Peach Cafe - School of Medicine Building
PEACH café is conveniently located right in our medical building's atrium, and provides access to untouched food that is packaged and made available to students, staff, and faculty through the market's accessible 'pay what you can' operating model! The PEACH market is a shared initiative between Student Affairs and the Alma Mater Society.
Wally's - Botterell Hall
The café in the basement of Botterell Hall is famous for their best breakfast on campus. They will make you a decent sandwich, a substantial breakfast, a full gamut of “daily specials” of varying gastronomic finesse and a selection of baked goods. The lunch ladies that work in the café are simply the most wonderful people on earth. There are also two microwaves here, where the frugal and well-organized can warm up their lunch.
KGH Cafeteria
Located a few minutes from the SMB, the cafeteria in the basement of KGH offers a better value than the café in Botterell. There’s a salad bar, a grill for burgers and hot dogs, soup, pizza and couple of hot daily entrees. The prices are reasonable and the food is pretty good. The good thing about this caf is that it remains open after April, when the majority of the food places close.
Queen's Centre @ the ARC
As mentioned previously, the Queen’s Centre has a number of food options for students. It boasts a Tim Horton’s, Terayaki Experience, Booster Juice, Pizza Pizza, and a grill. It is home to the new Common Ground - a student run coffeehouse with items ranging from fresh sandwiches to caffeinated beverages to desserts, and it opens late to accommodate the needs of the procrastinator in all of us.
Fry Trucks
Swedish-Beaver Fry Truck is located in front of Miller Hall on Union Street. It serves your typical fry truck foods like hot dogs, burgers, and fries, plus some truly unique wraps and salads that make the truck a popular food vendor on campus.
Jimmy’s Fry Truck is located in the trailer across from Botterell Hall, and a mobile version run by his wife called Lizzy’s Tall Fries is located in front of the JDUC. While the food is greasy, it serves as an alternative to cafeteria food and the price is quite cheap.
The Grad Club
See "Clubs and Pubs".
Restaurants in Kingston (from the 2026's Top Food Critic)
Pizza Monster: a little bit out of the downtown core, but arguably one of the best, if not the best, wood fired oven pizzas in Kingston. Patio open in warmer weather. Great homemade cannolis.
Woodenheads: classic wood fired oven pizza, right in the downtown core. Is it better than Pizza Monster? This reviewer doesn’t think so, but you’ll have to try for yourself.
The Toucan: if you’re a fan of a classic British-style pub, this spot is for you. Quality selection on tap, classic British pub food, live music, and a charming atmosphere.
Sally’s Roti Shop - easily some of the best food you can get in downtown Kingston for under 15$. This family-run restaurant is a local fav for a reason.
Panchancho: a great option for brunch, as well as a variety of deli and bakery goods. The olive rosemary sourdough is fantastic.
Copper Branch - if you’re looking for some semi-fast vegan food, this spot has a great selection of tasty options at reasonable prices. The breakfast sandwich and chilli are particular standouts.
Miss Bao: homemade bao and highly creative cocktails. Miss Bao is a favourite for dinner with friends. While a little bit pricier, this spot is popular for a reason. You’ll will almost always need a reservation, especially for a bigger group. The Bao sampler is a favourite, and their cocktails are seasonal to be sure to ask what the current favs are. If you’re lucky the owner might take a shot with you.
Sima Sushi: since the pandemic started, Sima sushi moved to take out and they have no indication of moving back to in-person dining. While this might seem like a deterrent, rest assured it is fantastic sushi and arguably the best in the city. Well worth a try. They are located a couple minute walk from the water, so it makes a great summer picnic.
Pasta Genova: this deli is a hidden gem. Family run and offering authentic Italian classics, the foccacia is not only cheap but also unbelievably tasty. Enjoy!
Tango Nuevo: one of the more expensive meals you can get in downtown Kingston, but so so worth it. The food and drinks are exceptional. You’ll have to make a reservation because it is often busy. This is a meal best shared with a group, as each dish is meant to be shared with 3-4 people. If foie gras is your thing, or you’d like to try it, it was one of the most unique and memorable dishes that I tried.
Gangnam Style: this spot has a solid selection of different authentic Korean dishes. Great spot to have dinner with friends. The fried chicken is fantastic, and the perfect dish to share.
Northside: this brunch spot has fantastic food, drinks, and atmosphere... if you can get a spot. They don’t take reservations and typically have a 45 minute wait. Worth it IMO.
Olivea: in the mid level price range, Olivea offers authentic Italian dishes in an upscale dining room. Quality wine selection as well. Their truffle fries are a fan favourite.
Mermaid Avenue Sandwich Factory: Kingston is full of hidden gems, and this spot is another one. Artisanal sandwiches, soups and desserts for very reasonable prices. This spot is a classic for lunch. The Casino Queen and How to Fight Lonliness are some of their most popular sandwiches.
Podo Namu: a small spot on Princess offering a wide variety of Korean classics. Reasonable prices make this a popular spot for dinner with friends.
Chez Piggy: if you want a fancy meal, Chez Piggy is an excellent choice. High class French-inspired dining, the menu features local ingredients in changing seasonal dishes. An expensive meal, but one that you will remember.
Melt n’ Grill: located on Princess, conveniently close to the bar/club strip, this spot has a massive menu that is perfect for late night snacks. The melt n’ grill special and waffle fry poutine are both crowd favourites.
Mesa Fresca: located about 10 minutes outside of downtown Kingston by car, this is another one of Kingston’s hidden gems. In this reviewer’s opinion, they have the best tacos and margheritas in Kingston. Their birria tacos are a work of art and their margheritas are sensational. Well worth the trip.