Spencer’s at the Waterfront

Burlington, Canada

4.4

Closed now

20 reviews

Free Wi-Fi

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Telephone:
+1 905-633-7494
Website:
spencers.ca
Address:
1340 Lakeshore Rd, Burlington, ON, L7S 1B1
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:
1.3 miGo bus
1.5 miBurlington
1.7 miBT
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Bussiness info

Takes Reservations
Yes
Delivery
No
Take-out
No
Accepted Cards
Credit, Debit
Good For
Brunch, Dinner
Parking
Private Lot
Bike Parking
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible
Yes
Good for Kids
No
Good for Groups
Yes
Attire
Dressy
Ambience
Upscale
Noise Level
Average
Alcohol
Full Bar
Outdoor Seating
Yes
Wi-Fi
Free
Has TV
No
Waiter Service
Yes
Caters
Yes

Today

Today 11:30 am – 4:00 pm
5:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Closed now
Local time (Burlington) 6:41 AM Friday, June 13, 2025

Business hours

Monday 11:30 am – 4:00 pm
5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Tuesday 11:30 am – 4:00 pm
5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Wednesday 11:30 am – 4:00 pm
5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Thursday 11:30 am – 4:00 pm
5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Friday 11:30 am – 4:00 pm
5:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Saturday 11:30 am – 4:00 pm
5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Sunday 9:30 am – 2:30 pm
5:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Description

Specialties

Located on the Burlington lakefront, the newly renovated Spencer’s at the Waterfront offers breathtaking views and fabulous food. Spencer’s offers a unique food concept, featuring market fresh fish, exceptional seafood and mouth-​watering Craft Cut Steak. Guests can enjoy the sparkling lake view from inside our glass-​walled dining room, or from our stunning patio.

History

Established in 2006.

In June 2006, the Ciancone family engaged in a partnership with the City of Burlington. The concept was to offer residents and visitors a place to discover, celebrate, play and relax by the lake — in Spencer Smith Park. This included space for a restaurant and special event facility, which is now known as Spencer’s at the Waterfront.

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20 reviews of Spencer’s at the Waterfront

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Place rating: 5
Toronto, Canada
We ended up dining at Spencer’s after hiking by Webster’s Fall earlier in the day and wow, I was impressed! After a nice stroll by the Burlington waterfront before our reservation, we were greeted by a very fancy looking restaurant that overlooks the waterfront boardwalk. I wish I had gotten our server’s name because she was SO nice and genuinely friendly. She kept apologizing that she wasn’t attentive due to a large party nearby but I disagree, the service was amazing from beginning to the end.
We shared few salads and the chowder first (all good), then I had the halibut fillet from the Catch of the Day menu for main and it was delicious. Fillet was light and fluffy and SO GOOD accompanied by their almond tartar sauce. We were so full from our meal that we were gonna pass dessert but the nice server recommended the pecan tart and OMFG that tart was divine. Best pecan tart I’ve ever tasted.
I didn’t know Burlington had such nice restaurant to offer and I would definitely come back in the near future for their brunches etc. Highly recommend!
Place rating: 5
Burlington, Canada
Only been here for the Sunday brunch but loved it! Lots of variety and great food. Oysters were fresh. Fresh made to order crepes. Beautiful scenery. A bit pricey but totally worth it once in a while. Can’t wait to go back!
Place rating: 5
Toronto, Canada
Made a reservation to come here for a special occasion and was thoroughly impressed with this restaurant. They made my experience and drive all the way to Brampton (I’m from Markham) worthwhile.
Food: (see pics)
We tried the lobster appetizer and the taste was as amazing and fresh as it looks. If only it was bigger :)
We had the ahi tuna and striploin steak. Both were done well, tender and flavourful. It came with sides too. In my case, I didn’t like the rice side because it was spicy so I had the mashed potatoes which were good for me.
For dessert, had the banana cake with ice cream. It was so good and rich. 1 dessert was a good portion for 2 people.
Service:
Service here is wonderful. It was my first time here and they explained the menu and food/​drinks were filled and brought in a timely manner. They also congratulated us when we sat down and brought special drinks for us for the occasion.
Décor:
There tables are spaced apart giving each table privacy. There’s a great view at this restaurant and they give you a choice of where to sit when available. I got there at 6:30, not particularly early and I was still able to get a seat near the window facing the lake view.
Place rating: 5
East Quogue, NY
Wedding reception. only parking was a bit difficult…
Service outstanding, good selection of awesome food from breakfast station to seafood bar to various assorted pizza and hot foods!
The deserts were awesome with any type of coffee selection desired and not to forget the bar pouring fabulous drinks.
Place rating: 1
Ontario, CA
This place used to be excellent. I’m not sure what has changed but in part they need to decide whether they are a private club or a restaurant. It is very difficult to support a business that is not open to the public.
Place rating: 5
Hamilton, Canada
I always want to have a try here, since it’s very beautiful with the wonderful view. All dishes were well prepared and cooked
Place rating: 4
Hamilton, Canada
I’ll start off this review by saying that we were anticipating our visit to Spencer’s for weeks — we had heard it about from friends/​family and most of my coworkers were eager to hear about my meal post-​visit.
If you make a reservation, request a table near the water front — the view of (a sunset over) the waterfront is absolutely stunning.
I would wager to say that our meal started off on the wrong foot. It was obvious that our waiter was not as interested in our table because we are a young couple — yes, my chequebook probably pales in comparison to my aged counterparts at the restaurant, but I’m still a paying customer (I’m not going to dine and dash?!) and feel that we should be treated as such. Anyway, he didn’t cover any of the daily specials and didn’t bring us any bread/​water until we asked. Small things? Yes. But at a fine-​dining restaurant you come to expect a certain standard.
Following our initial mishap the meal was nothing short of amazing. We started off with four fresh oysters (2 east and 2 west), continued with chowder and a pear/​blue cheese salad, and ordered scallops/​crab legs for our main. I would highly recommend ordering a side of the dirty rice (meat free for the veg) as it complimented the seafood quite nicely. The crab legs were among some of the best that I’ve had. We finished our meal with the banana bread/​banana ice cream desert — very decadent. All of this came two just over $ 100 with tip (very reasonably priced consider the amount of food and atmosphere).
Would I return? In a heartbeat. Would I avoid the same waitor? I think so.
Place rating: 4
Oakville, Canada
Been here so many times over the years and even once for a friend’s wedding. Great location with spectacular lake views and live music on the patio in the summer. Amazing customer service provided by seasoned waitstaff. A nice thing about Spencer’s is that the menu changes often so there’s always someting interesting to eat.
We booked an early dinner for Valentine’s Day weekend and enjoyed the beef wellington for 2. Started with the smoked haddock chowder and the beet and apple salad. Both were amazing but the prices have certainly gone up. Tried the boulevardier cocktail (similar to a negroni) and my wife had the jasmine iced tea.
Dessert menu was nothing to write home about. We were commenting on how the décor was starting to look a bit dated and coincidentally when we got the bill, there was an insert in the folder describing renovations that would be taking place over the next month as part of their 10 year anniversary.
Looking forward to doing another review once the renos are done!
Place rating: 5
Mississauga, Canada
On Sundays they have a all you can eat buffet special. It was delicious. Enjoyed the prime rib, very tender and juicy. The beef short rib was outstanding. The seafood was outstanding. The fondue and deserts at the end were fun and sweet. It was a cloudy day when I went, a lot of overcast, I wasnt able to enjoy the full experience of the view but the food and service out weighted the weather.
Place rating: 5
Burlington, Canada
I was skeptical. Places with a privileged location or view tend to trade on that. Not the food. I’m thinking, oh, the CN Tower restaurant. Or anything over looking Niagara Falls. Spencer’s sits on some primo land along Burlington’s water front. But I’m pleased to say service, food, and ambiance are worth it. Nice to see some local craft beers on tap too. And the burger is both heavenly and since it comes with one of the amazing sides, a great way to sample some of the sides without having to pay $ 32. Oh, and you have to try the dirty rice. Calling something «dirty» can be a hard sell this far north of the Mason Dixon but its heavenly.
Place rating: 4
Markham, Canada
Great location with a great view of the waterfront. If you sit by the window, the view of the water is really pretty. I loved this place and the food but some food that is supposed to be hot was Luke warm at best. It was a little disappointing but a wonderful experience nonetheless.
Omelettes are not on the menu but you can request it from the chef and he’ll make it for you on the spot!
For Sunday brunch at 9:30am seating, we paid exactly $ 100 for two people after tax and around 18% tips. The parking is no longer free, as you must pay $ 1.75 per hour. There is a 20 grace period, so around $ 3 will get you enough to sit around for 2 hours.
There is also a bridge that leads deeper into the waters like a minute walk further. It is great for instagram photos: p beware of the land mine of goose poop on the grass though. There’s a lot…
Place rating: 5
Mississauga, Canada
I Love this park.
This is my favorite water front water trail .
There’s even a water fountain for me. Nice and low to the floor so I don’t have to stand up to drink.
Nice wide path for those humans that fear me to walk way to safety LOL humans .
I like the pond they have there that’s people play with their boats.
There is a lot of geese poop on the grass that I try to sniff but my huumans tell me Im not allowed.
There’s even a great beach I hope to go back in warmer weather to go for a dip and play in the water
Place rating: 5
Toronto, Canada
without a doubt you will have my heart if you serve me unlimited crab legs, mussels, shrimp, OYSTERS ANDDDD smoked salmon. the only thing missing from the buffet brunch here IS lobster but im not that greedy :) plus, the good service, view, experience, all you can drink mimosas, fruit smoothies, and champagne makes up for it. colette toronto charges a bit more than spencers for their buffet brunch AND colette don’t even have mussels OR oysters. they sometimes do have lobster and crab legs but according to the reviews, that’s not always available either (when i went, they had a lobster salad but not crab legs). if i’m paying $ 54 per person before tax and tip at colette, they better be able to guarantee what i want to eat is always there… but they can’t. so i’d rather pay $ 45 before tax and tip at spencers.
if only this place was not an hour car ride away from me, i’d come here as often as i can.
Place rating: 4
Toronto, Canada
Spencer’s is a great dining option with an amazing view if you’re ever by Lakeshore in Burlington! Situated right by the lake, the view is breathtaking — Make sure to request patio seating when you make the reservation!
They offer champagne brunch on Sundays from 9:30 to 2:30PM, and for $ 47 per person, each one of you will get two alcoholic beverages, with choices ranging from sangria, wine, mimosas, mojitos and more.
The options at the made-​to-​order counter are all really tasty — My favorite was the Carved Roast Beef with Yorkshire Pudding. The dish I went back the most for was the eggs benedict, but those go fast! Everything was very fresh — from smoked salmon to freshly shucked oysters (available from 10:30 am). My only complaint was that the oysters were not shucked fast enough and only one person was working the bar. I guess that’s why there’s a sign that allows only two oysters per person.
Service was also amazing. Our server came back numerous times to make sure we had everything we needed. There was live music on the outdoor patio, where we were seated. The entire ambience was super soothing and relaxing. Nobody is rushing you to finish, you can just sip on your complimentary cocktail and enjoy the view!
If you come here by 9:30AM, you’re eligible for «Early-​Bird seating» where it’s only $ 37 per person. For the variety and view, this brunch buffet is totally worth it!
Place rating: 3
Markham, Canada
I always wanted to come here for the view but I was a bit disappointed to be honest. Came here on a Sunday night for anniversary, it was a long drive from where we live and this restaurant was the only reason.
First impression of the restaurant was that the décor seems a bit dated and worn out. Given the wonderful scenery, the restaurant should definitely consider investing in upgrading the interior design. Really wish they would accept reservation for the patio as well.
We ordered the sashimi platter and stuffed mushroom as appetizers. I don’t think the sashimi platter is worth $ 21, the fish did not taste fresh and the garnish did not help at all in bringing any flavours. Stuffed mushroom was alright, I’ll give it a pass.
As for the mains, I ordered the halibut (thinking no one can screw this up) and my boyfriend ordered the swordfish. My halibut was a total disappointment, overcooked and very dry, the pesto sauce did not help much. The swordfish on the other hand was actually good, the fish is cooked perfectly and it melts in your mouth (stole some piece off my boyfriend plate).
Finish with the fried ice cream dessert, it was good and refreshing but it would be better if the outer layer can be fresher (perhaps hot/​warm on the outside and cold on the inside).
Anyway, food was really at max a pass, but I guess you are paying for the scenery here. However I still don’t find the scenery amazing given a so so dining experience. If they improve their food, I might consider revisiting again but not any time soon in the nearest future.
Place rating: 4
Toronto, Canada
I’d give 3 stars for how good the food tasted; and 5 stars for the waterfront view and the service; so 4 stars it is.
For an appetizer, we had Malt Glazed Pork Belly, which was flavourful and succulent, but more than half of the piece was fat so if you don’t like eating fat, I’d avoid this dish.
I got BC Halibut and it was really good except for the mixture of treviso and green onions, which were hard to chew and too «healthy tasting.»
When I made the reservation I told them we were here for a special occasion and they brought us a salty and sweet chocolate piece of cake with caramel drizzles at the end of our meal. Isn’t that wonderful. Five star service! Do tell them if you are here to celebrate a special occasion. The server was attentive and professional; overall we had a great dining experience.
Parking is available next to the restaurant and there are beautiful parks and a pier you can walk up to for a stroll after a meal. It may be quite a drive if you’re travelling from outside Burlington but the place is perfect for a date night, wedding receptions or even business events. The restaurant seems very popular; it was packed even on a cloudy day. After skimming other Unilocalers’ reviews, I’d try dry-​aged steaks and oysters if I’m here again.
Place rating: 4
Mississauga, Canada
The food was alright, but the view and services were amazing. We sat near the oyster table, but the guys were opening so slow that I only had a few since each time you can only get 3 on a plate. I guess it was their tactic to slow people down from getting too much oyster :)
Overall, I would go there for the view but not for the food. I was supposed to give 3 stars but the service and the view bring back 1 star up…
Place rating: 4
Burlington, Canada
I have had fair to very good here. I would rate this 3.75 stars. The view is great, the sound level atrocious, service has ranged from fair to decent, the décor lack luster, and though the architecture is pretty it creates bombastic sound amplification that makes a high end restaurant unpleasant. I always take a seat in the back so I can hear my dinner companions.
The food is usually quite good, definitely created with finesse and care. The menu never thrills me. They make superb risotto, cook fish spot on. The departed elk burger is dearly missed. Brunch is exorbitant but a delicious and beautiful experience.
Our recent outing was likely the best I’ve had there. What could have been boring salmon, instead arrived a thing of beauty. The skin was deliciously crisp but cut very easily with each forkful, and not one edge was overcooked. The flesh itself, extremely tender, served on the freshest spring pea purée. Luscious is the word to describe this dinner. Though I’ve never been moved by the service we had a young fellow named ‘Geoffrey’ who was worth noting. This young lad was very attentive yet never intrusive. Does he just know how to work a tip or was he just raised right? We don’t know but take note other servers of the western world, try like your working, instead of making the patron feel like you are doing us a favour.
Make no mistake there are great things to like about Spencer’s. For the price tag I find some of their peers are consistently doing it better, and the noise level issue is indeed an issue.
Place rating: 5
Belmont, CA
I absolutely love this restaurant. Almost everything is local and they believe in buying sustainable seafood.
The restaurant itself is gorgeous with the most fantastic views of Lake Ontario. The windows are floor to ceiling in the dining room. All the dark wood and chef’s table are a nice touch. They have a great little patio too.
You can actually book the chef’s table for a group — would be a fun girls night or couples night out. It serves a full three course meal and the chef interacts with you.
It has a fantastic wine selection and cocktail menu.
I had the beer battered Brie which was to die for and the elk burger that was cooked to perfection. I would definitely get it if it were to be available again.
The staff are extremely professional and accommodating. Highly trained.
They are a gorgeous wedding venue. Elegant, yet modern. Both the view and food will not disappoint.
It is pricey, but considering the quality of food and staff plus the perfect location, it’s to be expected.
Place rating: 5
Markham, Canada
This place is beautiful! I live in Markham, if it wasn’t for a friend’s engagement celebration, I wouldn’t have driven an hour to go to this place for brunch. But I have to say, I am GLAD I had an opportunity to have a nice brunch at Spencer’s. This place is located right beside the waterfront, so if you are dinning in the desserts area, with those drop down windows, every moment there is beautiful.
Brunch on Sunday includes a nice view, all you can drink (include alcoholic drinks), all you can eat breakfast table, seafood table, salad area, hot food made on the spot and desserts. For 61 $ per person with tip and tax included, I though the price was reasonable. Overall the food are great here, I really enjoyed the oysters, crab legs and the prime ribs. Oysters were very fresh! Crab legs were fresh and were cut nicely, so you don’t need to do some digging with the leg to find the meat. The Prime Rib, although mine was a little cold, it was still juicy and tender. Good food with a tremendous view on a Sunday afternoon, what else more can you ask for?!
5 stars for Spencer’s! Great food, great service, great view and a reasonable price. Truly a perfect score in my book!