Cuisine in The Creek
Stoney Creek offers an array of dining options, from pubs, sushi and pasta in Old Town along King Street to iconic slab pizza, Memphis BBQ, authentic Mexican and fine dining from one end to the other.
From roots in the late 1700s, and designations such as township, town and (in 1984) city, Stoney Creek was amalgamated into the City of Hamilton in 2001. More than two decades later, it is still commonly referred to as Stoney Creek or maybe even The Creek. The community boundaries are unusual with areas on and below the escarpment.
This dining overview focuses partly on the historic area, known as the "Old Town" extending eastward below the escarpment on King Street from the Battlefield Park and Monument that marks a key battle in the War of 1812 to Gray Road. But this core does not deliver an extensive collection of eateries. For a full grasp of Stoney Creek as a dining district, we’ll broaden our view to include a surprising collection of noteworthy eateries.
For readers of a certain age, one of the most iconic food stops used to be the Stoney Creek Dairy. Founded in 1929, it became a destination ice cream parlour with some indoor and outdoor seating and room for tailgate ice cream parties. Sundaes and banana splits were carried to one’s car on a silver tray – marked with the indelible “Stolen from Stoney Creek Dairy.” Anyone have one of those trays? In 2012, the dairy was replaced with a retirement community that designated a small space for ice cream enjoyment.
KING STREET
Scout Café
100 King St. W.
scoutrestaurant.ca
IG: scoutcaferestaurant
The King Street core begins at Scout Café. In a restored building on the busy corner of King Street East and Centennial Parkway and across from Battlefield Park, brothers Dejan and Miroslav Rajsic have, since 2000, offered charming, modern indoor and outdoor spaces for the enjoyment of a diverse, extensive menu that includes ethnic Serbian, Balkan, and east European cuisine. From affordable breakfasts to private event menus, there is something to please all diners – including those craving cabbage rolls, stuffed peppers, goulash, paprikash or schnitzel. Creative spaces enable this eatery to be your favourite café or sports bar.
San Remo
73 King St. W.
IG: san.remo.rustico
Founded in 1977 by chef Roberto Silvestri, now in his 80s, this eatery is well known for its pasta and veal parmigiana sandwiches. Hours are irregular, so call ahead to check if it’s open and enter through the back door.
StoHo Coffee and Cocktail Bar
2 King St. E.
stoho.ca
IG: stohobar
There’s no spelling error. “StoHo” stands for Stoney Creek, Hamilton, Ontario. If it evokes Soho in New York City or England you’ll not be surprised that owner Lana Flinn is aiming to capture the vibes of neighbourhoods and cafés she’s encountered during her international experiences. Open since mid-2023, Flinn says StoHo is still a work in progress. Menus evolve, for example, with the recent addition of a dinner menu, all-day breakfast foods and brunch on Fridays to Sunday. As the evening unfolds, consumption may tilt away from coffee to cocktails enjoyed with live music on some nights. All of this happens in a trendy, welcoming setting. Diversity among patrons is proof that a place like StoHo was long overdue in The Creek.
Raw Roots Café
38 King St. E. Unit 2
rawrootscafe.ca
IG: rawroots.cafe
Owner Brandon Carroll’s journey began in his home basement, then moved to a food truck and is now a storefront that offers takeout and dine-in. The focus is on sustainable and organic food with a wide assortment of organic and vegan-friendly, plant-based food items. Offerings include fresh-pressed juices, smoothies, smoothie bowls, protein bars and an assortment of supplements. On “smoothie days,” a percentage of sales is donated to local schools.
Banana Leaf Asian Cuisine
44 King St. E.
bananaleafasiancuisine.ca
IG: bananaleafasian
If a male voice answers when you call Banana Leaf, it’s probably Tom Ngo, the eatery’s manager whose welcoming service leaves no doubt that you are in the hands of someone experienced in hospitality. The extensive Asian menu includes rice bowls, meal deals, and group/party packages. They also feature a delicious Hakka menu that combines Indian flavours and spices with Chinese foods. Try the classic ginger beef. Did you know this dish was invented in Calgary in the mid-1970s? This is not a takeout-only eatery. Lovely décor and white tablecloths are suited for a cozy dining-out occasion.
The Village Restaurant
35 King St. E.
villagerestaurant.ca
IG: thevillagedining
Since 1976, the Terziev family has run this full-service restaurant with an attached pub. Now approaching their 50th anniversary, several generations of the family have worked together to make this a neighbourhood go-to for everything from breakfasts to family to group celebrations – with an event room if desired. In an attractive space, upscale home-style meals – clubhouse, steaks, and a weekend prime rib dinner, along with daily specials await. Next door are the Village-owned fish and chip shop and two bars.
The Powerhouse
21 Jones St.
thepowerhouse.ca
IG: powerhouse_restaurant
The imposing restored building from the 1890s is a Stoney Creek landmark with a storied history. Used as a power generator for only a few years and left empty for some periods, it has spent more time as an eatery. The Powerhouse describes its menu as casual, celebrating American and international fare. Along with the food, it earns the “powerhouse” moniker for all of the entertainment and theme days. Comedy, music and trivia nights and even children’s breakfast events attract patrons. In its own words, it’s where history, flavour, and fun unite.
Chef Martin’s Sushi House
53 King St. E.
chefmartinsushi.com
IG: chef_martin_sushi_house
From the time chef Martin opened his sushi house in Stoney Creek it’s been considered a gem. The takeout eatery has become the “go-to” place for classic and special nigiri, sashimi and rolls – individual or combos, chef’s choice, salads and party trays.
Other mentions
The King Street/“Old Town” core also includes a cake shop, an active Legion Hall, Mediterranean, Indian and Pakistani food and the temporarily closed Attic Pizza (opened in 1973). Stoney Creek eateries tend to have long-standing histories. Many have been celebrated and publicized in ways that make Stoney Creek a destination.
BEYOND THE CORE
Roma Bakery & Deli
233 Barton St.
romabakery.ca
IG: romabakeryca
Roma’s family bakery and deli was founded over 70 years ago, and is noteworthy for its inclusion in Gabby Peyton’s Where We Ate: A Field Guide to Canada's Restaurants, Past and Present. Currently, it offers takeout of baked goods, deli and hot table foods, and catering. Recent plans for a considerable expansion have met with delays but are still promised and may bring a return of some dine-in space. Roma’s Sorella side project has run popular prix-fixe pop-up meals at local venues. While Roma also makes what it calls pizzeria pizzas, it is best known for the cheeseless slab pizza sold in grocery stores and which they have even “delivered” across Canada.
Maria’s Tortas Jalisco
438 Hwy 8 Unit 1
mariastortasjalisco.com
IG: mariastortasjalisco
Maria Ojeda’s amazing travels from her birthplace of Jalisco, Mexico to Stoney Creek included running a full-service restaurant in Toronto. Her patrons also travel from far and wide for her authentic cuisine, and thus the eatery has been featured in many publications and even a film. The family business includes daughters Angelina in the kitchen and Helen handling business, but both are happy to chat with patrons anytime. The sunny Stoney Creek location does takeout and has space for dining in. The family expresses their gratitude for loyal customers and hints that new plans are coming.
Photo: Diane Galambos
The Innsville
Hwy 8 #1143
innsville.ca
IG: innsville
Though some distance from the restaurant core, this eatery still has a Stoney Creek address. There has been an Innsville on Highway 8 since 1932, with various chapters leading to the current, iconic, award-winning prime rib, steak and seafood focus. Various spaces enable casual and more formal dining, and menu specials and events keep loyal patrons travelling from points far and wide.
Rony’s Charcoal Chicken
312 Grays Rd.
ronystogo.ca
IG: ronysrestaurant
Responding to the scarcity of Middle Eastern food in 2016, Rony Shamoun founded his business focusing on charcoal grilled chicken and accompaniments. While these include red pepper hummus, falafels and seasoned basmati rice, Rony is reputed to make the best fries in the city. Frequent mention in “where to eat” food writing – often as Stoney Creek’s best-kept secret – attracts locals and out-of-towners.
Memphis Fire Barbecue Company
1091 King's Highway 8
memphisfirebbq.com
IG: memphisfirebbq
Featured on the You Gotta Eat Here food show, this eatery open since 2010, describes itself as probably Ontario’s favourite BBQ restaurant. The TV program has been aired in 93 countries, so the word is out and it has become a destination. Chef Steven Popp has honed his BBQ skills and knowledge and with his wife – whom he describes as a culinary nerd – they have created a popular menu and their own sauces and spice mixes. Dine in a ’50s-style space or check out the “do it yourself” catering. With all the family involved, they mean it when they say “when you’re here, you’re home.”
Edgewater Manor
518 Fruitland Rd.
edgewatermanor.com
IG: edgewatermanor
Anyone wishing for fine dining that combines stunning lake views will surely head to Edgewater. The building’s roots date back to the 1920s, but it was mid-century before it was complete, then used for several decades as apartments. Since the 1990s, it has been a desirable dining venue and often the setting for weddings and events.
Other mentions
Waterfront dining also includes Limani at Fifty Point (closed for the winter season) and although they have Hamilton mailing addresses, some Stoney Creekers think of Baranga’s on the Beach and Hutch’s as their own. As with many flourishing communities, restaurants offering a diversity of cuisines are sprinkled throughout Stoney Creek’s strip malls and shopping hubs – though some offer only takeout. The only “battle” these days is deciding which eatery to visit.
