
Dianne's
Experience a vibrant blend of East Coast BBQ and Baja Mexican seafood. Enjoy fresh oysters, unique twists on classics, and waterfront dining.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

Dianne's

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience a vibrant blend of East Coast BBQ and Baja Mexican seafood. Enjoy fresh oysters, unique twists on classics, and waterfront dining.
Best time for oysters
Order oysters during months with an 'r' for the freshest taste (Jan-Apr, Sep-Dec).
Reservations recommended
Seating can be limited, so making reservations in advance is advised.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Seafood, BBQ, Mexican
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Mexican-Inspired Seafood & BBQ
Unique blend of East Coast BBQ chicken with Baja Mexican twist. Fresh seafood, smoked meats, and vibrant flavors.

Fresh Oysters
Enjoy a selection of fresh, tasty oysters, perfect as a starter or a light meal by the water.

Waterfront Charm
Charming waterfront location with a great atmosphere, offering a delightful dining experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Best time for oysters
Order oysters during months with an 'r' for the freshest taste (Jan-Apr, Sep-Dec).
Reservations recommended
Seating can be limited, so making reservations in advance is advised.
Cocktail Hour Deals
Take advantage of Cocktail Hour (3-6 PM) for discounts on items like wings.
Tips
from all over the internet
Best time for oysters
Order oysters during months with an 'r' for the freshest taste (Jan-Apr, Sep-Dec).
Reservations recommended
Seating can be limited, so making reservations in advance is advised.
Cocktail Hour Deals
Take advantage of Cocktail Hour (3-6 PM) for discounts on items like wings.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Dianne's offers a unique fusion of East Coast BBQ and Mexican-inspired seafood, praised for its creative dishes and waterfront charm. While many rave about the fresh oysters, lobster rolls, and fish and chips, some diners have found certain dishes, like the clam chowder and tuna ceviche, to be inconsistent or lacking in flavor. The service is generally good, with attentive staff, and the atmosphere is inviting, though seating can be cramped at times. Overall, it's a recommended spot for those seeking a lively seafood experience with a twist.
"That restaurant is quite lovely; I would highly recommend it if you happen to be visiting the delightful town of Kingston. We returned twice to enjoy their delicious fish and chips and tacos. I found the ceviche a bit less appealing; it was rather soupy with soy sauce, but otherwise quite tasty, so maybe something was different that time. We will definitely return. 🥰 Thank you to the lovely team."
Laura 3355
"We visited in the third week of April after a chilly, breezy waterfront city tour. The rainy day made us crave something comforting, so we ordered the chowder for our toddler, who loves soup. Unfortunately, it didn't quite hit the spot - it was more like a thin, creamy broth with potatoes and fish.
On the brighter side, the fish and chips were a hit! The service was good, with attentive staff, although the seating was a bit cramped. The ambiance and lighting, however, were warm and inviting. Overall, a pleasant experience."
Ayel Mei Rubia
"AMAZING FOOD!!!! I’M NOT MAKING THIS UP!!! I’m so sad I was unable to order more since I got full on deliciousness! Definitely try the tuna ceviche, the lobster roll, or the fish cakes. They’re my favorite!!! Kayla was also a superstar! She was great and asked how we wanted our food to come out, checked in on us, and even got our lobster roll cut in half so the family can share the food. PLEASE PLEASE come to Kingston’s Dianne’s fish shack!!! 🥰🥰🥰"
Deborah Sitorus
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Dianne's is known for its unique blend of East Coast BBQ chicken with a Baja Mexican twist, fresh seafood like oysters and lobster rolls, and a lively waterfront atmosphere. [^M1]
Yes, Dianne's offers gluten-friendly options on their menu, including fish prepared with a gluten-free cider batter.
It is recommended to make reservations in advance, as seating can be limited, especially during peak times. [^data]
Consider visiting during Cocktail Hour (3-6 PM) for deals on items like wings. For the freshest oysters, plan your visit during months with an 'r' (January-April, September-December). [^data]
Yes, Dianne's is dog-friendly and welcomes well-behaved pets on their covered outdoor patio. It's advised to call ahead to confirm patio availability. [^M5]
Popular recommendations include the fish and chips, lobster rolls, tuna ceviche, and various tacos.
Mentioned in
Featured in these publications
11 Restaurants In Kingston Every Foodie Needs To Hit
Now, read this carefully - east coast BBQ chicken with seafood that's served with a Baja Mexican twist. We'll give you a second to pick your jaw off the floor so you can fully take in the beauty of Dianne's Fish Shack & Smokehouse. Overlooking Confederation Park and serving sustainable seafood choices, including pork, beef, and chicken that's smoked in-house naturally; the only thing you'll have a hard time with at this restaurant is making a choice from their unreal menu.
Black Dog Hospitality Group | Restaurants
At Dianne’s classic East Coast charm meets the vibrancy of Mexican flavours. We’ve found the perfect marriage between fresh seafood, flavourful Mexican dishes, thoughtfully crafted beverages, and the bold kiss of tequila.Dianne’s was built on a sentimental and loving family history we hold near and dear to our hearts. Join us today for a memorable dining experience in historic downtown Kingston, just steps away from the beautiful waterfront.
How to spend a weekend in Kingston, from on-the-go history lessons to the best baked goods in town.
Sure, you could sit down for a slice of creatively topped pizza at Atomica (fig and brie, anyone?), or a local-beer-battered fish taco at Dianne’s Fish Shack & Smokehouse. But with Kingston Food Tours, you can do both — and then some (anything from beef cheek gnocchi to seasonal gelato flavours). Plus, there are a few welcome palate cleansers in the form of short stops at historic spots, like the old Kingston train station.
Kingston, Ontario, is Canada's foodie capital.
I've seen some pretty unique examples of fusion cuisine in my travels, but none can hold a candle to what's happening at Dianne's Fish Shack and Smokehouse, the first stop on our Classic Kingston tour. Dianne's is mixing up the rustic cuisine of New Brunswick's farms and piers with the flavors and texture's of Baja, Mexico.
Dog Friendly Restaurants in Kingston, ON
Dianne's Fish Shack & Smokehouse is a dog-friendly seafood restaurant in Kingston, ON. Fido is welcome to join you at a table on the covered outdoor patio when the weather is nice. It's recommended that you call ahead to ensure the patio is open. The eatery serves fresh seafood and smokehouse dishes with Mexican flare.
A Food Lover's Guide to Kingston, Ontario
Come down to Dianne's Fish Shack & Smokehouse for seafood with a Baja Mexican twist and some mouthwatering East Coast barbecue chicken. Serving sustainable seafood choices and beef, pork and chicken smoked in-house naturally, there's never a shortage of options. Exotic eats in a chill atmosphere?
The 5 Best Restaurants In Kingston Every Foodie Needs To Visit
Located on Ontario Street, Dianne’s combines East Coast seafood with Southern BBQ influences. Known for its fresh seafood, the restaurant offers dishes like lobster rolls and fish tacos. It also features BBQ items such as smoked brisket, providing a unique blend of flavours.
48 Hours: Where to eat, stay, and explore in Kingston
Dianne’s (195 Ontario Street): is a nod to the East Coast with hearty chowders and fish dishes. It also brings Mexican influence to its menu of surf and tacos. Here we also discovered an extensive Tequila list that is worth learning and exploring.
Where Chefs Eat in Kingston
Dianne’s is one of my favourite places to go to, and I’m a huge Thai and Cambodian, and Royal Angkor is my go-to. Their Pad Thai is great. For Italian, I’d have to say right here at Atomica.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit