We prepare a melange of specialties with French, Italian and continental origins. Fresh daily specials and features including wild game and a variety of seafood.
Start on a good note..Atmosphere was the only half decent thing about this god awful restaurant.
When we sat down we were promptly offered drinks d they were served quickly. When I looked at what the menu had to offer I was getting the feeling this would not be a very good experience. After reading one unappetizing selection after another I decided on portobello and wild mushroom stuffed raviolis in a Gorgonzola cream sauce. They were served in theses way over the top ridiculous looking pasta bowls. First bite was weird tasting and it progressively got grosser the more I ate it-- the pasta tasted over cooked and slimy, the sauce tasted like there was something wrong with it. For 25$ I would have rather been eating Kraft dinner. My girlfriend ordered and 'heirloom' tomato and boccochini salad. I put heirloom in quotations because they were flavorless hot house tomatos...this was terrible .
The food is always excellent at this restaurant, and they were quite gracious in accommodating our very last minute reservation. The service was disorganized at first, but it got better as the meal proceeded. My only complaint would be on the drink side. Prices on the cocktail menu would be helpful, since there can be huge price swings for the same drink at different restaurants. Also, $55 for a $15 Niagara wine seems like an excessive mark up. We had the same bottle at a fine restaurant in Mississauga for $42.
Myself and a large group of friends had made a reservation for NYE. Fortunately, we were lucky enough to have the basement of the bistro due to our number of people. This being the only plus to the evening. So many disappointments throughout the night. Firstly, our one or two waiters would take some drink orders but not all. Personally, my drink was AWFUL and for $12 you could imagine my dismay. I ordered a whiskey sour and received a glass of pure lemon juice. A friend of mine ordered a lemon drop martini and her drink tasted identical to my WHISKEY based drink. Our bread baskets didnt arrive on our tables until all of our orders had been placed. We werent asked if "things were ok" or if any one of us needed service at any time. Once our meals came, it took quite a long time for our servers to figure out who was eating what. At one point a friend of mine was given a meal, thus he began eating it. He realized that the pasta dish he was offered was in fact the wrong pasta that he had ordered. One of the waiters came in bearing two plates of food, stopped, looked confused and then turned around and left. No ones food came at the same time. My husband ordered the beef short ribs with potatoes and veggies. He and other people with this meal were served raw potatoes. Another friend had ordered a veggie pasta dish. When the dish arrived at the table the PUNGENT smell of olives was SO strong that she couldnt eat the meal. Again, no one asked us if things were ok or if anyone needed service. At the end of the dinner our plates were taken, none of us were offered coffee or dessert. When the bill finally arrived 45 minutes after our meals had been taken away, we noticed the 18% gratuity that was added to each bill. Awful from start to finish.
On January 5, 2012 we decided to try 1010 Bistro for the first time. Only one other table was occupied upon our arrival for lunch so it was very quiet. The aromas were inviting and we looked forward to a fabulous lunch. Service was friendly, unobtrusive and quick although not engaging. The bread was warm and delicious. The appetizers were very tasty and plated well. My guest enjoyed the salmon however disliked the risotto as it tasted odd to her. The Lobster Frittata was cold, soggy/watery and what little lobster was in it was chewy. How do make a bad frittata? I suspect the lobster was frozen hence the reason it was so cold, chewy and tasteless and made the egg mixture weep. The egg mixture in the frittata was truly the worst I've ever had and I should have returned it. Definately will not return.
I organized a departmental lunch at 1010 Bistro for December 3, 2010 to celebrate the holidays. We were overcharged by almost $200 for the luncheon. I have made numberous phone calls to the establishment to rectify the situation, but no one will call me back. This is very frustrating, as McMaster University has been a very good customer over the years.
Susan Munro
OK i read reviews about this place and since it had great reviews, i decided to go. It was a friday night and i thought that we were going to be turned away because we didnt have reservations. Well, that should have been my first warning. On a friday night a place like 1010 should be packed. but it wasn't it had only had 2 other parties in there. So we were greeted warmly and shown a table. Then the drink menues came. Warning number 2. The Drink menu did not have prices on them (i know i should have asked but i thought that they wouldnt be that bad would they?) So my wife and i ordered cocktails. She, a Tequila sunrise and I a Gin Martini.
Next i ordered the ceaser salad for appitizer. it was soggy and bland and not good at all. Not worth the $9. I ordered the rack of lamb done medium. When it came, it was raw but seeing as i was used to haveing blue rare steaks i took it because the wife really liked the place. anyway, long story short,. $165 later, i was not impressed by 1010 Bistro..maybe they were having an off night but this was one of the worst dining experiences i have had. oh by the way the Tequila sunrise wa $14 plus tax my gin was $12 plus tax. be warned. For comparison, we went to the CN tower a week before and we paid $200 for two people including cocktails and a bottle of wine...and the food was much better.
AMAZING - woke up and still all we could talk about .........
It seems so hard these days to have an truly sincere dining experience.
Last evening we dined with 1010 Bistro and are returning again tonight before the Elton John Concert.
It sure is a breath of fresh air to have unpretentious, kind, attentive service and hospitality with an absolutely outstanding meal.
We arrived without reservations and were welcomed and accommodated gratefully.
The host / owner seated us then introduced us to our server.
It was our first visit, therefore with getting to know our server and our host we pretty much left our evening in their hands - what an amazing decision.
Everything we experienced was perfect - thank you fellow reviewers you were right a Perfect 10 !
We had scallops and calamari ( the best grilled calamari I've ever had and the scallop accompaniments remarkable ! )
We followed this course with a tomato & bocconcini salad to share - the waiter was 100% on this the best I will ever see & taste - the Chef here truly loves what he is preparing for his guest and you can see and taste it with every bite - you can also see how proudly the staff speaks of the food as well.
Now for dinner - I can still taste my Bison Rib Eye what a cut of meat - my wife had the Duck Duo - wow - both recommended - both we've been talking about all morning.
If they served breakfast we would have been there this morning !!!!!!!!!!!!
The wine list is also amazing big on New World to pair with Chef's cuisine and perfect Old World selections as well as nice selections of Local VQA's.
1010 Bistro as I stated earlier was a breath of fresh air - anytime we are in town we shall return and are pleased to recommend to other diners.
We trust restaurantica for all our travels and this is the first review we have written.
Happy dining ....... If in Hamilton or area this is a sure experience.
1010 Bistro is a wonderful restaurant! The food is fantastic... fresh ingredients, interesting combinations and artful presentations make for lovely dishes! The atmosphere and decor of the restaurant are cozy while classy. The place is immaculate as is the service. I had the Poached Pear salad to start, and Grilled Ontario Quail as a main... both were delectable! As a dessert we shared their Flourless Chocolate Cake... overall a fantastic evening.
What an incredible experience we are so happy to have finally found.
Upon entry we were pleased, we were greeted promptly and kindly.
The aromas through the restaurant were amazing, the lighting, music and ambiance delightful.
Our server greeted us within moments leaving us to look over a cocktail and martini menu (what a nice touch) as he returned with sparkling water and Chef features. Wow a 3 oz Martini - a real pour.
There was also a full non-alcoholic cocktail menu (a nice alternative: martinis, mock-tails, wine,beer) All fresh berries and real juices for cocktails and garnishes - how refreshing.
Now to the menu - all fantastic choices, we decided to share six appetizers between the four of us to try a taste of everything - amazing.
Then onto our dinner selections, again we decided to each order a different dish as to try a tasting of everything once again - Sea Bass, Ahi Tuna, Hudson Valley Duck Duo (trio) and Bison Rib Eye. What Outstanding flavours and presentation - fresh vegetable selections, confit potato and risotto ....
In addition I must mention the superb wine list - you will have no problem pairing wine with dinner the best selection in the city.
After dinner we finished with a house-made tiramisu and creme brulee - Chef Lewis is a genius - we looked over the scotch and grappa menu had an espresso, the ladies a dessert martini and specialty coffee.
Our service was personal and professional - like no other we have had - job well done.
To conclude we met the Executive Chef and his Wife ..... a truly amazing evening. We will return again and again. Thank you 1010 for such a memorable experience.
If you are a food buff then this is the restaurant for you. The restaurant is classy, elegant, upscale yet not pretentious and the same applies for the food. Everything is made in house to order, so the chef is very flexible with dietary restrictions. Service was fast, courteous and knowledgeable. The menu had excellent variety but was simple to go through. The food tasted great and was presented with excellent attention to detail, it was a feast for the eyes just as much as the palate. Also, I personally enjoy going to restaurants where you can clearly see into the kitchen. In addition to being entertaining, it demonstrates that they are keeping things clean.
Prices were right on the ball, I think, for the quality.
Bottom Line: No longer do foodies have to mission to T.O. to get a decent meal....affordable, classic gourmet in Hamilton...doesn't get much better than that.
1010 Bistro is the perfect expression of a diamond in the rough. This small, quaint restaurant nestled in the heart of Westdale village oozes personality, style, and charisma in ways most high-end restaurants cannot even dream of achieving. The modern, art-deco decor along with the warm earthy tones and soft ambient lighting set the mood so gracefully that as soon as you walk in the door, even on a frigid December evening, your heart rate immediately comes down a couple of beats. The environment becomes even more relaxing when you meet the gracious, kind, soft-spoken hosts/hostesses who are prepared to cater to every one of even your most stringent needs. Service is impeccable, so much so that its hard to imagine these individuals are serving other tables besides yours. Appetizers were exceptional, yet still completely overshadowed by the execution of our main entrees. My steak was bold and flavorful without being spicy or harsh, it was the best steak i've ever had, anywhere. The only way to describe it is to steal a phrase from Rickards and say "take the best day of your life, and put it in your mouth". My girlfriend ordered zucchini ribbons pasta, which was an unbelievable dish. Its a healthy alternative to the major carbohydrates that pasta endows on an individual, and managed to be light, fresh, and delicious. If there is one complaint i have, its that the menus look and feel like they were printed off your home computer. However, if your a bottom-line kind of person, and only care about coming away with a phenomenal dining experience. Then I highly recommend this place, you wont be disappointed.
" THIS IS WHERE TO DINE IN HAMILTON "
We finally found where upscale, modern cuisine hides in Hamilton.
Food - Taste is Delicious ..... Presentation - Art
Service - Professional, Polite, Attentive, Kind
Atmosphere - Chic, Modern
Business Smart & Romantic & Trendy
My wife and I heard such great reviews from co-workers, family and friends and thought - "I guess we should try them out .... they were right"
We dined with 1010 Bistro on a Tuesday evening, we didn't think we would need a reservation - we got to the front door - they were full house on a Tuesday, the attentive host accomodated us with a table in five minutes, AMAZING.
We look around and see a great mix of guests as you would in a Toronto (city) restaurant, business dinners, meetings, couples of all ages, colleages, friends, groups, etc., local "Celebrities.
We were seated and the experience continued to please. Once we finally decided what to order, for everything sounded superb, we cruised the wine list, again best I've seen in Hamilton, that taking us sometime, thank goodness for Martini's (which is also a great selection), our appetizers arrived - you must try their Scallop dish -perfect and Beet Salad - delicious, those are the best words to describe the evening. My Venison Rack was so flavourful and tender and my wife's Duck Duo impressive and generous, with a fantastic bottle of wine. To top things off, an award winning creme brulee, they also offer a extensive scotch, port, grappa, liqueur and after dinner drink menu.
I could go on because I was impressed -
We can't believe they have been open almost 10 years and this was our first visit, now of many come, you leave feeling you made good aquaintances and soon friends - it is a satisfying feeling.
It is proper to share recommendations and reviews with others so have fun .... and thanks.
JG
Food is just average by foodie standards, for unknowing "eaters" it's okay at best.
Sauces were not reductions.
prices are bit too high for what you get...
the main reason I would not return is over crowded and over heated....the tables are too crowded and close to each other to the point that my chair was constantly being bumped by the lady behind me...she was a slim woman like myself...I could not fault her as there was only 2" of space between us. The whole time we were having dinner we had to compete with the talking all around us and as I sitting there I wondered if a fire broke out how would I reach the door? Our served seemed to be a bit on edge too...most likely due to the heat....
1010 needs to remove a few tables for more comfort.
Finally and restaurant in Hamilton that has class, starting with service and the quality of food. If you enjoy and appreciate gourmet taste and fine wine, without having to drive to Toronto, go there, you won't be dissappointed.
Went to 1010 again last night, loved it as usual.
heirloom tomato & boccocino salad - a simple salad that requires the freshest ingredients. perfect.
grilled calamari - slightly less impressed than last visit. It had a touch of chewiness, but it's been good every other time. On a note, even with the chewiness it was as good as anywhere else I've had it.
duck two ways - my date had this on the server's recommendation. was quite pleased with it.
seafood fettuccine - delicious! I've never met a scallop I liked until last night.
belgian chocolate spring rolls - perfect
creme brulle - perfect
the staff were polite, courteous and accomodating. I suppose any restaurant that brings you fresh silverware after each course could be called pretentious, but I appreciate those small touches.
Lunch at 1010 Bistro is always pleasant and refined. The wait staff can assess very quickly whether you are on a timed lunch break or enjoying a leisurely lunch. We were enjoying a leisurely lunch. The Grilled Calamari was perfectly cooked. Very tender and the sauces drizzled over the dish were very nice. The Spinach Salad consists of Baby Spinach, poached pears, blue cheese and spicy pecans. It is by far the best Spinach Salad in Ontario. The Pasta Primavera w/goat cheese was full of grilled vegetables and perfectly seasoned. The Chicken Crepe was the only slight miss of the lunch. We found the Chicken filling in the Crepe a little too heavy on the creamy side. It had great flavor but too thick in texture and overly rich. If this dish is lightened up a little it would be perfect. All and all a great lunch.
Dining in this restaurant I felt like I was in New York or Toronto.
The atmosphere is modern and sophisticated.
The service is very attentive, professional and friendly.
We met the owner and she made us feel as though we were dining in her home she was so inviting.
The food, and we travel extensively, is matched with the best we've ever had.
The presentation, use of colour, freshness, tenderness and flavours of each dish were superb.
The wine list is the best in the city.
Very highly recommended.
I don't know why there are so many poor reviews...
I don't know why there are so many poor reviews for this restaurant. I always find the service impeccable and the food delicious. It's not cheap, but I don't find it overpriced. I make a point of going every few months for a nice night out. I regularly dine out in the city, and this is hands-down my favorite restaurant.
I love 1010 Bistro it's one of my favorite spots...
I love 1010 Bistro it's one of my favorite spots in Hamilton. It's small, and quaint and has a really nice intimate atmosphere. The food is fantastic! Last time I went I had butternut squash soup drizzled with balsamic and it was GREAT! I always get the Creme Brule, it's my favourite dessert and it's delic!
MMMM! My husband and I always go here for important events (birthday, anniversary).
