Southeastern Ontario Spotlight: Fall Faves
Restaurants, Pubs and Local Eateries
Mesa Fresca, KINGSTON, ON
Image Source: Mesa Fresca Facebook Page
Image Source: Mesa Fresca Facebook Page
Image Source: Mesa Fresca Facebook Page
This fun Latin-infused restaurant located in Kingston, Ontario, only minutes off the Highway 401, has delicious food, a wide variety of hot sauces and incredible ambience.
Mesa Fresca offers customers the chance to try new flavours all the time with their Taco Tuesday and Burger Wednesday features, where the chef creates a new signature offering each week.
The food at Mesa Fresca will blow your mind but that’s not all. Photographs of your food, drinks and the restaurant space itself are Instagram-worthy! I would highly recommend this restaurant to any one looking to try something new for a fun night out with friends or even with a more intimate dinner date.
Riva, GANANOQUE, ON
Image Source: Riva Facebook Page
Image Source: Riva Facebook Page
Image Source: Riva Facebook Page
This restaurant is a GEM of Gananoque.
I went to Riva for the first time in the summer of 2021 and the gardens around the restaurant were in full bloom. Gorgeous, white hydrangeas surround the entry and courtyard.
The menu is elevated and leans more fine dining. I tried the Spaghetti Aglio e Olio and thoroughly enjoyed it. The ambience of the fountain and lighting in the courtyard patio during our evening dinner was gorgeous. I will definitely be back!
Image Source: Riva Facebook Page
Tango Neuvo KINGSTON, ON
Image Source: Tango Nuevo Facebook Page
Image Source: Tango Nuevo Facebook Page
This is one of my favourite restaurants in Kingston, Ontario. It features small plates and tapas that are beautifully crafted and flavourful. Tango Nuevo is located in downtown Kingston on King Street. The restaurant boasts a lovely patio along the street in warmer months and offers indoor dining in colder months. There is a private wine cellar that can be reserved in advance with a gorgeous set wine- and food-tasting menu to accompany it.
The atmosphere throughout Tango Nuevo during the evening dinner service is warm and cozy with large, leather and velvet booths, dark wood, candles and intimate lighting. The servers are knowledgable about the menu and food in general and are happy to help you choose the right menu items for you.
I suggest ordering several plates from the various sections on the menu and sharing with your other dinner guests. Some of my favourite dishes that I would HIGHLY recommend you try are the Atlantic Scallops (pictured above), Thai Curry Cod, Beet Salad.
La Condesa, WELLINGTON, ON
Image Source: La Condesa Facebook Page
Image Source: La Condesa Facebook Page
Image Source: La Condesa Facebook Page
Located in the heart of Prince Edward County, La Condesa offers authentic Mexican cuisine with flair and punch.
The Mexican Street Corn (pictured left) is one of my favourite dishes. I have tried to replicate it at home and cannot come close to the dish at La Condesa.
You can also sip on one of the many yummy craft cocktails offered while enjoying your meal.
Visiting La Condesa is a must on your next trip to the County.
Hiking and Outdoor Adventures
Landon Bay Centre Ecological Reserve, 1000 ISLANDS, ON
Parrot’s Bay Conservation Area, ODESSA, ON
Lemoine Point Conservation Area, KINGSTON, ON
Cataraqui Trail and K&P Trail, KINGSTON + FRONTENAC, ON
Shopping and Sightseeing
The Grocery Basket, KINGSTON, ON
Images from The Grocery Basket Facebook Page
The Grocery Basket is a locally-owned grocery store/market and café that offers delicious, locally-sourced products. Whether you’re looking for dinner ideas or a pre-made charcuterie board for your next office meeting, you can find it here. There are two downtown locations in Kingston, ON. One is located on Princess Street and the other location is on King Street.
Another exciting feature: The Grocery Basket boasts a lovely rooftop patio where its dine-in guests can enjoy a warm, sunny day and a cup of coffee or delicious sandwich from their shop. I highly recommend The Grocery Basket as one of my faves in Southeastern Ontario.
Antique Emporium KINGSTON, ON
Images from The Antique Emporium Facebook Page
The Antique Emporium is a special favourite of mine. The owners of this lovely antique, homeware and kitsch shop are incredible people who handpick and source every individual item in the store. The shop is a wonderland of gorgeous furniture, eclectic home goods and is overall just an incredibly fun place to visit.
I HIGHLY suggest that you make a stop at The Antique Emporium, which is now located in the historic Vandervoort General Store’s former location at 77 Princess Street in downtown Kingston, ON.
Starlet, NAPANEE, ON
Images from Starlet Facebook Page
Located in the quaint downtown of Napanee, ON, Starlet is another fun shop that features jewellery, clothing, footwear, handbags, and much more. Many of Starlet’s products are sourced from local creatives and designers. Any time that I need to buy a gift for a special person in my life, Starlet is one of the first places I look. You can shop in-store or online and the owners and staff are incredibly knowledgeable, friendly and helpful.
Snap a photo and share it with us if you decide to buy something for yourself! I always love to see the new products and offerings, which change from season to season and seem to keep the store and its contents feeling fresh, new and exciting every visit!