The 4 Best Restaurants in Hamilton

Want to experience Hamilton’s culinary turnaround in all its glory? Then go to one of these, the best restaurants in Hamilton, presented in no particular order:

1. Brux House: Primarily a craft brew house, Brux House might draw more diners to its warm, well-lit dining room for its food. Diners love the pork schnitzel and the house-made pretzels, which are dipped in emmental-and-beer fondue.
2. Purple Pear: One of Hamilton’s premiere surf ‘n turf joints, Purple Pear is the type of place for a special occasion—think filet mignons, salmon fillets, and ice-cream puffs for dessert. See our Purple Pear deal here.
3. Hambrgr: This burger spot from led the charge in Hamilton’s culinary revitalization; locally sourced beef highlights Hambrgr’s 12 different varieties. Be sure to get some hand-cut fries (or poutine) on the side.
4. Rapscallion Rogue Eatery: This quirky tapas restaurant is a meat-lover’s paradise, with a rotating menu that includes foie gras, smoked duck, bone marrow, and more. And if you’re a vegetarian? There’s a meatless menu for you, too.

Spotlight on: Purple Pear

See our Purple Pear deal.

Sometimes, you want to go old-school: a nice, juicy steak, melt-in-your-mouth seafood, and a friendly visit from the owner. If that sounds like your cup of tea, you won’t find a better spot than Purple Pear. Located inside the former Martin’s Steakhouse (which happened to be Hamilton’s first steakhouse), Purple Pear delights with first-class surf ‘n turf served in an unstuffy atmosphere. Finish your meal with one of the restaurant’s creative desserts: caramel cheesecake, toffee pudding, or an ice-cream puff.

See what actual customers have to say about Purple Pear

Service is great. Staff are very friendly. The owner personally visits every table. Food was terrific. Will definitely go back. One of our favorite places. – Bonnie

This place is awesome! From the moment my boyfriend and I walked through the door, the decor, service, and atmosphere were excellent. When we opened the menus and saw the prices, we were shocked at how reasonable everything was . . . this is a place we're telling our friends about. – Elaine M.

Owner was so pleasant and made you feel like part of the family. Portions were nicely sized and everything was delish. – Louise M.

Best Cheap Eats in Hamilton

Some days, you’d rather save your cash than drop too much money on one meal. We get that (and we wanna help you save!). Luckily, Hamilton has a bunch of great spots to grab cheap eats—here are three of our favorites:

• Denninger’s Foods of the World: Primarily a grocery store (with perhaps Hamilton’s best-loved butcher and confectionary sections), Denninger’s also boasts a bistro where you can nosh on schnitzel, sausages, and more for not too much.
• 541 Eatery & Exchange: Consistently rated one of the top restaurants in Hamilton. A non-profit eatery with a “pay it forward” system. The volunteers here whip up tasty breakfast and lunch sandwiches, and you can buy a meal for someone less fortunate (it’s not much!).
• Pokeh: If you’ve never tried poke (a kind of sushi salad that was perfected in Hawaii), head straight here—it costs a lot less than a plane ticket to Hawaii.

Spotlight on: Lindt & Sprungli

See our Lindt & Sprungli deal here.

With more than 400 cafes and stores around the world, Lindt & Sprungli are basically chocolate royalty. Inside one of their stores, you’ll be like a little child in a . . . well, a candy shop. Choose to taste one of a cornucopia of flavors of chocolate truffles: hazelnut, raspberry, mint, sea salt, dark orange, and more.

See what actual customers have to say about Lindt & Sprungli

Well who doesn't love Lindt!! All the guilt I have for eating it is immediately forgotten as this spectacular chocolate melts in my mouth. The store is gorgeous and staff are always cheerful and helpful. – Kim T.

The staff was extremely friendly & helpful. They give you a chocolate when you walk in so you know immediately how excellent the product is. Two thumbs up! – Tracey C.

LOVED this store! Lindt is my favorite chocolate and I was ecstatic to find out that there was a store near me . . . TONS of chocolate to choose from, a lot I haven't even seen before. It was very hard to decide what I wanted to try. It was my idea of heaven! – Leona S.

Top Restaurants in Hamilton, by Cuisine

If you’re in the mood for something specific, then follow this guide. We’ll recommend a top-rated Hamilton restaurant based on the type of cuisine you’re hankering for:

• Pizza: Nosh on wood-fired pies at Born and Raised, helmed by Top Chef Canada star Vittorio Colacitti

• Thai: Live music meets curry chicken at Banana Leaf Asian Cuisine

• Italian: One of Hamilton’s best fine-dining establishments, renowned for its wine list, is Cavallo Nero

• Indian: Locally beloved eatery Indian Village is located in a nondescript strip mall. Have a samosa or two.

• Mexican: Try Mezcal Tacos & Tequila, the creation of a Food Network’s Chopped Canada star, Chef Manny Ferreira
• Sushi/Chinese: All-you-can-eat sushi spot August 8 also doubles as a Cantonese-style dim-sum spot.

Spotlight on: Gazebo Burgers | Oakville

See our Gazebo Burgers deal.

A 1950s-style diner that harkens back to the glory days of cheeseburgers, Gazebo Burgers might make you feel nostalgic. If the retro decor does send you back to another time, you can pair that good feeling with a side of fries, a strawberry milkshake, or even a messy and delicious cheesesteak.

See what actual customers have to say about Gazebo Burgers

The veggie burger was really good. It's actually the best I've had in a long time. I'll definitely go back for it. – Silva A.

We tried the shrimp plate, veggie burger and freshly squeezed orange/lemonade. Very tasty and made to order. Clean setup and easy to find location close to the Oakville Go. – Betty F.

The food was excellent . . . kids really enjoyed the burgers and my 6 year old loved the car that the kids meals came in. Service was very good as well, will definitely be going back! – Hanniya F.