A Culinary Highway Journey Alongside South Japanese Ontario’s Freeway 401

At first look, the stretch of Freeway 401 between Montreal and Toronto could not appear all that thrilling. If you happen to’ve traveled alongside this stretch of freeway earlier than, you realize it nicely: the route cuts by means of farmland and forested areas, and by the point you’ve hit the midway level of your journey, everybody within the automotive is hungry and longing for a distraction. It’s simple to tug off the freeway for a fast chew at a sequence restaurant, however fascinating tales and scrumptious flavours are simply across the nook … if you realize the place to look!

As we speak, we’re exploring a roughly 100-kilometre-long stretch of Freeway 401 in South Japanese Ontario that’s chockfull of hidden gems which can be nicely definitely worth the detour. We’re breaking down our itinerary by exit that can assist you discover cool stops irrespective of the place you’re headed. Preserve studying or click on to leap on to your freeway exit:

Prepared? Begin the automotive!

Situated on the border between Quinte West and Prince Edward County, Carrying Place could function the gateway to The County, however it’s a vacation spot too! Take Exit 522 and head south on County Highway 40 for just some minutes to achieve two nice culinary spots on this space.

The place: 22186 Loyalist Pkwy, Carrying Place, ON K0K 1L0 (View map)

Fawn Over Market is an award-winning neighbourhood grocery retailer led by Chef Alexandra Feswick, previously the Govt Chef of the Drake Resort and Drake Devonshire. Chef Alexandra curates a variety of native and specialty merchandise, seasonal produce, provisions, ready meals, espresso, baked items, frozen meals, distinctive presents & handmade gadgets. All through the market, you’ll discover native items like Cherry Bomb espresso (roasted within the County), County Bounty Sodas, wines from The Grange, Wilda mead drinks and a lot extra. Chef Alexandra additionally works with Afrim Pristine from Toronto’s Cheese Boutique to usher in connoisseur cheese, dried pasta, and different high-quality elements to take pleasure in at dwelling.

Within the kitchen, you’ll discover co-Govt Chef Marc Dufour whipping up pastas, focaccia, and the nightly household dinner specials. His unimaginable pizzas can be found by the slice or as entire pies – order forward to keep away from lacking out!

The place: 2544 County Rd 64, Carrying Place, ON K0K 1L0 (View map)

Josh’s Diner presents the most effective of each worlds: an old-school diner with a new-school menu! You’ll discover traditional bacon and eggs and BLTs alongside blintzes (a historically Jewish dish of skinny, crepe-like pancakes, gentle cheese, and fruit), fried rooster & waffles, and Eggs Barrington (a twist on Eggs Benedict named after their backyard gnome-like mascot). The decor is traditional diner: checkerboard flooring, vibrant retro colors, and vinyl information on the partitions – see in case your little ones can spot the distinctive silver document hidden amongst them.

From Could to October, Josh and Barbara additionally function The Actual JERKebago, a go-to vacation spot for genuine Jamaican flavour. Conveniently situated subsequent to Fawn Over Market, don’t miss their wood-smoked jerk rooster and delectable Jamaican beef patties.

It’s possible you’ll be acquainted with Trenton as a Canadian Forces army base, however there’s tons extra to see! Situated on the Bay of Quinte, Trenton is the start line for the Trent-Severn Waterway, which continues northwest to Port Severn on Georgian Bay, 386 kilometers away. Trenton is a good place to go to museums, watch boats, spot planes, play a spherical of golf, and naturally, eat!

The place: 11 Entrance St, Trenton, ON K8V 4N3 (View map)

“Good meals performed proper” – that’s the motto at The Counter, a latest addition to Trenton’s culinary scene. The Counter opened its doorways in 2023 with a purpose of making traditional lunch favourites with a connoisseur twist.

Strive the creamy soups with a facet of fluffy, springy housemade focaccia, or the traditional grilled cheese topped with bacon and a swipe of housemade crimson pepper jelly. The Reuben is topped with housemade sauerkraut, and … nicely, you get the concept! Native beers, non-alcoholic choices, and chocolate milk from Reid’s Dairy spherical out the menu at this traditional lunch spot.

The place: 45 Entrance St, Quinte West, ON K8V 4N3 (View map)

Step into the Grind and Vine for a lift of power – both from ingesting a handcrafted espresso or from chatting with proprietor Taylor Russett, whose ardour for espresso and entrepreneurship is palpable!

At The Grind and Vine, Russett has created a vibrant atmosphere for folks to work, meet up with mates, or just take pleasure in a quiet second between errands. The vary of baked items contains vegan and gluten-free choices to cater to all tastes. Later within the day, cease by to take pleasure in a charcuterie platter and a glass of wine or a cocktail, like a Springtime Spritz or a traditional Espresso Martini.

The place: 35 Entrance St, Trenton, ON K8V 4N3 (View map)

In December of 1970, the unique Jim’s Pizzeria opened at 26 Entrance St. in Trenton. After 5 a long time, a hearth, and far iteration, the latest incarnation of Jim’s Pizzeria is Tomasso’s Italian Grille, a family-owned bar & grill specializing in traditional Italian dishes and craveable consolation meals.

Tomasso’s pastas are topped with house-made sauces, the pizza dough is made out of scratch each day, and each dish options recent, native elements that spotlight the most effective of what the area has to supply. Don’t miss the tiramisu for dessert! Tomasso’s Italian Grille is Feast On® licensed!

Town of Belleville is situated on the Bay of Quinte’s north shore and it’s the right place to cease when touring between Toronto and Montreal. Whether or not you pull off the freeway for lunch or keep in a single day to take pleasure in a few of Belleville’s sights, there are tons of nice eating choices that vary from bakeries and cafes to worldwide eating places with music and dancing.

The place: 14 N Entrance St Unit C, Belleville, ON K8P 3A7 (View map)

Small Scale Bread is a bakery specializing in natural entire grain sourdough bread, pastries, and low. The sourdough loaves are blended, proofed, formed by hand, then baked to perfection on-site within the bakery’s open idea kitchen.

The flaky laminated pastries characteristic native elements: attempt the Every thing Bagel Bun full of cream cheese from Cross Wind Farm, or the danishes topped with recent seasonal fruit. For lunch, attempt considered one of their focaccia sandwiches, or seize a slice of scrumptious pizza, which is out there for lunch from Wednesday-Friday!

The place: 322 Pinnacle St, Belleville, ON K8N 3B4 (View map)

Tropical Blends Cafe is an oasis within the coronary heart of Belleville, simply across the nook from the waterfront. Homeowners Thom and PJ honed their enterprise abilities within the company espresso world earlier than buying the shop in 2024 with a purpose of reinvigorating Tropical Blends, and so they’ve succeeded in creating an area that feels recent and stress-free.

The vegetarian menu options items from native producers, together with Sweets Bakery, Hale Espresso Roasters, and the Kingston Olive Oil Firm. Seize your smoothie to go or pull up a chair and keep some time.

The place: 304 Entrance St, Belleville, ON K8N 2Z8 (View map)

Searching for a style of Paris in downtown Belleville? L’Auberge de France presents an genuine French culinary expertise underneath the route of Chef Jean-Marc Salvagno, who hails from Avignon, France. The bistro is open day-after-day and options connoisseur sandwiches, soups, and exquisite patisseries for dessert. Guests can even store from a number of imported cheeses, charcuterie, wine, frozen connoisseur meals, and extra.

On Saturdays, the boulangerie seems lots of of butter croissants, ache au chocolat, almond croissants, and raisin rolls together with baguettes, loaves, and brioches. Be sure to reach early as these treats are likely to promote out rapidly!

The place: 60 Dundas St E, Belleville, ON K8N 1B8 (View map)

Meyers Creek Brewing is a real labour of affection: homeowners Gretta and Invoice Barnwell and Rick Stinchcombe, who took over a dilapidated constructing and got down to convert it into their dream brewery, navigated many challenges alongside the street to opening up store, together with – however not restricted to – a world pandemic. Pivoting rapidly, they launched the brewery with curbside gross sales solely, opening the taproom a while later when restrictions have been relaxed.

As we speak, the Meyers Creek taproom is a bustling place the place company can take pleasure in heat hospitality alongside tasty chilly drinks. They produce 16 beers of their small-but-mighty brewhouse; most of the beer names draw inspiration from Belleville’s historical past, just like the Stoney Lonesome Additional IPA (the previous title of the Hillcrest neighbourhood) or The Pier, a Bohemian Pilsner named after the pier on the waterfront simply down the road from the brewery. The brewery has snacks out there, together with recent popcorn that pairs completely with a beer or two.

The place: 199 Entrance St #101, Belleville, ON K8N 5H5 (View map)

A kafana is a kind of cafe or tavern generally present in Southeastern Europe. Kafanas are the social hub of their communities – a spot the place you’re more likely to run into mates and find yourself staying some time, snacking on small bites and absorbing the vigorous vibes.

Homeowners Corinne and Myroslava and the staff at The Kafana have efficiently recreated this environment in Belleville. The menu is greatest loved family-style – you’ll discover a lot of small plates which can be designed to share, like flavourful perogies or bashniki, a crispy triangle of phyllo full of Bulgarian feta. For a style of Japanese European hospitality, don’t miss the Balkan People Dance Nights, the place you possibly can be taught the steps and take part on the enjoyable.

The place: 182 Entrance St, Belleville, ON K8N 2Y7 (View map)

BayLeaf Genuine Indian Delicacies opened in early 2024, however this latest addition to Belleville’s fundamental strip has rapidly turn out to be a neighbourhood favorite. On the menu, you’ll discover trendy twists on traditional Indian dishes, all ready with genuine spices and recent native elements. With a lot of vegetarian choices in addition to a variety of delicate and spicy dishes, there’s a dish to please each palate.

Alongside the varied menu, BayLeaf additionally presents a variety of handcrafted cocktails, native beer, and worldwide wines. There’s a lot of seating out there for teams of all sizes and everybody is bound to go away with full stomachs and smiling faces!

The place: 272 Entrance St, Belleville, ON K8N 2Z8 (View map)

Capers has been a go-to restaurant within the coronary heart of Belleville since 1999, and it’s simple to see why: the attentive service, snug environment, and scrumptious menu make Capers a simple selection for lunch or dinner.

The seasonal menu options recent native elements and creative flavours – you’ll discover steak and entree-sized salads alongside lobster donuts, duck cassoulet, and even a Thai wagyu burger. Capers additionally presents an important number of native craft beer, wine, and fascinating cocktails. Cease by on Friday or Saturday night time for a night of dwell music and enjoyable.

The place: 257 Bridge St E, Belleville, ON K8N 1P4 (View map)

Glanmore Home is a good instance of the Second Empire type, which was fashionable in Canada within the 1870s and Eighteen Eighties. This imposing home opened as a museum in 1973 and options a big assortment of furnishings, artwork, and different artifacts that mirror the historical past of the Belleville area – almost 20,000 in complete!

Wander the halls to find the lives of the residents who referred to as Glanmore dwelling over time, and don’t miss the rotating displays overlaying every thing from Glanmore’s Creepy Curiosities to Victorian Christmas traditions. Glanmore is accessible and family-friendly, making it an important afternoon cease for households!

Situated alongside the sting of the Bay of Quinte between Belleville and Napanee, Shannonville and the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory provide the right alternative to take a break, stretch your legs, and seize a deal with earlier than getting again on the street.

The place: 5379 Previous Freeway 2 Unit 9, Shannonville, ON K0K 3A0 (View map)

Wavy is an Indigenous-owned cafe, wellness boutique, and skateboard store rolled into one! Homeowners Megan Barnhart and Ryan Bush opened Wavy in 2023 as a option to mix their love of specialty espresso, skateboarding, and group. Within the boutique, you’ll discover a lot of well being and wellness gadgets alongside handmade artwork and Indigenous items. You may also store Wavy’s assortment of skateboards and attire (ask Ryan about his plans for a group skate park!).

Megan is the artistic mastermind behind the prolonged seasonal beverage menu, which is chockfull of artistic takes on sizzling, iced, and blended drinks. Unsure the place to start out? Ask for a suggestion – and keep watch over Wavy’s Instagram for the soup of the day!

Situated on the western outskirts of Kingston, the neighbourhood of Cataraqui Westbrook is a primarily residential space with a lot of small companies, cafes, and eating places. Whether or not you’re searching for a fast chew, a sit-down meal, or a spot to choose up treats in your option to your vacation spot, you’ll discover it at Exit 611!

The place: 1530 Bathtub Rd, Kingston, ON K7M 4X6 (View map)

Toast & Jam is situated subsequent door to Bread & Butter Bakery, a longtime Kingston staple with two areas the place guests can choose up recent bread, baked items, specialty muffins, frozen meals, and rather more.

Toast & Jam is a pure extension of the enterprise – the breads and different specialty gadgets characteristic closely on the menu, from quiches and sandwiches to eggs Benedict with decadent toppings piled excessive on Bread & Butter’s Italian bread. Gas up with a espresso or attempt a mimosa flight, that includes 4 mini-mimosas which can be as cute as they’re tasty. Toast & Jam is Feast On® licensed!

The place: 506 Days Rd, Kingston, ON K7M 5R4 (View map)

Tea Sommelier Kaoru opened up store in 2006 to meet her personal want for a neighborhood supply of high-quality teas. Twenty years later, Cha Cha Tea is a vibrant hub for tea lovers in Kingston, who flock to the store for specialty teas, stunning pottery, and native honey, chocolate, and different goodies.

If you happen to’re new to the world of tea, simply ask! Kaoru is a fountain of information and may information you to the right tea mix. Kaoru additionally hosts tea pairing occasions to assist attendees uncover new flavours; test the Cha Cha Tea web site for upcoming dates.

The place: 840 Improvement Dr, Kingston, ON K7M 5V7 (View map)

Audrey Brown is an artisan chocolatier who makes use of the language of flavour to precise herself by means of her vary of artisanal chocolate bars, candies, and exquisite truffles. A go to to CocoaBistro is an opportunity to find new flavours and deal with your self to decadent and inexpensive luxurious.

A field of CocoaBistro truffles makes an important host present; attempt flavours reminiscent of Fig-Tastic, Earl Gray Martini, or the Oh My Coronary heart!, an anatomically-correct coronary heart stuffed with hibiscus tea from Cha Cha Tea and raspberry vinegar from close by Satan’s Orchard.

The place: 675 Improvement Dr, Kingston, ON K7M 4W6 (View map)

Spearhead and Skeleton Park fused their operations in 2023, reworking their joint taproom right into a one-stop haven for beer lovers (Corbyville’s Sign Brewery completes the trio). You’ll discover all kinds of beers from all three breweries on faucet, together with Spearhead’s award-winning Hawaiian Type Pale Ale, Sign Brewing’s hazy Wave Pale Ale, and Skeleton Park’s Correct English Ale, which is brewed utilizing a 150 year-old greatest bitter recipe.

Alongside the beer, wine, and cocktail/mocktail choices, you’ll discover a meals menu filled with crowd favourites that pair completely with a chilly beverage. The taproom hosts frequent occasions – keep watch over Instagram for future bulletins.

The place: 2792 Princess St, Kingston, ON K7P 1W9 (View map)

Otter Creek Kitchen serves the final word farm-to-table burger: every chew showcases well-marbled Wagyu Beef raised at Otter Creek Farms, simply 5 kilometers from the restaurant. They foster robust relationships with different native farmers and producers to supply their elements: Wild Acres Hen, cheddar from Wilton Cheese, and burger buns from Mac’s Bakeshop (each spots share a kitchen!). Don’t neglect the golden, crispy fries made with Canadian potatoes.

Otter Creek Kitchen is a quick-service spot with a couple of tables the place you possibly can take pleasure in your meal earlier than heading off to your subsequent cease. Otter Creek Kitchen is Feast On® licensed!

The place: 2792 Princess St, Kingston, ON K7P 1W9 (View map)

Chef Brendan McAleer is dedicated to the craft of bean to bar chocolate making and superb pastries. Mac’s award-winning bean to bar chocolate and house-made croissants and viennoiseries are purpose sufficient to cease by for a go to, however ask anybody in Kingston and so they’ll inform you: come for the chocolate, keep for the donuts!

Each donut is handmade with brioche dough then full of housemade curds, jams, and pastry lotions. Mac’s Chocolate & Bakeshop is conveniently situated inside Otter Creek Kitchen, making it simple to seize a couple of treats for dessert.

The world west of Queen’s College is primarily residential, with a couple of museums and a community of waterfront trails. Seize some lunch and drinks from these two stops, then head all the way down to the lake to stretch your legs and luxuriate in a picnic al fresco.

The place: 370 King St W, Kingston, ON K7L 4H2 (View map)

The Juniper Café’s King Road location is tucked behind the Tett Centre for Creativity & Studying, with a lovely view of the waterfront and a patio in the summertime months. Proprietor Raissa, who took over operations in 2019, goals to offer an area that encourages people to place down their electronics and join over espresso and scrumptious meals.

Juniper Cafe prioritizes group, sustainability, and high quality, three attributes which can be mirrored of their provider record, which incorporates Reid’s Dairy, Wilton Cheese, Mackinnon Brothers Brewing, and numerous native farms and producers. The idea – and the meals – are so fashionable that Juniper Café expanded to a second location in 2023. Each areas settle for reservations earlier than 10am and after 3pm.

The place: 768 Princess St, Kingston, ON K7L 4E4 (View map)

Daft Brewing is a vibrant brewery in Kingston with West Coast influences and relaxed vibes for anybody who loves beer and enjoyable instances. They brew a variety of various beer kinds; order a flight to pattern a couple of at a time, however don’t skip Cool Cool Cool their flagship crispy dry-hopped pilsner with Sabro and Nelson Sauvin Hops.

The small however mighty kitchen seems crispy, ethereal pizzas with a wide range of toppings, just like the Slytherin Chunk (a spicy mix of sizzling Calabrese salami, candied jalapeños, and sizzling honey) or the Peppa Pig, with pepperoni, bacon, and sausage. Acquired little ones with you? Order the fish & chips – that’s Goldfish crackers & ruffled chips, in fact.

Downtown Kingston packs a punch, with a great deal of tradition, leisure, and meals choices to select from. We advise parking the automotive and testing a couple of spots on foot – and produce a reusable bag when you plan to cease in a couple of boutiques alongside the way in which!

The place: 195 Ontario St, Kingston, ON K7L 2Y7 (View map)

Dianne’s combines traditional East Coast dishes and vibrant Mexican flavours to create a completely distinctive and completely scrumptious menu that’s excellent for seafood lovers. Strive the hearty Down East clam chowder with toasted ciabatta or order a couple of scrumptious avenue tacos that includes shrimp al pastor, cider-battered fish, or Oaxacan type slow-braised beef brisket.

Dianne’s works with native producers to supply recent elements – you’ll discover Canadian seafood together with merchandise from Seed to Sausage, Patchwork Gardens, and Mio Gelato (situated simply throughout the road!). This family-friendly spot is a good place to cease for lunch or pleased hour close to Kingston’s Confederation Park. Dianne’s is Feast On® licensed!

The place: 1 Johnson St, Kingston, ON K7L 5H7 (View map)

You’ll discover Aquaterra tucked contained in the Delta Resorts Kingston Waterfront, however it’s not your typical foyer bar. Below the route of Sous Chef Rahul Bhatt, this superb eating restaurant highlights recent, seasonal elements and also you’ll spot native makers and producers in each part of the menu, from the appetizers to the cocktail record.

The picturesque waterfront views make AquaTerra the right vacation spot for a particular meal with mates or family members. In the summertime, the patio opens for informal eating, with Adirondack chairs, recent lake breezes, and a curated menu that features s’mores to toast over the hearth pits. AquaTerra is Feast On® licensed!

The place: 171 Wellington St Unit #103, Kingston, ON K7L 1R8 (View map)

The Everly is a lovely mid-century impressed restaurant providing a rotating menu of traditional dishes made with elements sourced from native purveyors: rooster from Wild Acres Farm, greens from Patchwork Gardens and Greenreach Farms, and plenty of extra. This vigorous, bustling spot is nice for a date or an outing with mates – and so they’re open late, so you possibly can cease in for a cocktail and dessert after dinner to take in some late-night vibes earlier than handing over.

Homeowners Amber Thom & Jamie Hodges provide a carefully-crafted menu of small and enormous plates which can be excellent for sharing: rooster liver parfait with sourdough, kale salad showered in parmesan, mushroom gnocchi in white wine sauce, and heritage pork sausage from Haanover View Farms, to call just some. The educated workers can provide an important wine or beverage suggestion to pair along with your number of dishes. The Everly is Feast On® licensed!

The place: 285 King St E, Kingston, ON K7L 3B1 (View map)

Academy Meals + Drink is a lovely open-concept restaurant within the foyer of the newly-renovated Kingston Marriott. The menu celebrates the area’s flavours and options numerous dishes impressed by Chef Ahmed Boukraa’s Moroccan background.

Alongside traditional cheeseburgers and creative mains, you’ll discover braised Moroccan lamb shank with couscous and dried fruit, a standout dish that highlights the distinctive flavours of North Africa. For a extra relaxed eating expertise, request a desk on the low couches – excellent for a meandering catch-up over cocktails with a couple of mates!

The place: 73 Sydenham St, Kingston, ON K7L 3H3 (View map)

The Secret Backyard Inn is a lovely boutique resort and restaurant in a transformed 1888 Victorian dwelling. Charming stained glass home windows, vintage fireplaces, and ornate fixtures function an ideal backdrop for the Inn’s signature afternoon tea, the place company can take pleasure in delicate muffins, buttery scones, and petit fours with a cup of their favorite tea. This memorable expertise is a good way to spend a day within the Kingston space.

For dinner, attempt the Inn’s famend five-course European Fondue expertise, which incorporates cheese fondue (a traditional Swiss mix of Emmentaler and Gruyère cheeses), fondue bourguignonne, and chocolate fondue served with house-made muffins and fruit. Fondue is greatest loved with others, so deliver a couple of mates alongside for a vigorous (and engaging) night!