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 October.
Launched
Kufiya Restaurant (3241 Appleby Line, Burlington)
Authentic Palestinian restaurant offering grilled shawarma, tender kebabs, and a wide variety of BBQ specialties made with traditional recipes. Leave room for Arabic desserts like mahalabia, a sweet milk pudding flavoured with orange blossom water, or yansoonieh, a semolina cake infused with anise and black sesame, topped with simple syrup.
IG: @kufiya.restaurant
Hungroo (246 Dundurn St. S., Hamilton)
If you’re after a true smorgasbord of a menu, visit Hungroo. From pizza to waffles, to shawarma poutine, to all-day breakfast. Their social media jokingly exclaims, “pick a lane!”
IG: @hungroohamilton
Sakana (180 James St. S., Hamilton)
Serving Japanese sushi, Sakana is a sister restaurant to the popular ramen eatery Menya Kyu, also on James South. In Japanese, the word Sakana carries three distinct meanings: fish, small dishes, and fun conversation, all of which reflect the restaurant. The menu includes nigiri, sashimi, maki/uramaki, handrolls and rice bowls.
IG: @sakanahamont
Vanh’s Asian Gourmet (971 King St. E., Hamilton)
Upon the closure of Mimi’s Asian Gourmet, the business announced that a new iteration of the business was coming soon. Vanh’s has now opened, much to the delight of Mimi’s fans. The menu lives on, with Mimi passing on the recipes to the new owner, complete with many vegan and gluten-free dishes.
Opening soon
Daphne’s (2 Young St,, Hamilton)
The team behind Flora Pizzeria is opening a Eurocentric bistro that promises to offer everything but pizza. Launch date has not been announced but hiring is currently under way.
IG: @daphneshamilton
Rebranding & evolving
Artisan Pizza (2444 New St., Burlington)
Recently closed down due to a fire, Artisan has announced that they’re back, slinging fresh hand-tossed pizza dough made daily. Get a free cheese pizza on your first order on their new app.
The Hearty Hooligan (292 Ottawa St. N., Hamilton)
Originally slated to close at the end of October, this beloved punk-infused vegan eatery announced at the 11th hour that a new owner had been found and the restaurant would be staying open to continue serving up vegan “junk food” like the Anti-Warrior Bowl, scratch-made pizza pockets and all-day breakfast.
Moms Baked Again (482 Barton St. E., Hamilton)
The mobile bakery has a new permanent home parked on Barton East, across from Woodlands Park. The New York croissant roll is a must try. Everything is always nut-free, and there are vegan and gluten-free options as well.
Closed & closing
7 Wonders Diner (Hess Street, Hamilton)
The diner that took over the former Electric Diner home on Hess closed its doors without announcement this fall, after opening earlier in the year. New signage has been posted, teasing the imminent arrival of a new business.
Caro (James Street North, Hamilton)
The second location of this Italian restaurant quietly closed up shop after announcing the closure of its flagship location on Ottawa Street earlier this year. The eatery had a seven-year run, delighting fans with modern Italian fare like pizza, pasta and brunch.
– 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.
