It’s a wonderful time to visit Prince Edward County. Spring weather is here, but the crowds haven't started yet. It’s a great time for a road trip and for a budget vacation, since accommodation prices are lower and there are lots of special promotions to be had.

New restaurants for Countylicious spring 2025

Countylicious is back from Thursday March 27 to Sunday April 13, and there are more restaurants participating than ever before. The event offers 26 wonderful spots to chose from, all offering special Countylicious prix-fixe menus for dinner, and many offering prix-fixe lunch menus, too. The focus is on local food, sometimes with imaginative approaches and wine pairings.

There are four new restaurants in the mix this year, including the freshly reimagined and reopened Bloomfield Public House. It was closed for just over a year as owners and partners in life, Laura Borutski and chef Elliot Reynolds contemplated its fate and their future with the property. Luckily for us, they have decided to return to Bloomfield, where they were so missed. It turns out, they missed us back. Check out their gorgeous new bar, expansion and elevated dining experience.

Two well-known County establishments are opening French country-style dining experiences — a great distance from each other, and each very unique.

The Grange of Prince Edward winery in Hillier has offered food for some time, but now they are extending their dining hours and offerings tremendously with chef Paul Tobias at the helm (formerly of Idlewild). Enjoy a gourmet French country dining experience, paired with exceptionally priced estate wine in a beautifully renovated barn situated within the vineyards. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to enjoy the charm of sommelier and beloved County mainstay Marlise Ponzo.

Merrill House, a gorgeous heritage inn right in the heart of the action in Picton, is relaunching their dining offering with the move to Brasserie Alexandria, offering expanded indoor and covered patio seating, and a reimagined bar area called Bar Atlas. Chef Michael Sullivan leads the kitchen’s charge with this new French focus, while keeping some special customer favourites from days gone by. Bravo to the owners, husband and husband duo Jordan Martin de Rosales and Evert Rosales, who continue to elevate the magic of Merrill House.

The other new Countylicious participant this year is the groovy, new(ish) Picton pub from the owners of Darlings — Hank’s Lonesome, offering pub food with interesting twists and live music.

Participating Restaurants in Spring 2025 Countylicious

  • 555 Brewery Company
  • Amelia’s Garden (in the Waring House)
  • Beacon Bike & Brew
  • Beau Bistro
  • Bloomfield Public House
  • Blue Sail
  • Bocado
  • Brasserie Alexandria (at Merrill House)
  • Creekside Cafe
  • Darlings
  • The Drake Devonshire
  • Flame & Smith
  • Gather (at Wander Resort)
  • The Grange of Prince Edward
  • Hank’s Lonesome
  • Hartleys
  • Jackson’s Falls Country Inn
  • The Knoll (at Isiah Tubbs)
  • Onesta
  • Parson’s Brewery
  • Quaich & Banter
  • The Royal Hotel
  • Stella’s
  • Theia
  • Vic Social
  • Waupoos Estates Winery

To see the full menus and book reservations, head to visitthecounty.com

What else is on in Prince Edward County this spring

While you are in the County, pop by and visit the new gourmet takeout food offering Carte. At 194 Main Street, Picton, the effervescent Rachel Bies has just opened a delightful little spot catering to just about any food need or preference. It's well worth stocking up on some food goodies to take home with you.

Finally, The Royal Hotel in Picton is offering a really cool opportunity mid-April: The Retreat, "A weekend of movement, good food and quiet restoration" in partnership with fitness gurus Coach Haus.