People are flocking to an unexpected Ontario city just for the food
An Ontario city just outside Toronto is quickly gaining a reputation for its impressive lineup of restaurants, inspiring 6ix-dwellers to look beyond city limits for a bite to eat.
Consider this my formal apology, Hamilton: I was not familiar with your game. Growing up in downtown Toronto, I grew up with unfair and, as it turns out, unfounded biases against, well, anywhere else.
For so many years, Hamilton occurred to me as little more than an exit on the way to Niagara Falls, the place where steel gets made, the home of McMaster University. But it also, as it happens, is home to some seriously great restaurants: a truth that my fellow nose-turn-uppers and I seem to all be realizing at the same time.
Nowadays, I'm proud to announce that I'm a certified Hamilton convert, and, should you endeavour on a food-forward day trip to the Hammer yourself, you may just emerge one, too.
To get you started, here are a few restaurants in the city that warrant a visit of their own.
Le Tambour Tavern
Easily one of Hamilton's most talked-about restaurants, this Parisian bistro-meets-steakhouse is helmed by chef Teo Paul, a name Toronto residents might recognize from such buzzy local spots as Union and Cote de Boeuf.
Just a stone's throw from West Harbour GO Station, it's an easy trip for a meal you won't soon forget: French classics served rustic and often cooked over an in-house flame.
Daphne's
This European-inspired tavern opened its doors in late 2025 and has been earning major street cred ever since. From the team behind Flora Pizzeria, here you'll find the menu populated with a smattering of crowd-pleasing dishes — think suppli, steak tartare, tortellini and coppa steak — done with tact.
Ruby's
Brought to you by a crack team behind some of the city's favourite eateries, this itsy-bitsy sandwich shop packs a big punch, serving focaccia, panini, and breakfast sammies.
You'll probably want to pick up a pocket-sized tiramisu to go, too.
Artie's
Speaking of the team behind the above, you'll also find them at this easy-breezy sandwich and coffee shop, which also makes fresh pasta for you to chef up at home. Think of it as a souvenir from your Hamilton adventure.
Cowabunga Pizzeria
Ever since earning the distinction of the world's best cheese slice in 2024, this pizzeria has been a must-visit in the city. Of course, you don't have to stick to cheese: one-of-a-kind ingredients like popcorn chicken, truffle cream, charred broccoli and jalapeno pesto also make appearances.
Joshy's Good Eats
Bagels are baked fresh daily at this sunny Cannon Street shop, and they're served with a selection of cream cheeses, loaded up with lox or topped with tuna salad. You can also, of course, pick up a dozen to bring back to the 6ix with you.
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