New year, new places to explore! South Eastern Ontario welcomed brand new experiences, restaurants, wineries, bakeries, inns and more this year. Some celebrated grand openings in the past year, others are poised and ready to launch. Either way, here’s a roundup of more than 40 sparkly new spots just waiting to become your new local favs.
1. Magnolia’s on Main
Cozy country meets delicious fare! This new spot in Deseronto offers strong coffee, drool-worthy baked goods, sandwiches, salads, hearty homemade soups, wraps and much more. We even spotted some special rich hot chocolate and a chocolate cherry meringue over the holidays. Mmmm!
2. Next Door Bed and Breakfast
Relaxing, boutique accommodation in East Hill, Belleville. Next Doors B&B is known for personalized hospitality, with local at heart - whether that’s through elevated culinary or fostering connections with their guests. The home itself has a long history within the community but it’s always been welcoming - and Next Door is the lovingly restored next chapter.
The home of authentic Montreal flavours, with real smoked deli meats, world class New York cheesecake, open seven days a week for dine-in and takeout. A recent refresh on the Pack’s menu has everyone talking. This deli is big on community and flavour - swing in to fall in love!
This welcoming café in the heart of Tamworth serves seasonal, made from scratch comfort food with small town charm. It is also a true community hub, bringing people together through shared experiences. From cooking classes and book clubs to trivia nights and special dinners, there is always something happening. Come enjoy good food and good company.
5. Mike’s Pizza
Now with two locations! Mike’s Pizza is up and running in Bath and Sydenham with traditional mouth watering pizzas, specialty pizzas (think double cheeseburger ‘za!) as well as panzerottis, subs, pasta and so much more!
6. Rampant Kitchen
Food is uninhibited here - last year, Rampant Kitchen, which provided personalized catering, launched in-studio cooking classes. While still committed to creating fresh and nourishing food on pre-order, the personal classes focus on new skills, new connections, and building a fun food community. We hear the focaccia here is next level - figs, goat cheese, local honey and maldon salt. I mean, come on! Winner of Best New Business 2025- Frontenac County.
7. Harrowsmith Brewing Company
Coming soon! A renovated 200 year old barn, inviting taproom space, beer available in rural LCBO outlets - it’s all coming together for Harrowsmith Brewing. Stay tuned for the big reveal this year!
8. Bathhouse at The Belvedere Hotel
Immerse yourself in a beautiful underground spa experience, open to both hotel guests and day-pass visitors! Set in the lower level of a restored 1880s estate, surrounded by original limestone, brick, beams, and arches, guests are invited into a calming atmosphere to enjoy the centuries-old ritual of thermal bathing. Over a three-hour journey, you’ll move through hot and cold baths, a dry sauna, and tranquil quiet areas, all designed to promote deep relaxation and restoration.
9. Hakka Himalaya
Hakka Himalaya has quickly become a go-to in Kingston! This is food that feels like home - with a kick. Serving the bold, comforting flavours of authentic Hakka cuisine and Himalayan street food, they focus on freshly-made momos. Steamed, pan-fried, or tossed in spicy sauces, each dish is crafted using traditional recipes and high-quality ingredients that reflect the rich culinary fusion of Hakka and Himalayan cultures.
10. Frisk Cafe
This newly opened cafe is the home of fresh, healthy food in Gananoque. Located on Stone Street South, find hearty soups, flavourful grab and go sammies, and even some sweet treats to round out your lunch!
11. MJ’s Bakers Dozen
If an Instagram feed can induce drooling, this one is it. So many colourful, creative and rich treats! MJ’s Baker’s Dozen is the home of indulgence and they do it well with freshly baked items daily on King Street East in Gananoque. Cakes, cookies, squares, bars - you name it, they bake it!
Watch for the Old English Pie Shop & Bakery featuring classic British pies - coming soon!
12. Goldwyn’s
Experience a fresh spin on the Wild West at this upscale country western saloon in Kemptville, where rugged character pairs with polished taste. Enjoy standout comfort fare, thoughtfully crafted cocktails, and lively country music in a setting that balances elevated service with relaxed, rootsy charm.
Your new favourite breakfast stop! From good coffee to amazing breakfast sandwiches and from out-of-this-world tarts to comforting soups, Julianna’s is open for brekkie and lunch and all the coffee you need in between. Sweet personalized service from the local owners top off this new inviting experience in Elgin.
This new pizza place in Westport serves high-quality meals with a simple promise: delivering consistently great-tasting food every time, with a focus on classic favourites like pizza, salads, and burgers made with care. Also offering delivery!
15. The Sub Shop
This is old school subs, folks! Meat sliced right in front of you, subs absolutely loaded with meat, cheese and fixings, all made fresh to order. Try the combination - you won’t be disappointed. Super service and stories from the owner himself round out the experience. This shop is always packed at noon hour for good reason!
16. Indoor virtual golf at 1000 Islands Miniature Golf and Driving Range
Gather up your best buds or family and head to the driving range no matter what the weather is! Book a tee time, enjoy drinks and good tunes while playing virtual golf. 1000 Island Mini Golf and Driving Range is a hot spot for fun in the summer months and now with the newly-launched virtual golf suite guests can enjoy year-round golfing in five indoor bays, seven days a week!
17. Pho Hut
Opening just in time for summer last year, Pho Hut on King Street West in Brockville celebrates fresh, flavourful Vietnamese and Thai cuisine! Whether it’s udon noodle with shrimp, traditional Vietnamese crepes or pad Thai this large menu has tastes for all!
Reconnect, recharge and rise at the Alexandria Retreat. With rooms for focus and flow, wellness spaces with sauna and hot tub, groomed trails, and even an art gallery the retreat and workshop space complements a bed and breakfast here for a complete reimagined experience for group gatherings.
You’ll regret nothing at Genesis Kitchen! Their taglines say it all: excellent coffee, epic sammiches, mammoth cookies. Genesis in the heart of Alexandria, brings together a distinctive mix of breakfast and lunch offerings, featuring an all-day breakfast menu, customizable signature sandwiches, premium espresso drinks, and freshly baked treats. Designed as a welcoming community space, it’s a place to sit back and connect!
Good food and good company! This Farm Café (header image) reflects a commitment to fresh, seasonal ingredients, thoughtfully prepared into flavourful dishes that engage the senses. Celebrating the abundant agricultural heritage of Eastern Ontario, all within a warm setting where guests feel at home. Think organic sourdough loaves, buttery croissants, local espresso, and European pastries. You'll love their cozy Farmstay B&B too!
Day trip tours, shuttles, and group shuttles are found here, while See Way More Tours also curates personal excursions to local tourist destinations and off the beaten path sites. Leave the planning to See Way More - just enjoy the journey while exploring the best of the region!
22. Maple Ridge Farm
What do you get when you combine 5,000 century old sugar maples, 330-acres of farmland, forest, vineyard and production facilities in Apple Hill? You get amazing diversity in pure local maple products, from syrup to candy, maple sweet wine, cream and more!
23. Caprassion Acres
This small goat farm in Martintown is keen on making memories for families! Look here for handmade goat’s milk bath and body products, as well as goat snuggle days and opportunities to meet the pigs and chickens!
24. Corleoni's
This premium Italian sandwich shop delivers - full flavour subs with fun names kick your hunger to the curb. Try the Meat Mafia, the Wiseguy or the Soprano! Stacked with meat, sauce and fresh ingredients. We also hear that the cannolis here are top notch!
25. Covered Driving Range at Archie’s
Although Archie’s has been a spot for family fun since 1955, they will soon be opening a new covered driving range with Toptracer technology that gives data about each shot! Having a portion of the range covered will give the opportunity for more comfort no matter what the weather holds. Stay tuned for opening dates!
26. Viva Cancun
If you’re craving authentic Mexican food - hop over to Viva Cancun Restaurant in Cornwall! Offering tacos, burritos, chilaquiles, refreshing drinks and so much more, this colourful restaurant with warm, friendly service raises the bar on local Mexican cuisine. Make every day a fiesta and enjoy Viva Cancun!
27. Craftsman’s Cafe
Cozy up and enjoy everything about this inviting cafe in downtown Cornwall! Baked goods, freshly brewed coffee, vintage-chic decor and lots of comfy spots to slow down and savour the moment and the java. Also known as a great space for hosting community groups, art and workshops!
Cutting edge medical spa technology and traditional luxury treatments officially are available in Cornwall with the recent opening of Sky Serenity Spa at the Dev Centre! Complete beauty and wellness treatments are found at this independently owned spa, bringing results from the skilled team using modern beauty technology.
Add a little sweetness to your life! These irresistibly fluffy gourmet marshmallows are handcrafted with unique flavours and premium ingredients to inspire and delight. Think flavours like watermelon, bubble gum, pineapple and more! Every marshmallow is made to order, just for you.
30. Manila Kitchen
Celebrating Filipino cuisine! Find crispy pata, homemade Silog series with garlic rice, scrambled eggs and atchara, and even the exotic dinuguan right on Pitt Street in Cornwall. This is the real deal, folks. Dig in and enjoy!
31. Posh Nosh Pastry and Confectionary
Get ready to be tempted. Even walking in the doors and seeing counters and coolers filled with rich desserts and treats is an indulgence! Known for their amazing macarons, Posh Nosh is a true homemade and handmade dessert shop. Look here for eclairs, tarts, specialty doughnuts, cheesecakes, chocolates, everything iced and tasting nice! Posh Nosh held a grand opening in December and has been in high demand ever since.
32. La boulangere du Village
Everything here is made from scratch in small batches! This artisanal bakery and local market in Cornwall offers a rotating, day-to-day menu of fresh artisan breads, sweet baked goods, grilled sandwiches, as well as hearty vegetarian soups and sandwich specials.
Facing Lake Ontario, the Wellington Hotel is a true boutique escape - high-end accommodation being developed around an historic Victorian-era building c. 1870 in one of The County’s vibrant villages. The hotel will incorporate luxury guest suites, public spaces, a restaurant and even a spa. Stay tuned for grand opening news throughout the year!
Old soul, new era! This restored hotel blends classic charm with modern luxury - new restaurants, an on-site bakery and coffee shop, even an indoor pool and boardwalk give way to a unique stay ideal for both the weekend getaway set and those looking for an extended place to rest.
35. The Commissary and Wildlings Play Cafe
Base31 in PEC saw some brand new additions recently! The Commissary is an open air food and drink market featuring five unique vendor kitchens, boardwalk vendor pop-ups, a night market and a groovy music vibe. Also on the Base is Wildlings Play Cafe, a unique indoor play place for kids aged 0-7 and their caregivers. Two hour play timeslots are bookable in this 2,400 square foot play space and cafe. Imagine the possibilities!
36. New places to nosh in PEC
In coordination with Gillingham Brewing Company, The Outpost recently opened on Main Street in Picton and serves GBC’s craft beer, as well as cocktail seltzers and small plates curated by chefs in the County. Down the road in Bloomfield, Under the Vine is the neighbourhood table around which people gather to enjoy delicious Mediterranean fare in a peaceful, carefilled way.
Step into a truly memorable jewellery-making experience inside Anice Jewellery - a life-sized jewellery box boutique in the heart of Bloomfield. Whether you’re designing a brand-new statement piece or giving new life to a cherished keepsake, their workshops welcome beginners and seasoned creatives alike. Expect an engaging, hands-on experience filled with inspiration, new skills and meaningful moments.
38. New places to Sip - PEC
As the calendar flips to a new year, look for exciting new wineries joining the PEC scene: Stoss Lee and Volta Estates, to name a few. Last House Vineyard also creates Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines which reflect the unique terroir in Hillier Ward, but is not open to the public. Aurum is also a new craft brewery set to start pouring soon. Stay tuned!
39. New shops that dropped in PEC
From unique gifts to foodie items and with sustainability top of mind, Everything Variety is the answer to what you need. Along similar lines, Twenty Seven Bloomfield covers everything beauty and self-care, focusing on hair, skins, apparel and wellness products - both online and in Bloomfield! Be sure to ask here about The Hunt House - a newly-renovated 1870s farmhouse providing a cozy spot to rest your head. If you’re looking for your next great read, Bloomfield’s newest Indie bookstore, The Wandering Albatross is a sure bet. Get lost among the stacks and dive into the ever-changing collection!
Beginner sailing experiences for curious folks and sailing enthusiasts! Happy Sailing gets people out on the water around Prince Edward County with short, half-day or full-day private experiences. Imagine learning the basics of sailing, dropping anchor to swim and having a wonderful lunch prepared for you on board! Sailing lessons are available to level up your sailing journey, too!
With so many new places to see, so much good food to try and unique accommodations to experience, 2026 beckons as the perfect time to try new things in South Eastern Ontario! What is your favourite new local hang?
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