Ah good old Hamilton, formerly known as the steel city, but nowadays that nickname has changed into something else. Ever since I’ve started my blog, the biggest hassle is actually naming it. I needed a catchy name hence Hammer Style Girl (which is another name for Hamilton). Even though I was not born in the city, I’ve lived here for 18 years… more than half of my life.

Over the past five years, the city has evolved into something better. People all over Canada has taken notice of this growing city, coming here for the hipster arts scene along with the food. Yes you don’t need to head to the Go Station and head to Toronto to eat at a decent restaurant. Come to Hamilton and enjoy the local eateries. Trust me, you will not be disappointed. Plus since I am a vegetarian, this blog specifically caters to all the vegetarians that just want to eat out every now and then. are a few restaurants to eat at during this summer and any season.

1. Mulberry Cafe

Every time I go to this cafe, I almost always get a panini! There is such a wide variety of paninis, more particularly vegetarian options. This one above is chopped up avocados with tomatoes and melted havarti cheese. The menu has a list of vegetarian/vegan friendly options including their delicious desserts (they don’t taste at all vegan).The olives just add zest to this meal. Overall this cafe is a chill vibe. Anyone from College/University students visit along with families and friends eat out. Plus I can’t forget the live music which usually occurs on the weekends. Since this is a cafe, all of the coffee connoisseurs flock here. I’m more so a chocolate connoisseur to be honest.

2. Mesa

I definitely see the hype with this restaurant! This quaint little restaurant is always packed specifically at night and all I can say is that you need to go… now. You know how some restaurants are big and intimidating? This is small and intimate creating a comfortable atmosphere. Having been to a lot of Mexican restaurants… it can be a hit or miss. Some are very commercialized which leaves little authenticity, equating to disappointment. Mesa on the other hand, it the total opposite. From the vegan and halal friendly meal options, there is room for anyone to eat including the meat eaters. As someone who grew up in a Caribbean household, knowing that Mexican food is generally spicy… my taste buds were satisfied to say the least! It wasn’t just spicy… it was hot, and Trini’s (Trinidadians) eat hot sauce… not spicy sauce. Of course I had to finish off the quesadilla off with some mango juice!

3. Charred Rotisserie House

It’s been years since I’ve had poutine due to my vegetarian lifestyle. The gravy at Charred is vegetarian, plus the fries and cheese is a heavenly combination! The atmosphere is friendly and if you’re eating by yourself… feel free to talk to the servers and the owner. They are super friendly there. I’m starting to get hungry watching this picture.

4. Nique Restaurant

I already loved the restaurant due to the name! My middle name happens to be Monique, so I was meant to eat here at some point. Of course the food is amazing and fulling, but the music is just another bonus, creating a good time overall. Let the drinks pour while your belly is full of good food while the tunes play in the background. That curry hummus is a standout.

5. The French

The name of this restaurant is pretty much self explanatory. I feel so bougie entering into this French bistro eatery… I love it. The unique menu makes you feel like you’re in France… you don’t need to book your flight just yet, come to The French and you’ll get the food experience! From a night out with friends, to celebrating mothers day (which is a high demand), the restaurant guarantees a great experience with a je ne sais quoi factor. I can’t rave this place enough, if you love good food along with a great atmosphere… just go! The coffee is a bonus.

6. Chocolat

So at this point you’re already aware that I’m a chocolate connoisseur so somewhere within this post would specifically be geared towards chocolate. If you want ice cream in the summer, they have it. Would you like some hot coco with whip cream added? Here we go. Then there are those times where you just want either a bar or chocolate, or chocolate covered nuts which will make all the chocoholics go nuts (yes pun intended). My favourite are the unsweetened dark chocolate covered, salted pecans. I know some may not favour dark chocolate, I myself dislike sweet and salty. However, since this has no sugar, the richness of the chocolate combined with the salt creates a sublime fusion to your taste buds! Plus it’s pretty healthy!

So head down to James Street North and pick a restaurant to pig out on. Trust me… since these restaurants have a wide option, you won’t be disappointed.

—-Bon Appetit!