As the little town that Avril Lavigne put on the map, small town Napanee has plenty to offer locals and visitors alike. Despite being just 5000 people, there are a number of incredible places to eat! Whether you’re just passing through on a road trip or you’re enjoying some of the amazing things to do in the Bay of Quinte, keep yourself fuelled at these top-notch Napanee restaurants.
7 Amazing Napanee Restaurants to Eat At
Ready to get some delicious eats in your belly? I took one for the team and put our boots to the ground so you can enjoy some of the incredible restaurants in Napanee. You can’t go wrong at these spots!
Coffee Cravings
Who doesn’t want to start their day with some incredible coffee? Whether you’re looking for your cup of joe piping hot or on ice, Coffee Cravings has you covered.
A staple in downtown Napanee since 2007, the space that once housed an old bank has transformed into one seriously cozy cafe. Coffee Cravings’ lovely baristas craft some incredible lattes, cappuccinos, tea lattes and more. They’re constantly offering tasty seasonal flavours such as their salty beach beverage – a salted caramel latte that’s absolutely decadent. They grind and roast their own beans so it’s easy to take a taste of Napanee to go if you fall in love with their coffee!
However, this cafe does more than just coffee and tea. They also have a wide range of tasty smoothies if you’re looking to lay off the caffeine a little. Is your sweet tooth itching for a treat? Never fear, they also have a range of desserts too. You can also snag one of their sandwiches for a quick and easy lunch to go but be warned, they tend to sell out quickly!
Coffee Cravings Information
Address: 86 John Street, Napanee, ON K7R 0A3
Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00pm, Saturdays from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm, Closed Sundays
Take Out: Yes, take out is available
Reservations: No, reservations are not available
Average Price per Person: $5 – $15
Loaf & Ale Pub
No town is complete without some solid pub grub and for Napanee, that’s certainly what you’ll find at the Loaf & Ale Pub! If you’re a fan of hearty meals, that’s exactly what you’ll find on their menu with British pub classics like fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, meatloaf and more. They also have a cute sidewalk patio and often offer live music on weekends!
Loaf & Ale Pub has a special for each day of the week which is something you certainly don’t see every day! No matter when you visit, you can enjoy a tasty meal at a reasonable price. Their weekday specials often run you $15 or less! You’ve got feature burgers on Monday nights, tasty taco Tuesdays, fish and chips on Wednesdays, Thursday wing day, surf and turf on Fridays, Saturdays are date night (with a bottle of wine!) and a roast beef dinner on Sundays.
While I didn’t indulge in dinner during my visit, I certainly had some traditional British fare. On weekends, Loaf & Ale Pub has a special brunch menu and it is a MUST! I had their full English breakfast – bacon, sausage, three eggs, home fries, toast, baked beans, tomatoes AND garlic mushrooms. They’re not kidding when they say full because you will be stuffed to the BRIM! I can confirm that it pairs perfectly with both a cran-orange mimosa and an iced coffee, though I’ll have to see about their $9.99 Caesar pitchers during my next visit!
Loaf & Ale Pub Information
Address: 25 Dundas Street East, Napanee, ON K7R 1H6
Hours of Operation: Monday to Wednesday from 11:30 am to 9:00 pm, Thursdays & Fridays from 11:30 am to 10:00 pm, Saturdays from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm, Sundays from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm
Take Out: Yes, you can order online here
Reservations: Unsure, please call (613) 354-5247 to confirm
Average Price per Person: $15 – $30
New York Cafe
I was certainly a little confused when I found out that New York Cafe had nothing to do with the city nor the state but is rather Napanee’s Chinese restaurant. However, that faded quickly as I was greeted with a friendly face and impeccable service.
On the menu, you’ll find what you’d typically expect for a small town Chinese food joint. However, the portions are fantastic and the pricing is super reasonable, especially with their combos. I ordered their Combo 5 which features sweet and sour shrimp, chicken chow mein, chicken fried rice and an egg roll. The photo above was about half of what I received so don’t be surprised if you get two meals out of your order – or at least a meal and a snack, anyway!
I honestly can’t recommend New York Cafe enough as not only is their food hot, fresh and flavourful, but their staff are so wonderful. When I walked in with a dazed look on my face after a long day, they were so welcoming and helpful. If you find yourself dog tired after a day of exploring Napanee, New York Cafe will certainly take care of you and keep you well fed!
New York Cafe Information
Address: 52 Dundas Street East, Napanee, ON K7R 1H8
Hours of Operation: Tuesday to Friday and Sundays from Noon until 8:00 pm, Saturdays from Noon to 9:00 pm, closed Mondays
Take Out: Yes, call (613) 354-5392 to place your order
Reservations: No, they are currently closed for dine-in
Average Price per Person: $15 – $25
Ellena’s Cafe & Pantry
This is easily one of the cutest spots and certainly a must-visit when in Napanee. Ellena’s Cafe & Pantry is a fantastic spot for lunch and a latte. Offering lighter fare like soups, sandwiches and salads, you can enjoy a cozy seat at one of their tables or grab something quick if you find yourself in a hurry.
Ellena’s has a set menu but also offers daily specials based on seasonal availability. I couldn’t resist trying one of them when I visited and I had Ben’s wrap – jam-packed with chicken and bacon as it mingles with coleslaw all in a secret sauce. It was the perfect combination of sweet and savoury! I highly recommend pairing it with one of their lattes and don’t forget a shot of hazelnut. You’ll thank me later!
Ellena’s also has a variety of treats to satisfy your sweet tooth like cakes, pies and fudge. Rumour has it that they have the best coconut cream pie in the region. With a crust made of oats and shredded coconut, I’m already itching to get back and try a slice myself!
Ellena’s Cafe & Pantry Information
Address: 16 Dundas Street East, Napanee, ON K7R 1H6
Hours of Operation: Monday through Saturday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, Closed Sundays
Take Out: Yes, call (613) 929-0795 to place your order
Reservations: Unsure, please call (613) 929-0795 to confirm
Average Price per Person: $10 – $20
Santorini Mediterranean Grill
I don’t know about you, but Greek food is always a good idea in my books. Napanee provides once again with a wide range of great eats at the Santorini Mediterranean Grill!
They easily have one of the biggest menus of any of the Napanee restaurants on this list. After a busy day of paddling, I ordered their pork souvlaki dinner. My eyes were certainly bigger than my belly – and I only ordered the one skewer! The pork was well seasoned and comes with a side of rice, Greek potatoes and a medley of vegetables. My only request would have been more tzatziki because theirs is just so good that I wanted to put it on everything!
If you’re able to, I cannot recommend a seat on their patio enough. The tables are widely spaced and while they’ll have some great tunes playing on their outdoor speakers, you should still be able to hear the stream if you’re sitting close by. It’s one of the most peaceful patios I’ve had the pleasure of sitting on!
Santorini Mediterranean Grill Information
Address: 54 County Road 8, Napanee, ON K7R 3E7
Hours of Operation: Tuesday through Sunday from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm, closed Mondays
Take Out: Yes, place your order online here
Reservations: Yes, call (613) 308-9229 to make a reservation
Average Price per Person: $20 – $35
Sushi Nori
While there’s only one sushi restaurant in Napanee, there’s no need for more because Sushi Nori knocks it out of the park! This little restaurant offers quite a few tables and a cozy atmosphere. Things are set up a little differently right now with what’s happening in the world, but you’ll quickly be enamoured with the exposed brick and modern decor.
While I was unable to dine at the restaurant as they’re only open for take-out currently, it certainly didn’t affect the quality of their delicious eats. I indulged in their red dragon and spicy salmon rolls and they were some of the freshest rolls I’ve had in a long time! The salmon was extremely plump and flavourful and there was the perfect amount of spicy mayo on the salmon roll.
If you’re looking for a little more food, they also have great deals on their bento boxes as well as their sushi and roll combos as you’ll see on their menu. You certainly won’t go hungry, that’s for sure! Since take-out is your only option right now, I recommend heading towards Napanee Falls for a little picnic in Springside Park.
Sushi Nori Information
Address: 42 Dundas Street East, Napanee, ON K7R 1H8
Hours of Operation: Monday to Saturday from 11:30 am to 8:30 pm and Sundays from 3:00 to 8:00 pm
Take Out: Yes, call (613) 354-5888 to place your order
Reservations: No, dine-in is currently unavailable
Average Price per Person: $15 – $25
Waterfront River Pub & Terrace
Would you believe me if I said this historic building was left abandoned for many years? It was originally built as a brewery in the 1850s and then became a part of the Seymour Power and Electrical Company in the late 19th century. While it was a marina in the 1960s, it closed two decades later and sat derelict until 2011. So much TLC has gone into the Waterfront River Pub & Terrace to create the restaurant you see today!
On their menu, you’ll find a mix of traditional Canadian pub comfort food as well as more unique, inventive dishes such as their Ravioli Duxcelles & Scallops which is made in-house! One thing to note though is that their dinner menu actually ends at 8:00 pm. Unfortunately for me I missed the cut-off by mere minutes, but I was able to indulge in the “extreme potatchos” from their Al Fresco menu. This massive portion of nacho fries with pulled pork was the perfect fuel after a long day of exploring!
The Waterfront River Pub & Terrace is definitely one of the most popular restaurants in Napanee so if you’re set on eating here, I recommend making a reservation when possible.
Waterfront River Pub & Terrace Information
Address: 22 Water Street West, Napanee, ON K7R 1V4
Hours of Operation: Sunday to Thursday from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm, Fridays and Saturdays from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm
Take Out: Yes, you can order online here
Reservations: Yes, but it’s first come, first served on Fridays and Saturdays
Average Price per Person: $25 – $50
More Restaurants in Napanee & Nearby
Looking for a few more options for restaurants in Napanee? Not feeling any of the spots above? I get it, sometimes you’re craving something specific so here are some more Napanee restaurant options!
Mr Jerry’s Food Truck – If you know anything about us ELO gals, you know that we can’t resist a food truck. You’ll find your classic sort of burgers and fries joint with Mr Jerry’s Food Truck, though we recommend their Texas Style Homeburger. It’s cooked in a tasty barbecue sauce and is best enjoyed with the gorgeous Napanee River as your backdrop.
Mr Chips – I’m actually quite sad that there were enough hours in my days to grab a bite to eat at Mr Chips. As one of Napanee’s older restaurants, they’ve been serving up fish and chips since 1997. They have tons of amazing reviews online with folks raving about their halibut and chips. I’m certainly not missing out on visiting next time I’m in Napanee! If you’re not a fan of seafood, they also have land-based protein on their menu.
La Pizzeria – When a pizza place has been in business for four decades and they’re one of the top-rated restaurants in town, you know you’re in for some good eatin’. The restaurant itself is said to be in need of a little TLC but who cares when the pie is delicious! Said to be light and fresh without skimping on the toppings and sauce. Sounds like my kind of pizza! Also apparently they have some old Avril memorabilia and I’m 100% visiting next time I’m in town.
Spuds Restaurant – Napanee’s local greasy spoon since 2005, it’s a local favourite for all-day breakfast and diner eats. Apparently, their KT Burger is one of the best around. When locals say that you’ve never had a burger until you’ve tried this one, I’m certainly itching to return and try it!
Bergeron Estate Winery – This is a bit of a drive as it’s along the Loyalist Parkway in the southern part of Greater Napanee, however I’ve heard they make incredible wood-fired pizza. Plus with their picturesque vineyards, it’s the perfect spot for a little date night action!
County Bounty – So this isn’t technically a restaurant but enjoying one of the County Bounty’s sodas is a must when in Napanee. With unique flavours like wild grape ginger and foraged botanicals tonic, it’s certainly unlike anything you’ve ever had before! A number of Napanee restaurants carry a range of their sodas or you can pick up a few cans to go from their storefront or Ellena’s.
Things to Do in Napanee
Unfortunately we don’t have ever-expanding stomachs so we’ll need to kill some time between meals. Luckily there are a number of fantastic things to do in Napanee to keep you entertained until it’s time to eat again!
- Napanee is such a beautiful little town and a large part of this is thanks to their gorgeous waterfront so be sure to take a stroll along their Riverwalk.
- You know a town is special when there’s a waterfall in the heart of it! Be sure to head to Springside Park and enjoy the views of Napanee Falls. They even light up at night!
- If you’re a history or architecture buff, you’ll be surprised at how many gorgeous buildings there are in such a small area. Be sure to check out the Greater Napanee self-guided walking tour to learn more about them!
- There is no shortage of paddling opportunities in Napanee, especially with the beauty of the Napanee River! Rent a kayak or bring your own to see the town from a different perspective.
- Pop into the Lennox & Addington Museum & Archives to learn more about Napanee as well as the other smaller towns in the region.
- Make some new friends with a weekend visit to the Hickory Lane Alpaca Farm where you can feed the alpacas and meet some of the other farm animals on a tour.
However, this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the fun adventures you can have in town. If you’re looking for more suggestions, check out this guide to all the fun things to do in Napanee!
Where to Stay in Napanee
Despite being a small town, there are a number of great options of places to stay in Napanee. While you can go the traditional hotel route, I recommend staying at the cutest Airbnb in town – 23 Market Square. Located just steps from Dundas Street and the Napanee River, you’ll feel right at home as soon as you step in the door.
They have two apartment options available, a one-bedroom as well as a two-bedroom. Both are spacious with plenty of natural light and a fantastic mix of country and contemporary charm. You’ll fall in love with the exposed brick and warm, inviting wooden accents. They each feature a fully-stocked kitchen with a full-size refrigerator, microwave and stovetop – perfect for reheating those leftovers! If you find yourself with sore feet after all the adventuring you’ll be doing in town, you can enjoy a wonderful soak in the deep-set tub that your body will certainly thank you for.
I had the pleasure of staying in the latter during my stay and I honestly felt so spoiled by the host, Darlene. She went above and beyond to ensure my stay was comfortable and memorable! From the beautiful views of the Greater Napanee Town Hall from my bedroom window to the adorable back patio, you can’t find a better accommodation option in Napanee. Check out her listing to book your stay.
In case 23 Market Square is unavailable during your dates, take a look at the map of Napanee below for more accommodation options.
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