Downtown Hamilton is the vibrant heart of the city, steeped in history and pulsing with new energy, thanks to new businesses and cultural experiences taking root.
With a large footprint, downtown stretches from James Street North and South to West Harbour, to Hess Village and eclectic King Street East. As you stroll the area, you’ll discover some of the city’s leading attractions, buzzworthy eateries, bars, coffee shops, historic buildings, street art, and unique retail.
EAT
RESTAURANTS
King William Street
Stroll down iconic "Restaurant Row" where you'll have your pick of delicious, unique, and hip restaurants to choose from.
Eat Undefined
Simplicity is the theme of this colourful restaurant, where you can eat, drink, and enjoy classic favourites with a fresh twist.
Mystic Ramen
Serving up some of the best ramen dishes in the city, you'll love the amazing dishes, laid-back atmosphere, and friendly service here.
Electric Diner
Step back in time at this 80’s-inspired diner with everything from neon signs, a jukebox, and gram-worthy menu items with a focus on creative all-day breakfast.
Sagarmatha Curry Palace
If you're looking for authentic Indian dishes in the heart of the city, this is the spot for you. With loads of flavourful spices, it promises to be a culinary experience you won't forget.
The Diplomat
Enjoy a night with friends at this funky restaurant serving up small plates, traditional dishes, and cool cocktails.
Hambrgr
Take a bite out of creatively crafted burgers with locally sourced ingredients, top it off with an out-of-this-world milkshake and we promise you'll come back for more.
The Mule
Enjoy cult favourite tacos, signature drinks, and a laid-back hip vibe at this downtown staple.
James Street
Enjoy one of the city's most iconic streets, filled with culinary experiences that are sure to satisfy any craving.
Burnt Tongue
Enjoy some of the finest soup in the city at this legendary restaurant, known for its changing lineup of soups and perfectly paired side dishes. (Find them just off James Street North on Cannon Street)
Castelli Cucina
Enjoy a night out with friends and great food at this intimate eatery focused on fresh and traditional Italian ingredients.
Bread Bar
Experience the difference good ingredients make with a range of dishes from fresh salads, pasta, and their famous stone-baked pizza.
Caro
Think generous, affordable portions of Italian classics prepped with a twist, served in an uber-friendly setting.
Flora Pizzeria
This tiny but very tasty Roman-style pizzeria will have you coming back for more with their selection of sourdough pizza served by the slice or full pie.
Born and Raised
You can enjoy traditional Italian dishes with a modern twist and their woodfire pizza will have you coming back for more.
Martello
Get together with friends at this moody and intimate space serving up a taste of Italy with trendsetting ingredients. If you're visiting in the summer, their patio out back is bursting with colour and a must-visit.
Charred
Enjoy delicious charred flavour in every bite, at this Portuguese-inspired barbecue joint that's a local go-to.
Saltlick Smokehouse
With menu items ranging from pork belly nuggets to south-fried chicken sandwiches, it might be hard to choose just one.
Dunas Verdes
Authentic Portuguese meals are served up here with a side of music, friendly service, and a great atmosphere.
Mesa
This colourful Mexican restaurant is warm and inviting, offering authentic dishes and delicious cocktails.
Noodle Me
Hear the slam bam of fresh noodles being made in the kitchen while you enjoy your homemade soup, stir fry, or dumplings.
Nabil's Grill
You can expect simple and delicious home-cooked meals at this family-run restaurant offering Middle-Eastern favourites like kabobs, shawarma, and falafel.
Hess Village
Off the beaten path, Hess Village is home to some of the most unique and lively restaurants in the city.
Radius
Enjoy drinks with friends at this trendy restaurant known for its hospitality on a historic cobblestone street.
Electric Diner
Step into this gram-worthy 1980's diner for all-day breakfast, creative cocktails, epic milkshakes and neon lights.
Moodys
It's pizza and arcade games for the win at this fun pizza bar that will keep you coming back for more with their signature flavours.
Gown & Gavel
Come hang on Hamilton's largest patio with a great selection of rotating beers on tap, a unique cocktail list, and pub fare.
Amigos
This colourful eatery serves up classic Tex-Mex dishes with a twist along with a great beer and cocktail menu.
More Downtown
But wait….there's more to discover downtown! With restaurants ranging from old-school sandwich shops to Asian fusion, there is a world of food waiting for you to enjoy.
Pintoh
Enjoy the flavours of authentic Thai cuisine and creative cooking at this intimate restaurant.
Plank
The chef-inspired resto-bar serves up fresh small plates and delicious cocktails with a side of trendy vibes and the best rooftop patio in the city.
Blackforest Inn
This iconic Hamilton eatery serves up classic German and Austrian dishes with a traditional vibe you won’t find anywhere else.
Denningers
Sit down for a meal or grab a snack to go with options ranging from their signature sandwiches to homestyle meatloaf.
Dim Sum House
Serving up authentic Cantonese-style small plates, both savoury and sweet, it's the perfect spot to share a dish with friends.
Bonanza Bakery
Stop by this north-end deli for their legendary sandwiches made with house-baked buns and make sure to grab a Portuguese custard tart on the way out for dessert.
Bon Temps
Experience the best of French-infused Canadian dining at this cool and intimate restaurant.
FINE DINING
Whether it's a special occasion or you're just feeling a little fancy, these restaurants are sure to give you the fine dining experience you're looking for.
Le Tambour Tavern
This stunning restaurant is rooted in a French-inspired menu featuring live-fire cooking, meat dishes, and shareable plates in an elegant atmosphere.
The French
This beautiful bistro delivers French classics with a flair, located downtown on King William Street
Brothers Grimm Bistro
Step into this moody, European cellar-inspired bistro for creative dishes and handcrafted cocktails.
Rapscallion
The moody interior sets the stage for a menu filled with creatively crafted cocktails, unique meat-forward dishes, and a lively brunch experience.
Berkeley North
With a menu that pleases meat eaters, vegans, and vegetarians alike, this West Coast-inspired eatery features beautifully crafted dishes for every occasion.
Shakespeare's
This famed steakhouse is known for its perfectly cooked steaks, fresh seafood, and inviting atmosphere.
La Piazza Allegra
Enjoy traditional Italian dishes at this long-standing eatery where the focus is always on excellent food and great drinks in an inviting atmosphere.
COFFEESHOPS & TREATS
Coffee Shops
Smalls
Don’t let the name fool you, this shop brews coffee with big flavour. Tucked along Cannon Street at James North, it's a favourite among locals.
Steeltown Garage
This one-of-a-kind coffee shop is where caffeine and motorcycles meet. Grab a coffee, browse through motorcycle gear, or snag one of their recognizable graphic tees and snapbacks.
Relay
With the craftsmanship of coffee brewing front and centre, you'll love every sip of this fair-trade, organic coffee. Don't skip out on the sweet treats to pair with your freshly made brew.
Andiamo
What can you expect at this unexpected coffee bar and barber shop? Exceptional coffee, expert cuts, and craft cocktails in a colourful shop with laid back vibes.
Mulberry
Housed in a historic building with local art on the walls, Mulberry has plenty of seating, a menu that values local, organic ingredients and a great drinks menu. Their patio offers top-notch people-watching on James Street North.
Synonym
This coffee bar and bookshop features an all-day food menu, natural wine, and beer in a beautiful space that celebrates art, community and culture.
Red Church Cafe + Gallery
Get yourself a freshly brewed coffee and a delicious baked good, then head to the back of the shop for a peek at the small gallery's rotating exhibits.
Cafe Oranje
Pair Dutch-inspired treats and sandwiches with delicious coffee at this warm European-style coffee house.
Saint James
Whether it's breakfast, brunch, or lunch you're looking for you can find handcrafted coffee, freshly made sandwiches, or drool-worthy short stacks at this beautiful express bar.
The Bard and Bear Games Cafe
Enjoy a good time with friends over coffee and a board game at this unique cafe offering a wide variety of games.
Treats
Hui Lau Shan
This dessert hangout on King Street East has built a worldwide reputation for tasty desserts that showcase the sweetness of mangoes imported from the Philippines.
My Sweet Tooth
This Asian fusion bakery is known for its light, airy, and gorgeous creations that are almost too beautiful to eat.
Grandad's Donuts
These handcrafted vintage-inspired donuts are legendary among locals and for good reason. You'll understand why after just one light and fluffy bite.
Chocolat on James
With a mouth-watering selection of fine chocolates, barks, fudge, and epic ice cream, you'll have a hard time leaving this shop with just one treat.
Cafe Baffico
Snag one of their legendary sourdough donuts, with creative flavours at their counter at the downtown Hamilton Farmers' Market.
Ola Bakery
Enjoy one of their famous pasteis de nata (custard tarts) or choose from other options like rice pudding, eclairs, and brownies.
BREWERIES & BARS
Odds
Odds are you'll love this laid-back sports bar co-owned by members of Hamilton's beloved Arkells band, with craft beer on tap, creative cocktails, and a unique bar menu.
Merit
Enjoy great beer, food, and friends at this brewery, kitchen, and bottle shop where you can pair crisp craft beer and delicious sausages.
Bar Sazerac
Pull up a stool at this craft cocktail bar and let their mixologists pour you an artful drink, enjoy a delicious snack, and cheers to a great night with friends.
Farside
Step into this colourful and hip neighbourhood bar, for a craft beer, cocktail, or a late-night snack.
The Brain
Cool and comfortable, you can pop by for a chalkboard full of beer options, cocktails, and board games.
Secco
Cheers with friends at Hamilton's first prosecco bar, serving up creative cocktails, globally inspired dishes, and of course prosecco.
11:11
Creative cocktails paired with snack-style eats make for a memorable night at this stylish basement cocktail bar.
My Father was Famous
With a secret passcode, you can push past what looks like your average bookcase and open the door to this dimly lit speakeasy.
SEE & DO
ATTRACTIONS
Hamilton Farmers' Market
Established in 1837, the market has become iconic to downtown. Whether you’re looking for something delicious for lunch, a sweet treat, or fresh blooms, you can find it all at the market.
Art Galleries
The Art Gallery of Hamilton showcases some of the best local and national art with more than 10,000 pieces. You can spend the day exploring both long-term and new exhibits.
Art lovers will also appreciate some of the smaller galleries downtown including, Centre [3], Hamilton Artist Inc., The Assembly Gallery, and You Me Gallery.
Live Music & Performance
Find live music in every corner of downtown from international arena acts at FirstOntario Centre to more intimate performances at venues such as Bridgeworks, Mills Hardware, Corktown Irish Pub, and The Casbah.
Spend a night at the theatre and enjoy everything from well-known musicals to Canadian productions at Theatre Aquarius.
Experience the magic of the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra with shows that include everything from the classics, to holiday favourites, and immersive experiences.
Museums & Historic Walking Tours
Whitehern Historic House and Garden is the former home of the McQuesten family, showcasing local history starting in 1850 up until 1939. The museum is notable for being historically intact and for its gorgeous walled garden.
Workers Arts and Heritage Centre celebrates the local history of labour and workers, offering educational programs, exhibits, workshops, and events in a beautiful heritage building.
Take yourself on a guided tour with Downtown Hamilton BIA Memory Lane tour with scannable QR codes revealing incredible stories and vintage photos
Enjoy a self-guided architecture crawl with our guide to some of downtown’s most noteworthy and inspiring buildings.
OUTDOOR
West Harbour Waterfront
Stroll over to Pier 8 and say hello to Theodore Tugboat and then head to Pier 9 to see Park's Canada docked HMCS Haida.
A visit to Copps Pier Park or the outdoor skating rink is the perfect way to enjoy the day outside.
Refuel at Williams Fresh Cafe or buy some treats from a nearby restaurant and set up a picnic in the scenic Bayfront Park.
Look out for Tourism Hamilton's Selfie Stations at several locations on the waterfront to help you take a perfect shot. Say cheese and share using hashtag #HamOntViews.
STREET ART
There's vibrant colour and inspiration around every corner of the downtown core. Here are a few highlights of the street art you can find in the heart of the city.
Catch of the Day, a giant bold mural at Hughson and King William Streets, by famed muralist WERC featuring flora and fauna including a giant eagle and fish.
A World of Welcome is a striking mural series located in downtown's International Village, created as a tribute to the unique and diverse experience of women of colour in Hamilton.
Woman with Flowers, by artist Megan Oldhues, stretches to the sky on a historic red-brick building located in Hess Village, reminding us that beauty can emerge in the most unexpected places.
SHOP
Looking for a fashion fix? There are plenty of unique shops and boutiques to pop into including, Vintage Soul Geek, Girl on the Wing, The Reloved Boutique, and Daddy's Plastic Vintage.
Browse through modern houseware and handmade treasures from Canadian artisans in beautiful spaces like Studio 205, Pretty Grit, STOREon James, and The Pale Blue Dot.
Head to The Local Skate Shop for all your skateboarding and snowboarding needs, packed with everything from boards to graphic tees and gear.
If you love music, follow the beat to iconic shops in the city, Dr. Disc and Into the Abyss. Whether you're looking for classic vinyl or new CD's, you'll enjoy your time browsing the stacks here.
Take a little piece of Hamilton home with you and stop by Tourism Hamilton's Visitor Experience Centre, The James North General Store or Len Democratic to purchase a one-of-a-kind item from jewelry to candles.
Jackson Square is conveniently downtown and home to a variety of retail shops as well as a movie theatre, food courts, and the sprawling Nations grocery store.
Visit Downtown Hamilton and Hamilton International Village for more shopping and food destinations.