We’re so excited to be entering, not only Stage 2 of re-opening, but also Patio Season!! It’s been a long 16 months of restrictions.
Eating out is always a treat. It’s one of the things we’ve missed most during this strange and solitary year-gone-by. At this stage in Ontario, we can once again enjoy outdoor dining for up to six people. Woot woot!
Hamilton has a thriving food scene and offers options for every mood. Whether you’re craving comfort food or healthier options, whether you’re vegan or carnivore – you can satisfy your tastebuds here in the city.
To celebrate the reopening, we want to share Hamilton patios that we recommend to visit this summer:
CIMA ENOTECA
“Love love love this restaurant. Wood fire pizza oven makes for some amazing pizza… and highly recommend the cacio e Pepe!”
Since we’re partial to traditional comfort food, this one is first on our list. Their 5-star online reviews are not an accident.
Being restricted to the patio means we won’t get to fully enjoy the open kitchen with its gorgeous wood-fired pizza oven in all its glory. But that’s ok for now.
The stuff that comes out of that kitchen is what will keep you coming back!
A peek at Cima Enoteca’s menu will make your mouth water. (You know the food is authentic when the menu is written in Italian!)
From classic pizza and fresh pasta dishes to elegant seafood stew and truffle-adorned “strozza,” there’s something for everyone. Be sure not to skip dessert – who doesn’t love good Sicilian cannoli?
And if you have a designated driver, we hear the cocktails are pretty great, too.
Check it out at 190 Locke St S. For reservations, call 289-389-5848 or book your table at Cima Enoteca online here.
NAMU RESTAURANT AND BAR
“My wife and I always love eating here. Great service and I legit want to order the entire modern Asian menu every time we sit down! If you haven’t been to Namu in Dundas. Do yourself a favour and treat your tastebuds!”
Though it couldn’t be more different from Italian fare, Namu is another Hamilton (Dundas) gem whose stark raving fans write glowing Google reviews.
Korean food is some of the most satisfying, filling, delightful cooking you will ever try. And Namu provides that.
But we love them for their personality, too! The home page of their website announces that they’ve taken a “staff vacation” and will re-open on July 2. Amazing! We love that they take care of their staff.
And the menu is cheeky enough to bring a smile to your face before you even have a plate in front of you. No doubt for the sake of locals who’ve never had the pleasure of tasting this particular Asian cuisine, they’ve added a touch of North Americanism to the names of their dishes.
Will you try the Seoul Poutine (there are russet potatoes in here, so it counts!)?
Maybe you prefer the more carnivorous-sounding Spicy k.f.c. (no copyright infringement if you use lower-case letters, right?). That stands for “Korean Fried Chicken,” by the way.
Or if you appreciate the ultimate fusion, perhaps you’ll want to try the Sushi taco.
Having turned their parking area into outdoor dining space, the ambiance might not be what it was when we could sit indoors, but the sacrifice is worth it.
Before 2:00 pm, you can make reservations by email at namumodernrestaurant@gmail.com. After that, you’ll need to phone in – 289-238-8738.
Namu is located at 186 King St W in Dundas.
FIRTH’S CELTIC PUB
“My wife and I went for afternoon apps yesterday. The bartender/waitress was incredible and handled everything and was so kind! The food insanely good and the portions were massive. We will definitely be back!! Highly recommended!”
If you’ve been missing your fix of chicken wings, fish ‘n’ chips, or other staples of the pub food menu – you’ll love Firth’s.
Patrons of this Hamilton Mountain eatery at 543 Upper James St. will tell you that the friendly staff is a huge part of the appeal, too. They follow the hospitable tradition of the playwright named Johnny Firth, whose concept for an Irish pub was discovered in the heart of Manhattan.
Even with current COVID-era limits in place, your group of six or fewer can leave the stress behind and enjoy a meal together, sharing a plate of Irish Nachos (or regular nachos, your call).
Add a pint of Guinness for the whole, authentic Irish experience. Or, honour a bit of trivia from the bottom of Firth’s menu and order yourself an India Pale Ale because, as they point out:
“IPA STYLE :: In the late 1700s, every man in the British armed forces was rationed on gallon of ale per day. As a result, India Pale Ale was specially formulated in the late 1700s to survive the long voyage from England to thirsty British regiments stationed in India during this period. An IPA also indicated a superior ale, worthy of export.”
Interesting, right? If you’d like a reservation, call 905-318-HARP(4277).
Hamilton, like the areas around us, is carefully starting to open up. Stay safe, protect your health, and take precautions – but do enjoy your summer, hit up our recommended Hamilton patios, and support some local businesses as you are able!
