Cooke's Fine Foods and Coffee, Kingston

Step into Cooke’s Fine Foods and Coffee-also known as Cooke’s Old World Shop-and you’ll be stepping back into 1865 when the "Italian Warehouse" first opened its doors in downtown Kingston. Originally inspired by elegant British shops, Cooke’s still sits in its original Brock Street location, proudly preserving its Victorian interior, complete with creaky floors, antique counters, cranberry glass lighting, and a ceiling that's seen more than a few coats of paint. Think “historic charm meets gourmet indulgence.”

Inside, the scent of freshly ground coffee wraps around you like an old friend. Cooke’s has been roasting its beans in-house for over 40 years, creating exclusive blends beloved by locals and shipped to loyal customers across Canada. If you're a coffee lover, this is your pilgrimage spot.

But coffee is just the beginning. The shop is known for its gourmet selection, including luxurious chocolates from around the world and the not-to-be-missed Cooke’s Special Old Canadian Cheddar Cheese-a favorite for good reason. The offerings lean towards the high-end side, but hey, your taste buds will insist it’s worth every penny.

Owned by the Cooke family since 1924, the shop has weathered world wars, pioneered mail-order shipments, and even once stocked exotic curiosities like chocolate-covered baby bees and rattlesnake meat. Today, generations of families still make it a must-visit.

Whether you're hunting for a special treat, sipping a custom blend, or just enjoying the time-traveling ambiance, Cooke’s Fine Foods and Coffee is a Kingston treasure that proves good taste never goes out of style.