The best recommendations rarely come from a list. They come from conversation.
We asked one local business owner a simple question about their favourite summer spot. Each recommendation led to another, creating a word-of-mouth guide to some of Burlington and Oakvilleβs favourite destinations.
In this relay-style chain of must-try patios, hidden gems, sweet treats, and experiences, two business owners just happened to name Greek restaurants! We thank our local businesses for gushing over one another, and for their genuine community spirit and goodwill.
The Starting Point: Nicetys
172 Lakeshore Road East, Oakville
shop.nicetys.comΒ
For nearly a decade, Carol Lacher has owned Nicetys, though she has been part of Oakvilleβs Lakeshore community for more than 25 years. As the proprietor of a kitchen store, she knows that lifeβs biggest moments often happen around food. βThe kitchen is the heart of the home,β she says of the sentiment that keeps customers coming in to chat about their milestones. This summer, sheβs focusing on outdoor entertaining with unbreakable drinkware, seasonal tableware, and kitchen essentials.
Lacherβs favourite summer patio? Colossus Greek Taverna, and she doesnβt necessarily hit the patio for cocktail sipping. βTheir salads are so tasty. You just want to capture all that sunshine on a plate!β
Recommended by Nicetys: Colossus Greek Taverna
221 Lakeshore Road East, Oakville
colossusgreektaverna.com

If youβve ever strolled through downtown Oakville on a sunny afternoon, chances are youβve noticed the lively patio at Colossus located across from Towne Square. General Manager Jane Hingston has been part of the restaurant for 22 years and says the patioβs checkered chairs, umbrellas and Greek music transport guests straight to vacation mode. With just 28 seats and no reservations, itβs one of the most sought-after streetside spots for lunch, dinner, and tzatziki.
As for a local hidden gem, Hingston recommends Zoeyβs Consignment Collection in Burlington. βYou can always find a treasure. Whenever I go there, I leave with something unique.β
Recommended by Colossus Greek Taverna: Zoeyβs Consignment Collection
4155 Fairview Street, Burlington
zoeys.ca
Lesley Charest has built Zoeyβs Consignment Collection around the thrill of discovery. Specializing in pre-owned, high-quality furniture and home dΓ©cor accessories, the shop is constantly changing as clients downsize or move over the summer months. In fact, summer is their busiest time of year with the best selection of items. βYou never know whatβs going to show up,β says Charest. βWe get fabulous pieces you wouldnβt find anywhere else.β
When Charest is looking for a summer treat, her pick is Kawartha Dairy, located just down the street from her shop. She loves the rich ice cream with a wide variety of flavours and insists the best way to enjoy it is in a cone.
Recommended by Zoeyβs Consignment Collection: Kawartha Dairy
3465 Fairview Street, Burlington
kawarthadairy.com

Everyone knows summer is peak ice cream season, and Kawartha Dairy is adding to the excitement this year. In collaboration with The Tragically Hip, theyβre launching a new limited-edition flavour called βThe Tragically Chip,β available by the scoop and in 1.5-litre tubs. The team at the Burlington location points out that the bandβs song βBobcaygeonβ means a lot to the Canadian business, as thatβs where Kawartha Dairy was founded in 1937.
For a great lineup of live music, the Kawartha Dairy team recommends Canadaβs Largest Ribfest at Spencer Smith Park, as they always drive by on their way to the ice cream shop.
Recommended by Kawartha Dairy: Canadaβs Largest Ribfest
Spencer Smith Park, Burlington
canadaslargestribfest.com
For 30 years, Canadaβs Largest Ribfest has brought crowds to Spencer Smith Park for a Labour Day weekend filled with good food, music, and family fun. Co-chair Brent Paszt says the event is always proud to showcase live music, giving local bands the opportunity to play on a bigger stage. Running from September 4th to7th , the festival is a fundraiser for Rotary Burlington Lakeshore, offering 16 rib teams serving sweet, spicy and everything in between.
When it comes to grabbing something other than ribs, Paszt recommends Nisi Greek Taverna. βOur office is just behind the restaurant, so we often have our team meetings there. The food is fantastic, and we love supporting local businesses.β
Recommended by Canadaβs Largest Ribfest: Nisi Greek Taverna
1455 Lakeshore Road, Burlington
www.nisigreek.ca

The local recommendation relay concludes at Nisi Greek Taverna, where General Manager Ben Britton says the restaurantβs success comes down to its passion for food. This summer, guests can enjoy an expanded cocktail, beer, and wine menu on the restaurantβs 100-seat patio overlooking Spencer Smith Park. For warm-weather dining, Britton suggests starting with the grilled calamari before moving on to the restaurantβs signature Greek moussaka, a tried-and-true favourite.
For summer shopping, Britton points to SAIL, his go-to destination for camping, hiking, and outdoor gear. βIf youβre going up north or planning a summer adventure, they have everything you need.β



























