Kingston, Ontario is a city with serious charm—cobblestone streets, limestone architecture, and a waterfront that feels straight out of a postcard. But if you’ve only walked its historic streets without tasting your way through them, then you’re missing out on one of the city’s greatest pleasures.
Enter: The Tapas Tour by Kingston Food Tours—a two-hour guided culinary stroll that mixes local history with elevated small food and drinks. If you have reduced mobility, it’s only a 1.3km walk, and it makes kind of a circle, so you end up back at the beginning. It’s not just a tour, it’s a snapshot of Kingston’s soul. And spoiler alert: it’s delicious.
First Stop: Diane’s Fish Shack & Smokehouse
The adventure begins at Diane’s Fish Shack & Smokehouse, a cozy spot named after the mother-in-law of local restaurateur Tom Pater, who also owns the iconic Black Dog Tavern, Harpers, and Atomica. There, we were greeted with a perfectly balanced margarita and a tender beef barbacoa taco. Before we even took a bite, our guide offered a mini masterclass on tequila—did you know real tequila has to come from the state of Jalisco, Mexico? Now we do.
Second Stop: History and Hops at The Black Dog Tavern
Next, we strolled past the oldest continuously operating store in Ontario (Cooke’s) to the Black Dog Tavern where you are greeted with exposed brick, cozy heritage charm, and stories hidden in the walls—literally. Also owned by Tim Pater, this historic building once operated as a general store and now proudly displays its heritage through its exposed brick walls and archival photos.
The food here was pure comfort—with a twist. Duck confit poutine: rich, savoury, and just indulgent enough to make you want seconds. Paired with a local brew, and it was important to note that those with gluten allergies could get cider as an option here – they do cater to a variety of food allergies with care.
T
ake a moment and enjoy the amazing decor – I was obsessed with the ceiling. It’s also good to note they have a heated patio, so if your there in May like we were but want some fresh air, they got you.
Note: If you’re a lover of malt bevvies, you might want to check out Kingston Brewing Company—the oldest craft brewery in Ontario— lots of heritage there!
Third Stop: Olivea – The Heart of Kingston’s Food Scene
Next up, Olivea, an Italian trattoria run by husband-and-wife chefs who met at the Stratford Chefs School and now bring their staff to Italy annually for inspiration. It’s this kind of creativity and commitment to their team that makes Olivea a cornerstone of Kingston’s culinary community. It also helps that are located right across from the main market square. We savored prosecco and horseradish-topped oysters, a bold pairing that somehow works perfectly. It was surprising how many people hadn’t tried oysters, and what was even more surprising was how many people really liked them!
Fourth Stop: Sips and Stories at the Frontenac Club Inn
If walls could talk, the Frontenac Club Inn would have quite a story to tell. Housed in the first bank ever built in Upper Canada, this boutique hotel is steeped in history—from hand-carved 200-year-old windows to a vault-turned-lounge. Each themed room tells a piece of Kingston’s cultural puzzle, including a backstage-themed suite dedicated to The Tragically Hip—complete with the band’s own donated items including a Juno Award. As we sipped chardonnay and enjoyed our spring salad in the restaurant ‘The Bank’, our knowledgeable tour guide charmed us with tales of the building, the chef’s garden and the seasonal hyper-local curated menu that changes twice a year.
Final Stop: Ending on a sweet note at Mio Gelato
The tour ends on a sweet note at Mio Gelato, where flavours rotate seasonally and everything is made locally. Whether you go for the zesty lemon basil in summer or spiced pumpkin in autumn, it’s the perfect way to cool off after 1.3 km of delicious discovery.
Why the Tapas Tour Stands Out
This isn’t your average food tour. It’s storytelling through taste. With just 1.3 KM of walking, the Tapas Tour is intimate, satisfying, and ideal for an afternoon outing. It wasn’t hard to be charmed along the way with the impromptu stops to learn about history and local culture, and the fact that all the establishments featured on the tour are locally owned. In a world of chains and cookie-cutter dining, that’s something worth celebrating.
The guides are warm, knowledgeable, and highly attentive to dietary needs. Whether you’re a local looking to rediscover your hometown or a visitor seeking a taste of Kingston’s best, this experience delivers.
Pro tip: If you’re touring with kids or prefer more variety, check out their Classic Kingston Tour, which includes seven stops and is more family-friendly. But for food lovers and cocktail enthusiasts? Tapas is the ticket.
Verdict: Kingston’s Tapas Tour is the Piece of Pie You Didn’t Know You Needed. Every city has a story. Kingston’s is best told through its food—and this tour serves it up one unforgettable bite at a time.
BONUS: Chez Piggy
No Kingston food tour would be complete without a stop at Chez Piggy, the legendary restaurant founded by Zal and Rose Yanovsky. Housed in a converted stable, the building’s heritage elements (think stone walls and wood beams) remain lovingly preserved. Zal’s love of bread eventually led to the opening of Pan Chancho Bakery—just another reason why Kingston has become a culinary hub. Make sure you pop by on your visit!
