Best Restaurants in Burlington to Beat the Munchies

The local vibe

Burlington, Ontario does casual dining beautifully. You’ve got the lake right there, the Waterfront Trail for a pre- or post-meal stroll, and a downtown that punches above its weight with globally inspired kitchens and classic comfort food. Whether you’re lining up dinner plans after a show at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre or wandering Spencer Smith Park with an appetite, there’s a table (or takeout window) calling your name.

Evergreen highlights (always good, year-round)

• Isabelle Restaurant + Lounge (inside The Pearle Hotel, 3 Elizabeth St.) Mediterranean-leaning plates made with Ontario ingredients, plus a room that looks straight out over the lake. It’s relaxed but polished, with brunch on Sundays and dinner every night. If you’re the “let’s graze and share” type, this is a hit. Isabelle

• Spencer’s at the Waterfront (1340 Lakeshore Rd.) A Burlington classic: glass-walled dining room, a wide patio, and a menu built on fresh seafood and craft-cut steak. Great for marking the moment—or just treating yourself because the views are unbeatable. Spencers

• Rayhoon Persian Eatery (420 Pearl St.) Downtown favourite for saffron-bright joojeh, tender koobideh, stews, and plenty of vegetarian options. A warm spot for family-style spreads and shareables that really satisfy. rayhooneatery.com

• The Martini House (437 Elizabeth St.) An enduring downtown fixture where you can lean into oysters, a serious martini list, and a crowd-pleasing dinner menu. Perfect when your group wants “a bit of everything” in one place. martinihouse.ca

• Coop Wicked Chicken (370 Brant St.) Sometimes the craving is crispy. Coop does it proudly—sandwiches, tenders, wings, and sides, made to order. Grab-and-go or settle in with friends. thecoopwickedchicken.com

Make it a mini food walk

Start with a waterfront stroll—Brant Street Pier to the Lift Bridge is a scenic, off-road 3.5 km stretch—then head a block up to the downtown restaurants. You’ll earn that dessert. Great Lakes Waterfront Trail

Recurring calendar (so you can plan your eats)

• Sound of Music Festival — June Canada’s largest free music festival brings multiple stages to Spencer Smith Park. Downtown restaurants and patios buzz all weekend—book ahead. (2025 dates were June 12–15.) Instagram

• Canada’s Largest Ribfest — Labour Day weekend Racks on racks on racks, right on the lake. Expect busy patios and specialty menus around the park. (2025 ran Aug. 29–Sept. 1.) Burlington

• Burlington Centre Lions Farmers’ Market — May to October Mid-week and Saturday market for local produce and baked goods—ideal for picnic add-ons before a park day. (2025 season ran May 21–Oct. 25.) burlingtonlionsclub.ca

Getting here & parking

On foot / by bike: The Waterfront Trail threads through downtown and the park, with plenty of bike-friendly stretches and wayfinding. Great Lakes Waterfront Trail

Transit: Burlington is served by GO Transit at Burlington GO and Aldershot GO, with connections to Burlington Transit (and VIA Rail at Aldershot). Trains run along the Lakeshore West line, with service improvements rolling out under GO Expansion. GO Transit

Driving & parking:

• Downtown municipal lots and on-street spots generally require payment 9 a.m.–6 p.m., Monday–Friday (some lots also Saturdays 9 a.m.–6 p.m.—watch the signs).

• Free parking after 6 p.m., weekends and holidays in most locations; select downtown lots still charge on Saturdays.

• Waterfront Parking Garage on Locust St. is handy for the lakefront. Check the city page or Tourism Burlington before you go as rates and hours can change. Burlington

Responsible use notes

We keep it simple: plan your meals and transit ahead, enjoy Burlington’s food scene in good company, and follow local bylaws and venue policies. If you choose to consume cannabis, do so legally and responsibly—never drive impaired, and respect smoke-free spaces.

Kindling Cannabis Delivery Service area

Kindling offers free 1-hour delivery, 9 a.m.–11 p.m. daily across Burlington and nearby neighbourhoods like Aldershot, Tyandaga, Brant Hills, and Roseland—so your snacks and dinner plans can stay flexible. Click Here to go to the store page and order online for pickup or delivery.

Hungry now? Queue up your go-to order, then pick a spot from the list above. When the cravings hit, Kindling gets you from checkout to chill in under an hour—and Burlington’s kitchens do the rest.