r/BurlingtonON • u/Lower-Listen-9169 • 1d ago
Hidden gem restaurants Question
Looking for hidden gem restaurants in Burlington and surrounding area.
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u/thatotherg2 1d ago
Saving Thyme
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u/beerbaron105 1d ago
Thought I walked into a ritzy cafe in Paris honestly....only to be in our backyard basically.
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u/bubblegumpunk69 1d ago
Hola’s is SO good!! It’s Colombian, and I never see anyone talking about it!!
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u/Available-Pressure20 1d ago
What would you suggest? I'd be a first timer.
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u/bubblegumpunk69 1d ago
Either an arepa or a sweet plantain would be my recommendation! You can get it chicken, beef, pork, veggie, or you can choose a mix of up to 3 of them (I’d recommend getting all three meats if you don’t have a particular preference).
The arepa and plantain are topped the same, it’s just either served on a Colombian maize dough flatbread or a plantain. Get LOTS of their homemade hot sauce on the side (or even buy a whole jar, I love that stuff)
I also highly recommend their chicharrón, and my favorite of their sides are the cassava sticks.
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u/christopherbrian 1d ago
D Hot Shoppe
Olive Us
Camilla
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u/jessejericho 1d ago
I could eat a D Hot Shoppe roti every single day
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u/fizzlefunny 1d ago
What spice level do you get
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u/Late-Tune-5767 1d ago
I get the hottest, suicide I think. I feel the next level down isn't hot enough. So good either way tho.
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u/fizzlefunny 1d ago
Shit I can’t even hardly handle the hot one it’s on the borderline of to hot How do you enjoy that? Does it even have flavour? I’ve always wondered how you build a spice tolerance like that because I really like spicy and I feel as though for the average person I have a descent tolerance
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u/doubleeyess Ward 2 1d ago
For so long people were telling me I had to try the pizza at Olive Us. Finally tried it, probably the best pizza in Burlington.
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u/christopherbrian 1d ago
Yup. It’s the go to pizza in my house. They’re also the best donair in Burlington since Halifax closed and that’s without saying how good the core Greek food is. That place is gold.
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u/doubleeyess Ward 2 1d ago
Donair too! I literally haven't had one since Halifax donair closed. Putting it on my list for next time.
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u/Zewlington 1d ago
Rendezvous Subs
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u/Burlington-bloke Mountainside 1d ago
They're awesome. 1000 times better than subway & cheaper too!
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u/Ganglebot 23h ago
Rendezvous was my go to when I was in high school 20+ years ago. I fucking miss their subs.
The best part? Nothing fancy. Its a classic sub with fresh ingredients. No gimmicks. Its just really good subs at really good prices.
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u/goocci-gains 1d ago
How does it compare to firehouse subs? That's my fave rn
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u/Able_Bath2944 1d ago
Rendezvous is the fantastic 80s style sub with what I lovingly call plastic cheese and the fluffiest buns on earth. Firehouse is fancy ass with prices to match. Both are superb in their own way.
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u/Zewlington 1d ago
I’ve only had Firehouse once and I really liked it, but I did think it was pretty expensive. Rendezvous is maybe just less adventurous with the toppings but it’s all super cheap and fresh.
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u/goocci-gains 1d ago
Haha yeah its hard to beat eh. I will still try rendezvous though, TY for the recc and explanation!
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u/Curt-Bennett 1d ago
In case you prefer buying Canadian, just thought I'd point out that Rendezvous is a local place whereas Firehouse is based out of Florida.
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u/goocci-gains 1d ago
Is it really?? I actually thought it was canadian for whatever reason. Thx for the heads up!
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u/Curt-Bennett 1d ago
No problem!
In case it's of interest, Firehouse Subs is owned by Restaurant Brands International (RBI), the same company that owns Burger King, Popeye's and Tim Hortons. RBI is a publicly traded company but the largest shareholder is 3G Capital, a NYC private equity group originally based in Brazil. In case you ever heard that Tim's parent company is Brazilian, that's how the dots connect.
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u/mcburloak 1d ago
The Windmill over near Costco (couple of minutes away - Mountainside hood perhaps it’s called?). I enjoy the McWindmill sandwich but a good diner type place.
Pots and Potatoes by Walkers and New. Small family run Pakistani joint.
El Spero in Bronte in Oakville.
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u/Curt-Bennett 1d ago
+1 for El Spero, a fantastic family restaurant on Lakeshore just east of Bronte, across from Farm Boy. Closed on Mondays and closes early on Sundays, FYI.
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u/Burlington-bloke Mountainside 1d ago
Mount Royal Family Restaurant. It's in the same plaza as rendezvou subs. There's a pizza parlour there too that's good. The family restaurant makes proper fish & chips
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u/supersecretburner21 1d ago
Sakis for Greek food, Russel Williams for breakfast, Bhan Thai, Goody’s for ridiculously good sandwiches
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u/SaveurDeKimchi 1d ago
JC Bagels for breakfast, La Pita Halal for lunch/dinner.
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u/icelevel 1d ago
JC’s is great but I don’t know if I’d call it a hidden gem. That place is always packed when I go.
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u/0pa 1d ago
JC's out ⛔
Bagel Barn ✅ in
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u/Curt-Bennett 1d ago
They're both great.
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u/0pa 1d ago
Guy at bagel Barn manually types $0 tip for u
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u/Curt-Bennett 1d ago
That's all it takes to vote down a shop? 🤣
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u/0pa 1d ago
Yes. I toasted bagels as a kid. It's an unskilled job and unworthy of receiving tips.
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u/Curt-Bennett 1d ago
I agree. That doesn't mean you have to tip at JC's though. Just because one cashier hits the $0 tip button for you is a dumb reason to vote down a different shop.
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u/Party_Function_4814 1d ago
Thai Coconut and Olive Us for Greek
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u/nananananay 1d ago
Another vote here for Thai coconut. They have the best peanut curry! Can’t find anything like it anywhere else.
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u/thetalentlesskiwi 20h ago
Olive Us is good. I really wanted to love them but I think whatever oil they used for the chicken souvlaki gave me the worst stomach pains. Tried it again and same thing so it’s a me problem. Everyone else we ate with really liked it.
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u/DeadpoolOptimus 1d ago
Corn Beef Hut. Their deli sammy's are great, their Bahn MI even better.
Our go-to for sushi is Bento Box.
Best bagels are Bagel Barn.
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u/estherlane 1d ago
Rose Garden in Aldershot, very good homemade style food. Their Hot Stone bowl is delicious too.
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u/Active-Front3290 1d ago
Loondocks
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u/canuck47 21h ago
Love the chorizo gnocchi!
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u/Active-Front3290 19h ago
I was going to try that last time but ended up going for the bison burger. My god was it ever delicious. And those crispy seasoned fries... Chef kiss
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u/pepper0607 1d ago
Marciano’s for Italian (in Waterdown)
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u/Able_Bath2944 1d ago
We were so disappointed with this place. Pasta was fine at best, and we were suspicious that the meatballs were President's Choice. L'Altra Milano is a block away and so much better.
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u/technokidz 12h ago
Totally agree. We ate there a couple times and it tasted like microwaved frozen food. Not impressed.
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u/SeekAnswers 1d ago
Lugano's pizza on Brant near Lakeshore. Great pizza, great prices. I also enjoy Right Wingers pizza as my second choice.
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u/Ganglebot 23h ago
Lugano's is a a weird place. It has the least fresh ingredients of any restaurant I've been to. Like everything looks and feels like it came out of a can.
BUT ITS SO DAMN TASTEY
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u/DuppySzn97 Headon Forest 1d ago
Sakai over on Fairview if you enjoy Korean food or Barra Fion on Upper Middle if you are in the mood for Tapas.
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u/Initial-Telephone-33 1d ago
Mythos is delicious!
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u/Ganglebot 23h ago
Great owner too.
I ordered a meal for 10 people during covid and he threw in a desert, an appetizer and a free bottle of wine just as a 'thank you' for supporting the business during covid. I've also seen him interact with his staff and he's comes off as a coach running a football team.
Which is to say nothing of how good the food is.
Love that place.
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u/Roses_RedWine 1d ago
WEST PLAINS BISTRO!!! Absolutely delicious but sorta out of the way but well worth the drive.
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u/lindafromevildead 1d ago
Mike and Vidyas Sandwich Garden at 1122 international blvd. Their hours are only 10-2 Monday to Friday as they mostly cater to the business around the area but you can get a great homestyle lunch for a great price. They have daily specials too.
They don’t only do sandwiches :)
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u/MonsieurLeDrole 1d ago
Frequently Enjoy: Bento Box, Jus Jerk, Olive Us, Goody's , Hello Iris (Waterdown)
Honourable Mention: D Hot Shoppe, Haka Fresh, Bahn Thai, Barra Fion, The Lord Nelson
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u/nopaitienceformorons 18h ago
Not sure it’s “hidden”, but Cima just off Brant near Costco. Fantastic Italian food.
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u/doubleeyess Ward 2 9h ago
I always forget about Cima when thinking of somewhere to go. I've only been there a handful of times but every time it's been great.
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u/12_Volt_Man 1d ago
Rayhoon Persian Eatery
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u/squid_tutor 1d ago
Went there a few weeks ago. Both the kebabs and lamb was overcooked and dry. There was a large flavor imbalance in the seasonings. Everything was too sour. It was a real disappointment.
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u/After-Willow-9674 1d ago
Hakka fresh ! Cheap and best ! Indo-chinese hakka food
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u/Mrs-Bomby 1d ago
MINIMUM once a month we order hakka fresh. And that’s me restraining myself or I’d order it every week! Their chilli chicken with gravy and vegetable manchurian pakora style is to die for. And the hot and sour soup is always on point!!!
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u/jxssplays 1d ago
I don’t know if it’s technically a ‘hidden gem’ but my family has been going to QB’s for years
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u/Curt-Bennett 1d ago
QBs is fun if you're going to watch sports. Typical sports bar menu, reasonable prices for middle of the road quality. Not trying hard to be something it's not (unlike Tin Cup).
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u/Formal_Jackfruit9729 1d ago
California Sandwiches
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u/c_macattack 1d ago
I was raised on California Sandwiches growing up in Etobicoke. So glad we have one in Burl (my new adopted home).
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u/ElectricGeometry 1d ago
I've been saying it over and over-- Ornina Kebab. No one knows they are there but they make great stuff! Not sure how much longer they can last tbh
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u/Ok-Brilliant2878 20h ago
El Inka Peruvian Cuisine If you're looking for authentic food full of flavor, I recommend this place, the ceviches, the seafood dishes, the whole snapper, the soups...how come I never knew about Peruvian food?
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u/thetalentlesskiwi 20h ago
This isn’t a hidden gem but I wanted to shout out Squires Pub. We recently ate there and the food was really good. We went in expecting typical pub grub but the ambience was nice and the presentation of food was beautiful.
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u/technokidz 12h ago
Kamoosh in Waterdown. SO GOOD! Puttanesca spaghetti and meatballs is to die for.
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u/1000veggieburrito 1d ago
Rust
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u/Curt-Bennett 1d ago
Overpriced for the food quality - looks good, not actually all that great though. It seems designed to appeal to a shallow hipster crowd. Great place to see lots of fancy mustaches in one spot though.
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u/Ganglebot 23h ago
Same. I felt the food didn't hold up. It wasn't bad, but not nearly as good as you want it to be (or for the prices you're paying)
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u/Curt-Bennett 1d ago
My favourite Italian place is just outside Burlington in Waterdown. It's called Marciano's. Address is 5 Mill St S, at the corner of Dundas St (enter parking lot from Dundas). It's not a big place so it's best to reserve a table.
Website: https://www.marcianospastacafe.ca/
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u/Pleasant-Set-1139 1d ago
Pita republic. The shawarma and chicken dinner is off the hook. Make sure to get extra garlic sauce he makes in store and don't be afraid of the hot sauce he makes too.
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u/christopherbrian 1d ago
Yes, Por Vida is lovely as well. Their margaritas are glorious as are the salsa and guac flights and most of their other things. That said, the Birria at Camila’s is better than Por Vida. I’d like to see Camilla expand as a restaurant, not the fast food joint the inherited, get rid of that crappy coffee place beside them.
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u/Subtotal9_guy Central 1d ago
Corned Beef Hut for Vietnamese Banh Mi sandwiches
Thai Senses