Paramount Middle Eastern Kitchen — Restaurant in Hamilton

If I could give Paramount Middle Eastern Kitchen 10 stars, I would. This place is more than just a restaurant—it’s a reflection of true humanity, kindness, and community.

I wasn’t even there to eat that day. I was working in the area, rushing between jobs, and I realized I was about to miss my prayer. I didn’t know where to go, and I just happened to be near Paramount Middle Eastern Kitchen. I figured I’d ask if I could just step inside for a few minutes to pray. They were already closed. Lights down, chairs up, staff cleaning and getting ready to go home.

But instead of turning me away or saying, “Sorry, we’re closed,” they welcomed me in without hesitation.

Think about that for a second. They had already shut everything down for the night, and I wasn’t there to order food, I wasn’t spending money—I just needed a quiet space for a few minutes. And they gave it to me. With warmth. With understanding. With open hearts.

One of the staff members—a lovely woman with blonde hair (possibly a manager?)—was especially kind. I didn’t catch her name, but I genuinely wish I had, because she deserves to be recognized for the way she handled everything. She didn’t just say yes—she made me feel like I wasn’t imposing at all. She was calm, kind, respectful, and carried herself with so much grace. If she is the manager, then Paramount is incredibly lucky to have her. If she’s not, they need to make her one. She’s the definition of what hospitality and humanity look like.

This experience meant more to me than I can explain. In that moment, I wasn’t a customer—I was just a person who needed a bit of understanding. And they gave it freely.

Places like Paramount Middle Eastern Kitchen aren’t just important because they serve good food (and they do—I’ve eaten here before and it’s absolutely incredible, from the shawarma to the hummus to the fresh, warm saj bread). But it’s the people behind the counter that truly make this place special. You can’t train or fake that kind of genuine kindness. It comes from within.

That one act of compassion might’ve seemed small to them, but to me, it meant everything. In a world that’s constantly rushing, often indifferent, and sometimes even cold—it reminded me that there are still people who care. People who are willing to pause, to open their doors, and to honor someone else's needs, even when there’s nothing in it for them.

So to the team at Paramount: thank you from the bottom of my heart. You showed me grace and respect when you didn’t have to. That moment will stay with me for a long time. I will always speak highly of you, I will always support your restaurant, and I will always remember that small act of goodness you extended to a stranger who just needed a place to pray.

And to the blonde-haired woman—you are amazing. I hope this reaches you. Thank you for seeing me, for welcoming me, and for treating me with such warmth. You represent the very best of what people—and this world—can be.

Paramount Middle Eastern Kitchen is not just a restaurant. It’s a place of heart, respect, and real community. I can’t recommend it enough.

With deep gratitude, A forever...

Quite upset with this location. We went in tonight to celebrate a friends birthday. I have never been to this hamilton location before but other locations have been great for both personal and professional use, as I have taken potential and existing clients here for lunches and dinners. Regardless, our party this evening was 4 adults and 2 kids, aged 5 and 2. We got some juices and appetizers, and suddenly the 5 year old said she did not feel well. Before anyone could react she was sick. Really just water, but sick nonetheless. Unfortunate, but no one's fault. The staff came over with paper towels. I felt bad for the restaurant as I imagine it is highly undesireable for something like this to happen, especially with other customers around. The little girl was crying because she was embarrassed and upset, so her mother just cleaned her up and took her home. The rest of us decided to stay and finish the meal as it had already been ordered. Not one staff member came back to the table once. There was this child's sick on the floor under the chairs at our table, and they just left it there. Almost 10 minutes went by and my 2 year old eventually said he didn't want to eat because it smelled funny, obviously referring to the mess. I felt as though we were shunned and unwelcome; this was an embarrassing event that I was being very apologetic about, but they just left this mess and completely ignored us. I was eventually too mortified, because there were other patron that witnessed the event and knew that we were still sitting in this awful situation, and I had to eventually go up to the register on my own to get takeout containers and pay the bill. That's when it got even better. When I ordered food for the table, I asked for a few items including a combo platter, pointing to the one I was referring to on the menu. It was $40. When I ordered it the server asked if I meant the 'full mix combo'. I replied Yes, as they have several combo platters and this one was called the mix. When I paid it was $80 for that dish, as it was apparantly bigger and came with other salads, etc. I had clearly pointed to the $40 platter, and when she changed that order it was not explained I was essentially doubling my costs. So, I feel like we were unwelcome guests being given a cold shoulder because a 5 year old girl had an accident, and then improperly billed/treated for the food.

I won't give up on paramount because as I previously mentioned, I have had many nice meals there; but I will never go back to this Hamilton location. I am normally a highly rational person and even after paying the inflated bill and leaving the restaurant i was calm and courteous, but I am really unhappy about the service at this location and am disgusted with how we...

We left from your upper james location tonight SUPER dissatisfied. We were regulars at this place at one point in time but got busy and haven't been in a few months. Since then, the food portions were decreased by half. We always get the same platter which states that it serves 3, you'll be lucky if it is enough to serve one. My husband and I are still hungry. There was an arabic speaking table behind us who was apparently unhappy with something and made it known to the entire restaurant with their loud voices. A very nice server approached them in a calm manner spoke to them until the (manager?) Came, who was as loud as them if not louder!! RIGHT BEHIND US. Their child at one point ran to our table and was grabbing food from our plates as I was washing my childs hands in the bathroom (not saying this is the restaurants fault but GROSS!). On top of all this hooping and hollering this same manager was in the prayer room, doors wide open, shoes off, vacuuming? Oncee he was done his duties there he turnes his chair around that he was vacuuming, sticks his bare feet out the door for my husband and I to stare at while we are eating. You think he'd wash his hands...but no!!! Inside the room there is two massive bowls (that match the exact bowls theor salads are mixed in in the kitchen). I respect religion and everyones beliefs but you also should respect other people whole they eat in your establishment. While he was doing his thing his shoes are in the middle of the hallway that myself and my two small children had to jump over twice while going to the bathroom. Yo boot they are only able to take cash tonight BUT don't tell you this until you go to pay. The whole establishment just disgusted me tonight!! $75 later and to still leave hungry, you definitely won't be seeing us again. No wonder the place is like a ghost town. In the 2 hours we sat there 2 customers came...