Richmond Hill used to be known for sleepy suburbs and chain restaurants. See: strip mall pizza joints, generic diners, and a serious burger deficit. Nowadays, the culinary scene is flipping the script. The patty pursuit here is defined by smash-style perfection, gourmet toppings that defy logic, and a signature poutine burger that’s pure Canadian chaos. There are classic cheeseburgers to be found, but also wagyu blends in a converted garage, or a brisket-chuck smash with kimchi slaw.
Also, a burger topped with maple-glazed bacon and fried cheese curds.
Joe’s Hamburgers
$ | (905) 884-4846 | WEBSITE
Joe’s Hamburgers loves to put a twist on classic comfort food. Their falafel is extra in every sense of the word, bursting with flavor and served with a generous portion, and the Joe’s Big Burger with cheese, fries with gravy, and chicken shawarma dinner will win over even the most dedicated carnivore. All the vegetarian options are great, and while you can certainly opt for a standard burger, consider trying the beyond meat patty.
This warm, cozy spot doesn’t take reservations, and the parking can be tight, but it’s worth the slight inconvenience for a fun, casual dinner here.
Grillies ( Richmond Hill )
$ | (905) 787-9799 | WEBSITE
We always used to crave late-night fast food after concerts or long drives. Grillies serves those cravings, but fresher and more satisfying. Their monster bowl is the foundation for meals that feel like secret recipes shared by a friend—like the chicken burrito, packed with tender meat and fresh veggies in a soft tortilla, or the paneer burrito with its creamy cheese and spices.
Whatever you order, grab a side of their best-in-the-city tacos with a squeeze of lime, a simple touch that brightens every bite. This place is basically a 24-hour haven though, so pull into the ample parking and relax in the welcoming atmosphere.
Real Shawarma sandwich
$ | (289) 379-8227 | WEBSITE
Folks in Richmond Hill might debate the best burger joint in town, but we can all settle on Real Shawarma sandwich having the area’s most satisfying shawarma and Philly Steak sandwiches. This is the type of spot that feels timeless—they focus on the food, not the frills, with no fancy website or flashy promotions.
Their tender, flavorful meat, shaved right off the spit and piled high with fresh toppings, might be messy to eat, but it bursts with balanced spices, and it’s clear why locals have been coming here for years to grab a quick, hearty meal.
Lone Star Texas Grill
$$ | (905) 508-3334 | WEBSITE
Lone Star Texas Grill is a lively Texas-style spot where the aroma of grilled meat fills the air and servers weave through tables with sizzling platters—think the warmth of a family barbecue meets the energy of a Saturday night crowd. You’ll be glancing around watching plates of perfectly cooked steak get delivered to neighboring tables, like the standout New York strip loin.
Once you’ve settled into the bustling atmosphere, try the highly advertised Smash Burger deal with two juicy patties and cheddar cheese, served with a generous portion of crispy fries. The Halal chicken options are also good, but go for the attentive service from staff like Coco, who ensures everything runs smoothly.
Hero Certified Burgers
$ | (905) 884-1013 | WEBSITE
Hero Certified Burgers has been a local favorite for years, and it’s a great spot for a satisfying meal that won’t break the bank (i.e. your lunch budget, family outing, or quick bite). The restaurant is conveniently located just steps away from a nearby park in a clean, welcoming space that feels like a neighborhood gem.
The food skews fresh and affordable to match the crowd of regulars and families, like consistently delicious burgers with customizable toppings and well-liked kids’ meals with nuggets. The staff, including Shadab, are friendly and knowledgeable, often remembering regular customers and providing helpful recommendations, especially for those with dietary restrictions like celiac disease.
While it can get busy during off-peak hours with just one staff member handling orders and cooking, the service remains excellent, and occasional promotions make it a favorite destination. It was a bit disappointing when the ice cream machine wasn’t working during one visit, but overall, with mouth-watering options like burgers and poutine prepared with care, it’s a 10/10 experience for fresh, affordable dining.
Toppings
$ | (905) 918-8677 | WEBSITE
Your casual Friday night crew planned another round of video games at home. Surprise them by suggesting a trip to Toppings instead. The Canadian pizza perfectly balances smoky and savory, and you’ll never look at chain pizza the same after trying the BBQ chicken version. As for must-order items, the beef burger has a great spicy homicide sauce, and the grilled chicken sandwich’s jerk seasoning is lined with a little heat, thanks to that same addictive sauce.
Chat with the friendly owner while enjoying complimentary onion rings that sometimes appear when the kitchen wants to make up for a wait. The space feels clean and welcoming with plenty of seating, though during peak hours you might settle in for about an hour. Cheers with a generous portion of wings while debating whether to tackle the jerk chicken poutine next time—some find it boldly seasoned, but that’s part of the adventure.
Overall, it’s the kind of spot where the staff’s kindness and those unexpected free sliders turn a simple meal into a genuinely enjoyable experience.
Harvey’s
$ | (905) 773-1988 | WEBSITE
Harvey’s is a reliable spot for family-friendly burger runs, where you can grab classic combos and enjoy consistently good service in a clean, welcoming space. They serve up satisfying burgers, and are one of the few chains in the area that offers standout vegetarian options like the veggie burger and veg wrap. The pickle poutine is the best thing here, but like the helpful manager who always has a deal, it’s not always on the menu.
Get here during off-peak hours, since the drive-thru can get busy.
Chicken N’ Dough Express
$ | (905) 475-2809 | WEBSITE
For a quick fix of wings and fries that actually deliver, swing by Chicken N’ Dough Express. Anyone who orders the messy chicken or spicy garlic Parmesan gets a free side of fire fries with their meal. There’s a lot to appreciate beyond the freebie: bright fluorescent lighting, simple plastic tables, and handwritten specials taped to the counter. Grab a seat in the small dining area, where you can crush some honey garlic barbecue wings and snack on cajun fries with extra pickles.
All the chicken is juicy and flavorful, but any sandwich topped with those pickles is next-level. They stay open late, so keep the feast going with “Eating Leftover Smash Burgers In The Car.”
Woody Wood Burger
$ | (289) 597-8878 | WEBSITE
This spot belongs in Richmond Hill’s burger hall of fame for their juicy patties cooked over real wood charcoal. The best burgers are the ones with either the Louisiana toppings or the Royal Smoke brisket blend, and the Classic Woody Burger with crispy onion rings is also stellar. Whatever path you choose, their flavorful handhelds make for the perfect casual bite before exploring the neighborhood or filling up after a long day.
The soft buns and well-balanced toppings create a satisfying meal that keeps you coming back for more.
Chef Burger & Breakfast
$ | (289) 597-2757 | WEBSITE
Is it a quick lunch spot, or a cozy dinner destination to share a meal? Is it for feeding the family, or some after-work hanging with your friends? We say yes, to all. The burger options are consistent, but the only standout star is the best: the Chef Burger, a generous hunk of fresh beef patty accessorized with a tiny mountain of crisp vegetables.
If you assume that a place with killer burgers wouldn’t put much effort into the rest of its menu, the Bandari sandwich and the lamb brain sandwich prove otherwise. Their welcoming atmosphere shines down a modern-day hospitality: ‘Burgers will never give you up or let you down, but they will satisfy you.’