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 July.
Launched & opening soon
Bar Origin (399 Elizabeth St., Burlington)
Opened by renowned chef Claudio Aprile, Bar Origin is one of the area’s long anticipated openings this summer. Aprile reimagined fine dining with Origin in Toronto, which he opened over 15 years ago, and the launch of Bar Origin continues that story in Burlington. The simple menu includes a 32oz Côte de bœuf, Thai fried whole branzino, and Chinois duck tacos.
IG: @baroriginca
Dolce Mondo Gelato (102 George St., Hamilton)
Just opened inside Amici Hair Lounge in Hess Village, this gelateria serves authentic Italian artisanal gelato. Owner Robert Puglisi visited more than 50 independent gelaterias across Italy, learning directly from artisans and shop owners throughout the country, and completed intensive, hands-on training in Torino to refine his artisanal gelato crafting techniques. Open every day until 9:30pm for late night cravings, except it is closed on Mondays.
IG: @dolce.mondo.gelato
Lakshmi Chowk (53 Wilson St. W., Ancaster)
The second location of this Hamilton restaurant serves Pakistani and Indian BBQ and Karahi cuisine. They also offer a full, all-you-can-eat weekend brunch buffet every Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with more than 30 dishes, including authentic Lahori BBQ, karahi, biryani, freshly baked naan, curries, and desserts.
IG: @lakshmichowkancaster
Hot Box Pizza (35 York Blvd., Hamilton)
Pizza is coming soon to the Hamilton Farmers’ Market! Hot Box Pizza has taken over the spot recently vacated by Apothecary Kitchen, with plans to open the stall in mid August. In the meantime, you can grab a pizza on the first three Saturdays every month from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Ottawa Street Farmers Market.
IG: @hotboxpizza905
The James Public Eatery (229 James St. N., Hamilton)
The latest in B Social Hospitality’s group of local restaurants, which includes B Side Social, The Dickens, The Pheasant Plucker, and Southcote 53. Pub food is the group’s specialty, and The James touts its menu as “comfort classics with bold global flavour." The menu includes burgers, fish & chips, steak & fries, among other offerings.
IG: @thejamespubliceatery
Mel’s Deli (110 Frid St., Hamilton)
The sandwich shop that left its spot inside Collective Arts last fall has now opened its own brick and mortar next to Steel Town Cider Co. Expect to find all your favourite oversized gourmet sandwiches again, including the Italian trio hoagie, smoked brisket, and a vegan falafel, plus breakfast sandwiches on a potato bun are available until 10:30 a.m. daily, except Mondays when the shop is closed.
IG: @melsdeli.ham
The Mule (1050 King St. W, Hamilton)
Hamilton’s beloved taco joint has been rapidly expanding into southwestern Ontario, and is finally opening a second location in the city where it all started. The new spot will be a quick-service version, in the hungry student-filled area of Westdale, offering a pared down menu for take out, including tacos, apps and non-alcoholic beverages. Opening date will be in time for the new school year, in late August or beginning of September.
IG: @themulemakestacos
Pub 309 (309 Crockett St., Hamilton)
All set to open and just waiting on final inspection at the time of this writing, Pub 309 is a neighbourhood spot that has eager residents clamouring for the opening announcement. The space has a sleek new bar and dining area with a separate room for pool and darts. Follow on Instagram for updates.
IG: @pub309crockett
Ruby’s (193 Ottawa St. N., Hamilton)
Fans of Artie’s on Locke Street will be excited to hear that Ruby’s opening on Ottawa Street is imminent. It’s a smaller version of Artie’s but with the same flavour-packed sandwiches on housemade focaccia. The mention of Diet Coke slushies on a recent Instagram post was met with much enthusiasm. An opening date of early August was announced as the goal, but follow on Instagram for updates.
IG: @rubyshamilton
Utamami(65 King St.E., Hamilton)
The choice to serve modern Japanese-Italian cuisine was born from the eatery’s close-knit team who grew up within the Japanese hospitality scene, while also sharing an admiration for Italian cooking. Italian and Japanese cuisines share a respect for ingredients, technique and the belief that food should be comforting and memorable. The menu includes ricotta agnolotti, 11-spice whole duck breast, and Japanese Black Forest ice cream.
IG: @utamami.restaurant
– 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.
