Hamilton, Ontario, known as “the Hammer,” is quickly becoming a culinary hotspot, rivalling its neighbour Toronto with an affordable yet sophisticated dining scene. James Street North, in particular, stands out with a variety of restaurants catering to every taste, from casual brunch spots in Hamilton to places perfect for big reservations. Whether you’re exploring James St North restaurants for a leisurely brunch or planning a special dinner in Hamilton, this vibrant corridor offers an exciting mix of flavours and experiences, all priced in Canadian dollars.
Adding an intriguing twist to its culinary offerings, Hamilton’s dining scene is now experimenting with the exciting fusion of gambling and gastronomy. This emerging trend is transforming traditional dining into an immersive experience, where visitors can enjoy both delicious meals and the thrill of gaming, right from their tables. Learn more about this captivating trend, its benefits and potential drawbacks.
So, don’t miss out on the diverse culinary offerings of James Street North restaurants on your next visit.
Electric Diner
Price Range: $$
96 George St, +1 (905) 504-3689
Hamilton’s pink palace is an Instagrammer’s daydream come true, with a vibrant pastel colour palette providing the perfect backdrop for photo ops. But at this trendy downtown diner, the food looks just as good as the decor. Opt for the Electric Benny ($$) featuring peameal bacon and cornflake-crusted French toast smothered in hollandaise. Their decadent Banoffee pancake stack ($$) drizzled in dulce de leche is also a showstopper.
Saint James Espresso Bar & Eatery
Price range: $-$$
170 James St N, +1 (289) 389-6565
This vibrant café serves ever-changing stacks of fluffy Instagrammable pancakes (from $12), drive-thru breakfast sandwiches ($5), and top-notch coffee. It’s a perfect spot to fuel up before a day of shopping at James St boutiques.
La Luna
Price range: $$-$$$
Multiple locations
For five-star traditional Lebanese, opt for La Luna’s generously portioned chicken rice platter ($18) dripping in legendary garlic sauce. Their crispy fried pita Caesar salad ($7 side) also shines. With 5 locations across Hamilton, La Luna has developed an almost cult-like following.
Mai Pai
Price range: $$-$$$
631 Barton St E, +1 (905) 508-0588
This playful tiki bar adds a dose of Hawaiian beach vibes to gritty Barton Street. Devour crispy Detroit-style pizza topped with fried kimchi ($17) and wash it down with a flaming volcano bowl cocktail ($14). Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available.
Born & Raised
Price range: $$-$$$
224 James St N, +1 (289) 768-5233
Led by Top Chef Canada finalist Vittorio Colacitti, Born and Raised pays homage to quality Italian ingredients from Ontario’s Niagara region. Housemade wood-fired pizzas ($$) like the fun breakfast pizza topped with eggs and bacon, join hearty pasta ($$) and Nonna’s signature meatballs ($$) on the menu. It’s a bustling James St N hotspot.
Brothers Grimm Bistro
Price range: $$$$
193 King Street East, +1 (905) 393-1284
Dine in cask-lined cellars on elevated European cuisine, including seared duck breast with sweet potato puree ($34) and wild boar chops with blueberry demi-glaze ($42). The intimate space, stone walls, and wood barrel decor make you feel as though you’ve stumbled into a secret hideaway. Extensive Old World wine list is available.
Maria’s Tortas Jalisco
Price range: $
432 Highway 8, +1 (905) 662-7773
This humble Mexican spot in Stoney Creek, run by a mother-daughter duo, serves up freshly made birria tacos ($5) that are considered some of Hamilton’s best. Their array of housemade salsas and scratch-made tortas also astounds. Despite the remote location, Maria’s is a local legend, so the trip is well worth it.
McQueen’s Banh Mi Viet
Price range: $
103 Queen St N, Unit #2, +1 (905) 529-2999
At this no-frills downtown Viet spot, banh mi loaded with meat, pâté, pickled veggies, and cilantro run just $5 each. Their vegetarian tofu banh mi impresses, too. Note McQueen’s is cash only, but an ATM is on site.
Namu Restaurant and Bar
Price Range: $$-$$$
186 King St W, Dundas, +1 (289) 238-8738
Tucked away in charming downtown Dundas, Namu puts a creative Korean-fusion spin on street food. Highlights include bulgogi steak bao buns ($$), Tokyo poutine topped with kimchi and wagyu beef ($$), and miso black cod ($$$). Whimsical cocktails and an airy, mural-lined interior encourage lingering.
Tomah
Price range: $
242 King St W, Hamilton, +1 (905) 522-1919
At Tomah, Syrian immigrant owner Mohamed Tomeh transports diners to the Middle East through lusciously spiced toasted sandwiches ($$) and authentic dips, including labneh strained yogurt and muhammara made with Aleppo peppers. Their signature string cheese also dazzles.
Nique Restaurant – CLOSED
Nique restaurant, Hamilton, brought contemporary Canadian cuisine to the James Street North for over a decade before shuttering in late 2022. Chef and owner Natalie Leung helmed the kitchen, gaining renown for her knack for reinventing comfort food favourites through playful tweaks and global accents. Diners loved the relaxed yet sophisticated vibe of the narrow, mural-lined dining room almost as much as Leung’s cooking.
Menu Highlights
Seasonal small plates like Kung Pao Brussels sprouts with peanuts and chilli or whipped feta with honey and harissa dazzled diners with complex flavours. Signatures like the brisket poutine crowned with bone marrow gravy became iconic local dishes. Daily specials showcased Leung’s versatility, while a diverse array of sandwiches satisfied lunch and late-night cravings.
Sustainability Efforts
Sourcing ethically was a priority, with partnerships supporting local purveyors and environmental organizations like Ocean Wise. Diners recognized trusted certifications on menu items meeting sustainable criteria. Efforts like using metal straws and minimizing food waste aligned with Leung’s eco-conscious mission.
Why We Loved Nique
The Nique restaurant earned a glowing reputation stemming from Leung’s standout culinary perspective. Small plates were designed for sampling and sharing across tables. Vegan and gluten-free modifications catered to most dietary needs without compromising flavour. While Nique may have shuttered, its fresh approach and inclusive ethos contribute to Hamilton dining’s vibrant personality even today.
From quick ethnic bites to white tablecloth dining, Hamilton’s red-hot culinary scene caters to varying tastes and budgets beautifully while highlighting the city’s diversity. Trend-setting openings compete with beloved institutions for the title of Hamilton’s best restaurants. The variety of restaurants on James Street North embodies the energy in Hamilton’s food community, but tasty locales extend across neighbourhoods. For an affordable yet world-class foodie getaway filled with James Street North restaurants perfect for brunch, lunch, and big dinner reservations, make Hamilton your next Ontario dining destination.