Must-Try Restaurants In Downton Burlington, Canada
![Downtown Burlington](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/20x11/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/carol-ann-wodehouse-nwmrfcrlloa-unsplash.webp)
A little gem outside of Toronto, Burlington is not just another ‘bedroom community.’ Burlington’s downtown food scene offers more than expected. We’ve put together a list of places you simply must try.
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Lettuce Love Café
Canada’s first 100 percent gluten-free vegan restaurant, Lettuce Love Café is committed to helping consumers #EatBetter without limiting appetites. At the heart of Lettuce Love is the belief that food is an essential source of energy, health, longevity and happiness. The team is proud to offer meal choices consisting of local, fair trade and organic food. Colorful options including diverse soups, salads, and sandwiches are sure to satisfy any food craving. Their avocado dish – raw avocado wedges that are tossed and lightly baked – are perfect for sharing or adding on.
Martini House
Cozy and a little classy, it’s all in the name when it comes to Martini House. An old-fashioned home-turned-restaurant, it includes a seasonal patio, narrow staircase leading to a second level, and breaks down separate dining styles by room. With an atmosphere full of charm and a menu full of variety, Martini House is the perfect place to meet friends for drinks and shared eats. With a two-page long martini menu, the restaurant specializes in everything SKYY Vodka based. Covering all flavors and fun names, it’s a fight to order a go-to drink with so many to choose from. These include options like swinger, foreplay, the player, gold digger, bling bling and silk panties.
Flip to the food section and try a little bit of everything with their half-price tapas Tuesday special. With Cajun calamari, crab cake, curry mussels, Bay Harbour mussels and charcuterie listed, tapas will satisfy seafood and meat lovers alike.
Son of a Peach Pizzeria
![Son of a Peach Pizzeria, Burlington](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/2044084.webp)
With everything made in-house and a mission to blend together a love for both food and art, Son of a Peach has been nicknamed Burlington’s ‘modern mom and pop shop’. (And who can refute that with a Twitter handle like @hey_peachy.) As noted online, Son of a Peach ‘serves up hand-forged pizza using time-honored techniques, while showcasing only the finest, simple, farm-to-table ingredients.’ Keeping in line with bringing back the basics, the pizzeria actively works to implement green initiatives with as little as waste as possible. It strives to source all products locally.
In addition to recognizing all of your favorite pizza norms, Son of a Peach pairs toppings such as spicy salami and wild honey and fig and prosciutto to test your tastebuds. Not in a saucy mood? Wing and burger options are also available. As Burlington’s first restaurant to offer sparkling wine on tap, the pizzeria has a special selection of handcrafted, local beers and wines to wash down any last bites. For those feeling a pajama kind of dinner, take out it is.
Paradiso
![Paradiso Restaurant, Burlington](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/2044081.webp)
A place to truly wine and dine, Paradiso focuses on presentation as much as it does on quality food. With seats available grill-side, diners are welcome to watch chefs get to work from their front-row view. With a vegetarian, gluten-free and date night menu as additional dining options, Paradiso accommodates anyone with an appetite. The star of the restaurant’s original menu is their pasta, with different takes including asiago chicken penne al forno, 12-hour braised beef gnocchi, and seafood tagliatelle.
Looking to hone your own culinary chops? Get in on the cooking action with Paradiso’s: The Cooking Studio, or sign up for an exclusive wine tasting with Executive Chef Adam Mackay.
Rayhoon Persian Eatery
Located at the center of Burlington’s Village Square, Rayhoon Persian Eatery defines curb appeal. This area ties together historic architecture and lifestyle interests. A stroll along any of the winding cobblestone pathways of the square leads to the main attraction of the cultural destination. Deriving its name from the Persian word for basil, the culinary tradition dates back centuries. Transporting guests back in time, Rayhoon’s menu features all halal dishes including grill, stew and specialty entrées. Served with saffron-infused rice and accompanied by a chargrilled tomato, the Rayhoon Special includes one skewer of beef tenderloin strips (Barg) and one skewer of chicken (Joojeh).
Join in every third Friday of the month for their Buffet and Belly Dancing Entertainment night. It starts at 7.30pm. Those interested are provided with unlimited servings of a three-course meal and a show by the dance company, BellyUp BellyDance Oakville.
Rayhoon Persian Eatery, 420 Pearl Street, Burlington, ON, Canada, + 1 905 637 2500
SB Prime
Weather permitting, diners can choose between the tree-lined patio or the traditional lounge to mix and mingle here. A self-described ‘small boutique-style Steakhouse with a chic urban feel,’ SB Prime is a common go-to for a great cut and an even better cocktail. Grab the lobster sliders just to snack on, or go all out with the surf and turf steak. Whether ordering the filet mignon, boneless rib eye or T-bone steak, customers need to make room for roasted garlic, sautéed cipollini onions and horseradish aioli on the side.
Carry on the evening with a specialty martini or classic cocktail while enjoying seasonal live music during ‘Saturdays in the Street.’ Outside of summer months, catch piano playing in the lounge during cocktail hours Monday to Friday, 4-8pm. SB Prime offers half-price appetizers, affordable martinis, wine and beer specials everyday in the lounge during ‘Power Hour,’ 4-6pm. Take a load off and stay a while.
SB Prime, 390 Brant Street, Burlington, ON, Canada, + 1 905 634 6275