Madame Marie’s Guide to Prince Edward County – Where to eat, drink and explore

Known for its wines, fresh air, and breathtaking beaches, Prince Edward County, affectionately known as the County, is a magical destination to anytime of the year but especially in the warmer months. Whether you’re seeking a gorgeous beach getaway, a relaxing weekend of pampering, or some wine and farm-to-table dining, this guide highlights all you need to know for the perfect stay in P.E.C.!

In peak season (May to September), be sure to plan ahead and book reservations in advance.

EAT + DRINK

Restaurants and Cafés

Beacon Bike + Brew
188 Picton Main Street, Picton
613-471-1818

Come for the amazing coffee, stay for the epic breakfast sandwiches. This coffee/bike shop hybrid has lots of cycling apparel for sale, as well as its own repair shop.

Bocado
252 Picton Main Street, Picton
613-476-2208
bocadorestaurant.ca

Shareable plates with flavour-packed, seasonal ingredients are the star of the show at this Picton restaurant helmed by Toronto transplant, Chef Stuart Cameron. It’s a satisfying option for a meal, a few glasses of wine or an artisanal cocktail.

Drake Devonshire
24 Wharf Street, Wellington
613-399-3338
thedrake.ca/drakedevonshire/

This trendy boutique hotel from the same owners as the O.G. Drake Hotel in Toronto is a destination in Wellington. Situated right on the water, it’s not only a great place to stay, but also eat, drink and be merry.

Flame + Smith
106 Bloomfield Main Street, Bloomfield
613-393-1006
flameandsmith.com

A beautiful restaurant between Wellington and Picton, Flame + Smith is a cozy spot with a wood fire and a farm-to-table menu highlighting the season’s freshest picks. There’s good reason this restaurant is always booked!

Harry’s Charbroiled

13633 Loyalist Parkway, Picton
harryscharbroiled.com

This Toronto burger transplant recently landed in the County in spring 2022.Sometimes you just need a good old fashioned buger, and Harry’s knows how to do it up right!

Piccolina Mercato
304 Wellington Main Street, Wellington
enidgrace.com

Small and understated, Enid Grace Picolina Mercato brings the excellence and artistry of Italian coffee and pastries to the County. Piccolina Mercato offers a wide variety of prepared food, imported Italian pantry items, small scale natural wines from across Italy’s many regions, coffee beans from Piemonte and chocolate from Milan.

The Royal
247 Picton Main Street, Picton
613-961-2600
theroyalhotel.ca

This stunning new hotel in the heart of downtown Picton is a culinary destination if you’re visiting P.E.C. Dating back to 1879, The Royal has been lovingly restored by a local family and is an architectural masterpiece. It’s a great jumping off point for your stay in the County – with incredible food any time of day.

Stella’s Eatery
2470 County Road 8, Waupoos
613-813-6669
stellaseatery.com

Open for Sunday brunch as well as lunch and dinner the rest of the week, Stella’s Eatery offers a wide selection of soul-satisfying bites to please every palate. Ricotta dumplings, charcuterie boards, and wild game are some of the regular menu items. Don’t forget to pair your meal with a local bottle of wine.

Slickers County Ice Cream
232 Picton Main Street, Picton and 271 Bloomfield Main Street, Bloomfield
613-393-5433
slickersicecream.com

An ice cream institution for more than 20 years in the County, this popular scoop shop in Picton and Bloomfield sells homemade flavours that rotate daily.

Wineries, Breweries and Cider Houses

Closson Chase Vineyards
629 Closson Road, Hillier
343-261-6465
clossonchase.com

As one of the O.G. wineries in P.E.C., Closson Chase Vineyards knows a thing or two about serving good wine in a beautiful space. Sip on a glass of pinot gris in the garden and snap some pics of the iconic purple barn.

Huff Estates Winery
Bloomfield
huffestates.com

One of the largest wineries in the area, Huff Estates Winery has deep roots in the County and is family-run. Known for their chardonnay and bubbly, this is one of the top spots for wine and scenic views.

Matron Fine Beer
65 Barker’s Lane, Bloomfield
613-393-9195
matronfinebeer.co

Matron Fine Beer is quite literally off the beaten path—down a gravel road with lots of potholes. You might think you’re lost, but once you arrive you’ll see that the brewery is quite unique with beautifully canned concoctions, tasty shareable plates and plenty of space to catch up with friends.

Norman Hardie
1152 Greer Road, Wellington
613-399-5297
normanhardie.com

Norman Hardie has humble vibes, an expansive patio, cool climate wines, and a wood-fired pizza oven that’ll make you never want to leave.  

Parsons Brewing Company
876 County Road 49, Picton
613-476-9977
parsonsbrewing.com

Parsons family-owned and operated craft brewery just outside Picton with a gorgeous space to sip and savour any time of day. Not only are the beer offerings impressive, but they also offer wine, non-alcoholic options and a Latin American-inspired menu with dishes such as ceviche, empanadas and patatas bravas.

Stock & Row
114 Gilead Road, Bloomfield
stockandrow.com

Stock & Row ciders and hard teas are all over the County, but the best place to enjoy them is on the patio overlooking the apple orchard.

EXPLORE

Field Made Goods
198 Picton Main Street, Picton
fieldmadegoods.com

A contemporary ceramics studio in the heart of beautiful Picton.

Macaulay Mountain Conservation Area
224 County Road 8, Picton

Macaulay Mountain Conservation Area is home to a steep escarpment overlooking the Town of Picton. It includes over 7 km of trails, making it the perfect spot for a scenic hike with stellar views.

Millennium Trail
Throughout the County

Spanning 46 kilometres from Carrying Place to Picton, the Millennium Trail system is perfect for running, walking, and biking, and popping into local wineries, breweries and shops along the way.

Prince Edward County Lavender
732 Closson Road, Hillier
613-633-1844
peclavender.com

You can smell the lavender in the air long before you arrive at this quaint little farm. Pop in for a tour, pick up some keepsakes and snap some photos for Instagram while you’re there.

Sandbanks Provincial Park
3004 County Road 12, Prince Edward

When it comes to beaches in the area, Sandbanks is the main attraction. With stunning sandy beaches, you might not even think you’re in Ontario. Tip: parking reservations are required, so be sure to book in advance.