Eating With A Local: Restaurants In Burlington

In an effort to find the best eats around the globe, I’m connecting with food-loving locals and putting my stomach in their hands. Follow along as I challenge them to take me to five of their fave spots for my Eating With A Local series. The only criteria? Good food. The kind you want to share with friends…

Local Glutton (LG): Sid Friedman. Burlington resident, co-founder of Ontario Street Food and co-producer of Food Truck Eats events. Loves a good hamburger, hates cilantro and blue cheese because they tend to overpower other ingredients. His dad is his culinary hero.

Sid’s Five Fave Restaurants In Burlington:

The Alex Restaurant – Having dined at Black Sheep Snack Bar, Except For Kenneth and The Mule in Hamilton, I knew we were in for a treat when Sid suggested The Alex. Yup, all these amaze restos belong to one, happy family: a group of people who know how to cook, deliver exceptional service (informed, but casual) AND have a good time. The Alex specializes in small-plate dining. That’s a good thing because you’ll want to taste everything on the menu. And although they have a slight obsession with meat (think bacon-wrapped fries, chicken and shrimp meatballs, charcuterie etc.) they also accommodate those who don’t with plenty of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. Woot!

What do you love about this place? 

Sid (LG): The Alex was the first chef-driven restaurant I fell in love with in Burlington. I really like their small-plates menu because it means I can try a variety of dishes.
My Two Cents: Great vibe, clever menu (items like The Un-Beet-Able Salad and Oooh! Crab Cakes) and I love that they’ll orchestrate a meal for you if you like surprises.

Who would you bring here? 

Sid (LG): A date.
My Two Cents: A meat-loving friend.

If you could only order one dish, what would it be?

Sid (LG): You Wrapped What In What? (AAA flatiron steak, bacon-wrapped bacon, pomme puree).
My Two Cents: Heaven-Stuffed Heaven (bacon-and-blue-cheese stuffed, deboned chicken wings).

Barra Fion – This uptown restaurant is the kinda place you’ll want to spend hours at. Surrounded by good friends, great vino (they have one of the best wine lists in town) and exceptional food. These guys are all about quality ingredients. They smoke their own meats (chicken, bacon, you name it), blend their own chorizo, bake their own flat breads and even mix their own olives! This attention to detail really shines through in their dishes and service. Expect to see tantalizing tapas, pintxos, small plates and share platters on the menu — everything from Patatas Bravas and Calamares y Pulpo to Smoked Pork Sliders and Mediterranean stone-oven pizzas. 

What do you love about this place? 

Sid (LG): The food surpasses my expectations and transports me somewhere else. The paella was what attracted me to the restaurant in the first place and it’s what keeps bringing me back.
My Two Cents: This resto took me by complete surprise: it’s in a strip mall for heaven’s sake! But it’s what’s on the inside that counts: the ambiance and food had us all smiling from ear to ear.

Who would you bring here?

Sid (LG): Anyone who appreciates good food!
My Two Cents: A group of girlfriends – this place just screams girls’ night out to me.

If you could only order one dish, what would it be?

Sid (LG): Traditional Paella (smoked chorizo, chicken, jumbo shrimp and mussels).
My Two Cents: Charcuterie Board (homemade bread, bacon and bourbon jam, shishito peppers, olives, house pâté, cured meats and fine cheeses). Oh, and a huge jug of their red sangria!

Rayhoon Persian Eatery – Pomegranates, saffron and pistachios. Those are just a few of the ingredients you’ll find layered in the dishes at Rayhoon. With recipes inspired by the owner’s mom, your stomach is in excellent hands. The colours, textures, smells and flavour profiles will catapult you into sensory overload. In a good way. I’m talking perfectly cooked rice, rich stews and beautifully complex entrees. As an Iranian, I know just how time-consuming and difficult the cuisine is to prepare. I’m happy to report that this family-owned and operated restaurant does Persian food proud and is a true gem in Burlington.

What do you love about this place? 

Sid (LG): It’s the best ethnic food in Burlington. They use really unique flavours and spices — ingredients I wouldn’t encounter anywhere else.
My Two Cents: The service is incredibly friendly, food is on point and the ambiance is inviting. I also really love the location in the heart of Village Square.

Who would you bring here?

Sid (LG): Friends looking to try something different.
My Two Cents: My family!

If you could only order one dish, what would it be?

Sid (LG): Addas Polo (dates, raisins, fried onions, lentils, walnuts and basmati rice).
My Two Cents: Ghalieh Mahi (tilapia in an aromatic sauce of herbs, spices, garlic, tamarind and tomato served with saffron rice). And don’t leave without trying Iranian desserts: Faloodeh and Akbar Mashti are my fave!

West Plains Bistro – I felt as though the walls of this resto gave me a big hug when I walked in. There’s just something about the warm and inviting ambiance that embraced me as soon as we stepped inside. Dimly lit – and dare I say “romantic” – this is definitely the place to head for an intimate dining experience. Executive Chef Brandon Ashby serves up delicious bistro fare using fresh market ingredients. You’ll find his menu teeming with classics like Steak Frites, Mouclade, Bistro Burger and – of course – Beef Bourguignon. Pair the dishes with a glass of wine and your tastebuds will thank you. This is a small (and popular) bistro so be sure to make a reservation before heading over!

What do you love about this place? 

Sid (LG): The menu is condensed and focused. Their dishes are classics and well-executed.
My Two Cents: One look around the restaurant and I could tell people have been flocking to it for years. That kind of loyalty can only be gained through exceptional (and consistent) food quality and service.

Who would you bring here?

Sid (LG): A date.
My Two Cents: My hubby!

If you could only order one dish, what would it be?

Sid (LG): The Bistro Burger.
My Two Cents: Steelhead Trout (served with a lemon poppyseed aioli, toasted almonds, fingerling potatoes and wilted arugula). If it’s not on the menu, order the chef’s special.

Tamp Coffee Co. – Okay, we’re cheating a bit with this one. While it’s not actually a restaurant, we had to include Tamp on the list because it’s basically Sid’s second home. Every time I scroll through his social feeds, he is supporting this independent coffee shop so I just had to see what all the fuss was about. Real coffee by real baristas. That’s what these guys promise. And it’s exactly what they deliver. Each and every drink is made with passion and served up with the kind of pride only baristas exude. Whether you choose to stick around and enjoy a cup of solid brew at the shop or grab a drink on the go (perhaps before a walk to the nearby waterfront?!), I am certain you’ll be a fan.

What do you love about this place? 

Sid (LG): I love Tamp because it’s where I learned how to appreciate good coffee.
My Two Cents: It’s a true neighbourhood gem packed with happy, caffeinated locals. 

Who would you bring here?

Sid (LG): My friends, family, clients… Anyone who can appreciate a great cup of joe.
My Two Cents: My photog. Before we go on a nice, long walk around the area.

If you could only order one item, what would it be?

Sid (LG): Flat White. Hands down. Oh, and their Espresso Chocolate Scones are pretty magical too.
My Two Cents: Flat White.

Sid’s fave restaurants in Burlington generously hosted us during our visit. As always, all reviews and opinions are entirely my own. Check out #EatingWithALocal for our social shares!