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Rock Garden Bistro @ Royal Botanical Gardens, Hamilton, ON

Rock Garden Bistro @ Royal Botanical Gardens

3.9 (594)
CAN$31 to CAN$50
Bistro
1185 York Blvd, Hamilton, ON L0R 2H9

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 12 times today
Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

  • Charming
  • Great for scenic views
  • Great for outdoor dining
Situated at the historic David Braley and Nancy Gordon Rock Garden, RBG’s Rock Garden Bistro features a French inspired menu with a garden flair that boasts fresh, locally sourced ingredients! The bistro’s outdoor patio provides an inspiring view of the garden, a perfect spot to relax.

**We currently do not accept reservations for our patio, the patio is on a first come, first served basis.**

Additional information

  • Location
    1185 York Blvd, Hamilton, ON L0R 2H9
  • Neighborhood
    Hamilton
  • Parking details
    Public Lot
  • Additional
    Beer, Cocktails, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

  • RBG After Dark: Hot Summer Sizzle

    CA$27.99 per person

    Prepaid

    Jun 28, 2025 - Aug 21, 2025
    Get ready to turn up the heat at RBG After Dark Hot Summer Sizzle. Join us for at RBG Rock Garden where the summer heat fuels our vibrant cuisine, infectious music, and unforgettable atmosphere. While salsa sounds guide you through an unforgettable evening Indulge in fiery flavors, then cool down with our signature beverage of the night. Come hungry, come thirsty, and get ready to feel the sizzle! Includes access to the remainder of the event before / after your seating Note: diners may be seated indoors; limited patio space available Price does not include food and drink, only admission to event.
    RBG After Dark: Hot Summer Sizzle Photo

  • RBG After Dark: So Long Summer

    CA$27.99 per person

    Prepaid

    Jul 14, 2025 - Sep 25, 2025
    Summer’s not over until we say it is! Join us for one last rock Around the Rock, an electrifying night of good eats, live music, and unforgettable vibes. Set against the stunning backdrop of the RBG Rock Garden, this end-of-season celebration brings together epic tunes, great company, and the perfect summer send-off. Whether you’re in the mood for dancing under the stars or soaking in the last golden sunset of the season, this is your final chance to rock out before the close of an unforgettable season Includes access to the remainder of the event before / after your seating Note: diners may be seated indoors; limited patio space available Price does not include food and drink, only admission to event.
    RBG After Dark: So Long Summer Photo

  • Weekend Brunch Buffet

    Multiple dates available
    The Rock Garden Bistro will be serving our Brunch Buffet menu from 10am-1pm, exclusively.

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Menu

Rock Garden Bistro @ Royal Botanical Gardens's menu was last updated on 6/16/2025.

Appetizers

  • Rock SaladCA$13.00

    greens, cucumber, cherry tomato, heirloom carrot, radish, Rock Vinaigrette

    • Heirloom Tomato SaladCA$18.00

      heirloom grape tomatoes, balsamic glaze, extra virgin olive oil, arugula, crouton, cucumber, grilled onion, feta

      • Mediterranean PlatterCA$17.00

        Hummus, crostini, pita, marinated olives and artichoke, grape tomatoes, cucumber, feta

        • Soup du JourCA$7.00

          Entree

          • Steak FritesCA$24.00

            flat iron steak, potato frites, blistered tomatoes, arugula salad, café de Paris

            • Beef DipCA$24.00

              shaved beef, vienna loaf, provolone, jus, pea sprouts, horseradish aioli, choice of rock salad of kettle chips

              • Pea RisottoCA$21.00

                Risotto, snap peas, mint pea puree, pea sprouts, lemon mint oil, grana padano

                • Grilled CheeseCA$16.00

                  house-made focaccia, tomato jam, cheddar, mozzarella, choice of rock salad of kettle chips

                  Dessert

                  • Daily StrudelCA$10.00

                    • Chocolate Pot De CrèmeCA$12.00

                      Last updated: June 16, 2025

                      What 594 people are saying

                      Rock Garden Bistro @ Royal Botanical Gardens reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

                      Overall ratings and reviews

                      Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

                      3.9
                      3.9 based on recent ratings
                      • 4.1Food
                      • 4.0Service
                      • 4.0Ambience
                      • 3.8Value

                      Noise • Moderate

                      Loved For

                      • Southern Ontario

                        Great for live music

                      Review summary

                      AI-generated from verified diner reviews
                      Rock Garden Bistro at Royal Botanical Gardens offers a scenic dining experience with great views and a "fantastic setting." The food is "excellent," with highlights like beef brisket and trout. Service can be hit-or-miss; however, standout servers like Jimmy and Brittany enhance the visit. Reservations are recommended.
                      594 Reviews

                      1. Diane

                        Toronto / Ontario1 review

                        5.0

                        Dined 6 days ago

                        1. Overall 5
                        2. Food 5
                        3. Service 5
                        4. Ambience 3
                        Interesting menu and good value. My food very flavourful. Good service

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                      2. Rob

                        Toronto / Ontario1 review

                        5.0

                        Dined on July 20, 2025

                        1. Overall 5
                        2. Food 5
                        3. Service 5
                        4. Ambience 5
                        An absolutely wonderful experience. Fantastic setting, and excellent food and service. Highly recommended.

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                      3. Neil

                        Toronto / Ontario1 review

                        3.0

                        Dined on July 19, 2025

                        1. Overall 3
                        2. Food 3
                        3. Service 3
                        4. Ambience 5
                        Restaurant was closing early due to a wedding. This should have been disclosed at the time of booking.

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                      4. Brittany

                        Toronto / Ontario2 reviews

                        1.0

                        Dined on July 19, 2025

                        1. Overall 1
                        2. Food 3
                        3. Service 1
                        4. Ambience 3
                        I’m sorry to say this brunch did not meet expectations. While we were greeted by a friendly hostess and it was not at all busy, the entire experience was very poor and definitely not worth the $33 a person price. The staff were all very friendly and the food was decent, but only on our first trip around. After that most items were near cold. The set up was also very small but there were varied selections. After being seated we sat outside for nearly ten minutes and no one came out to welcome us and take our drink order. There were total 5 tables (all twosomes) during our time there. Eventually we went inside and the friendly chef welcomed us and we loaded up some plates. It was when we sat back down that a server came over, gave us water and took our orders for coffees. And then I’m afraid nothing. No check ins, no table clearing, no drink top ups. My husband put all of our used plates on a nearby servers table (at least that’s what we assumed it was because no one was ever there) before we returned inside for a second go. Other than one couple at a table in the corner, there was no one around. We could hear voices in the back areas but no one appeared as we approached the buffet, until my mother finally called out. We’ve been members of the RBG for quite some time and while the service at most of its restaurants varies, this was an example of poorly implemented planning. There was no one person leading the experience, a manager whose job it was to give us the welcome speech, make sure everyone was happy, and keep staff on task. Considering how quiet it was I don’t think we were expecting too much. And the hostess had mentioned it was the first day for this new brunch experience. For this, I was surprised at how there seemed to be no leadership, no thoughtfulness, and it ended up feeling more like a hotel continental breakfast that happened to also have a roast carvery. I would also note that the buffet set up was not hygienic. Please bring back Sunday Brunch!

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                      5. Iryna

                        Toronto / Ontario1 review

                        3.0

                        Dined on July 18, 2025

                        1. Overall 3
                        2. Food 3
                        3. Service 3
                        4. Ambience 4
                        Servant was not friendly. The bistro had only few dishes and run out of fries. Price for meal was not adjusted for no fries

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                      6. Alex VIP

                        Toronto / Ontario40 reviews

                        4.0

                        Dined on July 18, 2025

                        1. Overall 4
                        2. Food 4
                        3. Service 5
                        4. Ambience 5
                        Having frequented this restaurant several times we never had a reason to comment as it was always a good food experience with the added bonus of great views of the gardens. This time the experience was in keeping with the past but only thanks to one of only two servers available (there used to be 3) who did an outstanding job of keeping his table customers served. Sadly the other server was obviously not able to do likewise and consequently slowed down the entire process. Hopefully on our next visit later this summer this will be remedied.

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                      7. Barbara

                        Toronto / Ontario2 reviews

                        1.0

                        Dined on July 18, 2025

                        1. Overall 1
                        2. Food 1
                        3. Service 1
                        4. Ambience 2
                        I have been to the RBG Rock Garden Bistro a number of times, but not for over a year. We hosted guests there that had come a long way and I was shocked at the poor quality of food and embarrassingly small portions sizes. The bistro was badly understaffed so consequently the service was poor--no fault of the servers who were trying their best! Two of my guests had the steak frites which for the lady consisted of a tiny piece of meat some potato chips (they were out fries) and a small pile of arugula all for $24. The man had the same size of meat, but had an ordinary salad instead of chips. These were labeled entrees on the rumpled menu sheet, which only had a handful of options. I had to send an email of apology to my guests as I was extremely embarrassed! The other meals ordered were disappointing as well... Sadly, I will not be patronizing the Rock Garden bistro anymore..

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                      8. alison VIP

                        Toronto / Ontario7 reviews

                        1.0

                        Dined on July 18, 2025

                        1. Overall 1
                        2. Food 1
                        3. Service 2
                        4. Ambience 4
                        My grilled cheese sandwich was absolutely atrocious pre-shredded cheese with no flavour.. I left 3/4 of the sandwich on the plate and the waiter didn’t even ask me if everything was OK with my meal…. Much prefer the Turner pavilion for afternoon tea.

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                      9. Mike

                        Toronto / Ontario11 reviews

                        3.0

                        Dined on July 11, 2025

                        1. Overall 3
                        2. Food 3
                        3. Service 3
                        4. Ambience 3
                        Short staffed and fryer was not working. Less than optimal experience. Arrived early for reservation and waited for service to seat us.

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                      10. Nada

                        Toronto / Ontario9 reviews

                        5.0

                        Dined on July 10, 2025

                        1. Overall 5
                        2. Food 5
                        3. Service 5
                        4. Ambience 5
                        Great selection and lovely service, We sat outside which was wonderful

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                      FAQs

                      Rock Garden Bistro @ Royal Botanical Gardens is rated 3.9 stars by 594 OpenTable diners.

                      Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

                      1. Home
                      2. Canada
                      3. Toronto / Ontario
                      4. Southern Ontario
                      5. Hamilton

                      Make a reservation

                      2 people
                      7:00 PM
                      Booked 12 times today
                      Experiences are available.
                      Google Map for Rock Garden Bistro @ Royal Botanical Gardens

                      1185 York Blvd, Hamilton, ON L0R 2H9

                      Additional information

                      • Neighborhood
                        Hamilton
                      • Hours of operation
                        Thu–Sat 11:00 am–5:00 pm Brunch Sun 11:00 am–5:00 pm
                      • Price
                        CAN$31 to CAN$50
                      • Cuisines
                        Bistro
                      • Dining style
                        Casual Dining
                      • Dress code
                        Casual Dress
                      • Parking details
                        Public Lot
                      • Payment options
                        AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
                      • Executive chef
                        David Favretto
                      • Additional
                        Beer, Cocktails, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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