ON THE MENU: WHAT’S OPENED AND CLOSED ON THE LOCAL RESTAURANT SCENE
Here's our regular feature about what has come, gone and changed in Hamilton and Burlington in August.
Launched & opening soon
Bretonne Bakery (2025 William O’Connell Blvd., Burlington)
Nestled in between the Palmer and Orchard neighbourhoods in North Burlington, this recently opened bakery and coffee shop bakes croissants, scones, and cookies in house. The pistachio cream-filled, and almond-filled croissants are a must-try.
IG: @bretonne_bakery
Brothers Burger (Jackson Square, Hamilton)
Martin Jose is one of the three brothers that founded this designer burger dynasty in the Philippines in 1999. Residing in the local area, Jose searched for a year for the perfect location to bring his incredible burgers to Canada, landing on Jackson Square as Canada store No. 1. The menu touts flame grilled handcrafted burgers along with chicken sandwiches, and vegetarian options.
IG: @brothersburger
Ciao Bella (26 Augusta St., Hamilton)
Opening imminently in the Augusta restaurant district, Ciao Bella promises to be your “newest favourite Italian restaurant” with dishes inspired by various regions of Italy, and perfect wine pairings. The sneak peeks of the large wrap-around patio and opulent interior design has foodies chomping at the bit.
IG: @ciaobellahamilton
Dav’s Hot Spot (224 Ottawa St. N., Hamilton)
This Halal Mississauga restaurant has chosen Hamilton to open its second location to serve its fusion of Caribbean and southern comfort food. A core item of the menu is mac and cheese and many variations including jumbo fried shrimps mac & cheese and fried wings & mac & cheese.
IG: @davshotspot
Mosaic (431 Barton St., Hamilton)
Hamilton’s favourite community hang spot closed in the spring to the disappointment of many locals. Its triumphant return on Aug. 28 under new ownership kicked things off with trivia night, 14 different craft beer lines, handcrafted cocktails and popular menu items.
IG: @mosaichamilton
Parm Bros (1064 Barton St. E., Hamilton)
Opened quietly at the beginning of July, but this sandwich shop has started revealing its handcrafted sandwich lineup on social media over the past couple of weeks, highlighting the daily fresh baked bread and crispy chicken cutlets smothered in sauce and melted cheese.
IG: @parmbros
Prime Pizza (402 Concession St., Hamilton)
The meal deals here are a steal, at $5.50 for a pizza slice and a drink, or a breaded boneless chicken meal for $10.99. This is the second location for this new chain originating in Exeter, Ont., which offers unique appetizers in addition to pizza, including battered mac & cheese wedges, jumbo wings, cauliflower bites, and crispy battered mushrooms.
IG: @primepizza_hamilton
Selo (13 Hess St. S., Hamilton)
A café in the heart of Hess Village with the coziness of exposed brick and an enormous gleaming wood bar that will be most welcome during the imminent crisp weather, while offering a lovely shady front patio for summer, impeccable service, and skillfully made lattes. Baked goods and sandwiches have been selling out quickly, a testament to the quick popularity of the spot.
IG: @selohamilton
Rebranding & evolving
Hamilton Prop House / Commuter Café (422 Barton St., Hamilton
A film set and prop house that opened its doors to the public as a bar/café/workspace earlier this summer has now opened its café, housed in an actual train car film set, with a separate take out entrance on Barton. There’s limited bar stool seating where you can sip a latte, or grab an espresso to go.
IG: @hamiltonprophouse
Tracie’s Place (592 Upper James St., Hamilton)
Expanding into a vacant space next door in order to double their capacity, renovations were completed in record time with only one day closed to the public, much to the delight of fans. Tracie’s serves up large portions of comfort food with a side helping of daily karaoke.
IG: @traciesplacehamilton
Closed & closing
Green Bar (James Street North, Hamilton)
The vegan eatery that first brought green smoothies to Hamilton has announced it will be closed at the end of August with a new Mexican restaurant taking over the location.
Paradise Ice Cream Parlour (Upper Paradise Road, Hamilton)
The beloved ice cream shop announced it would be closing its current location on Aug. 25 and relocating to a new spot. Details have yet to be revealed.
Royal Spice (Main Street East, Hamilton)
The tiny venue serving Indian and Hakka Chinese cuisine opened at the beginning of the pandemic, and has quietly closed its doors this summer.
Super Mario’s 2 For 1 Pizza and Wings (King Street East, Hamilton)
Forced to close its doors after 26 years due to their lease being terminated. Long-time customers have rallied around business owners Bill and Kim Coa, contributing to a GoFundMe to help with legal expenses.
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.
