As summer is nearly here, I am always on the lookout for new restaurants or eateries to indulge my taste buds and inner foodie!

Bardō Burlington is a restaurant located at 421 Brant Street in downtown Burlington, formerly known as Bread Bar. It serves a farm-fresh menu with a focus on local Ontario ingredients, including those from its own 80-acre farm. The restaurant offers both indoor dining and an outdoor patio.




I've done some of the research for you so here are a couple spots I have already checked out or are high on my list to visit.
Options for Halton region
Bardo

Key features of Bardō Burlington:
- Location: 421 Brant Street, downtown Burlington.
- Food: Farm-fresh menu with a focus on local Ontario ingredients, including items like the Umami Burger, Quinoa and Squash Salad, and Bee Sting Pizza.
- Bardō to Go: An express counter offering freshly baked bread, pastries, artisanal soups, and sandwiches, as well as curated hot and cold beverages if you're in a hurry or prefer to dine at home.
- Atmosphere: Modern and inviting, designed by II X III Design Agency.
- Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 7am - 9pm and Friday to Saturday: 7am - 10pm.
- Beverages: A selection of local beers, wines, and signature cocktails.
Rudy or Rosie's


Are you a burger fan? Then you definitely want to check these smash-burger specialists out!
*Top tip: Don't skip out on the banana pudding.
I have placed these two establishments together in one section because I feel like they are very similar and if not for the brand / name difference, almost the same product.
Key Features:
Rudy's is renowned for its classic, no-frills approach to burgers, emphasizing quality ingredients and straightforward preparation. The menu features:
Image source: Blog TO
**ROSIE's has essentially the same style of menu, quality and offerings with Handspun milkshakes, chocolate chip cookies, and the popular Dad’s Banana Pudding.
- Smash-style cheeseburgers: Juicy patties with melted cheese.
- Crispy chicken sandwiches: Tender chicken with a crunchy exterior.
- Hand-cut fries: Freshly prepared and seasoned.
- Milkshakes: Creamy and available in various flavors.
- Desserts: Notably, the Brownie Banana Pudding has received rave reviews, with one customer stating, "The burgers are amazing, but the star of the show is the Brownie Banana Pudding!"
RUDY has become one of Toronto's most popular smash burger chains, with multiple locations across the city and the GTA. This latest location is now in North Burlington.

Locations:
RUDY: 3121 Appleby Line, Burlington, ON L7M 4P9
ROSIE's: 2500 Appleby Line, Burlington, ON L7L 0A2
Options for Toronto
Conejo Negro

This one is high on my list to visit!
- Cuisine: Caribbean, Creole & Latin inspired fare
- Highlights: Awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand for its generous portions and vibrant flavors. Signature dishes include spiced firecracker shrimp, braised beef, and fried chicken. The restaurant emphasizes components made from scratch, such as house-made butter.
- Ambiance: A cozy and lively spot co-owned by chef Alycia Wahn and her partners, bringing a taste of the Southern U.S. and Latin America to Toronto.
- Address: 838 College Street, Toronto (Little Italy)
- Website: conejonegrotoronto.com
DaNico

Located in the historic landmark bank building at the heart of the vibrant Palmerston-Little Italy neighborhood.
A collaboration between renowned hospitality entrepreneur Nick Di Donato of Liberty Entertainment Group and celebrated Executive Chef and partner Daniele Corona, DaNico redefines the Italian dining experience. Here, contemporary Italian culinary traditions meet exceptional service, unparalleled hospitality, and a bespoke design that sets the stage for a truly unforgettable experience.
Michelin-starred Chef Daniele Corona, known for his innovative approach to modern Italian cuisine, blends authentic Italian flavors with subtle Asian influences and techniques, all while showcasing the finest local and sustainable ingredients from across the country. The result is a menu that is as sophisticated as it is memorable, offering guests an extraordinary journey through the best of both Italian and global culinary traditions.
- Cuisine: Elevated Italian
- Highlights: Recently awarded a Michelin star, DaNico offers refined Italian dishes crafted with precision. The restaurant has also been recognized in Canada's 100 Best Restaurants list.
- Ambiance: A sophisticated dining experience that blends traditional Italian flavors with modern culinary techniques.
- Address: 440 College St, Toronto, ON M5T 1T3
- Website: https://www.danicotoronto.com/
I hope you get to enjoy one of these fantastic spots soon!
Shoot me a message to let me know how you enjoyed it.
Marc.