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Where To Eat in Hamilton: Our Top 5 Picks

Tuesday April 30, 2019

Lifestyle

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Hamilton is known for many things. Its growing music and arts and scene. Its mix of big-city convenience and small-town charm. And, of course, the naturally beautiful landscapes that surround it. But there’s one major perk of living here that many outsiders aren’t aware of—the incredible restaurants. A complete tour of our city’s eateries would include everything from sophisticated French cuisine to inventive fusion dishes to perfectly-grilled burgers.

If you decide to explore the culinary delights of Hamilton, here are five hotspots you simply can’t miss…

 

1) Lo Presti’s at Maxwell

 

If you’re an Italian food fan, you’ll love the timeless menu at Lo Presti’s at Maxwell. Traditional seafood, meat and pasta dishes are all cooked to perfection here, and the wine list complements the menu extraordinarily well. If you need a recommendation for the right glass of vino, don’t worry. Your knowledgeable server can provide one. When it comes to the atmosphere, this downtown gem is elegant—almost like an upscale supper club. This environment makes Lo Presti’s the ideal option for your next special occasion, whether it’s a graduation dinner or a big date.

 

2) Born and Raised

 

It’s the James Street North eatery that everybody’s been talking about. In this case, the hype is warranted. The menu at Born and Raised features both flavourful small plates and crowd-pleasing main dishes—like wood-fired pizzas and savoury pastas. There’s a bit of something for everyone here, though slightly adventurous eaters will be especially appreciative of combinations like pork cheek, pineapple, and pickled habaneros. Oh, and did we mention the cocktails? If you fancy a drink before your meal, you’ll find plenty of options that are almost as exciting as the food!

 

3) Mattson & Co

 

If you’re looking for a lively dining experience, check out Mattson & Co. This Locke Street eatery turns into a musical hotspot on weekends, when talented jazz performers take the stage. Trust us, it’s a lot of fun. That said, no matter when you go, you’ll enjoy some seriously delicious bistro-inspired fare. From eggs benedict to mussels and frites, every dish you try will leave you wanting more. You’ll even find a selection of vegan options. The best part? Mattson & Co focuses on using locally-sourced ingredients, making the fare it serves up some of the freshest in Hamilton.

 

4) Mezcal Tacos and Tequila

 

Looking for a Mexican restaurant that never disappoints? We know there are a lot of chefs doing creative things with tacos, but the way they’re crafted at Mezcal takes things to a whole new level. Herbs, spices, heat, salt, savouriness—every component of the dishes at this James Street restaurant balances out the others perfectly. Another part of what makes the tacos here so special is the seasonal, Ontario-grown produce. Add some high-quality tequila (this place only serves the good stuff), and you have a truly inspired dinner.

 

5) HAMBRGR

 

There may have been a time when the words “handcrafted” and “burger” didn’t go well together. That time has passed. While the food at HAMBRGR is far from pretentious, the chefs here do take constructing their signature dish pretty seriously. The highest-quality patties are combined with a variety of incredible toppings (think crispy onions, smoked mozzarella, and smashed avocado), and the results are delicious. Believe it or not, the vegetarian options are just as good! If you dine in, you’ll also appreciate the rustic decor—which includes exposed brick and chalkboard walls.

 

Interested in learning more about life in Hamilton, and maybe even seeing some of the beautiful homes on the market here? Get in touch—we’d love to show you what makes life in this city so great!