Buckle up, fellow foodies! Get ready to join me as I recap my mini overnight foodie road trip to Belleville and Quinte West in Ontario. Located just about an hour and a bit away from Kingston, prepare to drool over some amazing culinary spots and discover why this region is a hidden gem for food lovers. And let's not forget to mention my wonderful stay at the TownePlace Suites by Marriott Belleville, where comfort and convenience met my foodie needs. So, grab your virtual fork and let's dive into this delicious journey!
CHECKING IN
Our foodie adventure began with an overnight stay at the TownePlace Suites by Marriott Belleville. With kitchenettes in each room, it provided the ideal opportunity to stock up on local goodies and indulge in late-night snacks. And oh, did I mention the indoor pool? It offered a refreshing break after a day of exploration, while the hot breakfast in the morning fuelled us up for the adventures ahead. And of course, the free WiFi was a must for documenting our culinary adventures on social media!
Where: 400 Bell Blvd, Belleville, ON
THE BRAKE ROOM
Our first stop in Belleville was The Brake Room, a delightful café known to be a hub for community, coffee, and cycle culture. It served up a heavenly flat white and savoury breakfast sandwich made by the fine folks at Flossie’s Sandwich. The combination of the perfect caffeinated beverage and sandwich set the tone for the day, leaving us eager for more culinary delights!
Where: 34 Dundas St E, Belleville, ON
SMALL SCALE BREAD
Next up, we discovered Small Scale Bread, a hidden gem known for its delectable treats. From mouthwatering pastries to artisanal bread. The aroma alone was enough to draw us in, and we left with a few goodies to savour later.Where: 14 Front Street North Unit C, Belleville, ON
THE LARK
For dinner and cocktails, The Lark stole the show. With its cozy ambiance and innovative menu, it was a feast for both the eyes and our bellies. From creative appetizers to flavourful mains, each dish was a true masterpiece. The cocktails were equally impressive, adding an extra touch of sophistication to the evening.
We savoured the braised short rib with creamy polenta, relished in the brown butter gnocchi, and ended with the decadent dark chocolate pudding with salted dulce de leche. Each dish was wonderful, a symphony of flavours that left us in awe of The Lark's culinary ingenuity. Prepare to be captivated by Belleville's gastronomic wonders at this remarkable eatery!
Where: 199 Front St #104, Belleville, ON
THE LOCAL SOCIAL HOUSE
No foodie adventure is complete without brunch, and The Local Social House provided the perfect setting. This brand new foodie spot in downtown Belleville offers a charming atmosphere as you walk in and delicious brunch fare, it was a delightful spot to start the day. The menu offered a variety of mouthwatering options, from classic eggs Benedict to unique twists on traditional favourites.
Where: 211 Coleman St, Belleville, ON
BENJI'S AT POP-UPS ON THE BAY
No foodie adventure is complete without a stop at Benji's Waffle Hut & Beverage Bar, part of Pop-Ups on the Bay in Belleville located at West Zwick's Island Park. This spot offers a sanctuary for coffee lovers seeking a refreshing beverage. From indulgent lattes, frappes, fruit chills and iced caffeinated creations, Benji's had it all.
Pop-Ups on the Bay offers a wide variety of unique flavours from Royal Haveli for Indian, Souvlaki Ville for traditional greek cuisine, Brick Oven Pizza Truck for Italian wood fired pizza and much more!
Where: West Zwick's Island Park | 10 Bay Bridge Rd, Belleville, ON
If you find yourself with more time to explore the Belleville area, there are a few additional foodie spots that are worth a visit:
Capers
L'Auberge de France
Burger Revolution
Tropical Blends Cafe
The Boathouse Seafood Restaurant And Waterfront Patio
WANNAMAKER'S BAKESHOP
In Quinte West, I had the opportunity to cross off a spot from my foodie bucket list: Wannamaker's Bakeshop. This place was a haven for donut lovers, with an impressive array of flavours and eye-catching treats. Each bite was a heavenly experience, and I couldn't resist trying a few extra to take home for later. Highly recommend the maple bacon donut and cronut filled with strawberry jelly!
Where: 391 Dundas St W, Quinte West, ON
TOMASSO'S ITALIAN GRILLE
Tomasso's Italian Grille was another gem we discovered in Quinte West. It offered authentic Italian cuisine that left us craving for more. From classic pasta dishes to mouthwatering pizzas, it was a true culinary delight. It had the most perfect waterfront views of the Trent River, while sipping on sangria and enjoying the summer sunshine. We indulged in their seafood manicotti with shrimp, scallops, and a creamy mozzarella sauce. Prepare to be captivated by the flavours that will make you drool!
Where: 35 Front St, Trenton ON
THE GRIND & VINE
To end our foodie journey in Quinte West, we visited The Grind & Vine just a short walk away down the street, a charming café that served up lattes and wine. It was the perfect spot to relax and reflect on the incredible culinary adventure we had just experienced!
Where: 45 Front St, Trenton, ON
Thank you to Bay of Quinte for a lovely experience!
