Modern Dining - Lobby Hamilton

Published February 9th, 2024

Photography by Sara J. Richardson unless otherwise noted.

Something truly unique is usually hard to come by. That changes with Lobby Hamilton, the new destination for upscale dining on the edge of the historic Corktown neighbourhood in Steel City. This is Lobby’s second location after their initial spot opened in 2019 on Queen West in Beaconsfield Village, Toronto. 

Lobby Hamilton lists “Elegance meets Excellence” as one of their mottos and we can say that they nailed that vibe! The elegance is evident from the moment you walk in. The space has a classic, timeless feel to it. There is ample space, high ceilings, tastefully decorated walls and the right amount of ambient lighting. The chic lounge is to the right and the bar area lies straight ahead.

We were greeted by friendly faces and checked our coats into their cloak room before being escorted inside. The staff are all very pleasant, knowledgeable, and professional. Our server Cassandra was well versed in all the menu items providing guidance and recommendations whenever needed. 

To get the full experience, we ordered everything from drinks to dessert, all of which came out promptly and at the perfect temperature. This is an underrated skill for kitchens as an otherwise flavourful dish is regularly compromised either by being too hot or too cold. 

Signature Cocktails

The robust “Lobby Espresso Martini” set the tone with a rich and creative combination of Vodka, liqueurs and a creative dusting of cocoa powder. “The Perfect Lady” followed suit, a concoction of Bombay Gin, peach, lemon and egg white that rounded out this delightful potion. The Lobby Old Fashioned with Four Roses Bourbon and a hint of tobacco was the ideal pairing with the forthcoming steak.

Appetizers

On Cassandra’s recommendation, we ordered the Fritto Misto (Italian for “fried mix”) to start along with a half dozen of their Daily Oyster Selection, which showcases their commitment to freshness and quality. We could definitely taste the freshness with the oysters and would recommend attending their “Buck-a-Shuck” promotion on Tuesdays! The Fritto Misto came with generous portions of fried calamari, Atlantic cod, and large shrimp which were all substantial and juicy. 

Mains

Photo by Lobby Hamilton

The Cyprian Sea Bass was a pan-roasted, delicate fusion of flavour which came with sweet Brussels sprouts. The luscious Prime Striploin Steak was a 10 oz grilled piece, neatly sliced, with a side of absolutely delicious garlic mashed potatoes. The dishes were both unassuming yet bold and tasty. Chef Marco and the kitchen understand how to allow each ingredient to shine without unnecessary fanfare and extras.

Dessert

The dessert, Choco Razzees, was a finale of subtle indulgence. G Sweet’s organic buckwheat and Callebaut 70% dark chocolate bites with raspberry velvet offered a refined sweetness. They are also known for their Tiramisu, but as it would have been a larger portion, we opted for the Razzees.

Final Notes

Lobby Hamilton offers a refined experience in one of Hamilton’s oldest neighbourhoods. The staff is welcoming and the venue is a calm and comfortable setting for dining. The place also comes alive with energy with a live DJ set each night. As for the cuisine, the simplicity of understanding portion size and temperature combined with the appropriate additions of basics like salt, pepper or butter. Executive Chef Marco and the kitchen understand the fundamentals and that professional attitude permeates throughout the restaurant. They have all the extras, but they ensure they rest on getting the basics right, which makes for a memorable dining experience. Make your reservations at lobby.ca and tag us in your pictures when you go!