PHE-picks: The Best Bites in Kingston

Kingston is one of the most restaurant-dense cities per capita in Canada — which means as a student here, you have no shortage of incredible places to explore. As Peer Health Educators, we know that food is about so much more than fuel. Sharing a meal is how we connect with friends, celebrate our cultures, and take care of our mental and physical well-being. This month, six members of the Healthy Cooking Team went out to try their favourite Kingston spots and came back with honest reviews, student-friendly price ranges, and their top menu picks — just for you.

🍛 Hillary's Pick: Daal Roti

📍 340 Barrie St, Kingston | 🍽️ Indian | ⭐ PHE Rating: 4/5 | 💰 $$ (~$18.99–$21.99/plate)

Indian cuisine is one of my favourites because of the bold spices and rich flavours, and Daal Roti is a great spot for experiencing authentic dishes in Kingston. The portions are large and perfect for sharing, which I love when going out with friends. Ordering a few different dishes and sharing them around the table makes it easy to try more flavours and turns the meal into a more social experience.

🍴 Top menu picks: Pani Puri · Goat Curry with Garlic Naan · Gulab Jamun · Mango Lassi

🥟 Falaq's Pick: Hakka Horizon

📍 304 Bagot Street, Kingston | 🍽️ Indian, Hakka, Thai, Chinese & Momo | ⭐ PHE Rating: 4/5 | 💰 $–$$ (~$14–$18/dish, ~$35 full meal)

Everything from the food to the staff was wonderful and offered small glimpses of home. Everything on the menu is halal, which is something I truly value. As a Muslim living in a smaller city like Kingston, finding halal options can be challenging, so discovering spots like these feels like a gem. There were so many different dishes and cuisines to explore — from Indian, Hakka, Thai, Chinese, to Momo — which made the experience all the more enjoyable. This is also why it is a great restaurant to go to with a diverse group of people who may have different tastes. My friend and I tried the chicken dumplings and the vegetable Manchurian, and both were delicious. The portions were also very large; we took lots of food home!

🍴 Top pick: Everything is delicious — but if you're ordering the vegetable Manchurian, ask them to add less salt for that authentic Indian taste.

🍜 Jade's Pick: Pho Chopstix

📍 137 Princess St, Kingston | 🍽️ Vietnamese | ⭐ PHE Rating: 4/5 | 💰 $–$$ (~$14–$20/main, ~$28 full meal)

Everything from the food to the staff at Pho Chopstix is wonderful, making it such a comforting place to visit. As a family-owned restaurant, it has a warm and welcoming atmosphere that really comes through in the experience. The restaurant offers a wide variety of Vietnamese dishes, from pho to vermicelli bowls and rice plates, which makes it easy to find something you're in the mood for. What really stands out is the service — Johnny, the owner, is incredibly friendly and always remembers returning customers, which adds a really personal touch.

🍴 Top picks: Rice noodle soups (rare beef is a favourite) · Fresh salad rolls in rice paper · Vermicelli bowl · Grilled chicken and shrimp rice plate

🌮 Ivey's Pick: Mesa Fresca

📍 1347 Gardiners Rd, Kingston | 🍽️ Mexican | ⭐ PHE Rating: 5/5 | 💰 $$ (~$23 full meal)

Everything from the food to the atmosphere made this such a genuinely enjoyable experience! As someone who is dairy-free, I usually have to be pretty careful when ordering, but here it was surprisingly easy to find options without feeling restricted. My friend and I ordered the birria tacos and a burrito bowl, and both were so good. The birria tacos were definitely the highlight — super flavourful with a delicious consommé! There was also a giant hot sauce wall with many different brands and flavours to choose from. Nothing felt overly heavy or greasy, just really well-balanced and satisfying. The portions were generous too — we were both full and still had leftovers to take home.

🍴 Top picks: Birria tacos · Nachos with guac for sharing

🍝 Emma's Pick: Sophie's Noodle House

📍 160 Princess St, Kingston | 🍽️ Chinese & Asian-Fusion | ⭐ PHE Rating: 4/5 | 💰 $$ (~$10–$21/meal)

Sophie's Noodle House is a small and cozy restaurant situated on Princess Street, next to the bus terminal. It has a calm atmosphere that allows for easy conversation and a great opportunity to catch up with friends over a meal. The staff are very helpful and the service is efficient. While all of their food is delicious, their noodle soups hold a special place in my heart and are my go-to meals after exams. Each dish is full of rich flavours and has a generous portion size.

🍴 Top pick: BBQ Duck Lanzhou Noodle soup — choose your noodle thickness and add chili oil to taste. The broth is filling, the duck flavour is delicious, and portions are generous enough for leftovers!

🥙 Lucas' Pick: Shawarma Dubai

📍 208 Division St, Kingston | 🍽️ Middle Eastern | ⭐ PHE Rating: 5/5 | 💰 $ (~$13 full meal)

If you are ever in need of a large quantity of balanced and delicious food, Shawarma Dubai is the place to go. Located at the intersection of Princess and Division, the reasonable prices and massive portions of freshly made shawarma make this restaurant perfect for students. They offer a wide selection of toppings and sauces so you can customize your food to your liking.

🍴 Top pick: The bowls — pick rice and potatoes for your carbs and chicken or beef as your protein. The smoky grilled meat paired with fresh and pickled vegetables makes for a filling and delicious meal.

PHE Tips for Balanced, Mindful Dining

✅ Try exploring a new cultural cuisine to expand your food diversity.

✅ Choose restaurants that offer balanced meal options (protein, fibre, healthy fats).

✅ Make eating out a mindful social activity, focusing on connection, not just convenience.

✅ Support local businesses when possible.

✅ Check menus ahead of time if you have dietary needs to reduce stress.

Kingston's food scene is as diverse as the students who call this city home — and that's exactly what makes eating out here such a great experience. Whether you're craving something familiar, eager to try a new cuisine, or just looking for a warm meal that fits your budget, there's something on this list for you. Dining out doesn't have to break the bank or compromise your health goals. With a little mindfulness around what you're ordering and who you're sharing it with, it can be one of the most nourishing parts of your week. From all six of us on the Healthy Cooking Team — bon appétit!