Chez Piggy has been a fine dining staple in Kingston for years, and for good reason. While it’s certainly not the best dining option in town, it ranks up there with the best in the city. If you are looking to enjoy great, elegant and unpretentious food, Chez Piggy is guaranteed to satisfy.
Located just off of Princess street, in a complex of renovated 19th-century limestone buildings, Chez Piggy, or the Pig as it’s known to locals, is a warm and comfortable dining experience. It occupies two stories of a rustic old stone house that somehow manages to feel timeless.
When you enter the first floor you are greeted by the hustle and bustle of a busy bar, usually stocked with locals. The place is always full, and we do suggest making reservations, especially on the weekend.
Service is outstanding, and whether they are going over the wine list or refilling your bread basket, the wait staff here is knowledgeable and charming. Speaking of bread … the bread here alone is a good enough reason to come to the Pig. It’s baked fresh daily at sister operation Pan Chancho and really exemplifies their wholesome low-show approach to fine dining.
The decor at the Pig is slightly eclectic. They manage to mix paisley, Tunisian rugs, wicker chairs, and limestone walls – and make it work. The restaurant also sports a sprawling upper level that, despite being fairly open and loft like, manages to maintain a cozy feel.
Outside a large patio is open in summer months. It’s the perfect place to enjoy their famous Sunday brunch or to indulge in a Belgian beer and steak frites after work.
As impressive as the service and the menu is the wine list. They have a fabulous collection of some of the world’s best bottles. It’s no wine vault, and often the bottle you were eyeing is unavailable, but there is something for every palate and price range.
As for the food, well, it’s an understatement to say that the food at the Pig is good. It’s great actually. Everything on the menu is tried, true, and there to be enjoyed. They don’t aim for the wow factor here, presentation is simple, not dazzling, and big risks are avoided. But it’s elegant and comforting fine dining. You can understand why people will drive in from Toronto or Ottawa simply to enjoy a little Chez Piggy.
We suggest: Every so often they offer a prix fixe menu. For $30 you can indulge in three courses, and still afford to splurge on a great bottle of wine!
Address: 68R Princess, Kingston
Hours: Mon-Sat 11:30am-midnight
Sun 11am-10pm
Phone: 613-549-7673
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Pan Chancho Bake
While Pan Chancho certainly isn’t cheap, it’s worth it every now and again (students do receive 15% off when they show their student id). If you are in the mood for great food, fresh bread, or just a little local colour, then it’s a worthwhile trip down Princess Street.