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.
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.
