Best Restaurants In Hamilton

Ask a stranger in Hamilton where to eat and their suggestions might lead you to James Street or King William, to what can be considered the epicenter of the city’s food scene. Perhaps said stranger might direct you to food-frenzied neighborhoods like Locke and Ottawa Streets, both brimming with independent restaurants and other food. To help you navigate the city’s newly celebrated dining scene—from top-notch eateries to more casual, but just as delicious spots—we share with you our list of best restaurants in Hamilton.

7 Best Restaurants In Hamilton

1. Scotts Epicurean

This elegant restaurant has received a string of top awards every year since siblings Jason and Mandy Scott established it in 2000 in a heritage building on Victoria Street. They have since made Scotts Epicurean into one of Hamilton’s most affluent cafe-restaurants. The team at Scotts is legendary for its high quality, professional service, eclectic menu featuring luscious desserts and quality espresso made by the city’s best baristas. Try the pytti panna, Swedish bubble-and-squeak, or the aglio olio: Scotts’ famous and rather addictive spaghetti with chili, garlic, parsley, olive oil and Italian parmesan.They serve a breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner menu weekdays and weekends.

2. Smith and McKenzie Steak House

For a taste of Hamilton cuisine, try the popular, multi-award winning Smith & Mackenzie Chophouse, a tribute to New York steakhouses, with a modern twist. The interior atmosphere is warm, decorated with wood, stainless steel and a surprising collection of butchers’ blocks and meat hooks. As for the food, quality steaks are carefully sourced to ensure a top class meal. Enjoy the signature dish of tender aged prime rib or grass fed Hereford, slow roasted for 18 hours and served medium rare with a choice of two side dishes and sauce.

3. Foundation Bar Kitchen Lounge

For a truly satisfying experience complete with Kiwi style and flair, visit Foundation Bar at Te Rapa in the northwest of central Hamilton. This new addition to Te Awa, at The Base, offers classy surroundings in warm comfort, while remaining true to its Kiwi foundations with its chic rustic atmosphere. Foundation is the place to meet people, drink and enjoy the freshest cuisine that the region has to offer. The menu varies from fabulous fish and chips to paired pork fillet wrapped in bacon or crispy pork belly with parsnip puree, stewed red cabbage and apple and yellow potatoes. Don’t miss the mouth-watering grilled scotch fillet with potato gratin, wilted spinach and sauteed oyster mushrooms. Foundation proudly pours ‘Beer Craft of New Zealand’ beer.

4. 1101 Cafebar

We can’t really talk about Osten Beerhall without also mentioning its conjoined sister establishment: 1101 Cafebar – one of the best restaurants in Hamilton you should never miss.

A decidedly different feel from Osten, 1101 Cafebar is an aptly-named cafe by day and cocktail bar by night, located at 1101 Cannon Street East. A modern & minimalist, sleek Scandinavian aesthetic plays host to freshly brewed espresso and coffee selections complementing cafe-style lunch bites like sandwiches, soups and salads. Then, at night, HiFi music fills your ears as hand-crafted cocktails fill your mouth and happiness fills your heart. Dreamy, right?

5. Industria Pizzeria + Bar

Playful pizzas and other Italian indulgences await at this multi-location Quebec staple and recent Hamilton import.

Recently taking over the massive space previously occupied for years by Tailgate Charlie’s on John Street South, Industria has forcefully added itself to Hamilton’s already-thriving Italian food scene. Shareable pizza pies and plates fill a large menu, with inventive takes on classic Italian dishes like gnocchi poutine, Bic Mac-style pizzas, spinach & goat cheese arancini, and a dizzying array of hearty pasta dishes.

6. Rise Above Pizzeria

Rise Above Pizzeria, an offshoot of a restaurant and cafe in St. Catharines, is pure pizza and wings heaven. The intensely flavourful food options are unfailingly filling, the portions are huge, and the ingredients and toppings are fresh as can be. Did I mention that the entire menu is also 100% vegan? Don’t let that scare you off, though; Rise Above Pizzeria knows what they’re doing. Their fully plant-based pizza and wings options are as flavourful, hearty, and deeply satisfying as the meat-and-dairy real deal.

7. Roma Bakery and Deli