Top 5 Hidden Lunch Spots in Brampton

Published May 11, 2018 at 12:09 am

Brampton’s restaurant scene is vast, varied, and full of some incredible gems. But when it comes to finding a hidden spot for lunch in Brampton that you can only find using a keen eye and Google Maps, only the real Bramptonians know what’s up. 

Whether you forgot your lunch at home or you’re looking to discover something new, there are some hidden lunch spots that you absolutely have to try in Brampton – and they’re so good, you might just become a regular.

Here are the top five hidden lunch spots in Brampton.


5) That Italian Place

If you want a great artisan sandwich (especially a loaded veal one with all the fixings), this is the place to go. Hidden in an industrial-ish area just around the corner from Williams Parkway and Torbram, That Italian Place is a very busy spot with an authentic Italian feel. A word of caution when you visit: order early or have time to spare. This absolute gem of a restaurant appeared on The Food Network’s You Gotta Eat Here in 2013 and for good reason – every item on the menu looks and tastes authentically delicious. If you’re in the mood for a hearty veal sandwich with all the toppings, you truly shouldn’t look anywhere else. The veal is tender, the mushrooms are filling and flavourful and the hot peppers add a certain wow factor that makes the sandwich complete. Another awesome item on their menu is the authentic woodfired pizza! If you’re looking to grab lunch, this is the ideal spot.


4) Lynn’s Buccoo Reef 

First of all, drop everything you’re doing and decide when you’re going to make your way over to this Orenda Road spot serving up authentic Trini cuisine that tastes like your mom made it. Except she didn’t make it – Lynn did, and Lynn happens to be one of the friendliest restaurant owners you’ll meet in Brampton, cooking all of the food from scratch, and she’s almost always at the restaurant. The food here is ridiculously fresh and flavourful. Here, you’ll find classic dishes like surf and turf, curry boneless chicken, roti, chow mein, and even jerk chicken. Let me tell you – the jerk chicken falls off the bone, and you can tell that it has soaked up a lot of flavour and a kick of spice. The coleslaw is the best I’ve ever had. It’s sweet, juicy, and cool. To top it off, everything is portioned well, and you might have some leftover for your next meal or snack. And the curry chicken? You could practically drink the sauce it comes steeped in. Enough of me telling you all of this, though, make the trek and find Lynn’s in the industrial area at Orenda Road and West Drive.


3) Little Shop of Ice Cream

You might already know that the Little Shop of Ice Cream serves awesome ice cream and milkshakes, but did you know that it also boasts epic, fresh options for lunch? That’s what makes this place such a hidden lunch gem in Brampton. Tucked into a corner of Garden Square, you might not even notice it unless you’re looking for it, but when you do you won’t be sorry. Little Shop has some of the best grilled cheese in town at about $5 a sandwich (pictured below is the jalapeno popper grilled cheese, complete with two crispy and flavourful slices of bread stuffed with cream cheese, more cheese, and jalapenos – yum!). You’re also guaranteed to find hot soup, fresh salad, and cold cut sandwiches here. And hey, why not indulge in some ice cream afterwards?


2) Hakka No. 1

This Melanie Drive spot is an epic choice for all of the industrial workers in the area, and once you know about it, it might become your go-to spot for lunch specials and hakka food. From noodles to rice to meat and beyond, you’ll find a huge variety of food on the menu, including all kinds of chicken (manchurian chicken is pictured below!), noodles (Shanghai, Singapore, and ho-fun included!), beef, fish, veggies, and delicious sauces you can think of. The serving sizes are huge and the restaurant is surprisingly cozy, with ample seating space. Whether you’re snagging some take-out, you’re there for a $7.25 lunch special (which comes with water and a mouthwatering spring roll), or you’re there with a few people prepared to order everything on the menu, you won’t regret your decision to go here. Hakka No. 1 even has bubble tea!


1) Briskit

Drive slowly or you might miss it – Briskit is located near Dixie and Advance, in an industrial area on Wilkinson Road. Briskit boasts the best gourmet slow cooked sandwiches in Brampton, so be sure to carve out some time on your lunch hour to wait for your sandwich, and you won’t regret it. This mom and pop shop serves up a range of sandwiches, from their traditional beef brisket that’s marinated for 24 hours in a five-spice recipe and gets slow-cooked in a sweet and savoury sauce, to an epic chicken po’boy complete with fried chicken, fries, and bacon in a burger bun, to a three-cheese, cheese crunch sandwich that will leave you in the best kind of cheese coma, and more. Also noteworthy is definitely the poutine here, which you can also get topped with briskit, or with chicken curry or even taco chilli. If you’re looking for a fast food-style lunch that’s not so fast, and probably the most hidden food joint on this list, Briskit is your spot – delicious!

A note that Briskit is closed on weekends, and open weekdays from 8 a.m.-4 p.m.


  1. Briskit Gourmet Slow Cooked Sandwiches
  2. Hakka No.1
  3. Little Shop of Ice Cream
  4. Lynn’s Buccoo Reef Restaurant
  5. That Italian Place Cafe & Eatery
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