By
Anja Cahill
Kingston, Ontario: A Relaxed Summer Dinner at Historic Chez Piggy - Kingston’s Hidden Courtyard Gem
Tucked behind Kingston’s historic limestone streets, Chez Piggy Restaurant is one of those rare Ontario dining experiences that feels both timeless and uniquely local. This photo gallery captures a relaxed evening out in downtown Kingston,...
Tucked behind Kingston’s historic limestone streets, Chez Piggy Restaurant is one of those rare Ontario dining experiences that feels both timeless and uniquely local. This photo gallery captures a relaxed evening out in downtown Kingston, Ontario, from the charming alleyway entrance and iconic courtyard atmosphere to the cozy interior, handwritten specials, carefully crafted menu, delicious meals, and candid moments shared together.
Located in a 19th-century limestone stable and carriage house, Chez Piggy has been a Kingston institution since 1979. Founded by Rose Richardson and Zal Yanovsky (formerly of the legendary 1960s band The Lovin’ Spoonful), the restaurant helped shape Kingston’s reputation as a destination for creative Canadian cuisine long before farm-to-table dining became a trend. The building’s exposed stone walls, warm lighting, and eclectic décor create an atmosphere that blends historic Kingston charm with relaxed Canadian hospitality.
These images showcase the full experience of an evening at Chez Piggy:
- The narrow alleyway approach that makes the restaurant feel like a hidden discovery
- The welcoming courtyard and entrance
- Intimate views of the dining room and historic limestone interior
- Close-ups of the menu and nightly specials
- Beautifully presented entrées
Perfect for travellers exploring Kingston’s waterfront, Market Square, Fort Henry, or the Thousand Islands region, Chez Piggy offers a slower, more authentic side of Canadian adventure travel. This gallery highlights the simple pleasure of wandering historic streets, discovering tucked-away local favourites, and ending the day with great food, conversation, and a relaxed evening in Southeastern Ontario.
Whether you’re planning a Kingston weekend getaway, searching for the best restaurants in downtown Kingston, or looking for hidden culinary gems in Ontario, this collection offers inspiration for a uniquely Canadian dining experience that combines history, local flavour, and laid-back summer energy.
Photo credit: Anja Cahill
More
Located in a 19th-century limestone stable and carriage house, Chez Piggy has been a Kingston institution since 1979. Founded by Rose Richardson and Zal Yanovsky (formerly of the legendary 1960s band The Lovin’ Spoonful), the restaurant helped shape Kingston’s reputation as a destination for creative Canadian cuisine long before farm-to-table dining became a trend. The building’s exposed stone walls, warm lighting, and eclectic décor create an atmosphere that blends historic Kingston charm with relaxed Canadian hospitality.
These images showcase the full experience of an evening at Chez Piggy:
- The narrow alleyway approach that makes the restaurant feel like a hidden discovery
- The welcoming courtyard and entrance
- Intimate views of the dining room and historic limestone interior
- Close-ups of the menu and nightly specials
- Beautifully presented entrées
Perfect for travellers exploring Kingston’s waterfront, Market Square, Fort Henry, or the Thousand Islands region, Chez Piggy offers a slower, more authentic side of Canadian adventure travel. This gallery highlights the simple pleasure of wandering historic streets, discovering tucked-away local favourites, and ending the day with great food, conversation, and a relaxed evening in Southeastern Ontario.
Whether you’re planning a Kingston weekend getaway, searching for the best restaurants in downtown Kingston, or looking for hidden culinary gems in Ontario, this collection offers inspiration for a uniquely Canadian dining experience that combines history, local flavour, and laid-back summer energy.
Photo credit: Anja Cahill
Once you have travelled the narrow alleyway from Princess Street, you'll find yourself in a transformed limestone courtyard packed with patios and promise! Look for this bright green sign to guide you to the entrance to Chez Piggy. Previously...
Once you have travelled the narrow alleyway from Princess Street, you'll find yourself in a transformed limestone courtyard packed with patios and promise! Look for this bright green sign to guide you to the entrance to Chez Piggy. Previously just a literal "hole in the wall", Chez Piggy now has a glass covered entry way for those wet days or cold winter nights in downtown Kingston.
More
The entrance to Chez Piggy in Kingston, as seen from the limestone courtyard off of Princess Street. If you've made it here, you're in for a good time and great food.
29 July 2026
·
1 week ago
taken in
Chez Piggy, 68, Princess Street, Sydenham, Kingston, Eastern Ontario, Ontario, K7L 1A5, Canada
The specials change daily at Chez Piggy in Kingston, Ontario, and often in crude a soup, oysters, fish and dessert, plus table d'hote consisting of three, well-paired, courses.
29 July 2026
·
1 week ago
taken in
Chez Piggy, 68, Princess Street, Sydenham, Kingston, Eastern Ontario, Ontario, K7L 1A5, Canada
The dinner menu at Chez Piggy is crafted by the culinary team including the head chef Richard Nicholas, Reyna Belsham, Matt Allen, and Mitch Wheeler. Let your server know if you have allergies or food sensitivities, the kitchen will also...
The dinner menu at Chez Piggy is crafted by the culinary team including the head chef Richard Nicholas, Reyna Belsham, Matt Allen, and Mitch Wheeler. Let your server know if you have allergies or food sensitivities, the kitchen will also accommodate gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options.
More
The view of the narrow alleyway that takes you from Princess Street, Kingston, to the Chez Piggy courtyard. Also nestled down this alley way is another bar and a small eclectic clothing store. Always something interesting around every corner in...
The view of the narrow alleyway that takes you from Princess Street, Kingston, to the Chez Piggy courtyard. Also nestled down this alley way is another bar and a small eclectic clothing store. Always something interesting around every corner in Kingston, Ontario!
More
My husband and I enjoyed our relaxed, quiet dinner out at Chez Piggy in downtown Kingston, Ontario. We chose Chez Piggy as the food is always spectacular and prepared with fresh, local ingredients.
29 July 2026
·
1 week ago
taken in
Chez Piggy, 68, Princess Street, Sydenham, Kingston, Eastern Ontario, Ontario, K7L 1A5, Canada
View up the stairs near the nook, to the second floor dining area. The restaurant was a former 1900's limestone stable, lovingly restored to keep many of its quirky and unique features such as ample use of limestone and wood.
29 July 2026
·
1 week ago
taken in
Chez Piggy, 68, Princess Street, Sydenham, Kingston, Eastern Ontario, Ontario, K7L 1A5, Canada
At the bottom of the second floor dining area stairs, there is a limestone nook that holds historic photos of the original owners, Rose Richardson and Zal Yanovsky, as well as a bit of Chez Piggy merch. Rose and Zal's daughter, Zoey Yanovsky, is...
At the bottom of the second floor dining area stairs, there is a limestone nook that holds historic photos of the original owners, Rose Richardson and Zal Yanovsky, as well as a bit of Chez Piggy merch. Rose and Zal's daughter, Zoey Yanovsky, is now the owner of this history Kingston, Ontario, restaurant.
More
Once you have found your way inside Chez Piggy, you find yourself in a spacious entryway, with seating to your right as well as up the stairs in front. There is a bit of seating available in case there is a wait - reservations are highly recommended.
29 July 2026
·
1 week ago
taken in
Chez Piggy, 68, Princess Street, Sydenham, Kingston, Eastern Ontario, Ontario, K7L 1A5, Canada
I was in luck the evening we attended Chez Piggy - the fish special was sockeye salmon with yuzu gastrique, beluga lentils and patty pan squash. I cannot pass up salmon, and it was perfection!
29 July 2026
·
1 week ago
taken in
Chez Piggy, 68, Princess Street, Sydenham, Kingston, Eastern Ontario, Ontario, K7L 1A5, Canada
A Chez Piggy staple - the Enright Cattle Co. Steak. The Chef's Cut is prepared to order, flavoured with green peppercorn and armagnac Demi-glaze. Served with fingerling potatoes and leek.
29 July 2026
·
1 week ago
taken in
Chez Piggy, 68, Princess Street, Sydenham, Kingston, Eastern Ontario, Ontario, K7L 1A5, Canada
Colourful umbrellas protect patrons from the sun or the rain at the Chez Piggy outdoor patio. Open all spring, summer and fall, this unique, timeless, cobblestone patio is tucked into a shared courtyard off the main road of Princess Street,...
Colourful umbrellas protect patrons from the sun or the rain at the Chez Piggy outdoor patio. Open all spring, summer and fall, this unique, timeless, cobblestone patio is tucked into a shared courtyard off the main road of Princess Street, Kingston, Ontario.
More
Once you arrive to the Chez Piggy entrance off the courtyard, you are welcomed by a hand-chalked sign. Don't seat yourself on the patio! Come in and say hello to the hostess to get the perfect seat for your night out.
29 July 2026
·
1 week ago
taken in
Chez Piggy, 68, Princess Street, Sydenham, Kingston, Eastern Ontario, Ontario, K7L 1A5, Canada
No photos available
Drop a file here to upload.
Comments (7)
-
Anja Cahill - looks amazing! We cut through the courtyard where this is when we were in Kingston earlier this month. Did you take the free Ferry toAnja Cahill - looks amazing! We cut through the courtyard where this is when we were in Kingston earlier this month. Did you take the free Ferry to Wolfe Island? I'm working on a video for that. More ... -
Diana Johnson-Santos - yes! We live in Kingston so I have taken the Wolfe Island Ferry hundreds of times. It's a great, free, way to cool off on aDiana Johnson-Santos - yes! We live in Kingston so I have taken the Wolfe Island Ferry hundreds of times. It's a great, free, way to cool off on a hot summer day. Also the best view of the 1000 Islands Kingston Poker Run when the cigarette boat races come to town! Can't wait to check out your video! And next time you're in Kingston say 'hi!'
More ... -
Anja Cahill, I had no idea that's where you live! We were only in town for one night, but hopefully we'll have more time to visit next time.
-
Look at the stone work in this building. Amazing. Then there is the food. OMG! There is a ferry? -
Greg Girard - right!?! The atmosphere, the food, it's all incredible! Chez Piggy is in downtown Kingston, just up a few blocks from the docks for theGreg Girard - right!?! The atmosphere, the food, it's all incredible! Chez Piggy is in downtown Kingston, just up a few blocks from the docks for the Wolfe Island Ferry - you'll hear all about it in Diana Johnson-Santos 's upcoming video! More ...
-
What is on Wolfe Island. We spent time in Kingston and never knw of a ferry?
-
Greg Girard - a whack of windmills, a bakery, a restaurant, a beach, an outdoor ice rink (made with leftover cement from the windmills), a museum andGreg Girard - a whack of windmills, a bakery, a restaurant, a beach, an outdoor ice rink (made with leftover cement from the windmills), a museum and lots and lots of farm land! More ...
People in this album
No one has been tagged in this album yet.