Beef. Say it loud, and say it proud. Edmonton is the capital of Canada’s largest beef-producing province, so expect plenty of BBQ-smoked sandwiches and soul food here. But don’t make the mistake of thinking the best restaurants in Edmonton are all beef and nothing else, far from it; chefs here are stepping it up on a daily basis. Dining out is one of the best things to do in Edmonton, no matter how carnivorous you might be.
Edmonton flies under the radar, but there is much to love about this Western Canadian wonder. For a start, just look at the Rocky Mountains and let the views do the rest. If you get to eat some delicious food while admiring the views then even better.
Woodwork serves traditional Canadian fare, but not as you know it. The vibe in this cozy joint is casual but trendy, and the menu is seasonal. Unsurprisingly, there's loads of woodwork around, and it's all artfully carved. Diners are sure to take as much pleasure in the craftsmanship as they will in the food.
Price: Average
One of the best places for a wind-down evening glass of wine, this classic French bistro offers a casual yet contemporary menu inspired by Parisian classics. More than anything, this award-winning restaurant is known for its steaks. In the summer, dine on the palatial patio facing a picturesque set of leafy trees. While inside, cozy up at the sleek bar made from salvaged marble.
Price: Pricey
Located in one of Edmonton’s oldest neighbourhoods, this organic restaurant offers Italian classics fused with a local flair. All of the Sicilian-inspired pizzas here are cooked in a traditional wood-fired oven, so expect doughy crust made the Italian way. Try the pizza rucola, made with organic flour, parmigiano and amorosa tomatoes and pair it with the kale Caesar salad.
Price: Average
A steakhouse with class that typically draws in the suited-and-booted, but caters well to all sorts. Located downtown, beside Sutton Place Hotel, Chop Steakhouse provides something meaty for breakfast, lunch, dinner and after-hours (they're open until 1am Mon-Sat). But they serve veggie dishes too, so don't panic if your whole party isn't out-and-out carnivores.
Price: Pricey
As the city’s ultimate fusion restaurant, Select epitomizes Canadian multiculturalism with a variety of dishes from various countries right in the heart of downtown. To try different cuisines in a single upscale dining atmosphere. This is the only place in the city where cheese sticks, palak paneer, prawn biryani and cheeseburgers are on the same menu.
Price: Average
This chilled-out, homey nook takes the classic diner and updates it with modern touches, turning it into the perfect getaway after a long day of running around the city. They serve traditional Canadian meals, like the Alberta lamb shank, organic Chinook salmon and Alberta prime ribs. Among the wide list of Canadian beers, try the Beaver Tail raspberry ale for something sweet or the steam whistle pilsner if craving something a bit harsher.
Price: Bargain
This vegetarian and vegan restaurant serves Indonesian, Thai, Chinese and Indian-inspired dishes in an unpretentious setting with wooden furniture. The founder, who hails from Jakarta, has been running restaurants for over 40 years, so expect the perfect menu infused with a variety of flavours.
Price: Bargain
It may be a restaurant chain, but this is the ultimate family-friendly classic eatery. Set in cozy, turn-of-the-century décor, the restaurant serves traditional Italian pasta dishes with sauces made from scratch. Every meal is served with complimentary sourdough bread—warm. Try the chicken Alfredo or mama Pulosi's homemade lasagna, and get ready for your taste buds to go into shock.
Price: Average
This authentic Turkish restaurant is a slice of Istanbul. With an exotic interior, spicy salads and grilled meat with kebab vegetables, the traditional Turkish dishes you will eat here will sweep you away. To eat really outstanding Turkish food, of course. Try the traditional meze (a series of small appetizers to go with drinks) or the stuffed zucchini. For lunch, try the hummus and house-made pitas, and Turkish pizzas.
Price: Average
This rustic coffee house has been a city staple for years, offering a quiet getaway to pull out your laptop and catch up on emails. The chai lattes and the homemade strawberry muffins alone are worth a visit. To indulge, try the malva pudding cake, a South African specialty. It’s basically a vanilla custard cake with apricots.
Price: Average
Bodega vibes and tapas in a setting full of character. Sabor is one of the best spots downtown to get Spanish and Portuguese cuisine. In true Western European style, the folk behind Sabor direct as much attention to their wine as they do the food. You can grab bottles or 'tasters' (by the glass) from Austria to Argentina, with homegrown tipples too. They also have regular live salsa music.
Price: Bargain
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