Bar & Restaurant Guide 2018

MORE THAN 375 LISTINGS OF EDMONTON’S FOOD & DRINK OFFERINGS!

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For more information visit: www.city-market.ca

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Restaurants

stories

African............................................ 4 Burgers & Dogs.............................. 6 Cafes/Coffee Shops....................... 6 Caribbean..................................... 12 Chinese......................................... 12 Contemporary/Fusion................. 14 Delis.............................................. 16 Desserts....................................... 16 Diners........................................... 18 Fine Dining................................... 20 French........................................... 22 Greek............................................ 22 Indian............................................ 24 Italian............................................ 25 Japanese...................................... 27 Korean ......................................... 28 Latin American............................ 30 Middle Eastern............................ 31 Small Plates................................. 34 Southern & Barbecue.................. 35 Steak & Seafood.......................... 36 Thai............................................... 36 Ukrainian...................................... 37 Vegan............................................ 38 Vegetarian.................................... 38 Vietnamese.................................. 40

SPICE, PROTEIN: A GOOD BRUNCH HAS BOTH.

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EDMONTON’S GONE PLANT-BASED

Nightlife Brew Pub ..................................... 46 Cocktail Bar/Gastropub.............. 48 Country Bar.................................. 49 Dance Clubs/DJ........................... 49 LGBTQ Bars.................................. 49 Venue............................................ 49 Lounge.......................................... 50 Pub................................................ 52 Sports Bar.................................... 53 Wine Bar....................................... 54 This guide is published by

© 2018 Vue Weekly All Rights Reserved, Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without the written consent of the publisher.

Vue Weekly #200, 11230 119 St. • Edmonton, AB. • T5G 2X3 Ph: 780.426.1996

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Curtis Hauser Photography JProcktor , Jennifer Ford

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- African ··African Safari

This Somali restaurant with generous portions is tucked into a tiny office building next to a laundromat. They serve a wide variety of meat, ranging from chicken and steak to the more exotic camel. Try the traditional Somalian breakfast if you’re looking for an alternative to eggs benedict.

10610 105 St., 780 423 6614, africansafarirestaurant.com, $$

··Langano Skies

Possibly Edmonton’s most well-known Ethiopian restaurant, Langano Skies offers a more traditional “fine dining” experience as well as take-out options. The gomen waat (spinach) is a must-try.

Plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free options.

9920 82 Ave., 780 432 3334, langanoskies.com, $$$

··Narayanni’s Restaurant

··Bete Africa

Bete Africa has seen nothing but good reviews since it opened its doors. It’s respecting tradition with a modern interior surrounded by stunning Ethiopian crafts.

9570 111 Ave., 780 756 3494, beteafrica.ca, $$

A family-run South African-Indian Restaurant with high-quality cuisine, Narayanni cooks its food daily from scratch.

10131 81 Ave, 780 756 7112, narayannis.com, $$

··Walia Ethiopian Restaurant

··Blue Nile

A tiny Ethiopian restaurant with just eight tables and simple decor, Blue Nile offers a wide variety of meat and vegetarian combos served on injera bread.

Don’t miss trying the Ethiopian beer with your meal if you’re looking for the whole experience.

11019 107 Ave., 780 428 5139, bluenileedmonton.ca, $$

··Zuhur Restaurant

Zuhur Restaurant takes you on a delicious experience with their traditional East African dishes.

10728 107 Ave, 780 705 2225, $

··Koultures Afro-Continental

Restaurant

A former Scottish imports store and now part of the ever-growing 124th Street crowd, Walia’s menu will fill diners comfortably with a variety of spicy meats and veggies. Instead of utensils, guests are encouraged to use their hands and dig in.

10630 124 St., 780 807 5595, $$$

A taste of west African cuisine, food from Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia is all on display.

8803 118 Ave, 780 244 35004, facebook.com/ KoulturesAfro, $$

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16 Patios to choose from...

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- Burgers & Dogs ··Delux Burger Bar

Delux’s three locations offer burgers in a modern atmosphere. The menu offers a variety of preassembled burgers, or you can build your own custom burger. Salads and poutine are also available, plus handcrafted milkshakes.

9682 142 St., 14111 23 Ave., 150 Bellerose Dr., deluxburgerbar.com, $$

··Fat Franks

This Edmonton staple has been serving out delicious dogs to Edmontonians (both drunk and sober) for decades. It’s since expanded to numerous locations and stands across the city.

5015 101 Ave (other locations available), 780 413 0278, fatfranks.ca, $

··Fox Burger

Taking the reins at Edmonton’s historic Gibbard Block is Fox Burger, one of three new businesses to move into the former home of La Boheme. Managed by the people who brought Edmonton Little Brick, Fox Burger promises an array of fancy but fast fare.

6427 112 Ave, bbhg.ca, $$, (opening soon)

··It’ Dog

This Korean-inspired hot dog joint offers a variety of exotic dogs and poutine flavours, including the Kimchi Dog, California Dog (with crab meat, cucumber and nori) and Bulgogi Poutine. The Korean fried chicken is just the right amount of crispy and spicy. Enjoy the constant loop of K-Pop on the TV screens with your meal.

8621-109 St., 780 438 4083, itdog.ca, $$

··Jack’s Burger Shack

This retro burger joint serves up a variety of standard and creative burgers as well as poutine and milkshakes. Try the “All Shook Up” burger, topped with bacon and peanut butter, and a vanilla malt shake. #130 15 Perron St., St. Albert, 780 458 0055, jacksburgershack.ca, $$

··Montreal Hot Dogs Poutine & Fries

Poutine is a Canadian favourite, topped with warm gravy and cheese curds. Located across from MacEwan University, poutine, hot dogs and more can be found at this new hot spot.

10503 104 Ave. NW, 780 909 4878, montrealhotdogs.ca, $$

··OTTO Food and Drink

While OTTO doesn’t necessarily sell hot dogs, they do have sausages, which are just as amazing. Beef Bratwurst is one of their specialties, but most importantly, they have their special OTTO Dog. With a dutch influence inspired by their location, the piece features a smoked Gouda bratwurst with caraway and fresh garlic, which also utilizes Sylvan Star mild smoke Gouda.

11405 95 St., 780 477 6244, ottofoodanddrink.com, $$

··Re:Grub

Nothing says classic burger shop like a milkshake. At Re:Grub, standard and non-standard burgers can be munched on while sucking down one of their unqiue shakes, such as the Krusty the Shake, a milkshake topped with cotton candy, almost in the shape of the iconic Simpsons clown’s hair.

8219 104 St., 780 761 6500, regrub.ca, $$

··Soda Jerks Burgers & Bottles

This Edmonton-based franchise is the perfect place to fill weird cravings. Try your build-yourown burger with a glazed donut bun, or top it with gummy worms and chocolate-covered bacon. There’s also plenty of more traditional options, but where’s the fun in that? More than 40 varieties of bottled pop and you can add shots of liquor to your pop or milkshake.

11405 95 St, 780 477 6244, sodajerks.net, $$

··South St. Burgers

A near-endless combination of classic and modern burger ingredients allow a crazy level of customization at this business, located in Edmonton’s Brewery District.

11988 104 Ave, 780 244 2634, southstburger.com, $$

··The Burger’s Priest

This business’ beef is always fresh. It cooks its cheeseburgers on a flat top griddle not on a charcoal broiler. According to its website, it believes in purity, simplicity and over a hundred years of grilling and grinding techniques.

10148 109 St, 780 760 0777, theburgerspriest.com, $$

- Cafes/Coffee Shops ··ACE Coffee Roasters

Not only do they provide coffee beans to numerous cafes in the city, folks can go straight to the source. With fantastic drinks, a cozy interior and and a display case full of delicious goodies, it’s undeniable how good we have it.

10055 80 Ave NW., 780 414 1200, acecoffeeroasters.com, $

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··Barking Buffalo Cafe

Located in the 124th St area, Barking Buffalo is a warm and cozy space offering cafe goodies. While drinking delicious drinks, Salgado Fenwick is next door and offers unqiue Edmonton-made clothing, jewelry and home goodies.

10842 124 St., 780 540 2275, barkingbuffalocafe.com, $

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··Bean Here Cafe

Replacing Rogue Wave’s old space, Bean Here is an inviting spot beside the Mercury Room. Selling bubble tea and the usual cafe fare, Bean Here also features a spotlight artist signature drink.

10571A 114 St., 780 819 4455, beanhere.ca, $$

··Block 1912 Cafe

Block 1912 has long been famed for its selection of desserts and gelato, but the popular café also has great coffee, sandwiches and wine. The recent renovation really brings out charm of this historic spot.

10361 82 Ave., 780 433 6575, block1912.com, $$

··Cafe Leva

Just off campus, Leva is a bright Italian-style café that goes from morning to evening, offering fresh pastries, frittatas and crispy thin-crust pizza.

Try the affogato—gelato with a shot of espresso poured over top—for dessert.

11053 86 Ave., 780 479 5382, cafeleva.com, $$$

··Café Linnea

This charming and quaint restaurant serves traditional French and Scandinavian breakfast and lunch fare as well as a classic high tea service on Sundays. Try the complete galette – a savory crêpe with ham, egg and gruyère.

10932 119 St., 780 758 1160, cafelinnea.ca, $$$

··Café Vancia

Nothing says warmth like an all-day breakfast.

Located on the main floor of the Ledgeview, Cafè Vancia serves delicious lattes, wraps and soups.

9707 110 St NW., 780 951 0993, $$

··Cat Cafe on Whyte

In one corner are pristine, white tables while the aroma of coffee beans hangs in the air. In the other corner are fluffy cats who are looking for fur-ever homes. The drinks are delectible thanks to ACE Coffee roasters and the cats come as part of a partnership between the cafe and SAFE team, a cat rescue.

So it is true–you really can have everything.

10111 82 Ave NW., 780 250 2287, catcafeonwhyte.com, $$

··Coffee Bureau

This small, modern coffee shop offers smooth, balanced coffee and espresso-based drinks, as well as an assortment of baked goods. Don’t expect a seat, though, as there’s only about six of them.

10505 Jasper Ave., 780 445 4899, coffeebureau.ca, $

··Credo

One of 104th Street’s most popular stops, Credo has expanded into a second location on 124th.

The in-season single origin coffee is worth trying, as are many of the house-made muffins and cookies baked fresh throughout the day. You can also pick up some chocolate truffles from Jacek.

10134 101 St. and 10350 124 St., credocoffee.ca, $

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··Crum Coffee Bar

Some sisters don’t get along. Others open up coffee shops together. Christine and Mila Gossain once ran their own Second Cup franchises before venturing out on their own. While many of their drinks are fantastic, the hot chocolate is a standout, made with Bernard Callebaut milk chocolate.

4640 Calgary Trail NW., 780 430 4582, crumcoffeebar.com, $

··Culina Café at the Muttart

The Culina Café at the Muttart offers an upgrade from your typical museum cafeteria fare and is worth a trip on its own. Lots of local goods and produce, including the baguettes, coffee, tea and salad microgreens. Be sure to treat yourself to a root beer bourbon float.

9626 96A St., 780 466 1181, culinafamily.com, $$

··Da Capo Caffe

This cozy Italian espresso bar on Whyte Avenue serves up a variety of tasty espresso beverages as well as house-made gelato. Try the café affogato: a scoop of gelato topped with hot espresso.

8135-102 St., 587 521 2276, dacapocaffe.com, $

··District Café & Bakery

Another café by Nate Box, this cozy spot boasts a full bar, craft cocktails and a short tapas menu in the evenings. If you’re there earlier in the day, try one of their breakfast sandwiches with onion jam and gruyère.

10011 109 St., 780 705 7788, districtcafe.ca, $$

··Elm Café

At just 200 square feet, Elm Café is one of Nate Box’s several diminutive cafés. This extremely cozy spot offers limited seating but an ever-changing menu of tasty sandwiches and great coffee. It’s especially well-known for its catering service.

10140 117 St., 780 756 3356, elmcafe.ca, $$

··Friends and Neighbours Café

This unpretentious Whyte Avenue café is the perfect spot for eggs benedict after a night out, and offers a variety of uncomplicated and tasty classics like club sandwiches alongside some Vietnamese and vegetarian options.

10834 82 Ave., 780 433 6506, $$

··Gracious Goods Café

This quaint neighbourhood stop offers all day breakfast, tea and sandwiches to its Belgravia patrons at extremely reasonable prices. Try the yogurt parfait with house-made granola and the chilled London fog. Plenty of vegetarian options, too.

7601 115 St., 780 758 8686, graciousgoodscafe.com, $$

··Iconoclast Coffee

This minimalist café boasts a lot of exposed brick and concrete, along with a 360-degree coffee bar.

Coffee is roasted fresh on site, and the shop offers a variety of single-origin coffees and blends.

11523 100 Ave., iconoclastcoffee.com, $

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NASHVILLE HOT CHICKEN, CRAFT BEER AND BOURBON. northchickenyeg.com 780.756.2239 10704 124 street BAR

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··Juniper Cafe & Bistro

··Remedy

··Little Brick Café & General Store

··Rick & Alice’s Grill

··Lock Stock Coffee

··Roasti Coffee Company

The moment you step in you’ll know you’re in Juniper—pictures of movie stars past and retro posters hang on the wall and a large table greets you, surrounded by smaller tables.

Juniper’s plates are fresh and seasonal, with a homemade touch.

7601 115 St., 780 490 6799, juniperbistro.com, $$$

This café, general store, and event space occupies a historic house in the heart of Riverdale.

Little Brick offers breakfast and lunch alongside bath products, socks and books. Try the daily pasta option.

10004 90 St., 780 705 1230, littlebrick.ca, $$

Created by Red Star owner Sal Di Maio, Lock Stock occupies the space directly next to the pub. This cozy and intimate space offers a very short and simple menu of coffee as well as rotating sweets and sandwiches. The cappuccino gets rave reviews, and there’s fresh orange juice for those looking for a break from caffeine.

10534 Jasper Ave., 780 428 0825, lockstockcoffee.com, $

··Mill Creek Café

It might be tough to get a table at this popular brunch spot on weekends, but if you’re there early enough, you can grab a loaf of freshly baked bread to take home. The sandwiches are especially good, and be sure to give the stuffed French toast a try for brunch.

9562 82 Ave., 780 439 5535, millcreekcafe.ca, $$

This family-owned neighbourhood joint serves all-day breakfast and diner-style burgers and sandwiches. The eggs benedict has scratch-made hollandaise sauce, but all the comfort food options are good choices.

7106 109 St., 780 413 9606, $$

Roasti Coffee Company is a small-batch Roastery and Coffee Bar located in Sherwood Park, Alberta.

Roasti is known for it’s ethically sourced, fresh roasted coffees as well as it’s vibrant, thoughful and delicious beverages. Enjoy a great cup of coffee with a locally baked pastry and experience the roasting process first hand, or pick up a bag of beans to take home.

52 Brentwood Blvd, Sherwood Park, 780 938 3288, $

··Rogue Wave Coffee

This roaster’s mission is to bring you delicious and exciting coffee from around the world. It sources and roasts its coffee with passion. It hopes to be a part of your fabulous coffee journey.

11322 119 St, 780 245 3774, $$

··Rooster Cafe & Kitchen

··New York Bagel Café

This breakfast café is known for its variety of eggs benedict, some with smoked goose meat or chanterelle mushrooms, as well as (probably fairly obviously) its bagels. The stucco front isn’t much to look at, but interior is cozy and the patio is beautiful in the summer.

8430 Gateway Blvd., 780 432 2003, $$$

This Whyte Avenue café offers a variety of breakfast and lunch options with a warm and inviting atmosphere. All products are locally crafted with a focus on the farm to fork movement.

10732 82 Ave., 780 413 8045, roosterkitchen.ca, $

··Sugarbowl Bar & Café

A stones throw from the Shaw Conference Centre, Nook Cafè boasts some of the usual cafe fare. If family is visiting and they’re wanting to sample some of Edmonton’s fare, hop in for French Toast Saturdays.

10153 97 St., 780 761 6665, nookyeg.com, $$

Part cozy café and part brew pub, the Sugarbowl has been serving Edmontonians since 1943.

There are more than 160 craft beers and 15 rotating taps and a menu of comfort-food options. The breakfast cinnamon buns are practically famous, but there’s plenty else that’s good—the lamb burger is an especially popular choice.

10922 88 Ave., 780 433 8369, thesurgarbowl.org, $$

··OEB Breakfast Co

··The Carrot Community Arts

··Nook Café

This business’ chef-driven concept is led with soul, where the emphasis lies on the people that produce, create, serve, and consume its fresh, iconic cuisine. On your plate: familiar classics balanced with unreplicable fare you simply won’t find anywhere else.

10174 100a St., 587 520 0936, eatoeb.com, $$

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This locally-owned chain of bright cafés offers a variety of Indian-inspired dishes as well as siphon coffee, chai lattes, and espresso drinks. For an inexpensive snack, grab an order of samosas and chai tea. There are also plenty of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options.

10404 82 Ave, and other locations, remedycafe.ca, $$

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More than just a cozy coffeeshop, The Carrot is a community centre for Alberta Avenue, serving up coffee, sandwiches and cakes alongside open mic nights, board games and a variety of other community events.

9351 118 Ave., 780 471 1580, thecarrot.ca, $

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··The Colombian Coffee Bar &

Roastery

A relatively new addition to Edmonton’s coffee world. The Colombian roasts its own beans straight from its namesake, and offers a warm, inviting atmosphere.

10340 134 St NW #1, 780 757 9195, thecolombian.ca, $$

The Grizzlar Coffee & Records

This relatively new fixture in the local world of Edmonton cafes has roots in the community, and some stellar tunes for people drink their coffee to.

It’s pretty darn punk.

10557 109 St NW, 780 250 0420, thegrizzlar.com, $$

··Why Not Café & Bar

This cafe and bar is opening on Dec 5 and will specialize in a ‘grab and go’ style for lunch featuring sit down espresso and coffee. The dinner menu is small and will feature different weekly plates of seafood and charcuterie. The establishment will also feature four to six in-house cocktails during dinner.

8534 109 St., 780 297 5757, $

··Wired Cup

This cozy café serves up coffee, sandwiches and baked goods alongside a variety of crafts made by local artisans and other neat gifts.

9418 91 St., 780 462 6628, $

··Transcend

··WoodRack Café

··Upper Crust Café

··Zocalo

This Edmonton coffee shop has been offering up ethically sourced and locally roasted coffee since 2006. The clover-brewed coffee is complex and made by award-winning baristas who are familiar with the complex equipment.

8708 109 St. and other locations, 780 756 8882, transcendcoffee.ca, $ A popular spot for Saturday brunch, Upper Crust Café also offers a full dinner and lunch service.

Their daily quiche option is always worth trying, but the real stars here are the desserts, with a fantastic selection of freshly baked pies and cakes.

10909 86 Ave., 780 758 5599, cafeuppercrust.ca, $$

This relatively new café has a rustic charm, decorate with antlers and driftwood. Much of the menu is locally sourced sandwiches, with both meat and vegetarian options, but their most popular feature are the whoopie pies that come in an enormous variety of flavours.

7603 109 St., 780 757 0380, thewoodrackcafe.com, $$ This quirky Little Italy café is part garden shop, with plenty of flowers, bright tableware and household goods for sale alongside their coffee, scones and sandwiches. The greenhouse-like atmosphere is a welcome respite from Edmonton’s winter, and worth a stop if you’re visiting the nearby Italian Centre Shop.

10826 95 St., 780 428 0754, zocalo.ca, $

- Caribbean ··A Yah Mi Deh

This family-run Caribbean restaurant is bright and cheerful. With big portions and reasonable prices, it’s worth stopping in for the beef patties and jerk chicken.

4435 118 Ave., 780 479 1900, $$

··Irie Foods

This restaurant and food emporium has “Edmonton’s best oxtail,” which is quite the claim. It offers a huge variety of Caribbean food to go and to eat in.

2807 Mill Woods Rd NW, 780 414 1341, iriefoods.ca, $$

··Caribbean’s Finest

This business’ name says it all. Full of authentic Caribbean eats, this eatery offers a bevy of foods from Haitian fried rice, creole goat, and fried snapper.

8815 118 Ave., 780 628 5888, $$

- Chinese ··852 Hong Kong Cafe

One of Edmonton’s only Hong Kong-style restaurants, this popular eatery has a modern, minimalist aesthetic and a varied menu. Try the curry beef brisket and roasted duck, along with the Hong Kong-style steamed rice noodle rolls.

3040 Calgary Trail, 780 440 1328, $$

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··97 Hot Pot

This hot pot restaurant is great for crowds, although because of that it tends to be busy. Each diner gets an individual pot, and the temperature can be individually adjusted. Plenty of broths to choose from, as well as ingredients for the pots.

10602 97 St., 587 521 1888, $$

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··All Happy Family Restaurant

This relaxed Chinese joint is set up as two restaurants in one, although they share the same menus and serving staff. They offer all the typical casual Chinese place favourites, including grispy ginger beef, both for dine-in and takeout. There’s also hot pot and dim sum options for those dining in.

10011 106 Ave., 780 421 8297, allhappyfamilyrestaurant.ca, $$

··Baijiu

In the heart of the arena district and in the old and charming Mercer Building is Baijiu, a place that encourages sharing among the table and favours hip-hop music. Adorned on their menu includes dumplings, noodles, and more.

10359 104 St., 780 421 7060, baijiuyeg.com, $$

··Beijing Beijing

sold but the DIY concept is truly the focus.

10815 Jasper Ave., 780 250 7261, $$$

··Chili Hot Pot Chinese Restaurant

Edmonton’s hot pot craze has given rise to a plethora of Hot Pot restaurants, including Chili Hot Pot. This restaurant offers individual hot pots for diners. The “mashes” here are popular, a kind of paste that can be formed into balls and cooked in the soup. Try some of the house-made beverages as well.

7219 104 St., 780 989 0831, $$$

··Cui Hua Gui Lin Noodle House

This Chinatown favourite offers a wide array of soups and noodle bowls to sooth the soul and warm the britches.

10626 97 St., 780 497 8280, $$

This bright and classy dim sum restaurants offers an extensive menu of choices, including rice rolls, baked BBQ buns and crispy pot stickers. Their dinner menu includes most of the classics, including some combination dinners for individuals or groups of up to eight.

3803 Calgary Trail, 780 430 7720, beijingbeijing.ca, $$

··Golden Dumpling Restaurant

··Blue Orchid Chinese Restaurant

This place is modest but both clean and unscuffed, with just enough room for a half dozen or so room-spanning communal tables and a display case. The menu is a checklist of noodle dishes, barbecue skewers, dumplings and cold sides.

11044 82 Ave., 780 433 8494, mandarinedmontonab.com, $$

In addition to the traditional Canadian-style Chinese menu, Blue Orchid also offers a variety of traditional dishes for those interested in sampling a more authentic style of Chinese cuisine.

11235 Jasper Ave., 780 761 1235, blueorchidedmonton.com, $$

··Blue Willow Restaurant

Blue Willow has been operating in Edmonton for more than 50 years, and remains a family-owned and operated business. It was even the subject of an exhibit at the Royal Alberta Museum. Alongside its classic decor—red table clothes and cherry blossoms everywhere—this Edmonton institution offers classic Canadian-style Chinese food as well as traditional Schezuan dishes.

11107 103 Ave., 780 428 0584, bluewillowrestaurant.com, $$

··Buddy Wonton Seafood

Restaurant

This Old Strathcona Chinese restaurant had a recent remodel, but still offers the same classic dishes with a focus on seafood. The seafood chow mein is a popular choice here, as is the crispy ginger chicken.

10415 80 Ave., 780 435 8881, buddywonton.ca, $$

··Chinese Crepe

In China, jianbing is incredibly popular. Akin to a crepe, jianbing is a Chinese streetfood made with wheat and mungbean flour then stuffed with delectible toppings such as roasted deli beef, crispy wontons, chicken and red onions. At this unique establishment, the traditional style jianbing is

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Noodles are popular sure, but what about dumplings? Dumplings are a specialty at this north-end restaurant, featuring pork and cabbage and lamb and carrots as fillings.

10939 101 St NW., 780 498 0988

··Fuqing Lanzhou Noodles

··Golden Rice Bowl Restaurant

A popular south-side dim sum and Schezuan restaurant that offers gluten- and dairy-free options.

5365 Gateway Blvd., 780 435 3388, goldenricebowl.ca, $$

··Hui’s Wontons

Unfussy, mural-decorated eatery featuring Chinese entrees plus housemade wontons and dumplings.

130 Broadway Blvd #100, Sherwood Park, Edmonton Southside location available, 780 449 3688, huiswontons.com, $$

··Mandarin Restaurant

A recent renovation has given this Chinese restaurant near campus a modern, upscale look.

Mandarin offers typical Western-style fare, including ginger beef, wonton soup and chow mein as well as meal deals for parties of two or more.

11044 82 Ave., 780 433 8494, mandarinedmontonab.com, $$

··Noodle Feast

This Northern Chinese restaurant specializes in noodles of all kinds: sliced noodles, rolling noodles, and traditional Chinese hand-pulled noodles served in soup or covered in oil and veggies. The

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thick hand-pulled noodles are especially popular here, but don’t miss out on having dumplings or a Chinese pork burger on the side.

3440 99 St., 780 439 8088, $$

··Pearl River Restaurant

Pearl River serves Cantonese and Schezuaninspired Canadian-style Chinese food, including such classics as pineapple chicken balls and Schezuan beef. This fairly casual, low-key Chinese restaurant also offers some glutenfree options.

4728 99 St., 780 435 2015, pearlriverrestaurant.com, $$

··Sam Wok Restaurant

This south-side Chinese restaurant is known for its low prices and late hours, as it’s open until midnight every day of the week, and many of the entrées are $10 or less. The combination plates offer a full meal with sides for $12.

10417 67 Ave., 780 433 6077, samwokedmonton.com, $$

··Spice Kitchen

Offering a dim sum menu rather than the traditional cart experience as well as take-out and dine-in service for dinner. The peach shrimp and hot & sour soup are both especially popular here.

10346 University Ave., 780 433 3800, $$

··Tao Garden Restaurant

This simple and inexpensive noodle shop is inspired by the street cart noodles of Hong Kong, offering customizable bowls of noodle soup with a variety of broths, noodles and add-ins.

9642 107 Ave., 780 705 9688, taogarden.ca, $

··The Lingnan

The Lingnan is one of Edmonton’s oldest Chinese restaurants, and is still heavily steeped in decadent 1980’s oriental decor. It’s a charming blast from the past offering all the traditional Westernstyle Chinese dishes, as well as its own famous hot and dry spicy chicken.

10582 104 St., 780 426 3975, thelingnan.com, $$$

··Urban China

This popular dim sum spot has a modern diner feel while serving up barbecue pork buns and dumplings on the traditional dim sum carts. It’s especially busy between the 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. dim sum rush, but Urban China also does dim sum service in the evenings for dinner.

10604 101 St., 780 758 1888, urbanchina.ca, $$

··Wheat Garden Noodle and

Dumpling Bazaar

A Northern Chinese-style restaurant specializing in— you guessed it—noodles and dumplings, as well as a few other snacks. Wheat Garden was the first Chinese restaurant in the city to offer a full halal menu.

10703 103 St., 780 757 8166, wheatgardenyeg.ca, $$

- Contemporary/Fusion ··Blowers & Grafton

Stuff your face with this delicious Haligonian street food. Donairs, pizza, and beer abounds in this taste of the East Coast.

10550 82, 780 250 3663, blowersgrafton.com, $$

··Bündok

This inviting neighbourhood restaurant intends to celebrate the people and food of Edmonton. The contemporary and stylish eatery involves the history of the ingredients and the region into its menu.

10228 104 St., 780 420 0192, bundokyeg.com, $$$$

··Canteen

The “little sister” of Edmonton’s famous Red Ox Inn, Canteen offers a more casual atmosphere than its fine dining counterpart with a somewhat industrial look. The brunch chicken and waffles are a popular choice, but there’s plenty of good stuff for dinner, too. Try the scallop and pork belly or lamb T-bone.

10522 124 St., 780 485 6125, canteenyeg.ca, $$$$

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··Coral de Cuba

This fusion restaurant serves traditional Cuban fare alongside Vietnamese pho and vermicelli bowls. There’s live Latin music on Saturday nights, as well as a variety of other events depending on the season. The Cuban sandwich— not commonly found anywhere else in the city— is extremely popular.

4990 92 Ave., 780 468 2888, coraldecuba.com, $$

··Drunken Ox, Sober Cat

Half of this downtown restaurant is a nose-to-tail steakhouse (it uses almost the entire cow) complete with distinct and creative cocktails. That’s the somewhat darkly named Drunken Ox part.

The Sober Cat half is all about wine and coffee.

4990 92 Ave., 780 468 2888, coraldecuba.com, $$

··Earls

This popular Canadian casual-dining chain got its start in Edmonton, and now operates close to 70 restaurants across the country and in the U.S. Stop in at their original “Tin Palace” location for a burger, steak, or one of their modern, internationally-inspired entrées.

11830 Jasper Ave. and other locations, 780 488 6582, earls.ca, $$

RESTAURANT GUIDE

··La Poutine

··Tang Bistro

··Maki Maki

··The Cave Paleo Bistro

This casual spot offers a variety of classic and contemporary poutines, including vegan and gluten-free options. Try some of the twists on the classic, including the perogy poutine topped with smoked sausage and sour cream, or the vegetarian taj mahal poutine with chickpea curry.

8720 109 St., 780 757 7222, la-poutine.com, $

This modern Japanese and Vietnamese fusion restaurant serves up classics from both countries, including pho, bento boxes and sushi. Try the pho tai or the caterpillar rolls.

8109 101 St., 780 438 8298, makiedmonton.com, $$

··Oodle Noodle

This ultra-casual quick-serve noodle restaurant offers a variety of Asian-inspired noodles from across the continent. The noodle boxes are the most popular choice, including the spicy “hot noodle box” with schezuan sauce or the Bangkok pad thai classic. Don’t forget the spring rolls or green onion cakes.

10803 82 Ave, and other locations, 780 988 7808, oodlenoodle.ca, $

At Tang Bistro (set up in the old Urban Diner space across from the Garneau Theatre), northern Chinese cuisine can be found. Signature dishes of cold noodles, Chinese hamburgers, skewers and casseroles are just a few of the menu items that can be found.

8715 109 St NW., 587 499 9999, tangbistro.ca, $$

You like meat but hate bread? You still want to eat cheese and get really into cross-fit? The Cave Paleo Bistro is for you. It offers eat-in and take-out meals to power your muscles and let you release your inner cave-person.

102 6104 104 St., 587 991 2283, the-cave.ca, $$

··The Manor Bistro

This casual bistro occupies a lovely two-storey house near the Saskatchewan River. The menu draws on a variety of European sources, with German schnitzel and spaetzle served alongside French dishes like escargot and beef bourguignon.

10109 125 St., 780 482 7577, themanorbistro.com, $$$

··Vintage Fork

··Prairie Noodle Shop

Combining Japanese ramen with traditional Alberta prairie ingredients, Prairie Noodle Shop occupies a warm and airy space on 124 Street. Try the vegetarian smoked Gouda miso, which uses cheese from local producer Sylvan Star.

10350 124 St., prairienoodleshop.ca, $$

··Rebel Food and Drink

Rebel’s stylish room and casual inviting atmosphere will put eaters at ease while they taste, sip, and savour the restaurant’s creations. The relatively new Century Hospitality property wants customers to sit back and enjoy. No one’s going to raise an eyebrow if you order dessert first, and sure, you can keep your hat on.

9112 142 St., 780 752 7325, centuryhospitality.com/rebel, $$

··Revel Bistro & Bar

Focused on bringing modern interpretations of classic flavours and using nothing but the best ingredients. Crab and corn stuffed tortelloni with a terragon bisque and black truffles is just one of the classic dishes found here.

9802 Jasper Ave., reveledmonton.com, $$$

··Seorak Teppan and Bar

A modern and upscale Korean/Japanese fusion restaurant that prepares most of its dishes on the teppan, a large iron griddle that’s particularly popular in Japan. Try the teppan fried noodles and the Seorak fried chicken.

10828 82 Ave., 780 705 0958, seorak.ca, $$

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Located in the old brick mansion that the Rutherford family moved into back in 1911, the Vintage Fork hopes to carry on the family’s recipes. The menu features some of the items the Rutherford’s would have enjoyed such as organic salmon to the era’s most popular dish, the chicken pot pie and puts a unique spin on them.

11153 Saskatchewan Drive, 780 427 4113, $$$$

··Volcano

This bright Asian restaurant offers a variety of Japanese and Vietnamese dishes, as well as a few American-style breakfast options such as burritos and milkshakes. The Vietnamese offerings—particularly the pho—are especially wellloved here.

4226 Gateway Blvd., 780 756 2218, volcanoedmonton.com, $$

··Workshop Eatery

Edmonton’s Workshop Eatery is focused on local, fresh. and seasonal cuisine. Almost everything, including the ketchup, is made in-house. The menu changes daily, but is posted online if you’d like a sneak peak of what’s available.

2003 91 St. SW, 780 705 2205, theworkshopeatery.com, $$$$

··XO Bistro + Bar

Located in the heart of the Ice District is a stylish restaurant with classic Vietnamese food that carries a modern and upscale twist. The Betel Leaf Beef is a good choice, with grilled beef and pork that is wrapped with wild betel leaf and topped with roasted peanuts.

10236 103 St., 780 761 9696, xobistrobar.com, $$

RESTAURANT GUIDE

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- Delis ··Big Daddy’s Sandwich Co.

Big Daddy’s Sandwich Co. offers Edmonton a great selection of classic sandwiches, old-school subs, and jam-packed donairs.

15039 118 Ave., 780 488 8229, bigdaddyssandwich.com, $

··D’amore’s Mercato

A small Italian market and bistro, D’amore’s Mercato houses a great deli and sandwich shop, with a menu including homemade soups, traditional oven-fired pizzas, and salads.

4612 99 St., 780 988 5638, damoresmercato.ca, $

··Farrow

This tiny sandwich shop adjoining Three Boars offers a different menu of sandwiches each day as well as cold-brewed coffee. There’s next to zero seating and the coffee tends to sell out, but the sandwiches are worth braving the line for, especially on days when it’s nice enough to sit outside.

8422 109 St., 780 757 4160, farrowsandwiches.ca, $

··Fife N Dekel

This local chain, with four locations in Edmonton’s strip malls and industrial areas, specializes in soup, sandwiches and—most popularly—a wide assortment of pies. The sandwiches are fine, but don’t miss having a slice of flapper pie.

9114 51 Ave. and other locations, 780 436 9235, fifendekel.ca, $

··June’s Delicatessen

A tip of the hat to classic New York Delis, located in Edmonton’s historic Gibbard Block building.

6427 112 Ave, bbhg.ca, $$, (opening soon)

··Sandwich & Sons

This deli-style sandwich shop offers a variety of traditional sandwiches, usually with a modern twist—the grilled cheese boasts an artichoke spread, for instance, while the BLT comes with bacon-flavoured mayo. You can also pick up a jar of sauerkraut, mustard or pickles while you’re there.

13119 156 St., 780 453 1465, sandwichandsons.com, $$

··Spinelli’s Bar Italia

Part of the Italian Centre Shop’s three locations, Spinelli’s offers a variety of deli-style sandwiches, Italian pizzas as well as tasty croissants, Danishes and other treats. Plus, you can stop in at the grocery to pick up your cheese, olives, and deli meat to take home with you.

10878 95 St., 780 424 4869, and other locations, italiancentre.com, $

··The Local Omnivore

A food truck turned brick-and-mortar deli, the Local Omnivore specializes in smoked and cured meats made in-house. Try the Bird Bird sandwich, with smoked turkey and candied beets.

10933 120 St., 780 660 1051, thelocalomnivore.com, $$

··Zenari’s

Located inside Manulife Place in downtown Edmonton, Zenari’s is a space that brings the Italian kitchen to life. Soups, sandwiches, classic pastas and more can be found. Did we mention they have a wine bar?

Manulife Place, 10180 101 St., 780 423 5409, zenaris.ca, $$

··Press’d

A fast-casual sandwich chain born in Edmonton, offering a variety of hot or cold sandwiches as well as soups and salads. Try the California club, a classic chicken club sandwich topped with fresh guacamole.

10377-78 Ave. and other locations, 587 520 5099, pressdsandwiches.ca, $

- Desserts ··720 Sweets WEM

720 Sweets products really stand out through the addition of dry ice. The cups they use capture a bit of dry ice ‘smoke,’ and it wafts over the dessert when they serve it.

8882 170 St.,720wem@gmail.com, facebook.com/pg/720sweetswem, $$

··Arno’s Fine French Pastry

Located in the former home of La Mademoiselle, Chef Arnaud Valade makes some of the finest French pastries around, just like the shop’s name says. The

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chocolate croissant and macarons are to die for.

10038 116 St NW., 780 760 0717, arnospastry.com, $$

··Destination Doughnuts

This destination for donuts offers unapologetic and delicious gourmet doughnuts, made fresh daily. It aims to focus on all the necessary doughnut food groups and you will most likely find a flavour that fits your desire.

10548 124 St., 780 473 7875, destinationdoughnuts.ca, $$

RESTAURANT GUIDE

··Doughnut Party

··The Art of Cake

··Duchess Bake Shop

··Tutti Frutti

Donuts are a Canadian staple. At Doughnut Party, the flavours change daily and such creations include raspberry rose water, s’mores, and guava.

The donuts are large yet light and fluffy. For pin collectors, they offer a variety of lapel pins to show off your Doughnut Party pride.

10938 119 St NW., doughnutparty.ca, $ Possibly Edmonton’s most famous bakery, Duchess offers a plethora of traditional French patisserie delights, including macarons, croissants, éclairs and much more. There’s also quiche and tartines, but really, why bother when you could have a lemon tart instead? You can also visit provisions next door to pick up supplies and try your hand at making your own pastries.

10718 124 St., 780 488 4999, duchessbakeshop.com, $

··FanFan Patisserie

Pastries are amazing and while some may think there’s too many pastry based locations in Edmonton, in reality there’s no such thing. At FanFan, an assortment of more than 50 cakes and sweets that can (and will) suit all. Gelatos, baked goods, tarts, and cakes are ready to be eaten.

10330 80 Ave., 587 524 9899, fanfanpatisserie.com, $

··Flirt Cupcakes

This local cupcake shop offers more than a dozen flavours, available in either the classic or “mini” size. You can also order cakes for special occasions, include birthdays and gender-reveal parties.

10158 82 Ave., 780 757 4899, flirtcupcakes.com, $

··Ohana Donuterie

Fresh donuts, fresh coffee, made with care— that’s what Ohana Donuterie is all about.

10347 80 Ave., 780 777 1322, ohanadonuts.ca, $$

··Passion de France

This French-inspired bakery may be less wellknown, but it offers a variety of delightful pastries in an elegant setting. The red fruit tart, topped with raspberries, is almost too pretty to eat.

11812 86 St., 780 257 2092, passiondefrance.ca, $

··Snowy Village Dessert Cafè

In Japan, taiyaki is readily available. For those not in the know, taiyaki is a fish-shaped cake usually filled with red bean paste. At Snowy Village, you can get taiyaki filled with the common red bean paste, sweet potato paste, chocolate or custard pudding.

11022 Jasper Ave., 780 752 1818, snowyvillages.ca, $

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This cake and pastry shopped is easy to miss, tucked in the basement of Edmonton’s City Centre Mall, but serves a variety of delicious cupcakes and cookies. This bright little shop also does custom wedding cakes and confections for a variety of events.

11811 105 Ave., 780 485 5517, theartofcake.ca, $

The best thing about breakfast and brunch items is that they can double as delectable dessert items. Tutti Frutti offers delicious sweet and/or savoury crepes and waffles for enjoyment.

11304 104 Ave. and other locations, 780 758 1705, tuttifruttidejeuners.com, $$

··Vienna Bakery

You might not expect a Viennese bakery in the Argyll industrial area, but there it is, offering freshly baked bread, streusel cake and a host of other delectable goodies. Be sure to grab one of the mini black forest cakes as well as some of their soft pretzels, which tend to sell out.

10207 63 Ave., 780 489 4142, viennabakery.ca, $

··Yelo’d Ice Cream & Bake Shoppe

Take a walk on the wild side of ice cream at this Phillipino-inspired ice-creamery. You can find all manner of flavours here from the mundane to things like black bean and ube (or purple yam).

10152A 82 Ave., yelod.ca, $$

··Whimsical Custom Cake Studio

This creative Garneau cake shop specializes in custom orders for weddings and other events, but also sells cake pops, cake bombs (like a giant cake pop without the stick) and cupcakes. You can also try a bag of their “pork” corn, caramel popcorn topped with peanuts and candied bacon bits, or their bacon caramels.

8716 109 St., 780 988 2253, whimsicalcakestudio.ca, $

··ZenQ

We’ve seen new waves of new dessert trends hit Edmonton. But what about grass jelly? The collagen-rich jelly is commonly served in China, Taiwan and Southeast Asia and carries a bit of a slight bitter taste. If grass jelly isn’t on the top of the “new foods to try” list, a mango creamy frappe with Fruit Loops is available as well as hot dishes.

10807 Jasper Ave., 780 761 9367, zenq.ca, $$

RESTAURANT GUIDE

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- Diners ··Astros Restaurant

Astros is ostensibly a Greek restaurant, but it’s more of a family-style diner with a few Mediterranean inspired items. The veal cutlets and lasagne are both popular choices here.

10038 167 St., 780 484 6707, $$

··Blue Plate Diner

This hip downtown diner provides elevated takes on classic comfort foods alongside quirky decor.

The mac’n’cheese is a classic choice here, but there’s plenty else to try, like the real shepherd’s pie with ground lamb.

10145 104 St., 780 429 0740, blueplatediner.ca, $$

··Commodore Restaurant

The Commodore has been serving cheap dinerstyle eats since 1942, with plenty of breakfast, lunch and dinner choices coming in well under $10. Most of the options are classic diner fare—fried steaks, clubhouse sandwiches—but there’s also a small menu of Canadian-Chinese options including sweet and sour spareribs and chop suey. It’s recently adopted live music for its brunches on Sunday.

10712 Jasper Ave., 780 423 3954, commodorerestaurant.com, $

··Hap’s Hungry House

This west-end diner is a local favourite, serving an enormous variety of diner classics with large portions. If you’re starving, you can’t go wrong with one of the hunger busters, which include eggs, meat, home fries, pancakes, and toast for less than $15.

16060 Stony Plain Rd., 780 483 2288, hapshungryhouse.blogspot.com, $

··Hathaway’s Diner

This quaint north-side diner may be out of the way for many, but the pies alone are worth the trip. Plenty of classic breakfast and lunch dishes, including omelettes, breakfast skillets and burgers, but the feature here is the rotating pie menu, with tons of home-made choices.

13225 132 St., 780 488 5989, hathawaysdiner.com, $$

··Jay Bee’s Diner

This retro-style diner offers home-style cooking in a bright, open space. Large portions with all the classic diner options: eggs benedict, pancakes, eggs, burgers and sandwiches.

3633 118 Ave., 780 477 5885, jaybeesdiner.com, $$

··Rockin’ Robyn’s Diner

This funky, 1950s-themed diner has all the classics: red vinyl seats, chrome-edged tables, black and white linoleum, the old jukebox. The menu offers all your traditional diner fare, including burgers, fries, and coke in glass bottles.

16604 109 Ave., 780 756 5656, rockinrobyns.com, $$

··Route 99 Diner

This tiny 1950s-style diner offers a cheap all-day breakfast alongside other classic choices. A great choice for early-birds, as it opens every day at 7 a.m., except Sundays (when it opens at 8 a.m.).

Don’t miss the milkshakes.

8820 99 St., 780 432 0968, $

··Urban Diner

Urban Diner prides itself on its local menu and fresh ingredients, and offers most of the traditional choices you’d expect from a retro-style diner.

Try the Dutch poffertjes, miniature pancakes with chocolate and maple syrup for dipping, or the apple pie French toast.

12427 102 Ave., 780 488 7274, urbandiner.com, $$

··Vi’s For Pies

This intimate diner offers elevated diner fare with a rotating menu. The spanakopita is usually available and is extremely popular, but the highlight here (as the name probably implies) are the pies and desserts. The key lime pie is a particular favourite.

13408 Stony Plain Rd., 780 454 4300, $$

··High Level Diner

Just south of the High Level Bridge, this diner has been a popular spot for decades. Filled with tons of local, original art, the High Level Diner is a cozy spot that serves brunch, lunch, and dinner. Be sure to check out the weekly “events,” including Fish & Chips Mondays, Turkey Tuesdays, Ukrainian Thursdays, Short Ribs Saturdays and Prime Rib Sundays.

10912 88 Ave., 780 433 0993, highleveldiner.com, $$

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- Fine Dining ··Bistro Praha

··Harvest Room

··Butternut Tree

··La Ronde Restaurant

Bistro Praha opened in 1977, and the elegant café has been providing fine Czech cuisine to the likes of Kirk Douglas and Joni Mitchell ever since. Try the steak a la tartare or the roasted goose with bread dumplings and sauerkraut.

10117 101 St., 780 424 4218, bistropraha.com, $$$$

Across from the Butternut Tree sits a picturesque view of the Alberta Legislature grounds. Chef and owner Scott Downey takes a coast-to-coast inspired menu that represents the best of our country. Some of the best from the menu include: Broccoli (Pork Belly, Soft Boiled Duck Egg, Pickled Garlic Scape, Cereal Grains) and Vancouver Island Ling Cod (parsley leek puree, mussels, potato, reindeer moss).

9707 110 St., 780 760 2271, thebutternuttree.ca, $$$$

··Characters Fine Dining

This high-end restaurant boasts a large, bright dining room. The menu is seasonal, although some classics (such as the tableside s’mores for dessert) are a constant fixture. Try the seven course chef’s tasting menu for $95, or for $175 including wine.

10257 105 St., 780 421 4100, characters.ca, $$$$$

This Whyte Avenue restaurant offers old world charm with Eastern European dishes, including schnitzel and Hungarian goulash. The steak tartare is extremely popular, as is the borscht.

10560 82 Ave., 780 433 7432, ctfinebistro.com, $$$$$

··Ernest’s at NAIT

Staffed by culinary arts and hospitality management students, NAIT’s in-house restaurant is the training ground for the city’s up-and-coming chefs, and provides a fine dining experience on a (slightly) more restrained budget.

11762 106 St., 780 471 8676, nait.ca, $$$$

Hardware Grill celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2016, and continues to provide fine dining in the historic Goodridge Block on Jasper Avenue.

The porcini-crusted sea bass is a popular dish here, and the warm prairie gingerbread with rhurbarb-saskatoon compote is an excellent finish to any meal.

9698 Jasper Ave., 780 423 0969, hardwaregrill.com, $$$$$

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Chateau Lacomb’s rotating restaurant offers a panoramic view of Edmonton as well as high-end steak and seafood dishes, including the $100 signature Chauteaubriand, which serves two and is carved tableside.

10111 Bellamy Hill Rd., 780 420 8366, chateaulacombe.com, $$$$$

··Madison’s Grill

This elegant fine dining restaurant is located within the city’s historic Union Bank Inn, offering updated versions of classic dishes, such as the apple wood smoked striploin with porchini butter and pork tenderloin caul rolled with pork shoulder rilette. Madison’s Grill is especially wellknown for its five-course Christmas Day and New Years’ Eve dinners.

10053 Jasper Ave., 780 401 2222, unionbankinn.com, $$$$$

··Red Ox Inn

··Continental Treat Fine Bistro

··Hardware Grill

The Fairmont Hotel MacDonald’s premier restaurant boasts one of the city’s finest views, overlooking the North Saskatchewan River Valley. The menu offers classic dishes such as beef tenderloin or rack of lamb made with local and seasonal ingredients.

10065 100 St., 780 424 5181, fairmont.com, $$$$$

One of Edmonton’s premier fine-dining establishments, the Red Ox Inn offers a simple menu with exquisite and elaborate presentations. The dishes offered change seasonally, and reservations are required, as it’s a small but busy place.

9420 91 St., 780 465 5727, theredoxinn.com, $$$$$

··Rge Rd

Chef Blair Lebsack was one of the early adopters of the local food movement, and this rustic but modern restaurant has been bringing diners local produce and meals using the whole animal since it opened. The food changes constantly based on what’s in season, but if you’re adventurous, try something from the “questionable bits” menu, which features off-cuts and offal.

10643 123 St., 780 447 4577, rgerd.ca, $$$$

··Solstice Seasonal Cuisine

As the name might imply, this modern restaurant’s menu changes with the seasons, using local and in-season ingredients. The food is beautifully prepared and served in a warm, modern dining room.

10723 124 St., 780 488 4567, solsticefood.com, $$$$

RESTAURANT GUIDE

AUGUST 3, 4, 5 2019

heritagefest.ca

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··Wildflower Grill

While Wildflower’s lunch menu is a little more traditional, for dinner this sleek, modern restaurant gets a little more avant garde, with foamtopped scallops and artfully arranged entrées. A popular spot for special occasions or dates with someone you’d like to impress.

10009 107 St., 780 990 1938, wildfloweredmonton.com, $$$$

··XIX Nineteen

With two locations—one in Terwillegar and the other in St. Albert—XIX Nineteen offers high-end dining in a casual atmosphere. The dining room menu in internationally inspired, with hoisin-

glazed short ribs, chimichurri lamb and scallop caci e pepe. The lounge offers elevated pub fare (try the Irving farm pork belly bun) and craft cocktails.

5940 Mullen Way, additional location in St. Albert, 780 395 1119, dinenineteen.com, $$$$$

··Zinc Restaurant

Part of the Art Gallery of Alberta, Zinc offers a modern dining experience meant to complement the museum’s art collection. Chef David Omar’s elevated classic menu offers seasonal dishes made with local ingredients and beautiful presentations.

2 Sir Winston Churchill Sq., 780 392 2501, zincrestaurant.ca, $$$$$

- French ··Almanac

Located on Whyte Avenue, this intimate spot offers a blend of French cuisine and pub classics, drawing heavily on the traditions of down-to-earth “peasant” dishes. Try the beef daube stew or mushroom ragu for a warm pick-me-up on a cold day.

10351 82 Ave., 780 760 4567, almanaconwhyte.com, $$$

··Café Bicyclette

This café-style eatery is part of Edmonton’s Cité Francophone, and offers fully bilingual service alongside French-style tartines and crèpes. Try the croque-monsieur, a traditional French grilled cheese sandwich served with ham, Gouda and topped with béchamel.

8627 91 St., 587 524 8090, $$$

··Chartier

Along Beaumont’s main street is Chartier, a restaurant that takes visitors on an elevated, rustic tour of French-Canadian favourites. The tourtiere is divine and their beef bourguignon warms the heart.

If you become addicted to their bread (and you will), Chartier offers a bread window year round.

5012 50 St., Beaumont, 780 737 3633, $$$$

··Gini’s Restaurant

Gini’s offers French fine dining in a casual atmosphere—try counting the number of EIffel Towers you can spot on the walls while you’re there.

A fine place to give escargot a try, or order the three- or five-course prix fixe menu.

10706 142 St., 780 451 1169, ginisrestaurant.ca, $$$$

··Normand’s Restaurant

Normand’s has been a staple of the French dining scene in Edmonton since 1989, and it’s a cozy spot where owner Normand Campbell gives every guest his personal attention. The monthly special menus are a highlight here—in October and November each year, Normand’s serves an extended menu of wild game, including crocodile, wild boar, kangaroo and ostrich.

11639 Jasper Ave., 780 482 2600, normands.com, $$$$$

··Normand’s Bistro

Located in Edmonton’s Citadel Theatre, Normand’s Bistro offers slightly more casual fare than its sister restaurant. Try the rustic poutine— served with a basil aioli sauce—as an appetizer.

10177 99 St., 780 425 1008, normandsbistro.com, $$$$

··The Creperie

This intimate old-world French restaurant is hidden in a basement across the street from the City Centre Mall and specializes in—predictably— crepes, as well as country-style French cuisine.

10220 103 St., 780 420 6656, thecreperie.com, $$$$

··The Marc

This modern French bistro provides unpretentious French cuisine, as well as personalized attention from owners Patrick and Doris Saurette.

Everything here is good, but the entrocote frites— a ribeye steak with foie gras butter and fries—is especially wonderful, as are the dessert beignets.

9940 106 St., 780 429 2828, themarc.ca, $$$$

- Greek ··Koutouki Taverna

This family-run Greek restaurant has an extensive menu of mezethes (appetizers), as well as classic Greek entrées. The meze option is a wonder-

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ful choice, allowing your table to sample a dozen different dishes, including spanakopita, keftedes and roast lamb.

10719 124 St, 780 452 5383, koutouki.ca, $$$$

RESTAURANT GUIDE

VOTED BEST GREEK RESTAURANT

BOOK YOUR PARTY WITH US 10719 124 Street 780 452 5383 koutouki.ca

VUEWEEKLY is pleased to announce that Great West Newspapers will continue publishing the Bar & Restaurant Guide, Hot Summer Guide, Cool Winter Guide, Ultimate Summer Festival Guide, and The Season!

Great West Newspapers will also continue the legacy of the annual Best of Edmonton Awards and Golden Fork Awards.

Contact Kristel Cowley at 780-460-5504 kcowley@stalbert.greatwest.ca or Angie Hampshire at 780-460-5501 Ahampshire@greatwest.ca to book your ad today!

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··Little Village

Stemming from the “Little Village Freewheelin’ Greek Eatery” food truck that’s been around since 2012, their quick service takeout restaurant in the west end offers lunch-worthy gyro, moussaka and lemon-roasted potatoes. Other Greek items abound like olives and dips to bring home for later as well.

14816 Stony Plain Rd, 780 244 0885, littlevillagefoodtruck.com, $$

··Mythos Greek Taverna

This small restaurant is a local favourite for its Mediterranean decor and excellent food. Don’t miss the saganaki—a delicious fried cheese—or the roast lamb kleftiko.

5524 Calgary Tr, 780 758 6161, mythosgreektaverna.ca, $$$$

··Oil Lamp

This rustic taverna has a quaint but modern atmosphere and offers extremely reasonably priced lunches—calamari, chicken souvlaki or keftedes are all less than $15. For dinner, the chicken moussaka—a Greek casserole with potato and eggplant—is a good choice.

10247 97 St, 780 429 0808, oillampedmonton.com, $$

··Sparta Greek Grill

This inexpensive Greek restaurant specializes in takeout options, including souvlaki platters, wraps and donairs. The Spartan burger—Greek meatballs wrapped in a pita—is a popular item here.

12208 137 Ave, 780 457 7200, spartagreekgrill.ca, $

··Urban Greek

A fast-casual restaurant in City Centre Mall, Urban Greek is a step up from the popular Opa! chain, offering quick service and fresh ingredients. The leg of lamb special, available on Thursdays and Fridays only, is worth a try.

10025 102A Ave, Suite 136, 780 965 9965, urbangreek.ca, $

··Yianni’s Taverna

Yianni’s has called Whyte Avenue home for years, and continues serving up classic Greek cuisine in a bright, rustic dining room. Check out the Morrocan themed Kasbar downstairs on Friday and Saturday nights.

10444 82 Ave, 780 433 6768, yiannistaverna.ca, $$$$

- Indian ··Daawat

This Whyte Ave. Indian restaurant is warm and intimate, with rich red and purple decor. Lunch and dinner buffets are available seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. until 9 p.m., with a la carte service available anytime.

10015 82 Ave., 780 469 3517, daawat.ca, $$

··The Dosa Shop

Do you like dosa? Of course you do. This Indian food restaurant situated on Whyte Avenue focuses heavily on these pancake-like morsels. Carb up, duderinos. #6, 10015 82 Ave., 780 655 6237, thedosashop.ca, $$

··Guru

Guru promises an East Indian fine-dining experience, and is widely regarded as one of the best restaurants—Indian or otherwise—in the city. The butter chicken is the most obvious choice here, but try the Cauliflower 65 or the Rajasthani lamb curry.

17021 100 Ave., 780 484 4300, gururestaurant.com, $$$$

··Haweli

A popular lunch spot downtown, this large Indian restaurant offers both buffet and menu service.

Diners can choose their preferred spice level for dishes ordered a la carte.

10220 103 St., 780 421 8100, hawelicanada.com, $$$

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··Indian Fusion

The Indian Fusion Curry House offers both Indian and Fijian cuisine, plus an assortment of wild game curries including elk striploin curry, crocodile tikka masala, and rabbit curry masala. No buffet here, just quality food made to order.

10322 111 St., 780 885 5095, indianfusionrestaurant.ca, $$$

··Kerala

A bright and modern South Indian restaurant serving up curries and dosa in a casual atmosphere. Try the kothu paratha with chicken pepper and dosa or the chicken biryani.

11010 51 Ave., 780 437 7718, $$

··Khazana

The highlight of Khazana is the glass-enclosed kitchen, allowing diners to watch the chefs prepare the naan bread. A large space made more intimate through its warm decor, Khazana offers both menu and buffet service.

10177 107 St., 780 702 0330, khazanarestaurant.ca, $$$

··Little India

This Indo-Chinese restaurant offers “traditional” Indian cuisine (butter chicken, as well as a variety of more authentic curries), as well as some fusion dishes such as paneer with Schezuan or soya sauce.

9250 34 Ave., 780 437 1118, littleindiacuisine.ca, $$

RESTAURANT GUIDE

··Moksha Indian Cuisine

This elegant Indian restaurant offers both menu and buffet options. The buffet does offer some spicy options for those who like a little more heat.

9266 34 Ave., 780 468 9500, moksharestaurant.ca, $$

··Namaste India

This Indian restaurant offers a cozy, and inviting atmosphere full of some of Edmonton’s most heart-warming food.

10023 107 Ave., 780 540 0100, namasteindiaca.com, $

··Narayanni’s

This Indian buffet offers a healthy, lighter interpretation of traditional Indian cuisine, without MSG, preservatives, artificial colouring or dairy.

A good choice for diners with food restrictions, since Narayanni’s offers a variety of vegan and gluten-free options. The Vegan buffet every Tuesday is only $15.

10131 81 Ave., 780 756 7112, narayannis.com, $$$

··Nosh Café

This casual Indian café specializes in vegan and gluten-free cuisine, but also offers some choices for meat-eaters. Get your curry as a traditional entrée with rice, or served in wrap form. The butter chicken is extremely popular here, as is the aloo cauliflower.

10235 124 St., 780 488 7656, noshcafeedmonton.com, $$

··Select Restaurant

Once a French café, Select’s new ownership has turned to an Indian-inspired menu, offering a variety of classic dishes, including tandoori chicken, beef vindaloo and paneer makhani. The Frenchbistro aesthetic remains, along with a few Western-style dishes, including steaks and burgers.

10018 106 St., 780 428 1629, selectrestaurant.ca, $$$

··Spice Grill

This tiny hole-in-the-wall Indian restaurant offers bare-bones decor but a full menu of all your favourite Indian dishes, including butter chicken, mutton curry and chana masala. All the entrées come with a side of rice and naan, making this a substantially cheaper choice than many.

8205 108 St., 780 757 3903, spicegrilledmonton.com, $$

··Tandoori Junction

This Indian-takeout spot specializes in—as you might have guessed—meat, and offers more than 20 varieties of marinated meats, as well as raw goat and lamb to cook yourself. The seekh kebabs are extremely popular, as is the rara chicken.

4271 23 Ave., 780 461 9981, tandoorijunction.ca, $$

- Italian ··Allegro Italian Kitchen

This contemporary Italian restaurant has expanded to another location near Edmonton’s Little Italy district. Both restaurants offer upscale Italian cuisine with a variety of choices. Try the calamari in tomato sauce and the chicken ziti.

10011 109 St, and other locations, 780 424 6644, allegroitaliankitchen.ca, $$$$

··Battista’s Calzone Company

Owner Battista Vecchio offers authentic Italianstyle calzones made from scratch, with both classic and modern flavours. Try the classico (Italian cold cuts and peppers) or chicken pesto calzones, and don’t miss the tasty dessert option, stuffed with strawberries and nutella.

11745 84 St, 780 758 1808, battistacalzone.com, $

··Bistecca Italian Steakhouse

Part of the Sorrentino’s family of restaurants, Bistecca is a classic Canadian steakhouse with an Italian twist. Try Bistecca’s signature pesce cacciucco, a seafood stew with a tomato and garlic broth.

2345 111 St, 780 439 7335, sorrentinos.com/ locations/bistecca-italian-steakhouse, $$$

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··Café Amore Bistro

This intimate and romantic Italian restaurant specializes in seafood and pasta. The paninis, served until 4 p.m. daily, are an affordable lunch option, but the signature dish here is the amore pescatore, a combination of crab, prawns, mussels, shrimp and clams served in garlic white wine or tomato sauce over pasta.

10807 106 Ave, 780 477 7896, cafeamorebistro.ca, $$$$

··Cibo Bistro

This small, modern restaurant offers an upscale dinner menu. Try the risotto balls, a local favourite, or the octopus if you’re looking for something more adventurous.

11244 104 Ave, 780 757 2426, cibobistro.com, $$$$

··Corso 32

Reservations are required at this tiny, intimate restaurant—the first of local celebrity chef Daniel Costa’s family of Italian eateries. It’s well worth the wait to eat here though. Whatever you do, don’t miss the chocolate torta with salty hazelnuts for dessert.

10345 Jasper Ave, 780 421 4622, corso32.com, $$$$$

RESTAURANT GUIDE

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··Favoloso Italian Cafe and Pizzeria This pizzeria and cafe prides itself on its pizzas, like the Prosciutto E Funghi Pizza, the Margherita Pizza, and the 4 Stagioni Pizza. They also have a wide selection of coffees and warm beverages.

13240 118 Ave, 780 454 6329, favolosocafe.com, $

··Il Pasticcio Trattoria

This classic Italian restaurant has a festive atmosphere and specializes in home-style pasta. The fettuccine di mare is a popular dish, as is chicken breast alla limone.

11520 100 Ave, 780 488 9543, ilpasticcio.ca, $$$

··Love Pizza

This ultra-modern fast-casual pizza restaurant offers a variety of creative pizzas, including the Ode to Ukraine (garlic, potatoes, bacon, onions, cheddar, creme fraiche and green onions) and the City Market (pesto pulled chicken, artichoke hearts, tomatoes, red onion and goat cheese).

10196 109 St, and one other location, 587 520 9734, lovepizza.ca, $$

··Nuovo Bistro

Nuovo Bistro is a traditional Italian restaurant that capitalizes on fresh ingredients. Try the arancini (risotto balls stuffed with fontina cheese, basil, and mushroom Parmigiano cream), the polpettone (bacon wrapped meatloaf), and the spaghetti carbonara.

10721 124 St, 587 525 1300, nuovobistroyeg.com, $$

··Parlour Italian Kitchen

Part of the Century Hospitality Group family of restaurants, Parlour is a casual Italian eatery that specializes in pizza and pasta. Try the cauliflower fritto for an appetizer, or the prosciutto pizza.

10334 108 St, 780 990 0404, centuryhospitality.com/parlour, $$$

··Pasta Pantry & Trattoria

This Italian-style cafeteria serves fresh pasta and classic Italian entrées for dine-in or take-out. Try the ever-popular chicken parmigiana and pick up some fusilli or fettucini to take home.

15705 37 St, Unit 1, 780 467 3777, pastapantry.ca, $$

··Pazzo Pazzo Italian Cuisine

Pazzo Pazzo is a casual Italian spot that offers huge portions. The pasta carbonara is very popular here.

10016 103 Ave, 780 425 7711, pazzopazzo.ca, $$$

··Ragazzi Bistro Italiano

This family-owned Italian spot specializes in pizza. Don’t miss the soprano bread, a popular appetizer of twisted bread topped with olive oil, garlic, anchovies, and spices.

8110 82 Ave, 780 414 0500, ragazzibistro.ca, $$

··Rosso Pizzeria

Located in Garneau, Rosso specializes in woodfired pizza made with local and organic ingredients, but the gelato here is the star of the show.

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8738 109 St, 780 433 5382, pizzeriarosso109.com, $$

··Sicilian Pasta Kitchen

A modern but casual restaurant inspired by Italian trattorias, “SPK” is focused on the cuisine of southern Italy. While the pasta is the feature here, the pizzas are also very good. Try the spaghetti polpette or the gnocchi.

11239 Jasper Ave, 780 488 3838, sicilianpastakitchendowntown.com, $$$

··Sorrentino’s

This popular, locally-owned chain of Italian restaurants is known for its elegant atmosphere and upscale cuisine.

10162 100 St, and other locations, 780 424 7500, sorrentinos.com, $$$$

··Uccellino

This modern Italian restaurant is part of Daniel Costa’s small family of restaurants, and features a classic stand-up bar. The menu changes frequently but remains focused on classic, simple dishes and Italian wine.

10349 Jasper Ave, 780 426 0346, uccellino.ca, $$$$

··Urbano Pizza Co.

This local pizza shop offers ultra-fast, wood-fired pizza in a modern, industrial-style restaurant. The pizzas are all personal sized, ready in two minutes or less, and come with a variety of creative toppings. Try their interpretation of a Hawaiian pizza, the pork and pineapple, which features back bacon, grilled pineapples and Brie.

10326 124 St, 780 705 1577, urbanopizzaco.com, $$

··Vaticano Cucina

While Vaticano offers a sizeable round-up of handmade Italian pastas, their menu can surprise with more modern delights like butternut squashstuffed pasta. The restaurant is known for its open-air kitchen, complete with a wood-fired oven for traditional Neopolatian-style pizza, and its classy decor, great for a date night.

10310 45 Ave, 780 250 1110, vaticanoyeg.com, $$$

··Vivo Ristorante

This traditional Italian restaurant features an open kitchen with seating available at the “chef’s counter,” a bar that faces into the open-concept kitchen. The focus here is on family-style dining meant to be shared. Don’t miss the risotto.

18352 Lessard Rd, 780 756 7710, vivoristorante.ca, $$$

··Zenari’s

Inspired by Italy’s trattorias, Zenari’s has been serving up home-cooked food for over 30 years.

Stop by for lunch or book a table for the Thursday night formal dinner, featuring a limited menu full of traditional Italian fare.

10180 101 St, 780 423 5409, zenaris.ca, $$

RESTAURANT GUIDE

- Japanese ··Dorinku

Dorinku is one of the city’s growing contingent of izakayas, based on a traditional Japanese barconcept that’s focused more on food than drinks.

Dorinku’s menu is largely inspired by Japanese street food. Try the chicken peperone udon.

10205 82 Ave, 780 988 9760, dorinku.ca, $$$

··Furusato Japanese Restaurant

··Nara Chicken & Tonkatsu

This Korean and Japanese cuisine restaurant offers some interesting menu items like pizza tonkatsu—a pizza with deep-fried pork sirloin, cheese, pickled cabbage, and “Nara special sauce.” They also have several varieties of fried chicken.

8712 150 St, 780 540 0088, narachicken.com, $$

This cozy sushi spot might not look like much from the outside, but it is one of the city’s most popular Japanese restaurants. Try the dynamite rolls and butterfly rolls.

10012 82 Ave, 780 439 1335, furusatoedmonton.com, $$

··Nomiya

··I Love Sushi

··Nudoru

This tiny downtown sushi restaurant is popular for its sushi boats, perfect for feeding a couple or a crowd. The spicy tuna maki here is especially good.

10106 105 St, 780 428 0606, $$

··Ikki Izakaya

This Japanese bistro-pub focuses on small plates and sake in an elegant, modern setting. Try the Japanese poutine and the okonomi dog.

11931 Jasper Ave, 780 454 4230, ikki.ca, $$$

··Izakaya Tomo

Edmonton’s first izakaya, Izakaya Tomo boasts rustic decor and a great menu of food, sake, and beer. Get the tonpei yaki and the carbonara udon.

3739 99 St, 780 440 9152, izakayatomo.net, $$$

··Japanese Village

This Japanese steakhouse has been part of downtown’s culinary scene since the 1970s, offering a uniquely interactive dining experience where the chef cooks your meal at the table.

10238 104 St, and other locations, 780 422 6083, jvedmonton.ca, $$$$

··Japonais Bistro

This modern, Japanese fine-dining restaurant is known for its upscale take on traditional Japanese cuisine. If you’re in the mood for something special, call ahead for the omakase, a multi-course meal of dishes selected by the chef.

11806 Jasper Ave, 780 760 1616, japonaisbistro.ca, $$$$

··Kazoku Ramen

This west-end restaurant specializes in traditional ramen flavours served in a casual atmosphere.

Try the chicken karaage for an appetizer before choosing your ramen.

16518 100 Ave, 780 483 0448, kazokuramen.ca, $$

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Nomiya serves up ramen, sushi, donburi, and other traditional Japanese dishes, as well as some Western favourites.

11160 Ellerslie Rd, and other locations, 780 988 0989, nomiyarestaurant.com, $$

This modern noodle and tapas restaurant allows you to create your own ramen bowl, selecting the broth and ingredients that suit your fancy. The spicy miso broth is a great base for the soup, and don’t miss some of the appetizers—the dumplings are particularly good.

10532 82 Ave, 780 757 6836, nudoru.ca, $$

··Sushi Wasabi

While Sushi Wasabi may look a little worn, this tiny family-operated restaurant offers authentic Japanese cuisine. Try the flying fish and the aburi sushi.

5714 111 St, 780 433 0533, $$

··Tokiwa Ramen

Located in Edmonton’s Brewery District, Tokiwa focuses on pork and chicken-based broths with only natural flavours for their ramen bowls—i.e. no MSG. The bowls also feature locally-made noodles and unique toppings like fried lotus root.

11978 104 Ave, 780 761 1400, tokiwaramen.ca, $$

··Tokyo Noodle Shop and Sushi Bar

Tokyo Noodle is a popular sushi joint on Whyte Avenue, offering large portions at reasonable prices. Try the dragon rolls.

10736 82 Ave, 780 430 0838, tokyonoodleshop.com, $$$

··Washoku Bistro

Washoku Bistro offers Japanese cuisine with a Korean twist in a casual, modern dining room.

This place is particularly popular for its lunch bento boxes. Try the bulgogi bento and the tiger’s eye maki rolls.

10702 124 St, 780 705 2055, washokubistro.com, $$$

··Zen Sushi & Grill

Come hungry to this all-you-can-eat sushi bar, since you’ll be charged extra for what you don’t eat.

7618 104 St, 780 757 8816, zensushinorthwest.com, $$$$

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- Korean ··B-Bim-Baab Restaurant & Lounge

This family-run Korean restaurant is tucked away in an industrial area, but is worth trying for the seafood and green onion pancake, and charp chae (glass noodles).

9543 42 Ave, 780 433 1239, bbimbaab.ca, $$

··Bul Go Gi House

This small Korean restaurant looks a little run down from the outside, but it’s worth stopping in for the large portions of bulgogi and low prices.

8813 92 St, 780 466 2330, bul-go-gi-house.com, $$

··Buok Fresh Korean Kitchen

This Korean eatery serves bibimbap, kimchi, sandwiches, and small plates. Try the Denjung Pulled Pork Bowl, the Buddha Bowl (vegetarian/ vegan), or build your own bibimbap.

10707 100 Ave, 780 244 2865, buokfresh.ca, $$

··Coco Deep Fried Chicken

For many people, KFC now refers to Korean Fried Chicken, not Kentucky. Coco serves nothing except fried chicken, along with a few side items—chicken and waffles, anyone? Order the half and half back, with both the classic, and sweet and spicy chicken.

12620 E 132 Ave, 780 472 7328, cocochickenedmonton.com, $$

··Miga

Miga boasts a plentiful menu of traditional Korean dishes, including bulgogi, noodles, be bim bap, and hot pot. Meals come with banchan to eat alongside your entrees. Don’t miss the barbecue short ribs here.

9261 34 Ave, Unit 11, 780 438 6241, $$$

··NongBu Korean Eatery

This warm and modern Korean restaurant specializes in street food and small plates for sharing. The Kimbap—Korean-style maki rolls—are a great choice for an appetizer or main, and the JjimDak Bap, chicken with glass noodles and spicy sauce, is also excellent.

8115 104 St, 780 989 0997, $$

··Pocha Seoul

This Korean restaurant has built-in gas jets at its tables to keep hot pots warm. Try the dol sot bibimbap, the galbi (braised short ribs), and the japchae (glass noodles).

9261 34 Ave, 780 465 1996, $$

··Daore

··Rae Mi Hyang

··Gaya Korean Restaurant

··Seoul Fried Chicken

This small Korean eatery feels cozy and intimate, and offers a variety of authentic dishes. Try the Dookbaegigamjatang (pork back bone stew).

9334 34 Ave, 780 433 0526, daore.ca, $$

Just off the University of Alberta campus, Gaya is popular with students for its cheap and plentiful food—the most expensive item on the menu is only $13.95. The be bim bap or bulgogi are both popular choices here.

11147 87 Ave, 780 439 4978, $

··Korean Village

Specializing in Korean barbecue, Korean Village offers an all-you-can-eat buffet—select your raw meats from the buffet and then grill them at your table. Many items from the a la carte menu can be made vegetarian.

7729 85 St, 780 466 5666, $$$

··Lee House Korean Restaurant

Lee House has a cozy ambiance, and is outfitted with barbecue stations at each table. Try the Korean stews or the fried chicken balls, a popular favourite.

10704 97 St, 780 438 0790, $$

··Mama Lee’s Kitchen

Mama Lee’s specializes in home-style Korean food. There are a few small tables here, but most

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people opt for takeout. The bento-box style lunch with beef or pork bulgogi is a good choice.

10633 51 Ave, 780 498 1222, mamaleeskitchen.com, $$

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This small, strip-mall Korean restaurant on the southside offers a few Chinese-inspired dishes as well. Try the Jjam Bbong, a Korean stew full of crab, mussels, and shrimp.

10625 51 Ave, 780 705 3966, $$

One of Edmonton’s most popular Korean fried chicken restaurants, SFC offers a variety of flavours. Be prepared to take your order to go, however, as the small restaurant can get quite crowded. Try the garlic soy and barbecue fried chicken, and don’t miss the corn fritters, or macaroni and cheese pesto salad.

7904B 104 St, 780 761 3616, sfcseoulfriedchicken.com, $$

··Tofu House

Located in an old Swiss Chalet restaurant, Tofu House has kept most of the old decor but changed the menu. It serves much more than tofu—try the Korean fried chicken and the kimchi pork tofu stew.

5020 97 St, 780 989 0804, $$

··Won Jung Gak

Won Jung Gak offers a blend of Korean and Chinese cuisine in a simple, comfortable setting. Try the spicy pork bone soup and the jjajangmyeon (black bean noodles).

9655 62 Ave, 780 988 7709, won-jung-gak.com, $$

RESTAURANT GUIDE

WHOLESOME KOREAN FOOD BIBIMBAP | ANJU/SMALL PLATES

103, 10707 100 AVE 780 244 2865 BUOKFRESH.CA

Saturdays $10 off bottles of wine Thursdays Wine specials See our menu at thehatonjasper.com 10251 Jasper Ave 780.429.4471 thehatonjasper.com BAR

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- Latin American ··Acajutla Restaurant

This inexpensive restaurant offers both Mexican and authentic Salvadorean cuisine in a bright, cheerful space. The pupusas here are extremely popular.

11302 107 Ave, 780 426 1308, acajutlarestaurant.ca, $$

··Ávila Arepa

This Venezuelan kitchen on Whyte strikes a balance between traditional and urban food. With sandwich-style Venezuelan arepas dominating the menu, there’s a maize-dough, street-style wrap for everyone. Try the cochino frito bites.

10760 82 Ave, 780 328 7887, myavilaarepa.com, $$

··Azucar Picante

This restaurant and cantina is a perfect spot for dinner and dancing, and serves a variety of Latin American cuisine from Brazil, Peru, and Mexico.

13062 50 St, 780 479 7400, azucarpicanterestaurant.com, $$$

··Calle Mexico

Calle Mexico operates a food truck as well a brick-and-mortar restaurant north of downtown, offering authentic street-style tacos, tortas, and tostadas. Try the barbacoa beef tacos or the steak tortas.

11127 107 Ave, 780 705 0901, callemexicofoodtruck.com, $$

··El Cortez Mexican Kitchen +

Tequila Bar

This popular Mexican spot offers craft cocktails and Latin fusion cuisine. Stop by on Tuesdays for their half-price tacos, or try the weekend brunch.

The fish tacos and vegetarian tostadas are particularly good.

8230 Gateway Blvd, 780 760 0200, elcortezcantina.com, $$

··El Fogón Latino

Serving as a Venezuelan fast-food joint, El Fogón serves arepas, empanadas, cachapas, and pupusas. They also offer all-day breakfast, for late risers and breakfast lovers.

8026 118 Ave, 780 756 8388, el-fogon-latino.com, $$

··El Rancho Spanish Restaurant

El Rancho serves a range of Spanish, Mexican, and Latin American dishes in a casual setting. The pupusas here are a popular choice.

11810 87 St, 780 471 4980, elranchospanishrestaurant.com, $$

··Fumaca Brazilian Steakhouse

This Brazilian steakhouse serves over 15 cuts of grilled meat, including beef, pork, chicken, lamb, and shrimp. There are over another 50 items to

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choose from at the salad bar, and $44.99 gets you limitless trips and meats.

10143 Saskatchewan Dr, 780 249 8995, fumacasteakhouse.com, $$$

··Huma Mexican Comfort

Opened in 2015 by owners Mariel Montero Sena and Humberto Hernandez Cordova, this restaurant has a large menu of home-style Mexican comfort foods.

9880 63 Ave, 780 433 9229, humamexicanrestaurant.ca, $$

··Julio’s Barrio

This casual Mexican restaurant has been a fixture of Whyte Avenue thanks to its summer boardwalk patio, plentiful margaritas, and popular bulldogs (margaritas with a bottle of beer tipped into the drink). Order the flautas, fajitas, and Mexican fried ice cream.

10450 82 Ave, 780 431 0774, juliosbarrio.com, $$

··La Patrona

Building of the success of their casa12doce foodtruck, the owerns of a Patrona decided to open a brick and mortar restaurant. The menu includes traditional Mexican fare, like flautas, tortas, enchiladas, and tacos.

2 Athabascan Ave, Sherwood Park, 780 570 1200, lapatrona.rocks, $$

··Mamenche’s Restaurant

A family-owned Salvadorean restaurant, Mamenche’s boasts traditional pupusas, enchiladas, tamales, and tacos like only abuelas can cook.

Known for their pupusas—be sure you don’t leave without a taste.

10824 97 St, 780 497 0037, mamenchesrestaurant.weebly.com, $$

··My Empanadas

This unique take-away restaurant specializes in— you guessed it—empanadas. The Argentinianstyle empanadas are available cooked and ready to eat, or frozen to take home and cook yourself.

11460 42 Ave, 780 756 1345, $

··Pampa Brazilian Steakhouse

Pampa is locally famous for its all-you-can-eat charcoal-grilled meats, with at least 10 different varieties of beef, pork, chicken, and lamb carved tableside.

9929 109 St, 780 756 7030, pampasteakhouse.com, $$$$$

··Rostizado

The sister restaurant of the ever-popular taco joint, Tres Carnales, Rostizado offers Mexicanstyle roasted meat in a modern, industrial dining room. The rotisserie platters with chicken, pork or beef are the highlight here.

10359 104 St, Unit 102, 780 761 0911, rostizado.com, $$$

RESTAURANT GUIDE

··The Three Amigos

This casual Mexican restaurant’s two locations serve up a variety of homestyle dishes and fantastic margaritas. Try the tacos dorados or the drunken chicken enchiladas.

10247 Jasper Ave, 780 705 5951, the-3-amigos.com, $$

··Tres Carnales

Possibly Edmonton’s most popular taco restaurant, this fast-casual spot offers a variety of delicious tacos, quesadillas, and tortas. The daily special here is always a good option.

10119 100A St, 780 429 0911, trescarnales.com, $$

- Middle Eastern ··Al Salam Bakery Deli &

··La Shish Shawarma

This staple of Middle Eastern food offers in-house table service as well as a bakery and grocery store with food to bring home. Their alwaysserved-warm house pita won’t disappoint and their Lebanese wraps, pies, and platters are likely to fill you up.

10141 34 Ave, 780 944 0000, alsalampita.ca, $$

··Lava Mediterranean Cuisine

Restaurant

··Co Co Di

This small Lebanese restaurant on Jasper Avenue has been described as a “hidden gem” thanks to its unassuming frontage. Try the chicken shawarma or the vegetarian platter.

11454 Jasper Ave, 780 425 1717, cocodi.ca, $$$

··King of Donair

This Halifax-based chain serves up donairs, pizzas, fries, and sweet sauce. Try the Alberta or the Philly donairs.

10364 82 Ave, 780 244 5464, kingofdonair.ca, $$

This simple, strip-mall Lebanese restaurant offers pita wraps, kebabs, and shawarma. Get the combo platter to try a little of everything.

10106 118 St, 780 452 1333, lashishshawarma.com, $$

Lava is most popular for its hookah service, but also serves some classic Mediterranean dishes, including chicken shawarma, skewers, and falafel.

16741 100 St, 780 756 3297, $$

··Layalina Mediterranean Cuisine

This intimate Mediterranean restaurant serves a large variety of Lebanese dishes alongside flavoured shisha.

11850 145 Ave, 780 757 7826, layalinaedmonton.com, $$

LISTINGS CONTINUED ON PG 34

King of Donair / JProcktor

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Brunch! / AdobeStock

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L

ife is pain, and a Good Brunch is one of the few things that can cut through the existential misery in which humans find themselves. The key to this salve, this fleeting ointment of the soul, is that it actually has to be a capital-g-capital-b Good Brunch, not just a brunch that is good. All brunch is good by default—even bad brunch—but a lot of TV shows, for example, are good: neither they nor a middling brunch are good enough to make life worth living or save you after a night of heavy drinking.

This is where I tell you why you should care about my opinions on the matter. One, I’m the editor of Vue Weekly’s Dish section.

Two, I’m irresponsible with my money, and both brunch and the preceding alcohol have drained my bank account since I was old enough to care about the former (I think a love of brunch comes at age 25, but who knows?) Quite the resume, I know.

To me, a hangover needs two things—there are a few accoutrements to these two things, but at the end of the day, these two things are essential. These two things are, as it goes, protein and spice—a kind of spice that warms your soul while punishing you for your transgressions, and helps you sweat out the remainder of the booze in your system.

The protein part is easy. You can get eggs, bacon, sausage (or vegan versions of each) at almost any place that offers brunch in the city. The humble eggs Benedict is the paragon of this category, featuring, usually, eggs, some kind of pig meat, an English muffin, and Hollandaise (the latter two are carbs and fat, some of the previously mentioned accoutrements).

The best ways to tell if you’re eating a quality eggs Benedict is by looking at the egg and the hollandaise. The egg should be poached fully, but with a runny yolk; and the hollandaise should be creamy and, at no point, should it have congealed on top of the egg. English BAR

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muffins (well, all carbs, really), and any form of bacon are much more forgiving ingredients—it’s hard to do them wrong enough that people don’t enjoy them.

Next up: the spice. If you drink, and don’t mind drinking a bit more before noon, always go for the Caesar. People will tell you that hair of the dog doesn’t actually help—and they’re right; it just dehydrates you again— but it will numb the pain for around an hour or so, which isn’t nothing.

So, good Caesars have fancy garnishes (shrimp, sliders, grilled cheese sandwiches, etc.,) but great Caesars are made with care, achieving a kind of balance between the hot sauce, the clamato, the spices (ideally; though just pepper counts) and quality vodka. It’s a kind of poetry that’s hard to master.

If a Caesar goes too far in any direction—I mean, still drink it, but this is where hot sauce comes in. A few dashes of Tabasco or a hearty glug of Franks Red Hot can cover up any imperfections in the mixture. Personally, I like adding hot sauce even if it is a masterfully concocted Caesar—but you do you.

Don’t replace this with a mimosa. Don’t get me wrong; they’re fantastic beverages, but between the wine and the sugar, they’re just going to dehydrate the crap out of you more than anything else. Caesars, though, have a kind of tomato juice (not the healthiest kind, granted), which is basically a vegetable by some of the looser standards of the word.

It seems obvious that these two forms of sustenance would be what you need during your hangover mornings (or afternoons), but people still opt for fancier fare when, really, there’s a tried, tested, and true formula laid out before them. Experimentation and adventure are for well-rested people, and you’re in tireds-ville now, bro—this isn’t rocket science.

Doug Johnson doug@vueweekly.com

RESTAURANT GUIDE

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··Parkallen Restaurant

A Lebanese fine-dining restaurant in the quiet residential neighbourhood of Parkallen, this restaurant also serves pizza. Try the wild Atlantic salmon or the spring rack of lamb.

7018 109 St, 587 520 6401, parkallen.com, $$$$

··Sahara Palace

This fine-dining restaurant is popular for its modern decor and extensive menu of Lebanese favourites. Diners can choose to dine in a smokefree section, or order shisha with their meal. Try the tabouleh and fatoush.

10807 Castle Downs Rd, Unit 110, 780 371 1113, saharaedmonton.com, $$$$

··Simit House

This small cafeteria-style Turkish restaurant specializes in simit, a type of circular bread that’s common in Middle East. Try the gözleme.

10540 82 Ave, 587 469 2461, simit-house.com, $$

··Sofra Authentic Turkish Cuisine

This popular Turkish restaurant has expanded into a downstairs “wine cellar” that serves small plates and half-priced bottles of wine downstairs. If you’re dining in the restaurant upstairs, try the sultan’s platter, which features a little bit of everything from the menu.

10345 106 St, 780 423 3044, $$$

··Turquaz Kebab House

This Turkish and Lebanese grill specializes in grilled meats and—predictably—kebabs. Try the kebab platter with chicken, kafta, and lamb.

13310 137 Ave, 780 476 4511, turquazkebabhouse.com, $$

··Zar Zor Restaurant

This hidden gem off 118 Avenue caters to wideranging Middle Eastern tastes with grand portions. Zar Zor also features a Mesopotamian breakfast, served till 2 p.m. Go for the family platters for a group, or the lunch box specials for an individual. Also, ask for the Iraqi tea.

12118 90 St, 780 224 2627, zarzor.ca, $$

- Small Plates ··Ampersand 27

This Whyte Avenue restaurant serves a changing array of small plates and craft cocktails, as well as wine by the bottle, glass, or ounce. Try the eggplant or the pork buns.

10612 82 Ave, 780 757 2727, ampersand27.com, $$$$

··Bar Bricco

The third entry in Daniel Costa’s contingent of restaurants, Bar Bricco is a wine and Italian charcuterie bar.

Try the salumi or formaggi tasting plate—or both.

10347 Jasper Ave, 780 424 5588, barbricco.com, $$$

··Bodega Tapas

This extension of Sabor restaurant also has additional locations in the Highlands and on 124th Street, serving classic Spanish tapas, wine, and cocktails. Don’t miss the paella.

10220 103 St, and other locations, 780 757 1114, bodegayeg.ca, $$$

··South Island Pie Co.

This restaurant offers New Zealand meat pies made by an actual New Zealander. Options include the Arvo (steak and mushroom), the Chook (chicken, cranberry, and camembert), the Great Scott (bacon and egg), and more.

10552 114 St, 780 995 9591, southislandpie.co, $

Zwick’s Pretzels / JProcktor

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··Tapa Vino

This Mediterranean tapas restaurant serves a variety of classic tapas in a rustic setting. Try the patatas bravas and sambuca shrimp.

11011 Jasper Ave, 780 705 1101, tapavino.ca, $$$

classy night owls of the city, it’s a refined stop while downtown.

10542 Jasper Ave, 780 757 6758, eatwishbone.ca, $$$

··Woodwork

This tiny restaurant specializes in small plates and cocktails in an intimate, modern setting. The menu features a variety of fusion dishes. Try the mushrooms and toast, oka tart, or peach teriyaki chicken wings.

8424 109 St, 780 757 2600, threeboars.ca, $$$

This restaurant is always warm and cozy thanks to the woodfired oven, and frequently smells like a campfire—in the best way. There’s a highlycurated menu of small plates to share, as well as a few larger dishes. The seasonal cocktail menu here is also recommended.

10132 100 St, 780 757 4100, woodworkyeg.com, $$$

··Tzin Wine and Tapas

··Zwick’s Pretzels

··Three Boars Eatery

This elegant, eclectic wine bar serves a Spanish-inspired menu of tapas and fine wine. It’s truly tiny, so make sure you make a reservation in advance. Try the mushroom gnocchi and wild boar meatballs.

10115 104 St, 780 428 8945, tzin.ca, $$$

··Wishbone

Known for its oyster bar, Wishbone is the adult counterpart to sister restaurant Three Boars. With a wine list and late-night menu suited to the

The pretzels and “nubs” here come basic (butter, salt and butter, or garlic butter), dusted (savoury garlic, sour cream and onion, cinnamon sugar, or milk crumb), or cheesy (spicy scallion and mozza, guajillo and feta, or cheddar and black pepper). While you’re there, try their sandwiches, sausages, borscht, and dill, pea and potato salad.

12415 107 Ave, 780 451 8882, zwickspretzels.com, $$$

- Southern & Barbecue ··DaDeO New Orleans Diner & Bar

A 1950s-style diner focused on po’ boys and other southern cuisine—be warned that you must be over 18 and have ID to dine here. The sweet potato fries here are among the best in the city.

10548A 82 Ave, 780 433 0930, dadeo.ca, $$

··Have Mercy Table & Bar

The sister restaurant to El Cortez, which is located just downstairs, Have Mercy has the feel of a Texas bar for hipster bikers. Try the fried chicken and donuts.

8232 Gateway Blvd, 780 760 0203, havemercy.ca, $$

··Louisiana Purchase

Serving up classic Creole and Cajun fare since 1989, Louisiana Purchase is one of the city’s oldest southern-style restaurants, and now has a second location in Northwest Edmonton. The jambalaya is the classic dish to have here.

10320 111 St, and another location, 780 420 6779, louisianapurchase.ca, $$$

··MEAT

Meat’s speciality is classic, slow-cooked southern barbecue served family style, but they also offer some individual sandwiches, and a single vegetarian option. Order your meats by the pound or halfpound, but don’t miss the fried chicken or pecan pie.

8216 104 Ave, 587 520 6338, meatfordinner.com, $$

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··Northern Chicken

Known for their fried chicken and hot! chicken, Northern does feel-good soul food with a bang by focusing on comfort food with a modern twist. Try the honey thyme cornbread and dorito mac and cheese.

10704 124 St, 780 756 2239, northernchickenyeg.com, $$

··Sloppy Hoggs Roed Hus

This relaxed, casual restaurant specializes in barbecued meat and enormous portions served with a side of humour. If you’re starving, try the “ridiculous” burgers, including the Roed Hus Road Kill

(with brisket, bacon, pork butt and smoked chicken).

9563 118 Ave, 780 477 2408, sloppyhoggs.com, $$$

··Smokehouse BBQ

This classic southern smokehouse serves all your favourite barbecued meats, including ribs, catfish, pulled pork, brisket, and more. Don’t miss the hush puppies, mac ’n‘ cheese, and corn bread.

15960 109 Ave, 587 521 6328, smokehousebbq.ca, $$$

- Steak & Seafood ··Black Pearl Seafood Bar

··Ruth’s Chris Steak House

··Lux Steakhouse + Bar

··Sabor Restaurant

This nautical-themed eatery carries seafood from Canada’s East and West coasts, including oysters, crab, tiger prawns, and more. The menu is a mix of different cuisines, including Japanese and Mediterranean.

10132 104 St, 780 705 7887, blackpearlseafood.ca, $$$$$

Century Hospitality Group’s flagship steakhouse offers a refined environment and traditional steakhouse menu.

10150 101 St, 780 424 0400, centuryhospitality.com/lux, $$$$

··Ono Poke Co.

This Hawaiian restaurant offers a variety of poke dishes. Try out the ’Ono Poke with ahi tuna, the Spicy Thai Salmon Poke, or the vegetarian option, Beet the Poke.

10142 104 St, 780 244 8885, onopokeco.com, $$

Once a mom ’n’ pop steak house, this restaurant has expanded to take over a large portion of the U.S., parts of Central America and, of course, two locations in Alberta. Check out the Edmonton restaurant for a juicy steak and succulent lobster tail.

9990 Jasper Ave, 780 990 0123, ruthschris.com, $$$$

This Spanish/Portugese restaurant specializes in seafood, with a menu boasting lobster, octopus, and squid, as well as more than five varieties of fish. The paella is a favourite dish here.

10220 103 St, Unit 109, 780 757 1114, sabor.ca, $$$$

··Von’s Steakhouse & Oyster Bar

An upscale steak and seafood restaurant, Von’s is locally known for its buck-a-shuck oyster nights and refined menu. Try the crabshack oysters and steak oscar.

10309 81 Ave, 780 439 0041, vonssteakhouse.com, $$$$$

- Thai ··Ban Thai

This small restaurant is one of the longest operating Thai restaurants in Edmonton, and serves a variety of classic dishes, including stir fries, seafood, and curries. Try the panang curry and pad thai.

15726 100 Ave, 780 444 9345, baanthaiedm.com, $$$

··Boualouang

This Chinatown restaurant serves cuisine from both Thailand and Laos in a bistro-style setting.

Try the red curry and tom yum ga tee soup.

10569 97 St, 780 423 4207, $$

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··Bua Thai

A cozy, simply-decorated Thai restaurant in Oliver. Try the larb kai chicken salad and phat phrik nua (spicy beef with kaffir lime leaves).

10049 113 St, 780 482 2277, buathairestaurant.com, $$$

··LOFT Thai Eatery

A modern Thai restaurant that boasts beautiful presentation and big flavours. With classic curries and soups, the menu also stands out with entrée items like braised beef short rib, duck confit, and demi-glaced lamb.

5324 75 St, 780 466 5638, loftthaieatery.com, $$$

RESTAURANT GUIDE

··Million Thai

This simple but popular Thai restaurant in Beverly offers classic Thai dishes at reasonable prices.

The coconut prawns here are something special.

4109 118 Ave, 780 477 1617, millionthaiedmonton.com, $$

··Noi Thai

··Thai Orchid Restaurant

Tucked between two motels, the Thai Orchid may look a little dated, but is popular for its authentic cuisine. Try the Thai samosas, tom yum goong (hot and sour soup), and the signature coconut rice.

4005 Gateway Blvd, 780 438 3344, edmontonthaiorchid.ca, $$

This downtown restaurant serves authentic Thai food like pad thai and a selection of curries. Try the Thai samosas, the drunken noodles, and the sweet and sour fish with a side of coconut rice.

10724 95 St, 780 423 3213, noithairestaurant.com, $$

··Thai Valley Grill

··Numchok Wilai Restaurant

··The King & I Thai Cuisine

This small, elegant Thai restaurant is a perfect choice for lunch, thanks to the special that includes lemongrass soup, a spring roll, rice, and an entrée for less than $15. The red curry beef and hot basil chicken are both excellent choices.

10623 124 St, 780 488 7897, numchokwilai.ca, $$

This strip mall Thai restaurant offers classic Thai cuisine in a cozy, almost rustic atmosphere. The Thai curries are a favourite here.

4211 106 St, Unit 149, 780 413 9556, thaivalleygrill.com, $$$

This restaurant has been a Whyte Avenue staple since the 1990s, and continues to be a popular destination for Thai. Try the tamarind ginger beef and the poppy shrimp.

8208 107 St, 780 433 2222, thekingandi.ca, $$$

··Tropika Malaysian Cuisine

··Syphay Restaurant

Syphay’s two locations—both family-owned— serve Thai and Lao cuisine in a casual, welcoming setting. Their pad thai is considered some of the best in the city.

9441 Jasper Ave, and another location, 780 423 4241, syphay.com, $$

Tropika’s two locations serve a combination of Thai, Malaysian, and Singaporean cuisine with tropical flair. Start your meal off with their house specialty satay, and don’t miss the cheap and plentiful tropical cocktails.

6004 104 St, and another location, 780 439 6699, tropikagroup.com, $$$

··Thai Basil

··Viphalay

Despite its strip mall exterior, Thai Basil offers a bright and modern interior alongside its classic Thai cuisine. Try the cashew chicken and pad woon sen.

17759 98A Ave, 587 521 8424, thaibasiledmonton.com, $$

This family-owned Thai and Lao restaurant offers classy, warm decor alongside classic southeast Asian cuisine. Try the red curry, basil stir-fry, and coconut rice.

10523 99 Ave, 780 756 8188, viphalay.com, $$$

- Ukrainian ··Baba Finks Canteen

This tiny restaurant is part of the entrance to Central LRT Station on Jasper Avenue and 100A Street, where it serves up perogies and sandwiches streetside. Try the perogies (obviously) and the Montreal smoked meat sandwich.

10050 Jasper Ave, babafinks.com, $

··Shumka Ukrainian Restaurant

Shumka started as a food court outlet in Londonderry Mall back in 1975, and has been serving classic Ukrainian cuisine every since. Its two current locations are extremely casual, with food served primarily on paper plates. Try the nalysnyky and the meatballs.

16520 95 St, and Kingsway Garden Mall, shumkafoods.ca, $

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··Uncle Ed’s Ukrainian Restaurant

One of the two restaurants owned by Stawnichy’s Meat Processing, a Mundare-based sausage company, Uncle Ed’s offers casual Ukrainian fare, including perogies, cabbage rolls, and more. You can also stop in at the attached deli shop to pick up some kubasa to take home.

4824 118 Ave, 780 471 1010, stawnichys.com, $

··Wendy’s Gourmet Perogies

This unassuming restaurant is located in an industrial park and isn’t much to look at, but offers a variety of perogies at low prices. Try the jalapeño and cheddar or “tex mex” perogies for something new, or the classic cottage cheese.

4532 99 St, 780 432 3893, $

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- Vegan ··Cinnaholic

Cinnaholic exclusively serves up desserts—cinnamon buns and raw cookie dough—but it’s also completely plant-based, which is why we’ve included it here. Choose from house creations, or choose your own icing and toppings to make your own unique treat.

10075 109 St, 587 521 2111, cinnaholic.com, $$

··Bloom Cookies

Bloom Cookies has been providing Edmonton with vegan goodies for a while now, but in late 2018 they opened their own store front. Check it out and grab some London fog or ginger snap cookies while you’re there.

10350 124 St, bloomcookieco.ca, $$

··Die Pie

Alberta’s first all-vegan, plant-based pizzeria.

Uses fresh ingredients in their Neopolitan-style pizza. Sells vegan artisan cheeses. Try the pulled pork (jackfruit) pizza.

11215 Jasper Ave, 780 760 7272, diepie.ca, $$

··Good Stock Restaurant

With specials rotating every day, this plant-based restaurant is a rare find. With a “probiotic cashew cheeze wheel” vegans no more need miss out.

Smoothies, bowls, and café specials all don the menu as well. Try the signature soups and all the desserts if you’re unsure which to choose.

11409 40 Ave, 587 499 8793, goodstockrestaurant.com, $$

··Kanu Cafe

Kanu offers plant-based fine dining, with menu items like heirloom tomato and zucchini lasagna, and kelp noodle cacio e pepe served alongside a selection of cocktails, wines, and beers.

10823 Jasper Ave, 780 760 5268, kanucafe.ca, $$$

··Kb&co

This vegan restaurant offers casual fare, like soup and sandwiches, in a modern setting. Try the turmeric toona sandwich, the coconut BLT sandwich, and the creamy corn chowder.

10224 104 St, 780 705 4007, kbandcompany.com, $$$

··Padmanadi

This trendy, modern vegan restaurant offers a blend of Indonesian, Chinese, Thai and Indian cuisine, and could confuse a newcomer with its extensive menu of “vegetarian meat dishes”—including ginger beef, sweet and sour chicken, and curry mutton. Despite looking and tasting a lot like the real thing, all of Padmanadi’s meat and fish are actually vegan substitutes.

10740 101 St, 780 428 8899, padmanadi.com, $$

··Square Root

NAIT opened Alberta’s first all-vegan post-secondary campus eats in September, 2018, with options like avocado toast, lentil curry, and tofu banh mi (Vietnamese-style sandwiches).

10504 Princess Elizabeth Ave, 780 471 6248, $

··Sweet Pea Cafe & Playhouse

This family-friendly cafe offers not only plantbased meals, but a playground side for little ones.

Menu options include a Buddha bowl, spanakopita and tzatziki, a curry wrap and, of course, there’s a kids’ menu.

14238 85 Ave, 825 201 8242, sweetpeacafeandplayhouse.com, $

··The Clever Rabbit

This down-to-earth café offers vegan comfort food and diner classics, including donairs, burgers, and sandwiches. There are also a variety of gluten-free options available, and the vegan desserts are considered legendary.

10722 124 St, 780 455 4500, $$

··The Green Moustache Organic Café

The first location of the chain outside B.C., Edmonton’s Green Moustache café serves organic, plant-based, whole-food meals like soups, salads, and veggie wraps.

11416 Jasper Ave, 780 760 0026, greenmoustache.com/edmonton, $

··The Moth Cafe

The Moth Cafe serves soups, sandwiches, vermicilli bowls, pasta, and more alongside an impressive selection of beverages that includes espresso drinks, teas, wines, beers, and “mothtails.”

9449 Jasper Ave, 780 244 9702, themothcafe.com, $$

- Vegetarian ··An Chay

An Chay is Edmonton’s first all-vegetarian Vietnamese restaurant. The literal Vietnamese translation for the title is “a vegetarian.” Try the bun hue, a popular Vietnamese spicy lemongrass noodle soup.

11203 Jasper Ave, 780 752 2203, $

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··Café Mosaics

Café Mosaics offers a variety of organic vegetarian and vegan foods alongside rock music in an eclectic, warm, and trendy atmosphere. Try the pumpkin mac ’n’ cheese or the vegan pho.

10844 82 Ave, 780 433 9702, cafemosaics.com, $$

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Clever Rabbit / Jennifer Linford

Sweet Pea / Jennifer Linford

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··Gama Cafe

This vegetarian and dessert restaurant has been on Whyte Avenue since 2015. Menu items include risotto, vegan Taiwanese dry noodle, and cabbage and mushroom dumplings.

10813 82 Ave, 780 438 2382, gamacafeedmonton.com, $$

··Noorish Conscious Eatery

This eclectic restaurant-slash-yoga studio offers a variety of vegan, vegetarian, and raw foods as well as “elixirs”—teas, juices, and smoothies— intended to boost your immune system or calm your mind. Try the “bacon cheeseburger” or rainbow root poutine with miso gravy and cashew “cheese.”

8440 109 St, 780 756 6880, noorish.ca, $$

··Loma House Vegetarian

Restaurant

This bright and modern restaurant offers Asianinspired vegan and vegetarian fare, including vegan dim sum. Try the Kung Pao “chicken” and curry vermicelli.

9142 23 Ave, 780 466 8391, lomahousevegexpress.com, $$

··Veggie Garden Restaurant

This inexpensive vegetarian restaurants offers Chinese and Vietnamese cuisine. Try the hot and salty tofu, tom yum vermicelli soup, and cilantro cakes.

10582 100 St, 780 757 9060, $

- Vietnamese ··Co Do Hue

This popular Vietnamese restaurant specializes in pho, but there are also a few rice dishes, salad rolls and other noodle soups. Try the spicy lemongrass shrimp with steamed rice.

12819 140 Ave, 780 475 2660, $$

··Dang Good

A quaint Vietnamese cuisine restuarant just off of 118 Ave that specializes in pho and coconut rice combos. Try the pho beef sate.

13308 118 Ave, 780 756 3264, $$

··Delicious Pho

A Vietnamese fusion noodle house that specializes in an assortment of brothy phos. Try the rice noodle in seafood soup with prawns, crab, squid, and fish balls.

10418 124 St and 9723 106 Ave, deliciouspho.ca, $

··Doan’s Restaurant

A cozy Vietnamese restaurant with two locations in Edmonton, Doan’s serves a variety of dishes, including vermicelli bowls, stir fried noodles and soups. One of their most popular dishes is the curry chicken soup.

7909 104 St and 10130 107 St, doans.ca, $$

··Fantasia Noodle House Express

Feast on delicious bun vermicelli bowls, indulge in some steaming-hot pho noodle soups, or fill up with a tasty Vietnamese sub.

11765 Jasper Ave, fantasianoodlehouseexpress.com, $

··Golden Bird

A popular Vietnamese restaurant in Edmonton’s Chinatown, Golden Bird serves pho, vermicelli bowls and other classic Vietnamese fare. Try the rainbow vermicelli bowl and popular spring rolls.

10542 97 St., 780 420 1612, $$

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··Grain of Rice

Grain of Rice in Edmonton is all about bringing traditional Asian cuisine, locally sourced ingredients and exceptional service together.

1312 Webber Greens Dr., 780 306 3338, grainofriceyeg.com

··Hoang Long Casual Fare

A bright and modern restaurant offering Vietnamese cuisine in a fast-casual, cafeteria format. Try the grilled quail and teriyaki beef soup.

10037 109 St., 780 486 6998, hoanglongcasualfare.ca, $

··Hoang Long Fresh Market

The sister restaurant to Hoang Long Casual Fare, Fresh Market draws its inspiration from Vietnamese street food while retaining the same sleek, modern dining room. Try the mixed rolls platter or salad trio.

10057 Jasper Ave., 780.425.0598, hoanglongfreshmarket.ca, $

··King Noodle House (Pho Hoang)

An authentic Vietnamese, family-owned and operated restaurant. Serving some of the best pho in the Edmonton. The extra large size is unlike any size you’ve ever seen.Try the Pho Dac Biet.

10613 97 St, 780 428 8983, kingnoodlehousephohoang.com, $$

··Mini Mango

A fresh take on Vietnamese made quick and healthy. Everything is prepared fresh, fast and to order. There are also many dishes for vegetarians, vegans, celiacs and people with allergies. Try the Pho Ga with seafood.

1056 91 St, 780 756 6464, minimango.ca, $

RESTAURANT GUIDE

The best nights start with finding the best bar.

Be confident your bar takes your fun and safety seriously. Search Best Bar None accredited locations at BestBarFinder.ca

Studio 99 inside Rogers Place offers elevated sports bar dining and is a must-see for any sports fan.

Enjoy a buffet experience, available prior to game-time, or a limited fan favourite menu, offered once the puck drops. Valid game day ticket required to access Studio 99.

ROGERSPLACE.COM/STUDIO99

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··Nha Trang

Nha Trang serves mouthwatering, authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Satisfy your appetite with traditional dishes like spicy central noodle soup, four-colour vermicelli, or the delicious curry chicken soup.

10120 111 Ave, 780 479 4649, nhatrangrestaurant.com, $$

In the location where the old Whyte Ave V Sandwiches was, Pho Sandwiches has a few more traditional Vietnamese dishes.

10460 82 Ave., (780) 756 9888., phosandwiches.com, $

··Pho Tau Bay

··Nhon Hoa

This simple, casual take-out spot offers Vietnamese subs with a variety of toppings as well as a few vermicelli and rice bowls. Try the Vietnamese sausage and shredded pork sub or the satay chicken sub.

10154 82 Ave and 9718 106 Ave, nhonhoaedmonton.com, $

This pho spot is so popular that it spawned an unofficial website, istaubayopen.ca, dedicated to letting aficionados keep track of the restaurant’s unpredictable hours and vacation schedule. The restaurant only serves pho, but their checklist style menu makes it easy to choose which variety appeals to you. Try the dac biet special combo.

10660 98 St., 780 421 0807, $

··Pagolac Restaurant

··Phobulous

··Pho Delight Noodle Shop

··Saigon Taste

Tucked away in an industrial strip mall, Pagolac is easy to miss. The atmosphere is very cozy and a little 1970s thanks to the wood panelling.

The classic choice here is the Bo 7 Mon, a sevencourse meal of beef, meant to be shared.

9642 54 Ave and 10566 97 St, 780 433 8899, pagolacrestaurant.com, $$

The sister restaurant to Friends and Neighbours Cafe, right next door, Pho Delight has the same cafe ambiance while offering up a menu of pho and other Vietnamese dishes. Build your own bowl of pho or choose from one their options— the spicy pho thai is an excellent choice.

10838 82 Ave, 780 702 1673, fnphodelight.com, $

··Pho Hoan Pasteur

This popular Vietnamese restaurant’s two locations are often busy, but it’s well worth the wait.

The pho is a popular choice here, but the bun bo hue is also a good choice.

11443 Kingsway Ave., 780-761-1989 and other locations., $

··Pho Huong and Mama Pizza

Vietnamese food and pizza might not seem like a natural fit, but this spot is a local favourite in Central McDougall, serving a variety of traditional Vietnamese cuisine as well as pizza and burgers.

The spicy beef pho is a popular choice, and the pizzas and wings are also well-loved.

10531 107 Ave, 780 422 6262, $

··Pho King

A family-run Vietnamese restaurant bringing fresh ingredients to create food inspired from traditional Vietnam. Try the King special beef noodle pho.

9103 118 Ave, 780 757 7277, phokingedmonton.com, $

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This modern Vietnamese eatery serves all the classics with a side of humour—most of the phos have both “Americanized” and traditional Vietnamese names, such as Pho Real and Pho Shizzle. The pork noodle soups (hu tieu) are an excellent choice.

8701 109 St., 780 988 2696, phobulousedmonton.com, $$

Serves authentic Vietnamese cuisine loaded with flavours that will surely satisfy. Feast on the delicious starters, appetizing soups, stir-fried dishes, and filling platters. Customer favourites include curry chicken soup, grilled beef, Thai fried rice, and ginger chicken.

10383 112 St., 780 705 1675, saigontasteedmonton.com, $$

··Thanh Tam

A Vietnamese noodle house with a plethora of side dishes and mains like chow mein, rice, seafood, and sizzling platers. The stir-fried meat with vermicielli noodle is a must.

11121 156 St., 780 447 3360,thanhtamrest.com, $$

··Thanh-Thanh

This family-owned restaurant has been serving up Vietnamese fare for 30 years and has built up a local following. Their beef satay soup is a popular dish as well as the stir fry.

10718 101 St., 780 426 5068, thanhthanh.ca, $$

··V Sandwiches

V Sandwiches’ decor is simple but they offer great sandwiches at reasonable prices. Try the barbecue pork sub and Vietnamese coffee.

10127 100a St., 780 250 9888, $

RESTAURANT GUIDE

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T

here’s never been a better time to eat plants in Edmonton. Last year saw a number of new restaurants and eateries with plant-based menus pop up around town, giving vegans, vegetarians, and adventurous omnivores access to everything from fine dining to cinnamon buns, and there are more new ventures on the way. Add to that the fact that bigger chains are adding plantbased eats—like Earl’s new plant-based menu, or A&W’s Beyond Meat burger—and it’s a pretty great time to be a veggie.

On the restaurant side, downtown got a high-end spot for plant-based eats when Los Angeles-based chef Matthew Kenney partnered with George and Sherry Schluessel to open Kanu (10803 Jasper Ave.). Farther East on Jasper, The Moth (9449 Jasper Ave.) is a plant-based cafe with a slew of healthy, yummy things like its raw zucchini lasagna or its wheat spaghetti with tofu mushroom meatballs. It also serves up tasty breakfast options 44

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and tea lattes made with plant-based milks (among many other fine beverages.)

Two other cafes also opened up over the past year. Sweet Pea Cafe and Playhouse (14238 85 Ave.) is family-friendly, serving kids their choice of six items—stuff like falafel balls, non-dairy yogurt, and vegan cheese slices— well-separated in a six-cup muffin tray (you just now someone figured this out trying to feed their own kids). For the adults, there are smoothies, dairy- and egg-free baked goods, salads, and some savoury dishes like spanakopita and tzatziki, or cheezy pasta.

On Sept. 7, environmental lawyer Eva Chipiuk opened a The Green Moustache franchise on West Jasper Avenue (11416 Jasper Ave.).

The cafe is not only entirely plant-based, but also offers organic, whole foods eats—everything is made in house, and they use neither added salt nor oil (lookin’ at you Forks over Knives peeps).

Chipiuk says she opened the franchise

RESTAURANT GUIDE

The Moth / Jennifer Linford

because she believes in the philosophy of healthy food.

“And I wanted to bring that alternative to Edmonton,” she says, adding that she first learned about The Green Moustache on Dragons’ Den. The Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) also opened Alberta’s first allvegan campus food outlet in September (suck it, SAIT). Square Root’s (10504 Princess Elizabeth Ave.) menu was created by Nick Creelman, NAIT’s registered dietician.

On the dessert front, Cinnaholic (10075 109 St.) opened its first Canadian location in Edmonton back in May. Customers were lined up around the block the day it opened, excited for plant-based cinnamon buns, frostings and toppings. Edmonton’s own Bloom Cookies (10350 124 St.) will also soon be opening a storefront (if they haven’t already), offering plant-based cookies with flavours like London Fog and Black Forest Macaroon.

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The Copper Branch—a franchise based out of Quebec—is also expected to open a location at 10316 Jasper Ave. sometime in the near future, and the owners of The Clever Rabbit (10722 124 St.) are preparing to open the Sly Fox Vegan Butcher next door.

Emmett Gorman, who co-owns both businesses with his partner Ashley Lee and her sister Tessa Lee, says the shop will sell the same in-house made “meats” that customers can already purchase, with some new offerings as well.

“I think we’re close to tripling the meat options. Currently we offer our bacon, turkey— we have a chicken patty—and sausages, and we’re looking to offer multiple [flavours of] sausages,” he says.

Gorman says he and his co-owners have seen a surge in the popularity of plant-based food options, and no one else in Alberta is offering animal-free meats. They hope to have the shop open for December.

Chelsea Novak chelsea@vueweekly.com

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Nightlife

- Brew Pub ··Alley Kat Brewing Company

This micro-Brewery is the fourth oldest brewery in Alberta, with a current capacity of 5.1 million bottles annually. Each brew is done as a small batch so the brew’s quality is perfected.

9929 60 Ave.,780 436 8922, alleykatbeer.com, $

··Biera

Blind Enthusiam’s contemporary neighbourhood restaurant offers a unique sharing place with freshly brewed beer.

9570 76 Ave., 587 525 8589, biera.ca, $$

··Brewsters

An Alberta-based brewing company operating a chain of restaurants, Brewsters serves up burgers, pizza, and, of course, their lineup of classic and seasonal brews. Try the mac and meatloaf, or opt for a classic maple bacon bison burger.

11620 104 Ave. and other locations, 780 482 4677, brewsters.ca, $$

··BRU Coffee + Beer House

This modern spot focuses on both kinds of brews: coffee and beer. Offers a unique selection of bottled beers alongside a cafe-style menu.

11965 Jasper Ave., 780 906 3377, brucoffeeandbeerhouse.com, $$

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··Craft Beer Market

Craft Beer Market is a premium casual restaurant with a passion for fresh local food and great craft beer. The downtown Edmonton location has more than 100 beers on tap.

10013 101A Ave., 780 424 2337, craftbeermarket.ca/edmonton, $$

··Malt and Mortar

This upscale craft beer spot offers a short list of rotating taps alongside elevated pub fare. Try the baked Brie, sangria salad or “faux” pho.

10416 82 Ave., 587 454 6093, maltandmortar.com, $$

··MKT Fresh Food and Beer Market

Part of the Century Hospitality Group of restaurants, MKT offers an extensive list of draft beers and bottles as well as a menu of modern pub classics including burgers, fried chicken and more.

8101 Gateway Blvd., 780 439 2337, centuryhospitality.com/mkt, $$

··Situation Brewing

A micro-brewery that offers a short list of nice craft-beers all made on-site. The food menu has an assortment of internationally inspired upscale pub food, including Thai mussels, chicken drumsticks and house-made perogies.

10308 81 Ave., 780 705 1377, situationbeer.com, $$

RESTAURANT GUIDE

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··The Canadian Brewhouse

A staple in Canadian brew pubs, the Brewhouse features draft and few craft beers. The weekly food specials also wont break your wallet.

10338 109 St. and other locations., 780 426 5555, thecanadianbrewhouse.com, $$

··Town Square Brewing Co.

Town Square holds a family-first philosophy. Bring the kids in for some ‘za and house-made craft soda while you enjoy a pint and play some board games.

2919 Ellwood Dr., 780 244 0212, townsqaurebrewing.com, $

··Underground Tap & Grill

The Underground Tap & Grill is quite literally underground, located in a basement on Jasper Ave. Features an assortment of rotating taps and bottles, as well as traditional pub fare.

10004 Jasper Ave., 780 425 1880, undergroundtapandgrill.com, $$

··Yellowhead Brewery

The “Tasting Room” at Yellowhead Brewery offers six taps of Yellowhead’s brews as well as a variety of sandwiches. A sandwich, side, and pint of beer is just $15.

10229 105 St., 780 423 3333, yellowheadbrewery.com, $$

- Cocktail Bar/Gastropub ··BLVD Bar and Kitchen

BLVD Bar and Kitchen serves simple and completely original food while boasting and impressive drink menu.

10765 Jasper Avenue., 780 934 2583, yourblvd.ca, $$

··Cartago

This newer bar-and-cocktail eatery serves a handful of German appetizers, entrees and charcuterie plates.

With an impressive beer menu and slew of house cocktails, Cartago has something for everyone.

8204 106 Ave., cartagoyeg.com., $$

··Clementine

This upscale, art-nouveau inspired French cocktail bar and restaurant has just over 30 seats. Try the Carousel cocktail or order some absinthe, served with the classic sugar cube and chilled water. The menu is filled with largely French-inspired small plates. Try the braised beef, poached duck egg and potatoes during brunch.

11957 Jasper Ave., barclementine.ca, $$$$

··Hart’s Table & Bar

Hart’s aims to be a comfortable and classy neighbourhood establishment serving up comforting food and drinks. Try the millionaire’s meatloaf or barbecue rib picnic.

14229 23 Ave., 780 488 4278, centuryhospitality.com/harts, $$$

··Mercer Tavern

Located in the historic Mercer Warehouse, just across the street from Rogers Place, Mercer Tavern offers craft cocktails, beer, and upscale casual cuisine. Try their fried chicken.

10363 104 St., 587 521 1911, mercertavern.com, $$

··Provincial Kitchen and Bar

This modern rustic pub focuses just as much on its menu—full of local, farm-fresh and seasonal ingredients —as it does on its beers and cocktails. #160 4211 106 St., 780 760 1937, provincialpub.ca, $$$

··Red Star

··Confederation Lounge

This upscale cocktail lounge at the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald serves a variety of classic and modern cocktails as well as some good comfort food.

10065 100 St., 780 424 5181, fairmont.com, $$$$

This cozy pub features a variety of beers on tap as well as a short menu of Italian-inspired small plates. A lovely place for a pint and a quick bite to eat—the crostinis here are particularly good.

10534 Jasper Ave., 780 428 0825, redstarpub.ca, $$

··Glass Monkey

··River City Revival House

Offering both small and large plates, the Glass Monkey is a relaxed gastropub serving casual fare alongside a substantial selection of bottled beers and fine wines.

5842 111 St., 780 760 2228, theglassmonkey.ca, $$$

Located in the basement beneath the Starlite Room, River City boasts a full kitchen alongside musical acts and trivia nights.

10030 102 St, 780 425 1852, revival-edmonton.com, $$

··The Bower

The Bower is a cozy downtown bar. Opened Thursday through Saturday featuring a variety of DJs spinning music from hip hop, soul, funk, disco, indie, and house music. Serving cocktails and bar snacks.

10538 Jasper Ave., 780 423 4256 thebower.ca., $$

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- Country Bar ··Cook County Saloon

This popular country bar features specials for women on Fridays and Saturdays. Regular live music, DJs and a large dance floor. Cover is typically $10.

8010 Gateway Blvd., 780 432 2265, cookcountysaloon.com, $$

··Ranch Roadhouse

This western nightclub features plenty of country tunes as well as pop music and regular themed events. Offers a large dance floor and mechanical bull.

6107 104 St., 780 438 2582., theranchroadhouse.com, $

- Dance Clubs/DJ ··Billiard Club

Part pool hall, part dance hall, this Whyte Avenue spot features many pool tables as well as latenight dancing and a menu of classic pub grub.

10505 82 Ave., 780 432 0335, thebilliardclub.com, $$

··Entendre

··The Gas Pump

This well-known dive bar and nightclub is located in the base of residential condo building in the downtown area. The “Saturday Jams” featuring local bands at 3 p.m. are a popular feature.

10166 114 St., 780 488 4841, thegaspump.ca, $$

Situated in the heart of Edmonton’s downtown Ice District, the art-focused room will provide a trendy ambiance for the soul searchers and party-goers.

10344 105 St., 780 264 1444., $$

··Privé Ultralounge

··Envy Nightclub

··Society

Trendy, buzzing nightlife destination featuring an ice bar, local DJs and VIP bottle service.

8882 170 St., 780 803 3689., $$

··Funky Buddha

This popular dance club features nightly events, including Wednesday night salsa dancing and Karaoke on Sundays.

10341 82 Ave., 780 433 9676, $$

This “luxury” nightclub features multiple bars, a large dance floor and plenty of spots to sit and watch the crowd.

10304 111 St., 780 394 2342, priveultralounge.ca, $$$

This small, modern dance club features hip hop, R&B, and dancehall tunes. Open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

11607 Jasper Ave., 780 399 1110., societyedmonton.ca, $$$

··Y Afterhours

When everything else closes down but you’re not ready to go home, Y Afterhours is there – open from 1 am to 8 a.m. on weekends. No alcohol here, but still a place to dance the night (or morning) away.

10028 102 St, $

-LGBTQ Bars ··Evolution Wonderlounge

This LGBTQ+ dance club features DJs as well as a variety of drag and burlesque performances and other special events.

10220 103 St NW, 780 424 0077, yourgaybar.com, $$

- VENUE -

··9910

based space, the Aviary is home to many local bands and small acts from across the country.

A place where music can be discovered and appreciated, 9910 opened its doors to fill the void left behind by closing venues. The venue holds 125 patrons with a full bar.

9314 111 Ave, aviary.com, 780 233 3635, $

·· The Aviary

Come for dinner and stay for the show. The Blue Chair Cafe is full restaurant that serves brunch, lunch, and dinner while also hosting musical acts nearly every night. Don’t miss the Sunday brunches with live jazz.

9910 109 St., 780 452 7333, 99ten.ca, $$

This 100-person venue hosts live music, poetry, art, and just about everything else under the sun. A relaxed, community-

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··Blue Chair Cafe

9624 76 Ave., 780 989 2861, bluechair.ca, $$$

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··Blues on Whyte & Commercial Hotel This self-described “real-deal blues bar” on Whyte Avenue is part of the historic Commercial Hotel, and hosts many local blues and jazz acts as well as artists from across the country. The highlight for many is the Saturday Afternoon Blues Jam which features a variety of artists doing 20 minutes sets.

10329 82 Ave, 780 439 3981, bluesonwhyte.com, $$

··Mercury Room

Under new management the space still promotes the local music and arts scene by hosting a variety of shows, including live music, theatre, poetry readings, pop-up dinners and more.

10575 114 St., 780 425 1440, mercuryroomyeg.com, $$

··On The Rocks

··The Buckingham

“The Buck” is an alternative nightclub and

live music venue, featuring touring and local independent and alt-rock bands. Vegan pub food is provided by local food truck Sailin’ On.

10439 82 Ave., 780 761 1002, thebuckonwhyte.com, $$

This large, casual bar features live music on the weekends, as well as variety of other events, including karaoke Wednesdays and salsa lessons on Thursdays. Their kitchen serves up a variety of classic Canadian entrées and sandwiches.

11740 Jasper Ave., 780 482 4767, ontherocksedmonton.com, $$

··Cafe Blackbird

This cafe and wine bar presents many local independent musical acts from a variety of genres, including singer-songwriters, jazz, blues, country, pop and more, as well as the occasional touring musician. Most shows have a $10 or less cover charge.

··Shakers Roadhouse

9640 142 St., 780 451 8890, cafeblackbird.ca, $$

15004 Yellowhead Trail, 780 482 0202, shakersroadhouse.com, $$

··Chvrch of John

··Starlite Room

This bar/restaurant/venue serves killer cocktails while presenting an assortment of musical, burlesque, comedy and other arts acts with irreverence and class.

10260 103 St., 780 884 8994, thechvrchofjohn.com, $$$

A large rock and blues bar is located in Edmonton’s Yellowhead Inn, with live music most nights and free parking. Try the steak sandwich or $8 pizza on Tuesdays.

This small, membership-based concert hall hosts musical performances by a variety of popular bands and other musical performers on tour.

10030 102 St., 780 428 1099, starliteroom.ca, $$

··Thrift Shop

··DV8/Mama’s Pizza

After leaving its space on Whyte Ave, this venue paired up with Mama’s Pizza, where it continues to host punk rock, heavy metal, and hip hop shows.

7317 101 Ave., $$

Replacing Denizen Hall, this dark, retro bar features velvet paintings and a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Live bands or DJs and dancing many nights, as well as occasional pop-up events and guest bartenders.

10311 103 Ave., 780 424 8215, thethriftshop.ca, $$

··Fiddler’s Roost

··Union Hall

7308 76 Ave., 780 439 9788, fiddlersroost.ca, $

6240 99 St., 780 702 2582, unionhall.ca, $$$

Fiddler’s Roost is a musical community where anyone is welcome to bring an instrument and join in. Stop in for talent nights, open stages and acoustic circle jams.

··The Grindstone

The Grindstone Comedy Theatre and Bistro is an intimate 75 seat theatre and licensed restaurant. The venue is home to over 30 local independent artists/producers with 14 shows per week, shows are on nightly from Tuesday to Sunday.

10019 81 Ave., 780 244 9076, grindstonetheatre.ca, $

This former nightclub is now primarily a live music venue, and brings in a variety of relatively well-known touring rock, indie and hiphop acts for mid-sized shows.

··Yardbird Suite

The official venue of the Edmonton Jazz Society, Yardbird Suite is a community-driven venue that has been hosting local and touring jazz artists since 1957.

10203 86 Ave., 780 432 0428, yardbirdsuite.com, $$

- Lounge ··Accent Lounge

This laid-back European-style bistro and lounge serves Old and New World wines as 50

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well local and import beers. Try the steak tartare for half price on Wednesdays.

8223 104 St., 780 431 0179, accentlounge.com, $$$

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Favoloso Italian Cafe and Pizzeria / JProcktor

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··MZ Lounge

This sophisticated lounge at Edmonton’s Matrix Hotel serves upscale pub fare, classic cocktails and craft beers. Try the mini yorkies or scallops benedict for an after-work bite.

10640 100 Ave., 780 429 2861, matrixedmonton.com, $$$

··Passport Restobar

The newest addition to 124 street’s restaurant landscape, Passport Restobar reflects the unique sensibilities of the up and coming neighbourhood it calls home. Featuring a con-

temporary selection of food and drinks, local art, live music and an intimate atmosphere.

10810 124 st., 780 454 8420, passportrestobar.com, $$

··The Common

A gastro-lounge that’s good for drinks, dinner. or a late night out on the town. The Common serves craft beers, fine wine, and modern cocktails alongside elevated pub fare.

Try the chicken and waffles, and stay for a show—there’s DJs and dancing or live music most weekend nights.

9910 109 St., 780 452 7333, thecommon.ca, $$$

-Pub ··Arcadia Bar

··Devaney’s Irish Pub

10988 124 St., 780 916 1842, arcadiayeg.com, $$

11113 87 Ave., devaneyspub.com, $$

This cozy community pub features trivia nights, local craft beer, live music, and plenty of dinner options. Try their locally inspired cocktails, such as the Elk Island iced tea and the double or nothing donair pizza.

··Beercade

This spot offers craft beers, arcade games, as well as a menu of burgers, hot dogs and sandwiches.

Stop in for a pint and a few hours of Pac-Man or Streetfighter.

10544 82 Ave., 587 598 4236, beercade.ca, $

··Beer Revolution

Featuring more than 50 rotating taps and hundreds of bottled beers, Beer Revolution is a popular spot for anyone wanting to try something new.

Also offers some elevated pub grub, including pizzas and sandwiches.

11736 104 Ave., 780 430 4677, beerrevolution.ca, $$

An Irish pub near the University of Alberta campus. Devaney’s is popular with students for its student discounts, inexpensive snacks, and meals—as well as local and import beer, burgers and classic Irish pub fare.

··Duggan’s Boundary Irish Pub

This rustic Bonnie Doon pub looks every bit like your quintessential Irish watering hole, and is part of the Sherlock Holmes Hospitality Group. Open mic nights on Wednesdays and live music on Friday and Saturday nights.

9013 88 Ave., 780 465 4834, duggansboundary.com, $$

··Empress Ale House

A neighbourhood pub on the far end of Whyte, Empress Ale House is a bit of a dive—but in the best way. A great place for inexpensive afternoon pints, or stop by on Sundays to catch a comedy show.

9912 82 Ave., 780 758 2754, empressalehouse.com, $

··Black Dog Freehouse

This dark, narrow pub has been a popular Whyte Avenue’s haunt for more than 20 years, featuring a relaxed atmosphere and the Avenue’s only rooftop patio in the summer.

10425 82 Ave, 780 439 1082, blackdog.ca, $$

··Cask and Barrel

This cozy bar features a wide selection of Scotch and Irish whiskeys as well as Canadian and international beers. The internationally inspired menu features a variety of comfort foods, including paninis and rice bowls.

10041 104 St., 780 498 1224, thecaskandbarrel.ca, $$

··Central Social Hall

A large, open-concept pub that encourages guests to socialize, featuring several large communal tables. This spot is popular with the after-work crowd. Try the fish tacos.

··Hudsons Canada’s Pub

This popular Alberta-based chain offers up classic pub fare and beer in a casual atmosphere decorated with Canadian memorabilia. Try the campfire poutine or a classic maple barbecue cheddar bison burger.

10307 82 Ave. and other locations, 780 433 4526, hudsonscanadaspub.com, $$

··Kelly’s Pub

The downtown neighbourhood pub on 104th Street offers a cozy, home-like atmosphere with eclectic decor and a variety of weekly and happy hour specials.

10156 104 St., 780 451 8825, kellyspubedmonton.com, $$

10909 Jasper Ave., 780 705 1900, centralsocialhall.com, $$

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··Lions Head Pub

··Rosario’s Pub

4440 Gateway Blvd., 780 431 5815, $$

11715 108 Ave., 780 447 4727, $$

Located in the Radisson Hotel on the south side, Lions Head is a classic British pub that serves up traditional fare including fish and chips, burgers, and sandwiches.

A pool hall and karaoke bar, Rosario’s is a fine place for a casual night out with friends. The pizza here is the most popular choice–the thin crust spicy Italian is particularly well-loved.

··The Next Act

··Rose & Crown Pub

8224 104 St., 780 433 9345, nextactpub.com, $$

10235 101 St., roseandcrownedmonton.com, $$

The Whyte Avenue pub is particularly popular with the theatre crowd thanks to its close proximity to the Varscona and Walterdale, but is also well-loved thanks to its creative burgers and selection of beers.

This traditional British pub has operated since 1978 was the city’s first “stand-up bar,” and continues to serve customers classic draught beers, scotch, and hearty British pub fare alongside a large collection of memorabilia.

··O’Byrnes Irish Pub

··Sherlock Holmes

10616 82 Ave., 780 414 6766, obyrnes.com, $$

10012 101A Ave., and other locations, thesherlockspubs.com, $$

This chill Whyte Avenue bar is Edmonton’s oldest Irish pub, and serves beer and traditional Irish fare in a relaxed, old-world atmosphere filled with old books and other paraphernalia from across the pond.

··Old Town Pub

Locally owned and opened in August 2017 with the purpose of serving guests with an extensive assortment of scrumptious home cooked food and the best spirits.

10314 82 Ave., 780 757 8838, oldtownpub.ca, $

··Pub 1905

A simple, straightforward pub on Jasper Avenue, Pub 1905 serves burgers, hot dogs and beer in a casual setting.

10525 Jasper Ave., 780 761 1905, pub1905.ca, $$

··Richard’s Pub

This northside pub boasts a classic, old-world atmosphere with large TVs and classic pub grub – burgers, wraps, sandwiches and pizza.

A locally-owned chain of British pubs that has expanded to three locations across Edmonton.

All three offer a cozy, old-world atmosphere complete with British sporting memorabilia, red phone boxes, and classic fish and chips.

··Squires

This “party pub” is located downstairs in the old Whyte Avenue post office, and features a variety of weekly specials, including $2.75 draught on Thursdays and $4.25 tequila on Fridays.

10505 82 Ave., 780 439 8594, squirespub.ca, $$

··Tavern on Whyte

A cozy Whyte Avenue pub that hosts open mic nights, trivia games and more—and boasts a large patio behind the building.

Stop in for the popular XXXL Caesar, with three ounces of alcohol and 10 garnishes.

10507 82 Ave, 780 521 4404, $$

12150 161 Ave., 780 457 3117, richardspub.ca, $$

··The Hat Resto Pub

··Rocky Mountain Icehouse

10251 Jasper Ave., thehatonjasper.ca, $$

Inspired by the classic icehouses of Texas, Jasper Avenue’s Rocky Mountain Icehouse serves classic comfort food, cocktails and beer in a rustic, mountain-lodge style pub.

Try the pizza rolls and “Scooby snacks.”

10516 Jasper Ave., 780 424 3836, rockymountainicehouse.ca, $$

Once known as the Silk Hat, this bright, rustic pub is locally famous for its burgers, and has existed in some form since 1913.

··Three Vikings

Three Vikings is a community gathering place in the heart of 124 Street. With a focus on Danish food, it’s a place for friends to enjoy good food and craft beer in a cozy pub atmosphere.

10713 124 St., threevikings.ca, $$

- Sports Bar ··1STRND

Pronounced “first round,” this sports bars’ two locations feature servers dressed as referees, burgers, wings, and plenty of beer.

Each location has more than 30 televisions and huge video walls, showing hockey, basketball, football and more.

··B Street Bar

A popular karaoke joint and sports bar that specializes in wood-fired pizza. Try the calzone or the macedonian meatballs.

11818 111 Ave., 780 414 0545, bstreetbar.com, $$

11238 104 Ave and 1672 Bourbon St. (WEM), 780 428 7177, 1strnd.ca, $$

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··Borderline Sports Pub

This southside sports bar features pool tables and several televisions showing sports.

Simple, classic pub serving burgers and other pub grub.

3226 82 St, 780 462 1888, $$

··Schanks Sports Grill

This chain has locations in both Edmonton and Calgary offering a unique take on your traditional sports bar—watch the game, or play a round of mini-golf, virtual golf, pool or sports trivia.

9927 178 St., 780 444 2125, schanks.com, $$

··Brado’s Pizza

This former Boston Pizza location has found new life as a neighbourhood sports bar, showing hockey, UFC fights and more. Pizza is the classic choice here, but the “low cal” poutine (topped with tomatoes and green onions) is a must try.

··Studio 99

··End Zone Pub

10220 104 Ave., rogersplace.com/studio99, $$

15648 Stony Plain Rd., 780 483 1736, bradospizza.ca, $$

This dive sports bar is adjacent to the football stadium, and features pool, darts, VLTs and satellite TVs showing the game.

8604 112 Ave., 780 413 7575, $$

Studio 99 inside Rogers Place offers elevated sports bar dining and is a must-see for any sports fan, showcasing an unparalleled collection of Wayne Gretzky memorabilia. Enjoy a buffet experience, available prior to gametime, or a limited fan favourite menu, offered once the puck drops. Valid game day ticket required to access Studio 99.

··Wings Sports Bar & Grill

This simple bar doesn’t look like much, but is a fine place for a pint of cheap domestic draught, karaoke, VLTs or watching the game.

8541 118 Ave., 780 479 8812, wingssportsbar.ca, $$

- Wine Bar ··Bar Bricco

This Italian wine and sputini bar is part of Daniel Costa’s trio of restaurants, and serves Italian cured meats and cheeses alongside old-world Italian wines.

10347 Jasper Ave., 780 424 5588, barbricco.com, $$$

··Tapavino

Tapavino is an friendly, intimate, familyowned and operated restaurant in the heart of Edmonton. It features Mediterranean style tapas (finger food), soups, salads, fine wines, specialty cocktails and desserts.

11011 Jasper Avenue., 780 705 1101, tapavino.ca, $$$

··Bodega Tapas & Wine Bar

Bodega is a relaxed, casual atmosphere offering authentic tapas, and a wide array of house and feature wines.

10220 103 St., 780 757 0137, bodegadowntown.ca, $$$

··Bothy Wine & Whisky Bar

Tucked away in a south-side strip mall, this charming wine and whisky bar is home to the city’s largest selection of whiskies, with more than 175 varieties of whisky (and whiskey) from Scotland, Canada, Japan and the United States, as well as fine wines and an elegant menu of comfort food.

5482 Calgary Tr, 780 761 1761, thebothy.ca, $$$

··The Wine Room

Resembling an Italian wine cellar and hidden away in a basement on Jasper Avenue, the Wine Room serves a variety of old-world and new world wines, ranging in price between $40 to $3000 per bottle. Don’t miss their popular charcuterie plate.

10525 Jasper Ave., 780 756 7666, thewineroom.ca, $$$

··Tzin Wine & Tapas

This small wine bar only has a few tables and a few seats at the bar. Reservations are highly recommended. Features freshly cooked tapas and an excellent wine menu.

10115 104 St., 780 428 8946, tzin.ca, $$$

··Cavern

Part wine bar, part café, and part cheese shop, Cavern is a lovely and dark subterranean spot that’s perfect for a glass of wine and a charcuterie plate—and you can even pick up some cheese to go.

10169 104 St., 780 455 1336, thecavern.ca, $$

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COME. PLAY. HEAR.

A PERFECT SYMPHONY TO SATISFY ALL TASTES WINSPEARCENTRE.COM BAR

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N ew Yo r k Bag e l Caf e

Locally Sourced Produce & Baking Imported Meats & Cheeses Famously Beautiful Patio Open 9 am - 4 pm everyday except Christmas Day - 8430 Gateway Blvd 56

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