One thing for sure, you won’t go hungry in The County!
Eating your way through The County is serious business. With so many delicious spots to check out, it can seem impossible to try them all! We’ve put together a list of the top spots to help you taste some of the best Prince Edward County has to offer.
Wellington
1. Drake Devonshire
Another special treat located in one of Prince Edward County’s gorgeous inns. On-trend and innovative, The Drake Devonshire will be an unforgettable experience that you will want to repeat. Try the blueberry scones, they practically melt in your mouth, and then follow it up with a picture-perfect order of crispy chicken and fluffy waffles for a taste bud explosion!
2. Midtown Brewing
If you are looking to have a good time, then you want to bring your pals over to Midtown Brewing for a night of great beer, great food, and great fun. More than just your typical brewery, you can play darts and make some new friends while you sip on tasty craft brews and sweet cocktails and follow it up with incredible pub fare including their Midtown fries (say “yes!” to garlic aioli and parmesan), wood-fired pizza, and falafel flatbread, and more.
3. GOOD Place
An excellent healthy option for vegetarians, vegans or mindful foodies when passing through Wellington. Stop in for breakfast, lunch or ‘lupper’ and sip on some of the best decaf americano in the region. The GOOD Place is a one-stop-shop as you can sit down for a bite and then grab some groceries on the way out at very affordable prices. We recommend that you try the Red Dahl Soup with Toasted Naan if you don’t mind a little bit of spice in your meal.
4. La Condesa
If you are feeling a little bit of wanderlust, but can’t afford to take that long-awaited vacation, head over to La Condesa for a little taste of authentic Mexico with their delightful menu of Mexican plates. From their freshly made guacamole to their churros with homemade cajeta, you can close your eyes and taste the flavours of Mexican culture!
5. Koenji Whisky Bar
Specializing in all things whisky and serving up an homage to Japanese eats. Showcasing whiskeys from across the globe and helping you to find the perfect flavour profile to match your palette. Psst! Be sure to ask about the Japanese small plates and whisky-based cocktail kits available for pre-order with contactless pickup.
6. Saigon Restaurant
Touted on its website as “no-nonsense Asian food handmade by our Mom” this family-owned restaurant gets back to basics. All food at Saigon is made to order in small batches each day, with pre-ordering recommended. The food is a local favourite across The County, but the restaurant is located in Wellington. There’s still something special about enjoying food made by an expert Mom!
If you are looking for some delicious Asian cuisine while traveling in the Prince Edward County area, you need to stop in at Idle Wild. With local favourites including Pork and Wild Leek Dumplings, Roasted Soy and Ginger Chicken and much more, you won’t be disappointed!
8. East and Main Bistro
Save some room for this luxurious comfort food in this rustic bistro. Every single menu item has a unique yet perfect twist that makes everything you order somewhat extra. Open for both lunch and dinner, try out their roasted Prinzen Farm’s chicken breast wrapped in applewood smoked bacon.
Bloomfield
9. Flame + Smith
Much of what makes this spot so special is in the name itself – ‘flame’ for infusing the undeniable flavours of fire-cooked foods and ‘smith’ for the artisans themselves who’s passion lies in preparing and serving delightful dishes each with their own personality. Enjoy a mix of casual and fine dining, with perfectly seasoned seafood including escargot, shrimp, oysters paired with a classic burger or steak frites.
10. Bermuda
This isn’t a triangle type of thing – except maybe getting lost in ah-mazing food. Bermuda serves up comfort food in the heart of Bloomfield, Prince Edward County. Nostalgic vibes and good times flow freely here and the patio is a people-watching haven. Local menu favs include the fried chicken sando, green chili cheese fries, and much more. Be sure to scope out the veg and gluten-free options here, too!
Picton
11. Stella’s Eatery & Stella’s Wine Bar
Many of us reminisce fondly when we think of our grandmother’s cooking, and in the case of Stellas Eatery in Waupoos and Stella’s Wine Bar in Picton, this notion expands to celebrate the legacy that is the delicious talents of Chef Leah’s matriarch. With a menu that constantly changes to what is locally available, you can stop in for a hearty meal or a light bite, that will have you guessing, yet drooling for more.
12.Bocado
Seasonal, Spanish food, and regional wines – never the same and always inspiring and delicious! Don’t forget to add a bottle of wine from their market.
13. The Vic Drive-In
Where fresh meets fun! This classic, drive-in diner, minus the roller skates, is as colourful as it is delicious. Be sure to check out the weekday take-out specials this winter, to brighten your plate – like butter chicken curry, chili mac supreme or even burgers and beer. They will deliver it right to your car. Order up!
14. Parsons Brewing Company
Imagine this, you stop in on a hot Saturday in mid-July, sit down and order yourself an ice-cold draft and follow it up with some authentic Argentinian barbeque, and you’re in summertime heaven. How can you make this feeling last forever? Take it home with you! Parsons Brewing Company wants you to keep the vibe going, so you can pack up some extra brews to take back to your humble abode.
15. Picton Harbour Inn/Lighthouse Restaurant
Enjoy a meal and bevvy overlooking Picton’s Harbour! The Lighthouse Restauran shines as a family-style restaurant, serving delicious home-style cooking. Known for its excellent breakfast, the eggs benedict at the Lighthouse are classic. Experience the friendly service that gets rave reviews. The Lighthouse is part of the Picton Harbour Inn.
16. County Canteen
Come thirsty to the County Canteen! It’s known as the friendly centre of craft beer in Picton with more than two dozen of Ontario’s finest beers on tap. Yes, you read that right. There is only delicious Ontario beer on tap here. But if you’re not into craft beer, never fear – there are also some of the County’s luscious wines for tasting, as well as a few County ciders. Sampling the elevated pub fare here made using local produce is a must. Tell your taste buds to buckle up
17. Bantam
This small plate and wine bar restaurant features global, Marans-inspired food, an extensive wine list and late openings. Need we say more?! Family-run combining PEC local ingredients with international flavours.
18. Hartleys Tavern
Thoughtful dishes, friendly hosts and a comfortable atmosphere is what you will find at Hartleys Tavern. This family-owned and operated bar serves plates that do not disappoint any palate. Enjoy many plates of grilled octopus, seared scallops and perogies while you are regaled with stories of the county shared by none other than the owners themselves.
19. The Marans Dinebar
The Marans serve internationally-inspired dishes, prepared with local flare, using fresh local ingredients. Check out the chef’s tasting menu for a creative cuisine experience!
20. 7 Numbers
Are you ready for authentic southern Italian soul food? ‘Cause it’s ready for you! With two other locations in Toronto, 7 Numbers brings its signature rustic Italian food to The County. Italian mother approved, so you know it’s good.
21. SUJEO
A taste of Korea in Prince Edward County! The handmade dumplings at SUJEO are a fan favourite, and all food on the menu is homemade down to even the pickled radish and soy sauce! Traditional drinks are also very popular, as is the spicy honey chicken and, well, pretty much everything on the menu is a must-try. Rave reviews from customers coupled with friendly service make SUJEO a treat to visit. For the first time since they opened Sujeo is now open for indoor dining as well as take out, so be sure to plan a visit.
22. The Acoustic Grill
Simple food, done well. The Acoustic Grill is just that: fresh, local ingredients, made in-house. Look for great vegetarian fare here, too! Typically, the grill offers up the stage to talented local and travelling artists, augmenting the cozy pub experience with live music. They’re known as the home of the best burgers and Juno Award winners.
23. Merrill House
Set in an 1878 Gothic Revival in the heart of Prince Edward County, enjoy fine French cuisine at Merrill House paired with some of the best wines the world has to offer. Merrill House is well-known for its triple-gabled roof line, but did you know that it’s the only restaurant between Toronto and Ottawa with a Wine Spectator-awarded cellar with more than 300 local and international wines? The food is farm-to-table with a focus on French cuisine, but the concept shines a spotlight on the incredible wines the region is known for –and the chefs pair the food with the wine.
South Shore
24. Sand and Pearl
This fairly new raw bar and fish fry has become a summertime staple in Prince Edward County. Feast on hot-buttered lobster rolls, shucked oysters, and fish & chips (be sure to try the locally-caught pickerel). Sand and Pearl operates seasonally (May – October), so be sure to check their website and social media for opening dates and times.
Ameliasburgh
25. Tabersnack
Explore traditions of authentic Quebecois cuisine along with out-of-this-world smoked meats, Quebec cheeses, cretons, local products and a whole mouth-watering menu section devoted to eight different kinds of poutine at Tabersnack. One visit and you’ll be cursing yourself for not going sooner. Tabersnack is open seasonally, so be sure to check their social media to confirm open hours.
26. Stratos Pizzeria
This pizzeria and Mediterranean grill is nothing short of mouth-watering. From legendary pizza to authentic Greek food, Stratos is bursting with flavour, colour and homemade goodness in every bite. Don’t leave the County without trying a swoon-worthy dessert: key lime pie, apple blossoms, red velvet cheesecake – something new every day. Pssst! Many of their specialty pizzas are also gluten free.
Hillier
27. Flossie’s Sandwiches
Oh food truck season, we really love you! Located right next door to Carson’s Garden Market, this food truck will have you coming back for more. Each delicious bite uses herbs grown next door. Satisfy your hunger next time you’re winery or brewery hopping with these incredible sandwiches. Don’t miss out on this chew! During winter, Flossies operates out of half of the greenhouse at Carsons’s Garden Market. While fries aren’t on this menu, you can expect the same big flavours from their winter offerings.
Waupoos
28. Waupoos Estates Winery
The food at The Restaurant at Waupoos Estates is as stunning as the scenery! In a refined yet casual gazebo-style building nestled amongst vineyards with a panoramic view of Lake Ontario, The Restaurant’s food philosophy holds sustainability at its core, using fresh ingredients grown on their property for a true farm-to-table experience.
Bonus
The County Picnic
If you’re looking to taste the bounty of The County without the added work of sourcing goodies, we recommend The County Picnic. What we like most about this service is 1) Andrea comes to you and 2) Andrea sets up a mouth-watering spread that is 100% PEC-sourced products!
Adega Wine Bar
Adega is a fresh wine bar is a safe and cozy space where friends can come together to laugh and share a sip. What’s more enticing than that right now? Coziness, friends, wine, laughter. Sold!
