ON THE MENU: WHAT’S OPENED AND CLOSED ON THE LOCAL RESTAURANT SCENE

Here's a list of what has come, gone and changed in Hamilton and Burlington in December.

Launched & opening soon

Abu Laban Sweets (1095 Fennell Ave. E., Hamilton)

Very recently opened inside Salti’s Medina, Abu Laban Sweets bakes a variety of Middle Eastern pastries and desserts and is open daily. You’ll want to check out Salti’s on Instagram for a peek at the luscious looking selection. 
IG: @saltismedina

The Lone Wolf (1233 Dillon Rd., Burlington)

Tucked inside a fitness facility, The Lone Wolf is the perfect spot to meet friends after a game of pickleball or squash for drinks or dinner. The menu is upscale pub offerings like pork baby back ribs, grilled salmon, plus burgers, salads and an impressive selection of cocktails. The restaurant is unique in that it occupies two separate spaces in the facility – one restaurant and one health bar offering fresh pressed juices and smoothies.
IG: @thelonewolf_bar

Parma (17 King William St., Hamilton)

Parma’s sister brand Piccolo opened during lunch hours earlier this fall, serving gourmet sandwiches, and Parma is now open during dinner hours, serving southern Italian cuisine with a focus on house-made fresh pasta, and curated wines. The traditional menu features aged T-bone steak, breaded veal, grilled seabream, and roasted lamb. 
IG: @parmahamilton 

Rebranding & evolving

Moody’s (George Street, Hamilton)

The Hess Village pizza bar and arcade announced it would be closing at the beginning of January after seven years in business, with plans to reopen later in the month as a new brand and concept called Ooey Gooey's at 107 George St. 

Ye Olde Squire (40 Argyle St. N., Caledonia)

This local pub franchise continues to grow with its latest location opening in Caledonia. The new location features the same menu of pub favourites like nachos, sandwiches, and entrées like bangers & mash, fish & chips, and stuffed yorkshire pudding bowl. 
IG: @yeoldesquire

Closed & closing

Next Door Café (King Street West, Hamilton)

This small café in Westdale known for its incredible latte art closed on Dec. 1, after announcing on Instagram that it is actively looking for a new location. 

Planted in Hamilton (Locke Street, Hamilton)

Owners Emily and Samuel Perry announced the closure of the restaurant at the end of December, citing pandemic debt as the reason. Their social media post has drawn hundreds of comments from fans who relied on the inclusiveness of the vegan, gluten-free, kosher menu.

– List compiled by HAMILTON CITY Magazine contributor Suzanne Zandbergen. If you have a restaurant opening or changing, please let us know at meredith@hamiltoncitymagazine.ca. And be sure to check out the March/April edition of HAMILTON CITY Magazine – it’s our food issue!