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 March.
Launched & opening soon
Armando’s Pizza Patties (154 Gray Rd., Stoney Creek)
After much anticipation, Armando’s has opened with a tantalizing menu of pizza patties, meatballs, pasta, and Italian poutine. Its signature menu item is a crispy pizza pocket filled with your choice of options like pepperoni and cheese, sausage, peppers and onions, and ricotta and meatballs.
IG: @armandospizzapatties
Chef Bai Noodles & Bao (1 Wilson St., Hamilton)
This small Ontario chain restaurant has chosen Hamilton for its fourth location. Fans of authentic Chinese cuisine will be excited about the menu, which includes pan-fried buns, fresh-made clay-pot noodles, and beef brisket ramen.
IG: @chefbainoodlesbao
Eggsmart (1900 Walkers Line, Burlington)
Although a large franchise with over 45 locations, Eggsmart is Canadian owned, and offers value that is hard to come by when dining out these days. The classic two-egg breakfast is available every day until 3 p.m. for $6.99. The new location on Walkers Line is currently the only Eggsmart in the Burlington or Hamilton area.
IG: @eggsmart_can
The Gate: Powered by Masala Mount (201 James St. N., Hamilton)
The home of The Gate of India for over 35 years, The Gate has taken over with a festive grand opening at the beginning of March. The overhauled look and menu includes classic Indian street food like crisp pani puri and rich aloo tikki chaat, which are served in the moody dine-in restaurant, along with cocktails like espresso martinis, and Cheetah beer.
IG: @masalamount
La Tikka Indian Fusion (339 York Boul., Hamilton)
The former Stonewalls location is being renovated to open the second installment of the Kitchener restaurant La Tikka. Owners have assured fans on social media that live music will continue at the venue. Job listings have been posted, and opening day is imminent. Expect a menu featuring a diverse menu of authentic Indian and Indo-Chinese (Hakka) dishes.
IG: @latikka_indianfusion
Papa’s Poutinerie (2145 King St. E., Hamilton)
This is a new spot to get authentic poutine with fresh cut fries, real gravy and cheese curds. Samosas are also made from-scratch on site, along with pizzas, wings, plus rolled ice cream and shakes for dessert. The owners previously ran the popular Narula’s Authentic Indian Cuisine for many years.
IG: @papas_poutinerie
Peach Coffee Co. (3505 Upper Middle Rd., Burlington)
This Burlington coffee shop has been expanding around the local area over the past five years, and has just opened on Upper Middle at Walkers Line. The brand prides itself in serving high-quality coffees and baked goods and aspires to be a community hub in each of its neighbourhood locations.
IG: @peach_coffee_co
Closed
Crumbled (Barton Street East, Hamilton)
“After much consideration, we have made a difficult decision to close Crumbled,” the owners wrote in an Instagram post only days before closing the doors for good on March 15. Crumbled had been taken over by new ownership in the summer of 2023 after a short closure, with new products like ice cream added to the menu of signature cake bowls.
Golden Griddle (Fennell Avenue, Hamilton)
A sign posted inside the beloved all-day breakfast restaurant read, “After 38 years with Golden Griddle (21 years at this location), my family and I have decided to retire from the restaurant business” and went on to thank loyal customers for 38 amazing years. The last day of service was March 29.
Just Crepe N Around Cafe (Parkdale Avenue North, Hamilton)
In mid-March, owner Tasha Leblanc posted on Facebook: “It is with a heavy heart that I share some news. After so many wonderful memories together, our time at this quaint little café is coming to an end. When we first opened just before the COVID lockdowns, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but you all showed up with such kindness… every moment spent with you has been a treasure.” Made-to-order crepes stuffed with sweet or savoury fillings delighted many fans who expressed sadness at seeing the closure of the local shop.
– 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.
