A Waterfront Culinary Odyssey: Spencer's At The Waterfront in Burlington
Published Saturday, March 9th, 2024
Photography by Sara J. Richardson and Pablo Dassen
Situated along the vibrant Burlington Beach on Lakeshore, Spencer's at the Waterfront stands as a beacon of culinary brilliance. Revered for its enchanting ambiance, this distinguished establishment has a dynamic offering for all your dining and special event needs. The venue is elegance all around with highlights including The Solarium, an intimate room accommodating up to 24 patrons and The Observatory, a breathtaking venue ideal for weddings, hosting up to 130 guests.
Under the culinary vision of Chef Matteo, who hopes guests “feel the love” he puts into his menu, Spencer's is dedicated to creating special dining experiences. This permeates every aspect of the restaurant’s enchanting ambiance, from the food to the staff to the views. Creating memorable moments seems to be the mission in this establishment and that is in great part to the people behind it. The vibe is refined and luxurious, but never pretentious or unwelcoming. From the host team that greeted us, to Frank the bartender and all the staff we interacted with, their commitment to professionalism was evident. Our server Stephen was knowledgeable about the food and expert with pairing and recommendation.
Dining at Spencer's commences with a tantalizing selection of appetizers. The Snow Crab Cakes, an amalgamation of flavours, present a harmonious blend of textures, with carrots offering a delightful complement. The Spencer’s Wedge Salad, described as invigorating and cool, orchestrates a melange of flavours where the blue cheese gracefully plays a supporting role, avoiding an overpowering presence. The Teriyaki Beef Tartare distinguishes itself by allowing the natural essence of the beef to shine, expertly balanced with the richness of egg and sauce.
Turning to the mains, Spencer's finesse and balanced flavours continue to take center stage with the 18oz Rib Steak, a masterful creation cooked to a perfect medium rare. The impeccable cut of meat, executed with precision, promises to leave you feeling luxurious as you stare out across the lake and savour every bite. The One Bone Lamb dish, is simply delightful, unfolding with a unique root vegetable accompaniment, introducing an element of surprise and sophistication to the plate.
As the experience comes to a close, the dessert offerings at Spencer's emerge as a grand finale. The exquisite S'more Tiramisu is balanced and sweet, a fitting denouement to the dining experience. The thoughtful composition of flavours ensures a satisfying conclusion to the meal.
The theme is uniform throughout. Spencer’s demonstrates that they believe in balance, warmth and refinement. They are committed to ensuring that your experience there leaves you feeling special, whether you are there for a casual dinner or your big day. Combining a picturesque waterfront setting with a dedication to exceptional cuisine makes for a winning establishment. This will be an experience that transcends the ordinary for those who seek harmony in their choice of restaurant. A blend of culinary sophistication and waterfront allure, Spencer's at the Waterfront is an essential destination.
