobbi Pecorino's located in front of Market Square knows how to keep it simple yet spectacular.
9. Heist Restaurant – Spaghetti Bolognese
A true classic with a refined twist, Heist’s spaghetti bolognese features a rich and savoury beef-pork ragu that truly melts in your mouth. It’s hearty, comforting, and exactly what you’d expect from one of Kingston’s standout spots that celebrated its second anniversary!
1. Olivea – Garganelli with Crispy Chicken Leg
An absolute favourite for years, this dish combines garganelli pasta with a crispy chicken leg and a roasted garlic rosemary cream sauce. It’s truly heavenly!
2. Chez Piggy – Châ Giô
These Vietnamese spring rolls are light yet satisfying, fresh, vibrant, and packed with flavour. Chez Piggy’s take on this classic keeps me coming back for more.
3. Kingston Brewing Company – Smash Burger
Juicy, cheesy, and downright drool-worthy, this smash burger hits the spot every single time. A Favourite foodie spot since my university days!
4. Pasta Genova – Cheese and Focaccia
A Kingston staple, the combination of Pasta Genova’s perfectly aged cheese and fresh focaccia is a match made in heaven.
5. Score Pizza – Fried Cheesy Garlic Sticks
Crispy, garlicky, and oozing with cheese, this dish is what snack dreams are made of. Served with a side of marinara sauce, they’re an instant hit!
6. Atomica – Tofu Bao
A vegan dish, this bao bun is fluffy, flavourful, and proof that fried tofu can be anything but boring. Atomica continues to impress me with its creativity.
7. Sens Café – Flat White
Sometimes, all you need is a little caffeinated beverage to make your day. Sens Café’s flat white is my go-to for a pick-me-up that never disappoints.
8. The Everly – Cocktails
No foodie adventure is complete without a toast, and The Everly cocktails are just next level to celebrate any occasion and pairs well with their oysters!
9. Pan Chancho Bakery – Profiterole
I of course need to end on a high note with a sweet treat! The double chocolate profiterole hits the spot and brightens up my day every time.
This list is just the beginning of what Downtown Kingston has to offer. As we say goodbye to 2024, let’s toast to another year of exploring, savouring, and celebrating the incredible food scene that makes our city so special.
Cheers to more delicious adventures in 2025!
Rosalyn Gambhir
I’m a daydreamer, a foodie, an adventurer, and an explorer. But most of all, a tourist in my own backyard of the limestone city rediscovering old favourites and hidden gems. As a proud Kingstonian for over a decade and an alumna of Queen's University, I has thrived in this vibrant community, which has fueled her creativity and passion for building a strong online community and supporting local businesses through my blogging, social media and freelance writing.
