ExCellar

Delicious Pizzas and Stellar Wine Selection

So picture this: a charming little nook nestled amid the hustle and hum of Kingston, presenting itself as a far-fetched local paradise with a tempting aura of yeasty warmth. That's Ex-Cellar's newest branch for you — a restaurant-cum-café draping its tables with an inviting hem of coziness, perfectly sketched for everything from casual brunches to amorous evening rendezvous. Despite the mixed blessings in reviews, my encounter was fortuitous. The star of my evening was the "all but" pizza, an adept creation that vegetarians and carnivores alike would create a cult around. Not to mention, their piping hot tapas, rife with freshness and a zesty hint that mingled well with both heartier and light appetites, were hard to resist. But it was Grandma’s treacle tart, a sticky revelation of sugary nostalgia, which stole the show.

With plenty of elegant wines begging to be uncorked, what they may lack in consistent protocol, they compensate for in copious amounts of wine joy and Spanish almonds as large as apricots. The verve in the café is positively infectious, radiating smiles from patrons and staff (except maybe on excessively busy days), fueling only urges to tip generously. The chatty Findlay—part Maitre d', part theatrical guide—brings extra sparkle with his banter, though the waiting time for service can alternate between delightful anticipation and miffed hunger pangs based on luck. Sure, there's an ounce of urban crassness that slinks in when less favorable elements surface—after all, services can be hit-or-miss, and a hasty prep sometimes spills into charred frenzy. Yet aim for a morning breakfast and one finds thrilling culinary peace amidst aromatic coffees and the shelter they call avocado toast. Consequently, Ex-Cellar is certainly worth a visit, especially for those yearning for something crafted by devoted locals instead of the usual marquee pretenders. — Milo Tastemaker