Top 6 Places to Eat in Prince Edward County

Written by Alexander Kopp, Hannah McKinsey, Jake Evans
01/08/2025
Prince Edward County beach.
The Cosmonaut, Wikimedia Commons

Prince Edward County has emerged as a prominent culinary destination, offering a vibrant farm-to-table dining scene that appeals to food enthusiasts, couples, and families alike. The region's rich agricultural heritage and proximity to Lake Ontario contribute to menus focused on fresh, locally sourced, and seasonal ingredients, often complemented by local wines and craft beverages.

1. Merrill House

Cuisine: French Cuisine

Merrill House offers a sophisticated dining experience, focusing on fine French cuisine with a curated selection of Burgundy wines. It is known for its elegant atmosphere, making it suitable for special occasions. Reservations are highly recommended. The wine list has received awards, making it a standout for wine lovers.

Price: CAD $70-100+ per person

Getting There: Located in Picton, it is typically within walking distance from main areas of the town. Taxis are available in the county for transport.

2. The Royal Hotel

Cuisine: Farm-to-Table Canadian

The Royal Hotel emphasizes a farm-to-table philosophy, with many ingredients sourced from its own organic farm. The dining experience blends timeless elegance with modern flair, offering a range of dishes from high-end selections to family-friendly wood-fired pizzas. It is a popular choice for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Reservations are recommended, especially for dinner.

Price: CAD $50-90+ per person (dinner), CAD $20-40 (breakfast/lunch)

Getting There: Situated on Picton Main Street, it is easily accessible within Picton. Taxis are an option for those staying outside the immediate town center.

3. Flame + Smith

Cuisine: Wood-fired, Sustainable Cuisine

Nestled in Bloomfield, Flame + Smith brings a unique focus on cooking over an open fire, creating bold flavors in dishes ranging from steak to seafood and roasted vegetables. The restaurant is celebrated for its sustainability-focused approach and generous menu. It offers a gracious space suitable for those seeking innovative cuisine.

Price: CAD $60-90+ per person

Getting There: Located in Bloomfield, it is best reached by car or taxi from other areas of Prince Edward County.

4. Stella's Eatery

Cuisine: Farm-to-Table Comfort Food

Stella's Eatery offers a casual yet vibrant atmosphere with a constantly evolving menu inspired by indigenous heritage and seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Dishes are often designed for sharing, allowing guests to experience a variety of flavors. It is a popular spot, and as reservations are often not taken, arriving early is advised.

Price: CAD $30-60 per person

Getting There: Stella's Eatery is located in Waupoos. While a Picton location was mentioned, recent reviews focus on Waupoos. A car or taxi is needed to reach this location from Picton or Bloomfield.

5. Bocado

Cuisine: Spanish Tapas

Bocado transports diners to Spain with its authentic tapas, cheeses, and 'pan con' dishes, featuring some local beer and wine. It is known for its vibrant and warm atmosphere, making it a popular choice for a leisurely meal. Signature items include the anchovy toast and tuna. Reservations are essential due to its popularity.

Price: CAD $40-70 per person (for a selection of tapas)

Getting There: Located in downtown Picton, Bocado is within walking distance of many local accommodations. Taxis are available for those coming from further afield.

6. Hendrick's BBQ

Cuisine: Southern BBQ

Hendrick's BBQ is a casual spot known for its smoky, melt-in-your-mouth meats and Southern-inspired flavors, offering authentic BBQ with a modern twist. The sampler platters are highly recommended for sharing, and it's a great spot for lunch. They are known for tender brisket and perfectly smoked ribs. It operates seasonally, so checking their hours is advisable.

Price: CAD $20-40 per person

Getting There: Located on Loyalist Parkway in Picton, it is best accessed by car. Taxis would also be an option.

Check out our other pages on Prince Edward County

Things to Do icon Things to Do Getting There icon Getting There Bars and Entertainment icon Bars and Entertainment Hotels icon Hotels Budget Stays icon Budget Stays