Famously known for having the most restaurants per square capita, Kingston offers a variety of local and chain restaurants that are absolutely delicious. If you are looking for a specific type of cuisine within a certain budget, you will most certainly find a great place to sit, eat and enjoy yourself. One of the benefits of having access to countless restaurants, bars and pubs, just a bus stop or quick walk away, is the endless potential for a date. As a common date night consists of going out to eat, here is a list of four different date situations and some of my recommendations on places to go based on budget and attire. The restaurants mentioned below are suggested based on my personal experience.
- The First Date
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Kingston is filled with numerous local restaurants that are perfect for the first date. Whether you are finally going on an official date after being in the ‘talking’ phase for a while or meeting with someone you matched with on a dating app, both of these restaurants are fun, laid back and delicious. The Kingston Brewing Company, a local pub near the waterfront, will make you feel as if you have just travelled across the world to Ireland. Not only will you be able to get to know each other while sharing some of your favourite dishes, but the familiarity of being in a casual pub/bar setting introduces a comfortability that will reduce any butterflies you may have.
Score Pizza, the well-known pizza joint downtown, is another great place to have a first date because it is super casual, affordable and flexible. At Score you do not need to worry about your date struggling to find something they like on the menu because there is an option to personalize and create your own meal. Whether you want to take out or eat in, you are in for some good quality pizza to accompany your amazing date. Ranging between $ and $$ dollar signs, both of these casual restaurants are a great place to get to know someone each other over some classic food and drinks.
- The Last-Minute Date
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There are times where making a reservation or planning a date slips through the cracks. If you ever find yourself in this situation DO NOT PANIC! As you are usually guaranteed seating anywhere if you simply walk in. As these are good places to rely on if you are in need of a good place to eat quickly, these are two casual recommendations. The Queen’s Pub is located in the JDUC on University Avenue and is a central place on campus for students to get drinks and hang out. Ranging from $ to $$, this pub is the perfect place for a last-minute date. However, ensure before that your date does not land on the weekly trivia nights because if so, it will be more packed than usual. Unfortunately though, due to COVID-19, the Queen’s Pub is not open. Hopefully they will reopen soon and be ready for your first date plans.
The second and probably sweetest place to go on a last-minute date would be to Mio Gelato. This little gelato place in the heart of Downtown Kingston, is the perfect place to grab something sweet and take a casual stroll. You might be thinking what about when the freezing Kingston winter comes around? The perfect solution is to pick up or get a pint delivered, put on a good movie and snuggle on the couch. Who does not love a cozy night in with dessert? There is hardly any need to worry about dietary restrictions as they also offer sorbet (Raspberry and Mango are my personal favourite)!
- The Anniversary
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Anniversaries are, no doubt, an important milestone in any relationship. Whether it be six months or a year, your anniversary is the perfect time to remind your partner how much you care about them. To celebrate your relationship, add on a dinner to your plans at either of these restaurants to complement your special day. A delicious and versatile restaurant that can be either casual or fine dining is Union Kitchen and Cocktails. Whether you want to go for a more casual look or elevate the night with a cute outfit, you will have no issues fitting into this establishment’s atmosphere. This small yet chic restaurant, between the $-$$ price range, offers a reasonably wide range of dishes ranging from pasta to fish to meat, while having some delicious vegetarian options! You must order one of their tasty cocktails to accompany your meal, I promise you will not regret it.
Another perfect place to go for any anniversary date, if you are in the mood to get dressed up and enjoy a nice glass of wine, is Casa Domenico. Located in Downtown Kingston, across from City Hall, this tasteful Italian restaurant has the perfect ambiance to show your significant other how sincerely you value them as an individual and your relationship. Beyond the atmosphere, this restaurant sits between the $$ and $$$$ price range, is most definitely considered fine-dining and has both delicious food and a wonderful staff.
- The Best Friend Date
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Even without a significant other, you can still enjoy a wonderful date night in Kingston! Sometimes the best date nights are not with a partner or someone you are seeing, but with your best friends. If you are in need for a night out on the town then, grab your best friends, dress up and try these cute restaurants to celebrate yourself and your amazing friends. Pan Chancho is a small bakery and café downtown that has some amazing food and a great atmosphere! When the weather is warm, I highly recommend sitting outside, the patio area aesthetic really gives off a brunch vibe. This café ranges from the $ to $$ price range, usually more leaning towards the latter. Although brunch dates are uncommon and unthought-of to many, they are one of my favourite outings! Who doesn’t love breakfast, the best meal of the day, and the company of your best friends? I recommend making a reservation if you choose to go here because there is oftentimes a wait if you simply walk in.
Cacao 70, located by City Hall, is one of the most popular dessert places in all of Kingston. If you are a fan of chocolate then this is the perfect place for you! If not, do not worry there are also a lot of other options! Not only does this restaurant give off a warm and homely atmosphere, but the presentation of the food is spectacular. Although having dessert at Cacao 70 is more popular, it is also a great place to go for brunch. Between the $$ and $$$ price range, this dessert place is guaranteed to sweeten up your night! Finally, if you and your friends are feeling like going all out for the night then Olivea is the place for you. The sophisticated and warm atmosphere will never make you feel as if you are ‘overdressed’, not to mention they have a beautiful patio with a view of the hub of Downtown Kingston. Ranging between the $$ and $$$ price range, any plate you get will be absolutely drool worthy! I recommend ordering a bunch of different dishes and sharing everything as a group, there are so many amazing options to just limit yourself to a few.
I hope you enjoy my recommendations and are able to take the time to try them out for yourself! Happy dating!