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Open Today: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. All Hours

Rock Garden Bistro

Citrus salad with grapefruit, red onion, feta cheese, microgreens, and nuts
  • At Rock Garden (1185 York Blvd. Hamilton)
  • Reservations are highly recommended. Walk-ins accepted based on availability.

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.

Current Hours:

  • Wed to Fri (Lunch Menu): 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

  • Saturday (Lunch Menu) and Sunday (Brunch Menu): 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.*

  • *Open to 2 p.m. if there are evening events that require earlier closure

Please note: The Bistro is sometimes booked for private events, so please ensure you make a reservation in advance on OpenTable to ensure you are not disappointed.

Exceptions may apply. Check back before your visit. Please note: outdoor Rock Garden hours may differ.

Today’s Hours

Seasonal Hours

  • Wed-Fri 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sat/Sun 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (May 6 to Oct 31)

Exceptions

  • Dec 25 CLOSED
  • Jan 1 CLOSED

Find the Rock Garden Bistro in the Visitor Centre at the historic Rock Garden!

Golden beet gazpacho with feta, pickled chilis, nuts, arugula, and pickled beets
Potato chip crusted pickerel plated with an orzo salad and purple cabbage slaw
Peach tart dessert plated with strawberries, blueberries, mint, and light icing sugar
Shrimp with microgreens and pickled chilis in a bowl, plated next to toasted foccacia

Lunch Menu

Our lunch menu is available Wednesday through Saturday, while our Brunch Menu is served on Sundays.

Lighter Fare

Maple Pecan Baked Brie $21
Brie Cheese | Spiced Pecan | Maple | Apple Chutney | Crostini
Vg | GFO

Charcuterie $21
Cured Meats | Apple Chutney | Crostini
GFO

Winter Salad $20
Poached Apple | Cinnamon Granola | Butternut Squash | Baby Kale | Cranberry | Goat Cheese | Maple Vinaigrette
Vg | GF | VO

French Onion Soup $14
Spanish Onion | Bacon | Beef Broth | Crostini | Gouda
DFO | GFO

Rock Salad $13
Greens | Shaved Fennel | Radicchio | Grape Tomato | Cucumber | Heirloom Carrot | Red Onion | Radish | Rock Vinaigrette
V | GF

Soup du Jour $9

Soup & Rock Salad $17

Sandwiches

Served with choice of side Rock salad, French fries, or mash potato

Beef Dip $26
Ciabatta | Shaved Beef | Caramelized Onion | Horseradish Aioli | Jus
GFO | DF

Chicken Club $25
Sourdough | Grilled Chicken | Gouda | Bacon | Cranberry Aioli
GFO | DFO

Grilled Cheese $24
Sourdough | Brie | Gouda | Apple Chutney
VG | GFO

Mains

Sirloin Steak $31
Compound Butter | Mash Potato | Green Beans | Jus | Pickled Shallot
GF

Maple Pecan Salmon $27
Spiced Pecan | Maple | Butternut Squash Puree | Farro | Green Beans
GF | DF

Braised Pork $26
Cider Braised Pork | Apple Chutney | Mash Potato | Green Beans | Sauerkraut
GF

Cheese Ravioli $25
Brown Butter Cream Sauce | Roast Cauliflower | Pickled Shallot | Gremolata
VG

Butternut Squash Tagine $25
Chickpea | Butternut Squash | Tomato Butternut Squash Ragout | Apricot | Roast Cauliflower
V | GF

Daily Frittata $19

Add (to any Entree or Light Fare)

  • Salmon $16
  • Chicken Breast $10
  • Bread $4

Desserts

Apple Tart Tatin $12

Brownie $12

Daily Selection $12


Brunch Menu

Available Sundays only.

Vegan and Gluten-Free items available.

Pork Carnitas Hash $22
Roast Pork | Home Fries | Pepper | Onion | Poached Egg | Hollandaise

Butternut Squash Shakshuka $21
Chickpea | Butternut Squash | Tomato Butternut Squash Ragout | Apricot | Pepper | Onion | Poached Egg

Rock Breakfast $21
2 Eggs | Home Fries | Toast | Sausage | Bacon

Apple French Toast $20
Spiced Apple Filling | Brioche | Cinnamon Crème Anglaise

Daily Frittata $19
Below Served with choice of Home Fries, Fruit, Bacon, or Sausage

Poached Salmon Benedict $21
Poached Salmon | Poached Eggs | English Muffin | Hollandaise

Pork Benedict $20
Roast Pork | Poached Eggs | English Muffin | Hollandaise

Eggs Florentine $18
Spinach | Poached Eggs | English Muffin | Hollandaise

Monte Cristo $21
Brioche | Roast Pork | Gouda | Preserves

Desserts

Apple Tart Tatin $12

Brownie $12

Daily Selection $12


Gluten Free and Vegan surcharge of $3

While we are happy to accommodate dietary preferences and will do our utmost to reduce the risk of cross-contact, our kitchen handles gluten and other common allergens. As such, we cannot guarantee that any menu item is completely free from trace contamination. Guests with severe allergies, including those with celiac disease, are advised to use their discretion when dining with us.

Rock Garden Bistro FAQs

Have a question about your reservation? Get in touch online.

Where is the Rock Garden Bistro Located?

The Rock Garden Bistro is in the Rock Garden Visitor Centre, at 1185 York Boulevard, Burlington. Find the restaurant to the left upon arriving through the main doors.

Parking is available on-site (in the lot across the road), included in your visit.

Is admission required to access the Rock Garden Bistro?

Garden Admission is not required to join us for lunch at the Rock Garden Bistro. Garden Admission would be required should you wish to visit the gardens before / after your meal.

Is there a Benefit for Members?

RBG Members receive 10% off their meal at RBG’s three on-site restaurants. To qualify for a discount, please show your membership card while ordering.

Are Reservations Required?

Reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekends, holidays, or larger groups. Please note the restaurant may not be able to accommodate larger groups that arrive without reservations.

Book online today through OpenTable or for larger groups, call 905-527-1158 ext. 336

Host Your Event

Whether you just need coffee and snacks, breakfast, lunch or meals for the whole day, our in-house catering team has options for your meeting or event. With delicious options, flexible menus and a focus on locally sourced ingredients, the catering team at Royal Botanical Gardens promise to make your event one to remember.