Restaurants in Prince Edward County

Food is a major attraction here, with plenty of places to feast, graze, sip, and sample. Road trips around the region will lead you to discoveries like a beautiful little winery, or you can opt for staying in Picton and enjoying its many cafes, restaurants, pubs, and specialty shops. For a more complete list of what’s on offer, visit www.visitpec.ca or prince-edward-county.com.

Wine isn't the only drink percolating in these parts. The County was built on beer and barley, but they’re fermenting all types of deliciousness nowadays. From cider to whisky and ales, there’s plenty to swill, sip, and even sup—throughout the summer many places run very respectable food programs.

• Barley Days Brewery: With a nod to the County’s barley-rich past, this craft brewery is an entirely modern enterprise. Of the many ales, kolsches, and lagers on offer, the fig-redolent Saison-Brett is our go-to. (13730 Loyalist Pkwy., Picton. www.barleydaysbrewery.com. tel. 613/476-7468. Daily 11am–5pm.)
• County Cider Company: The cider here isn’t the best in the County (Hinterland and the Grange do more justice to apples than this cidery does). However, the grounds are splendid. Atop the hillside, the lake fans out below and the orchard and vineyard are a marvel to stroll through. If enjoying a pizza and some snacks at the alfresco eatery, try a glass of the County Feral—it’s made from wild apples, a perfect balance of tart and sweet with a crisp finish. (657 Bongards Crossroad, Waupoos. www.countycider.com. tel. 613/476-1022. Tastings $1–$2 a sample. Fri–Tues 11am–6pm.)
• The Grange: Yes, the Grange is a winery, but it also makes some fab farmhouse cider. This family-run farm tends to 60 acres of vines that yield over 120 tons of grapes, which is then turned into the winery's 100%-estate-grown wines. The farmhouse tasting room is brimming with country cheer. Board games and antique couches invite visitors to decompress while savoring Sauvignon Blanc and the excellent ciders (the flat farmhouse-style cider drinks like a wine). In summer, order a picnic basket and enjoy some of the property's wine or cider while tucking into wood-fired bread, local pickles, and cheeses. (990 Closson Rd., Hillier. www.grangewinery.com. tel. 613/399-1048. Tastings $5 for 3 samples. Nov–Apr Wed–Sun 11am–5pm; May–Oct daily 11am–5pm.)
• Kinsip: You’ll be immediately charmed by the roving white chickens, the inviting swing hanging from the old maple tree, the firepit that invites strangers to become friends, and the tasting room, which occupies a Canadian confederation–era house. The grounds offer an appealing spot to while away an afternoon, sipping on locally made spirits. The vodka made from local wheat and pine is splendid, as is the County Cassis made from Bay of Quinte black currants. The whisky-barrel-aged maple syrup is some of the best sap on sale in Ontario. (66 Gilead Rd., Bloomfield. www.kinsip.ca. tel. 613/393-1890. Tastings $2–$3 a sample. Tours $10–$25. Open spring through fall 10am–5pm.)

More Cheese, Please

Fifth Town Artisan Cheese (4309 Prince Edward County Rd. 8, Prince Edward; www.fifthtown.ca; tel. 613/476-5755) is the world’s first LEED-certified dairy, meaning it has outstanding eco-practices. It’s worth a visit and tour just to see the process in action. Making cheese creates a lot of water waste. Rather than dumping it down the drain, Fifth Town has built a filtering system out of ponds, which has created a wetland that is now home to many birds and butterflies. While the property is a pastoral paradise, it’s also worth checking out the ultramodern building. More important, the cheeses are works of art. During the summer, Fifth Town also offers cheese and charcuterie boards, which can be enjoyed in the garden. Call ahead to check on hours and tours.

Apple Pie Ice Cream, Anyone?

The County is known for a healthy sense of pride in local foods, and even the ice-cream shops are in on the trend. Slickers, 271 Main St., Bloomfield (www.slickersicecream.com), a small spot with a pretty patio, serves up an eclectic collection of flavors, each one inspired by what’s in season. Flavors include rhubarb ginger, local cantaloupe, apple pie, and even a maple walnut made with local syrup. They’re all delicious. A single scoop runs from $3.65. It's open in summer only, Sunday to Wednesday 11am to 5pm and Thursday to Saturday 11am to 6pm.