Bar & Restaurant Guide 2017 by PostVue Publishing

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Restaurants

Stories

African........................................ 4 Burgers & Dogs.......................... 5 Cafés & Coffee Shops................ 5 Caribbean................................. 10 Chinese..................................... 10 Contemporary & Fusion.......... 13 Delis.......................................... 14 Desserts.................................... 16 Diners........................................ 17 East Indian................................ 18 Fine Dining............................... 22 French....................................... 24 Greek........................................ 25 Italian........................................ 26 Japanese.................................. 30 Korean...................................... 32 Latin American......................... 34 Middle Eastern......................... 36 Small Plates............................. 36 Southern & Barbecue.............. 37 Steak & Seafood...................... 37 Thai........................................... 38 Ukrainian.................................. 40 Vegan........................................ 40 Vegetarian................................ 40 Vietnamese.............................. 41

LEGACY OF LOCAL THAI

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NO MEAT? NO PROBLEM

Nightlife Bars & Pubs.............................. 46 Brew Pubs................................ 49 Cocktail Bars & Gastropubs... 49 Country Bars............................ 50 Dance Clubs & DJs.................. 50 LGBTQ+ Bars............................ 52 Live Music Venues................... 52 Lounges.................................... 53 Sports Bars............................... 53 Wine Bars................................. 54

This guide is published by © 2017 Postvue Publishing All Rights Reserved, Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without the written consent of the publisher. Postvue Publishing #200, 11230 119 St. • Edmonton, AB. • T5G 2X3 Ph: 780.426.1996

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Associate Publisher Joanne Layh Editor Lee Butler Listings Writers Sierra Bilton Stephan Boissonneault Heather Skinner Lee Butler Alix Kemp Account Managers James Jarvis Joanne Layh Jon Mick Layout & Design Steven Teeuwsen Photography J Procktor

r u a ra u an a t nt t s ts s e e RR

- 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, $$

··Bete Africa

Bete Africa has received nothing but good reviews since it opened its doors. It’s respecting tradition with a modern interior surrounded by stunning Ethiopean crafts. 9570-111 Ave., 780.756.3494, beteafrica.ca, $$

··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, $$

··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 wat (spinach) is a must-try. Plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free options. 9920-82 Ave., 780.432.3334, langanoskies.com, $$$

··Momona

Serving a wide variety of authentic Ethiopian delicacies, including meat and vegetarian dishes. Don’t let the exterior fool you, it’s filled with Ethiopian delights. 10810-95 St., 780.756.8902, $$$

··Walia Ethiopian Restaurant

A former Scottish imports store and now part of the ever-growing 124 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, $$$

- Burgers & Dogs ··Delux Burger Bar

of Sticky Tots for a truly wonderful experience.

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

Mercer Warehouse, 10359B-104 St., 587.989.5456, maydaydogs.com, $$

··It’ Dog

10503-104 Ave., 780.909.4878, montrealhotdogs.ca, $$

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

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, $$

··The Burger Joint

The Burger Joint features a plethora of signature burger options. There is also a make-yourown option that will surely match your appetite. 9132-23 Ave., 780.435.0008, theburgerjointedmonton.com, $$

··Mayday Dogs

Hot dogs have come back in popularity in a big way and may no longer be just a summer staple. The new joint on the block features dogs with various (and numerous) toppings such as the “Danished Rodman,” a dog topped with spiced catsup, grainy mustard, diced onions, remoulade, crispy fried onions, and house sweet pickles. Pair it with an order

··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.

··OTTO Food and Drink

While OTTO doesn’t necessarily sell hot dogs, they do have sausages, which are equally 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 smoked 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 doughnut 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. 16616-95 St., plus other locations, 587.521.9311, sodajerks.net, $$

- Cafes & Coffee Shops ··ACE Coffee Roasters

Not only do they provide coffee beans to numerous cafés 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. 10055-80 Ave., 780.414.1200, acecoffeeroasters.com, $

··Barking Buffalo Cafe

Located in the 124 Street area, Barking Buffalo is a warm and cozy space offering café goodies. Salgado Fenwick is next door and offers unqiue Edmonton-made clothing, jewelry and home goodies. 10842-124 St., 780.540.2275, barkingbuffalocafe.com, $

··Bean Here Café

Replacing Rogue Wave’s old space, Bean Here is an inviting spot beside the Mercury Room. Selling bubble tea and the usual café fare, Bean Here also features a spotlight artist signature drink. 10571A-114 St., 780.819.4455, beanhere.ca, $$

··Block 1912 Café

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, $$

··Café Leva

Leva is a bright Italian-style café that runs 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 savoury 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. Café Vancia serves delicious lattes, wraps and soups. 9707-110 St., 780.951.0993, $$

··Cat Cafe on Whyte

The aroma of coffee beans hangs in the air around the 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 café and SAFE Team, a cat rescue group. 10111-82 Ave., 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. 10505 Jasper Ave., 780.445.4899, coffeebureau.ca, $

··Credo

One of 104 Street’s most popular stops, Credo has expanded into a second location on 124 Street. The in-season single origin coffee is worth trying, as are many of the housemade muffins and cookies baked fresh throughout the day. You can also pick up some chocolate truffles from JACEK Chocolate Couture. 10134-101 St. and 10350-124 St., credocoffee.ca, $

··Crum Coffee Bar

Some sisters don’t get along, and 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 Chocolaterie Bernard Callebaut milk chocolate. 4640 Calgary Tr., 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 housemade gelato. Try the café affogato: a scoop of gelato topped with hot espresso. 8135-102 St., 587.521.2276, dacapocaffe.com, $

··Dirtbag Café

You don’t have to be a “dirtbag” to enjoy the organic offerings at this establishment. Featuring organic coffee, tea and food, Dirtbag Café is great for groups. 10505-107 St., 780.705.7110, $$

··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 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, $$

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··Gracious Goods Café

This quaint neighbourhood stop offers allday breakfast, tea and sandwiches to its Belgravia patrons at extremely reasonable prices. Try the yogurt parfait with housemade granola and the chilled London Fog. Plenty of vegetarian options, too. 7601-115 St., 780.758.8686, graciousgoodscafe.com, $$

··Iconoclast Coffee Roasters

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. 11807-105 Ave., iconoclastcoffee.com, $

··Juniper Café & Bistro

Pictures of past movie stars 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, $$$

··Little Brick Café & General Store

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, $$

··Lock Stock Coffee

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, $$

··Monument Coffee Bar

As Edmonton’s downtown grows, so does the amount of coffee shops. Created by Block 1912 owner Jorel Pepin, the café sources its food from farmers’ markets and food trucks in the area. 10803 Jasper Ave., 780.757.4055, monumentyeg.ca, $$

··New York Bagel Café

This breakfast café is known for its variety of eggs Benedict, some with smoked geese meat or chanterelle mushrooms, as well as its bagels. The interior is cozy and the patio is beautiful in the summer. 8430 Gateway Blvd., 780.432.2003, $$$

··Nook Café

A stones throw from the Shaw Conference Centre, Nook Café boasts some of the usual café 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, $$

··Remedy

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, $$

··Rick & Alice’s Grill

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 great choices. 7106-109 St., 780.413.9606, $$

··Rooster Cafe & Kitchen

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

This cozy café 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 and the lamb burger is an especially popular choice. 10922-88 Ave., 780.433.8369, thesurgarbowl.org, $$

··The Carrot Community Arts Coffeehouse

More than just a cozy coffeeshop, The Carrot is a community centre for Alberta Avenue. It serves 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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··Transcend Coffee

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 intricate equipment. 8708-109 St. and other locations, 780.756.8882, transcendcoffee.ca, $

··Upper Crust Café

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, $$

··Why Not Café & Bar

This café specializes 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 features 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, $

··Woodrack Café

This relatively new café has a rustic charm, decorated with antlers and driftwood. Much of the menu contains locally sourced sandwiches, with both meat and vegetarian options, but their most popular feature are the whoopie pies that come in a variety of flavours. 7603-109 St., 780.757.0380, thewoodrackcafe.com, $$

··Zocalo

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

Irie Foods was a hit at 2017’s Taste of Edmonton, and continues to dish out healthy portions of island taste at their Mill Woods location. Irie does jerk chicken right, but be sure to try the curried chicken and curried goat as well. 2807 Mill Woods Rd., 780.414.1341, iriefoods.ca, $$

··Café Caribe

Decorated to resemble a beach-side shake, Café Caribe specializes in rum, roti and traditional Trinidadian cuisine. Enjoy the relaxing family atmosphere and try the chicken roti and Stag lager fromTrinidad andTobago’s Carib Brewery. 10115-100A St., 587.520.7111, cafecaribe.ca, $$

··Safron’s Caribbean Delight

This establishment offers authentic Caribbean fare at affordable prices. Be sure to check out “Safron’s Oxtail” and the “Curry Goat.” 8155-112 Ave., 780.474.9005, $$

- 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 Tr., 780.440.1328, $$

··97 Hot Pot

This hot pot restaurant is great for crowds. Each diner gets an individual pot, and the temperature that can be individually adjust-

ed. Plenty of broths to choose from, as well as ingredients for the pots.

10602-97 St., 587.521.1888, $$

··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 crispy ginger beef. There’s also hot pot and dim sum options for those dining in. 10011-106 Ave., 780.421.8297, allhappyfamilyrestaurant.ca, $$

10310 - 45 Ave. | 780.250.1110 | vaticanoyeg.com

··Baijiu

In the heart of Ice District and in the old and charming Mercer Building is Baijiu. A place that encourages sharing among the table and favours hip-hop music. Their featured menu includes dumplings, noodles, and more. 10359-104 St., 780.421.7060, baijiuyeg.com, $$

··Beijing Beijing

This bright and classy dim sum restaurant offers extensive choices, including rice rolls, baked barbecue buns and crispy pot stickers. Their dinner menu includes most of the classics, including combination dinners for individuals or groups of up to eight. 3803 Calgary Tr., 780.430.7720, beijingbeijing.ca, $$

··Blue Orchid Chinese Restaurant

In addition to the traditional Canadian-style Chinese menu, Blue Orchid 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 cloths and cherry blossoms everywhere—this Edmonton institution offers classic Canadian-style Chinese food as well as traditional Szechuan 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, which is 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 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 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 12

and cooked in the soup. Try some of the housemade beverages as well.

7219-104 St., 780.989.0831, $$$

··Golden Dumpling Restaurant

Noodles are popular sure, but what about dumplings? Dumplings are a specialty at this north end restaurant, featuring pork, cabbage, lamb, and carrots as fillings. 10939-101 St., 780.498.0988, $$

··Golden Rice Bowl Restaurant

A popular southside dim sum and Szechuan restaurant that offers gluten-free and dairyfree options. 5365 Gateway Blvd., 780.435.3388, goldenricebowl.ca, $$

··Mandarin Restaurant

A recent renovation has given this Chinese restaurant 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 handpulled noodles served in soup or covered in oil and veggies. The 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 Szechuaninspired Canadian-style Chinese food, including such classics as pineapple chicken balls and Szechuan beef. This fairly casual, low-key Chinese restaurant also offers some gluten-free options. 4728-99 St., 780.435.2015, pearlriverrestaurant.com, $$

··Sam Wok Restaurant

This southside Chinese restaurant is known for its low prices and late hours, as many of the entrées are $10 or less and it’s open until midnight every day of the week. 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 takeout and dine-in service for dinner. The peach shrimp and hot and 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 ‘80s oriental decor. It’s a charming blast from the past offering all the traditional Western-style 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. 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 ··Biera

The Ritchie Market area has expanded has truly become a hub. One of its new tenants is Biera, a restaurant that pairs sharing plates with their freshly brewed beer. Ritchie Market, 9570-76 Ave., 587.525.8589, blindenthusiasm.ca, $$$

··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 eats for dinner. Try the scallop and pork belly or lamb T-bone. 10522-124 St., 780.485.6125, canteenyeg.ca, $$$$

··Coral de Cuba

··La Poutine

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, $

··London Local

Chef Lindsay Porter and co-owner Evonne Li introduce a culinary experience that is both traditional and contemporary. Start with Ploughman’s Platter (English and Irish cheese, fresh apple, charred pickle, ham, sausage, pickled egg, beet, buttered brown bread) and work your way to the braised beef cheek pie or the 12 ounce rib eye steak.

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.

2307 Ellwood Dr., 780.752.2244, london-local.ca, $$$

··Earls

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 Szechuan sauce or the Bangkok pad thai classic. Don’t forget the spring rolls or green onion cakes.

4990-92 Ave., 780.468.2888, coraldecuba.com, $$

This 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, $$

··Maki Maki

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

10803-82 Ave. and other locations, 780.988.7808, oodlenoodle.ca, $

··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, $$

··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 tarragon 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, $$

··Tang Bistro

Try out Northern Chinese cuisine at Tang Bistro (set up in the old Urban Diner space across from the Garneau Theatre). Signature dishes of cold noodles, Chinese hamburgers, skewers and casseroles are just a few of the menu items to be enjoyed. 8715-109 St., 587.499.9999, tangbistro.ca, $$

··The Manor Bistro

This casual bistro occupies a lovely twostorey 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, $$$

··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 well-loved 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 is made in-house, including the ketchup. The menu changes daily, but is posted online if you’d like a sneak peak of what’s available. 2003-91 St., 780.705.2205, theworkshopeatery.com, $$$$

··XO Bistro + Bar

Located in the heart of Ice District, XO Bistro + Bar 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, $$

- Delis ··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. 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, $

··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, $ 14

··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, $

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··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 “Big Bird” sandwich, with smoked turkey and candied beets. 10933-120 St., 780.660.1051, thelocalomnivore.com, $$

··Zenari’s

Located inside Manulife Place in Edmonton, Zenari’s is 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, $$

- Desserts ··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 chocolate croissant and macarons are popular choices. 10038-116 St., 780.760.0717, arnospastry.com, $$

··Doughnut Party

Doughnuts are a Canadian staple. At Doughnut Party, the flavours change daily and such creations include raspberry rose water, s’mores, and guava. The doughnuts 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., doughnutparty.ca, $

··Duchess Bake Shop

Possibly Edmonton’s most famous bakery, Duchess offers a plethora of traditional French 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 Duchess 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 Pâtisserie

At FanFan, an assortment of more than 50 cakes and sweets that suit a variety of palates. 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, including birthdays and gender-reveal parties. 10158-82 Ave., 780.757.4899, flirtcupcakes.com, $

··Passion de France

This French-inspired bakery may be less well known, 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, $

··Snow Bear Dessert Café

Even in winter we enjoy our cold desserts. At Snow Bear, they offer bingsoo, a shaved ice dessert that hails from Korea. With flavours galore, pasteries and cold/hot drinks, there’s something for everyone. 10051-109 St., snowbeardessertcafe.ca, $

··Snowy Village Dessert Café

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, $

··The Art of Cake

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 a variety of events. 11811-105 Ave., 780.485.5517, theartofcake.ca, $

··Tutti Frutti

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/en/, $$

··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 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, $

··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. 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 frappé with Fruit Loops is available as well as hot dishes. 10807 Jasper Ave., 780.761.9367, zenq.ca, $$

- 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 lasagna are both popular choices here. 10038-167 St., 780.484.6707, $$

··Back Home Fish & Chips

Edmonton’s go-to stop for classic fish and chips. This restaurant has been a staple of Edmonton seafood for years, and offers a wide variety of culinary options. 12323 Stony Plain Rd., 780.451.7871, $$

··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 diner-style eats since 1942, with plenty of

Grandin Fish ‘n’ Chips | pg. 18

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.

10712 Jasper Ave., 780.423.3954, commodorerestaurant.com, $

··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 delicious, but don’t miss having a slice of flapper pie. 9114-51 Ave. and other locations, 780.436.9235, fifendekel.ca, $

··Grandin Fish ‘n’ Chips

East Coast-style seafood in an immaculate setting. Features include haddock, basa, cod, fish of the day and a variety of other culinary delights. 9902-109 St., 780.250.3474, grandinfish.ca, $$

··Hap’s Hungry House

This 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 includes 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 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 homemade choices. 13225-132 St., 780.488.5989, hathawaysdiner.com, $$

··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 and Chips Mondays, Turkey Tuesdays, Ukrainian Thursdays, Short Ribs Saturdays and Prime Rib Sundays. 10912-88 Ave., 780.433.0993, highleveldiner.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, ‘50s-themed diner has all the classics: red vinyl seats, chrome-edged tables, black and white linoleum, and an 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 ‘50s-style diner offers a cheap allday breakfast alongside other classic choices. A great choice for early-birds, as it opens every day at 7 a.m., and 8 a.m. on Sundays. Don’t miss the milkshakes, which come in the traditional stainless steel tins. 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 retrostyle 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, $$

- East Indian ··Daawat

This Whyte Avenue 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, $$

··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 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 18

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

10220-103 St., 780.421.8100, hawelicanada.com, $$$

··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, $$$

··Kathir Food Experience

Featuring traditional spices and ingredients, Kathir specializes in an array of exotic dishes. Their main “South Indian Tiffin” menu comes with sambar and three types of chutney on the side. 9318-34 Ave., 780.466.4111, kathirfoodexperience.com, $$

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··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

A large space made more intimate through its warm decor, Khazana offers both menu and buffet service. The establishment boasts an ambience fit for royalty by providing authentic East Indian cuisine and exemplary customer service. Try the tandoori salmon or Rajasthani Lamb. 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 Szechuan or soya sauce. 9250-34 Ave., 780.437.1118, littleindiacuisine.ca, $$

··Namaste India

Featuring two locations (downtown and west end), Namaste is host to a variety of Indian options. Mains feature tandoor, beef, shrimp and chicken as well as paneer, dal and biryani. Nearly a dozen wraps are available for no more than $7.50 and vegetarian and kids specials are also featured. Be sure to check out both of their luscious, comfortable dining locations. 10023-107 Ave., 780.540.0100 and 10049-156 St., 780.757.7550, namasteindiaca.com, $$

··Naan-O-Licious

This Whyte Avenue establishment provides a healthy take on traditional Indian food. From fusion poutines to curried entrées, Naan-O-Licious promises to satisfy with delectable fare. 10331-82 Ave., 780.705.5570, naan-o-licious.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 is only $15 every Tuesday. 10131-81 Ave., 780.756.7112, narayannis.com, $$$

··New Asian Village

Proudly serving Edmontonians for 32 years, New Asian Village continues their standard excellence when it comes to East Indian cuisine. Try the “Burrah Peshawari” (baked, tender, boned lamb chops in a special marinade).

17507-100 Ave. and other locations, 780.488.6666, newasianvillage.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, $$

··Savoy’s South Indian Kitchen

This establishment features a culinary history that is over seven-decades old. Try their curries (vegetarian and non-vegetarian), Biryani, and many other delicious culinary options. #9 9261-34 Ave., 780.989.9797, savoyssouthindiankitchen.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 French-bistro 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 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, $$

··Tiffin India’s Fresh Kitchen

“Fast, casual, lunch, dinner, chai” is what this establisment offers. Be sure to try the “Tiffin For You” selections and choose from a plethora of carefully prepared ingredients. Keep your eyes open for another location opening downtown in spring 2018. 5135 Ellerslie Rd., 780.752.1600, tiffinfreshkitchen.com, $$

··Zaika Indian Bistro

Zaika offers exquisite dinners, a comfortable lounge setting and an immaculate lunch buffet. Butter chicken, lamb korma and beef vindaloo are only a few of the delectable choices available. 2303 Ellwood Dr., 780.462.8722, zaikabistro.com, $$

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- Fine Dining ··Alder Room

Alder Room takes a different approach to other restaurants in Edmonton—instead of reservations, tickets are offered which allows them to individually tailor a meal to their guests. The cooking relfects the changing seasons of our country and serves a tasting menu ranging anywhere between 10 and 20 servings. 10328 Jasper Ave., 780.244.3635, alderroom.ca, $$$$

··Bistro Praha

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, $$$$

··Butternut Tree

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. One of the best menu options is the Vancouver Island ling cod, featuring parsley leek purée, 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, $$$$$

··Continental Treat Fine Bistro

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, $$$$$

··Creations Dining Room & Lounge

Located in Sawridge Inn & Conference Centre, Creations offers intimate dining as well as a lounge experience. The cuisine is distincly Western, featuring choice cuts of AAA Alberta Beef and entrées including “Salmon & Pistachios” and more. 4235 Gateway Blvd., 780.989.4439, sawridge. com/our-hotels/edmonton-south/dining, $$$$

··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

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, $$$$$

··Harvest Room

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, $$$$$

··La Ronde Revolving Restaurant

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 porcini butter. Madison’s Grill is especially well-known for its five-course Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve dinners, 10053 Jasper Ave., 780.401.2222, unionbankinn.com, $$$$$

··Packrat Louie Kitchen & Bar

Perhaps Edmonton’s most family-friendly fine-dining establishment, Packrat Louie offers your traditional fine-dining fare (beef tenderloin, pork tenderloin, lamb rack, etc.) as well as some creatively topped pizzas and craft paper tablecloths with crayons for drawing. The lemon pizza is recommended. 10335-83 Ave., 780.433.0123, packratlouie.com, $$$$

··Red Ox Inn

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 and 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 inseason, 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, $$$$

··Vintage Fork

Located in the old brick mansion that the Rutherford family moved into back in 1911, Vintage Fork hopes to carry on the family 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.

11153 Saskatchewan Dr., 780.427.4113, $$$$

··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 foam-topped 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 is 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, 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 La 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 sauce. 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. 24

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-to-six-course menu. 10706-142 St., 780.451.1169, ginisrestaurant.ca, $$$$

··La Boheme

Occupying a historic 1912 building, La Boheme offers a romantic atmosphere—plus elegant rooms upstairs, since it’s technically a bed and breakfast. The lounge and dining room have separate menus—give both the charcuterie platter and lamb stew a shot. 6427-112 Ave., 780.474.5693, laboheme.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.

··The Creperie

This intimate old-world French restaurant is hidden in a basement across the street from the City Centre Mall, specializing in crèpes and country-style French cuisine. 10220-103 St., 780.420.6656, thecreperie.com, $$$$

··The Marc

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

10177-99 St., 780.425.1008, normandsbistro.com, $$$$

- Greek ··Koutouki Taverna

··Mythos Greek Taverna

This family-run Greek restaurant has an extensive menu of mezethes (appetizers), as well classic Greek entrées. The meze option is a wonderful choice, allowing your table to sample a dozen different dishes, including spanakopita, keftedes and roast lamb.

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.

··Little Village

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

10719-124 St., 780.452.5383, koutouki.ca, $$$$

Stemming from the “Little Village Freewheelin’ Greek Eatery” food truck that’s been around since 2012, the quick service takeout restuarant 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.

5524 Calgary Tr., 780.758.6161, mythosgreektaverna.ca, $$$$

··Oil Lamp

10247-97 St., 780.429.0808, $$

14816 Stony Plain Rd., 780.244.0885, litlevillagefoodtruck.com, $$

Die Pie | pg. 40

··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 casual restaurant in City Centre Mall, Urban Greek is a step up from the popular Opa! chain, offering quick service and fresh ingre-

dients. The leg of lamb special is worth a try, available on Thursdays and Fridays only.

#136 10025-102A Ave., 780.965.9965, theurbangreek.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 Moroccan-themed Kasbar downstairs on Friday and Saturday nights. 10444-82 Ave., 780.433.6768, yiannistaverna.ca, $$$$

- Italian ··Allegro Italian Kitchen

This small, modern restaurant offers an affordable lunch menu—with options between $7 and $13—and a upscale dinner menu. Try the risotto balls here, a local favourite, or the octopus if you’re looking for something more adventurous.

··Battista’s Calzone Company

Reservations are required at this 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. Don’t miss the chocolate torta with salty hazelnuts for dessert.

10011-109 St. and other locations, 780.424.6644, allegroitaliankitchen.ca, $$$$

Owner Battista Vecchio offers authentic Italian-style calzones made from scratch, with both classic and modern flavours.Try the classico (Italian cold cuts and peppers) or chicken pesto calzones. Don’t miss the tasty dessert option, stuffed with bananas and nutella. 11745-84 St., 780.758.1808, battistacalzone.com, $

··Bistecca Italian Steakhouse

Part of the Sorrentino’s family of restaurants, Bistecca is classic Canadian steakhouse with an Italian twist. Try the cioppino, seafood served in a tomato and fennel broth that’s served over pasta. 2345-111 St., 780.439.7335, bisteccasteakhouse.com, $$$

··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, pawns, mussels, shrimp and clams served in garlic white wine or tomato sauce over pasta. 10807-106 Ave., 780.477.7896, cafeamorebistro.ca, $$$$

··Chianti Cafe & Restaurant

This classic Edmonton establishment features nearly every kind of pasta you can imagine. Great wine and a cozy setting in the heart of Whyte Avenue. 10501-82 Ave., 780.439.9829, chianticafe.ca, $$$

··Cibo Bistro

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.

11244-104 Ave., 780.757.2426, cibobistro.com, $$$$

··Corso 32

10345 Jasper Ave., 780.421.4622, corso32.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 al limone. 11520-100 Ave., 780.488.9543, ilpasticcio.ca, $$$

··Love Pizza

This ultra-modern fast-casual pizza restaurant offers a variety of creative options, including the “Ode to Ukraine” (garlic, potatoes, bacon, onions, cheddar, créme fraiche and green onions) and the “City Market” (pesto pulled chicken, artichoke hearts, tomatoes, red onion and goat cheese). 10196-109 St., 587.520.9734 and #335, 935 St. Albert Trail, St. Albert, 780.569.0114, lovepizza.ca, $$

··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, $$$

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LEGACY OF LOCAL THAI

LOFT Thai Eatery | pg. 38

Food-lovers rejoice at Edmonton’s many Thai establishments

t’s within the reach of memory to recall when Edmonton had one Thai restaurant of note, The King & I in Old Strathcona, which first became famous for being patronized by members of the Rolling Stones on a swing through town in the ‘90s. It became famous again when the original location burned down and photographic evidence of the Stones’ tacit endorsement went up in flames. Skip ahead 20 years and it seems like Edmonton is teeming with quite respectable Thai food outlets conversant in the alchemy of lime and lemongrass, garlic and galangal, licorice-y basil and funky dried shrimp. Not to mention, intense chilies and soothing coconut, plied on all manner of lubricious meats from land and sea, tender-crisp stir-fried veg and the bounty of the deep fryer. The King & I is still a standard-bearer for Edmonton’s purveyors of Thai cuisine, but absolute gems dot the city to such an extent that most denizens would be able to find some not far from their very own neighbourhood—and we’re not just talking “express” restaurants that give the Siamese cooking traditions the fastfood touch. Take Lan’s Asian Grill (11828–103 St.), which certainly gives off a humble fast-food vibe but dishes out quite respectable pad

thai, curries and stir frys, and passes the savings on to you. Moving up the scale, Numchok Wilai (10623–124 St.) boasts a more exotic atmosphere and robust menu that offers seafood lovers and vegetarians some tantalizing choices including the excellent whole fish in garlic sauce and stirfried eggplant. All the way over in Beverly, Million Thai (4109–118 Ave.) looks a little rough around the edges owing to the slightly battered legacy environments, but offers sweet combination deals that enable you and your friend(s) to sample widely from the menu for a set price (dinner for four: $75). Their glass noodle seafood salad in particular should not be overlooked. The areas north and east of downtown offer a tight concentration of some of the best Thai to be found locally. There you’ll find Viphalay (10724–95 St.), which has expanded to a second location downtown (10523–99 Ave.) on the strength of their Thai and Lao specialties. While their pad thai and drunken noodles set the bar pretty high, house specialties like red wine shrimp and salmon red curry should be experienced at your soonest convenience. That said, I have a particular fondness for Syphay, which started out in a very charm-

less former office space (6010–104 St.) before expanding into nicer digs east of downtown (9441 Jasper Ave.). They also offer Thai and Lao dishes, and have a firm grasp of the staples but their green papaya salad is so authentic as to be a bit dangerous to the uninitiated, and their pad ped talay—shrimp, scallops, squid and mussels in coconut red curry—is sublime. Near neighbour Boualouang (10569–97 St.) has come a long way from its humble beginnings as a freezing cold hole in the wall near Lucky 97 with six feasible tables. It is now larger and more stylish and has persisted in dishing out some boldly flavoured eats. A relative newcomer worth your attention is LOFT Thai Eatery, a smallish storefront operation chancelessly located (5324–75 St.) that is serving up some adventurous takes on traditional Thai utilizing ingredients like duck, lamb and shortrib. Their drunken seafood bucatini is also well worth the trip to one of our city’s least attractive quadrants. Remarkably, there are literally dozens more Thai places in Edmonton, many with Thai right in the name to make them easy to spot. Consult your own neighbourhood for possibilities. Scott Lingley dish@vueweekly.com 29

··Pasta Pantry & Trattoria

This Italian-style cafeteria serves fresh pasta and classic Italian entrées for dine-in or takeout. Try the ever-popular chicken parmigiana and pick up tortellini or gnocchi to take home. 101 Granada Blvd., Sherwood Park, 780.467.3777, pastapantry.ca, $$

··Pazzo Pazzo Italian Restaurant

Pazzo Pazzo is a casual Italian spot that offers huge portions. The pasta carbonara is very popular. 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 wood-fired pizza made with local and organic ingredients, but the gelato here is the star of the show. 8738-109 St., 780.433.5382, pizzeriarosso109.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 woodfired pizza in a modern, industrial-style restaurant. The pizzas are all personal-sized and ready in two minutes or less, and featuring a variety of creative topping. Try their interpretation of a Hawaiian pizza, the “Pork and Pineapple,” featuring porchetta, grilled pineapples and camembert. #110 10220-103 St., 780.705.1885, 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 squash-stuffed pasta. The restaurant is known for their open-air kitchen complete with a woodfired oven for traditional Neapolitan-style pizza and classy decor, great for a date night. 10310-45 Ave., 780.250.1110, vaticanoyeg.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 spaghettini pomidoro 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, $$$$

··Vivo Ristorante

This traditional Italian restaurant features an open kitchen with seating available at the “Chef’s counter,” a bar that faced 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

- Japanese ··Dorinku

Dorinku is one of the city’s growing contingent of izakayas, based on a traditional Japanese bar concept 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

This cozy sushi spot might not look like much from the outside, but is one of the city’s most

popular Japanese restaurants. Try the dynamite rolls and butterfly rolls.

10012-82 Ave., 780.439.1335, furusatojapaneserestaurant.com, $$

··I Love Sushi

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 revered. 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 ‘70s, offering a uniquely interactive dining experience where the chef cooks your meal at the table. 10238-104 St., 780.422.6083, and other locations, 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, try the omakase, a multi-course of dishes selected by the chef. 11806 Jasper Ave., 780.760.1616, japonaisbistro.ca, $$$$

··Sushi Wasabi

This tiny family-operated restaurant offers authentic Japanese cuisine. Try the flying fish and the aburi sushi. 5714-111 St., 780.433.0533, $$

··Takami Sushi

This establishment’s claim to fame is the exotic fish they import straight from Japan on a weekly basis. Try the “Black Cod Miso” or “Unagi Don” as your main course. # 108 10430-61 Ave., 587.523.4695, takamisushiyeg.com, $$$

··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, $$

··Tokyo Noodle Shop and Sushi Bar

Tokyo Noodle is a popular sushi joint on Whyte Avenue, offering large portions at reasonably prices. Try the dragon rolls. 10736-82 Ave., 780.430.0838, tokyonoodleshop.com, $$$

··Wakayama Shabu and Grill

··Kazoku Ramen

Ramen has been exploding in popularity in Edmonton recently, and this 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, $$

This sushi restaurant offers the traditional Japanese decor, complete with enclosed dining areas and low tables. Try the Mexican maki rolls, which include spicy salmon, tuna and salsa. 10518-101 St., 780.428.1235, wakayamasushi.ca, $$$

··Washoku Bistro

··Ninja Club

This relaxed, casual restaurant specializes in ramen, sushi and a few other small snacks. 10324-82 Ave., 780.705.8008, ninjaclub.ca, $$

··Nudoru

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 s appetizers such as the dumplings. 10532-82 Ave., 780.757.6836, $$

Washoku Bistro offers Japanese cuisine with a Korean twist in a casual, modern dining room. This establishment 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 sushi bar that features a variety of maki, tempura, sushi and bento boxes. 7618-104 St., 780.757.8816, zensushinorthwest.com, $$$$

- Korean ··Baijiu

A trendy asian-fusion kitchen with stunning decor, Baijiu’s Chef Alexei Boldireff offers bao specials every Tuesday—two for $7. Also, try the fried bao matcha ice cream sandwich, a not-too-sweet delight for dessert haters. 103-10359 104 St., 780.421.7060, $$ 32

··B-Bim-Baab Restaurant & Lounge

This family-run Korean restaurant is tucked away in an industrial area, but is worth trying for the seafood, green onion pancake, and charp chae (glass noodles). 9543-42 Ave., 780.433.1239, $$

··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, $$

··Coco Deep Fried Chicken

For many people, KFC now refers to Korean Fried Chicken. 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. 3350 Parsons Rd., 780.990.4304, $$

··Daore

This small Korean eatery feels cozy and intimate, and offers a variety of authentic dishes. Try the “Hae-Jang-Gook” (pork bone soup). 9332-34 Ave., 780.433.0526, $$

··Gaya Korean Restaurant

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. The bim bi bap or bulgogi are both popular choices here. 11147-87 Ave., 780.439.4978, $

··It’ All

This Korean restaurant offers menu service or an all-you-can-eat buffet. Try the Korean glass noodles and the seafood pancake. 10023-107 Ave., 780.705.9953, $$$

··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, koreanvillagebbq.com, $$$

··Lee House Korean BBQ

The new Chinatown location of Lee House has a cozy ambiance, now 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 opt for takeout. The bento-box style lunch with beef or pork bulgogi is a good choice.

··Miga

Miga boasts a plentiful menu of traditional Korean dishes, including bulgogi, noodles, bi-bim-bap and hot pot. Meals come with banchan to eat alongside your entrées. Don’t miss the barbecue short ribs. 9261-34 Ave. #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, $$

··Rae Mi Hyang

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, $$

··Seoul Fried Chicken

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. 7904-104 St., 780.761.3616, sfcseoulfriedchicken.com, $$

··Soy & Pepper

A modern Korean restaurant on Jasper Avenue, Soy & Pepper offers upscale decor alongside a short and curated menu of Korean favourites. 11212 Jasper Ave., 780.426.0557, soyandpepper.ca, $$

··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 beef tofu stew. 5070-97 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 jajangmyeon (black bean noodles). 9655-62 Ave., 780.988.7709, wonjunggak.ca, $$

10633-51 Ave., 780.498.1222, mamaleeskitchen.com, $$

- Latin American ··Acajutla Restaurant

This inexpensive restaurant offers both Mexican and authentic Salvadorean cuisine in an bright, cheerful space. The pupusas are extremely popular. 11302-107 Ave., 780.426.1308, acajutlarestaurant.ca, $$

··Ávila Arepa

This Venezuelan kitchen on Whyte Avenue strikes a balance between traditional and urban food. With sandwich-style Venezuelan areperas dominating the menu, there’s a maize-doughed 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, azucar-picante.ca, $$$

··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 chilaquiles 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, pupusas and tequeños. They also offer all-day breakfast, for late-risers and breakfast-lovers. 8026-118 Ave., 780.756.8388, $$026

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., 780.471.4930, $$

··Huma Mexican Comfort

This relatively new Mexican restaurant has 34

quickly become a local favourite for its large menu of home-style Mexican comfort foods.

9880-63 Ave., 780.433.9229, humamexicanrestaurant.ca, $$

··Julio’s Barrio

This 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, $$

··Latino’s Restaurant

This bright, cheerful restaurant offers Mexican and Latin American cuisine and a variety of gluten-free options. The guacamole here is a favourite for many. 10708-98 St., 780.705.1895, latinosrestaurant.ca, $$

··Mamenche’s Restaurant

A family-owned Salvadorean restaurant, Mamenche’s boasts traditional pupusas, enchiladas, tamales, and tacos like only Abuelas can cook. 10824-97 St., 780.497.0037, mamenchesrestaurant.weebly.com, $$

··My Empanadas

This unique take-away restaurant specializes in—you guessed it—empanadas. The Argentinian-style empanadas are available cooked and ready to eat, or frozen to take home and cook yourself. 10631-51 Ave., 780.756.1345, myempanadas.ca, $

··Rostizado

The sister restaurant of the ever-popular taco joint, Tres Carnales, Rostizado offers Mexican-style roasted meat in a modern, industrial dining room. The rotisserie platters with chicken, pork or beef are the highlight here. #102 10359-104 St., 780.761.0911, rostizado.com, $$$

··The Three Amigos

This casual Mexican restaurant’s two locations serve up a variety of home-style dishes and fantastic margaritas. Try the tacos dorados or the drunken chicken enchiladas. 10247 Jasper Ave., 780.705.5951, the3amigosedmonton.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 reliable option. 10119-100A St., 780.429.0911, trescarnales.com, $$

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- Middle Eastern ··Al Salam Bakery Deli & Restaurant

This staple of Middle Eastern food offers in-house table service as well as a bakery and grocery store to bring home. Their always served 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, $$

··Co Co Di

This small Lebanese restaurant on Jasper Avenue has been described as “hidden gem” thanks to its unassuming frontage. Try the chicken shawarma or the vegetarian platter. 11454 Jasper Ave., 780.425.1717, cocodi.ca, $$$

··La Shish Taouk

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, $$

··Lava Mediterranean Cuisine

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, $$

··Parkallen Restaurant

A Lebanese fine-dining restaurant in the quiet residential neighbourhood of Parkallen that also serves pizza. Try the spicy catch of the day or the spring rack of lamb.

··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 smoke-free section or order shisha with their meal. Try the tabouli and fattoush. #110 10807 Castle Downs Rd., 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, simithouse.ca, $$

··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,” featuring 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 kebabs. Try the kebab platter with chicken, kafta and lamb. 14016-127 St., 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, $$

7018-109 St., 587.520.6401, parkallen.com, $$$$

- 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. Build your own charcuterie platter, try the buttered eggplant or seafood Thai green curry. 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 establishment. Try the salumi or fromaggi tasting plate, or both. 10347 Jasper Ave., 780.424.5588, barbricco.com, $$$ 36

··Bodega Tapas

This extension of Sabor restaurant also has a second location in the Highlands, serving classic Spanish tapas, wine and cocktails. Don’t miss the paella. 10220-103 St. and 6509-112 Ave., 780.757.0137, bodega.sabor.ca, $$$

··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, $$$

··Three Boars Eatery

This tiny restaurant specializes in small plates and cocktails in an intimate, modern setting. The menu features a variety of fusion dishes. Try the bahn mi, Scotch egg, or PB&J chicken wings. 8424-109 St., 780.757.2600, threeboars.ca, $$$

··Tzin Wine and Tapas

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 tarta and lamb meatballs. 10115-104 St., 780.428.8945, tzin.ca, $$$

··Wishbone

Known for their oyster bar, Wishbone is the adult counterpart to sister restaurant Three Boars. With a wine list and late night menu suited to the classy night owls of the city, it’s a refined stop while downtown. 10542 Jasper Ave., 780.757.6758, eatwishbone.ca, $$$

··Woodwork

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 highly-curated menu of small plates to share, as well as a few larger dishes. The seasonal cocktail menu here is recommended. 10132-100 St., 780.757.4100, woodworkyeg.com, $$$

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

A ‘50s-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, $$

··Fired Up BBQ

This Southern barbecue spot specializes in takeout, but does offer some in-house dining space. Try the pulled pork or brisket sandwich. 6224-99 St., 780.438.8218, firedupbbq.ca, $$

··Have Mercy Table & Bar

Have Mercy has the feel of a Texas bar for hipster bikers. Try the fried chicken and doughnuts. 8232 Gateway Blvd., 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. The jambalaya is the classic dish to have here. 10320-111 St., 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 half-pound, but don’t miss the fried chicken or pecan pie. 8216-104 Ave., 587.520.6338, meatfordinner.com, $$

··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 “Doritos Mac ‘N’ 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” brisket, bacon, pork butt and smoked chicken. 9563-118 Ave., 780.477.2408, sloppyhoggsbbq.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. 10810-124 St., 587.521.6328, smokehousebbq.ca, $$$

- Steak & Seafood ··ATLAS Steak + Seafood

Looking for a high-end dinner before a concert or hockey game? Look no further than ATLAS, located in the heart of Rogers Place. If you’re feeling decadent, try the “Chili Rubbed Cowboy Ribbed Steak.” 10224-104 Ave., 780.413.3178, atlassteakandfish.com, $$$$

··Black Pearl Seafood Bar

This nautical-themed eatery carries seafood from Canada’s East and West Coasts, including oysters, crab, yellow fin tuna and more. The menu is a mix of different cuisines, including Japanese, Mediterranean and more. 10132-104 St., 780.705.7887, blackpearlseafood.ca, $$$$$

··Lux Steakhouse + Bar

Century Hospitality Group’s flagship steakhouse offers a refined environment and traditional steakhouse menu. 10150-101 St., 780.424.0400, centuryhospitality.com/lux, $$$$

··Sabor Restaurant

This Spanish/Portugese restaurant specializes in seafood, with a menu boasting lobster, octopus, squid as well as more than five varieties of fish. The paella is a favourite dish here. 10220-103 St., 780.757.1114, sabor.ca, $$$$

··Pampa Brazilian Steakhouse

Pampa is locally famous for its all-you-caneat 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, $$$$$

··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 crab shack 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, serving a variety of classic dishes, including stir frys, 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 bistrostyle setting. Try the red curry and tom yum ga tee soup. 10569-97 St., 780.423.4207, $$

··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, $$$

··Million Thai

This simple but popular Thai restaurant in Beverly offers classic Thai dishes at reasonable prices. The coconut shrimp here are something special. 4209-118 Ave., 780.477.1617, millionthaiedmonton.com, $$

··Numchok Wilai Restaurant

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, $$

··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 6010 104 St., syphay.com, $$

··Thai Basil

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, $$

··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 yung goong (hot and sour soup) and signature coconut rice. 4005 Gateway Blvd., 780.438.3344, edmontonthaiorchid.ca, $$

··Thai Valley Grill

This strip mall Thai restaurant offers classic Thai cuisine in a cozy, almost rustic atmosphere. The Thai curries are a favourite here. #149 4211-106 St., 780.413.9556, thaivalleygrill.com, $$$

··The King & I Thai Cuisine

This restaurant has been a Whyte Avenue staple since the ‘90s, 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, $$$

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··Tropika Malaysian Cuisine

Tropika’s two locations serve a combination of Thai, Malaysian and Singaporean cuisine with tropical flair. Start your meal off with their house speciality satay, and don’t miss the cheap and plentiful tropical cocktails. 6004-104 St. and 14921 Stony Plain Rd., tropikagroup.com, $$$

··Viphalay

This family-owned Thai and Lao restaurant’s two locations offer classy, warm decor alongside classic southeast Asian cuisine. Try the red curry, basil stir-fry and coconut rice. 10523-99 Ave. and 10724-95 St., 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 and the Montreal smoked meat sandwich. 10050 Jasper Ave., 780.420.0376, babafinks.com, $

··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, $

··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 109 Kingsway Garden Mall, shumkafoods.ca, $

··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, $

- Vegan ··Die Pie

Alberta’s first all-vegan, plant-based pizzeria uses fresh ingredients on their Neapolitanstyle pizza and sells vegan artisan cheeses. Try the pulled pork (jackfruit) pizza. 11215 Jasper Ave., 780.760.7272, diepie.ca, $$

··Good Stock Restaurant

With specials rotating daily, this plant-based restaurant is a rare find, with a “probiotic cashew cheeze wheel” vegans shouldn’t miss. Smoothies, kids meals and café specials are featured on the menu as well. Try the signa-

ture soups and each of the desserts if you’re unsure which to choose.

11409-40 Ave., 587.499.8793, oodstockrestaurant.com, $$

··Noorish Conscious Eatery

This eclectic restaurant/yoga studio offers a variety of vegan and raw foods as well as “elixirs”—teas, juices and smoothies—intended to boost your immune system or calm your mind. Try the bodhi burger or rainbow root poutine with miso gravy and cashew “cheese.” 8440-109 St., 780.756.6880, noorish.ca, $$

- 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 Bo Hue,” a popular Vietnamese spicy lemongrass noodle soup. 11203 Jasper Ave., 780.752.2203, $

··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 toona wonton tacos or the vegan pho. 10844-82 Ave., 780.433.9702, cafemosaics.com, $$

··Loma House Vegetarian Restaurant

This bright and modern restaurant offers Asian-inspired vegan and vegetarian fare, including vegan dim sum and more. Try the Kung Pao “chicken” and curry vermicelli. 9142-23 Ave., 780.466.8391, lomahousevegexpress.com, $$

··Padmanadi

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

··The Clever Rabbit

This down-to-earth café offers vegan and vegetarian comfort food and diner classics, including donairs, burgers and sandwiches. There are also a variety gluten free options available and the vegan desserts are considered legendary. 10722-124 St., 780.455.4500, $$

··Veggie Garden Restaurant

This inexpensive vegetarian restaurant offers Chinese and Vietnamese cuisine. Try the hot and salty tofu, tom yum vermicelli soup and cilantro cakes. 10582-100 St., 780.757.9060, $

10740-101 St., 780.428.8899, padmanadi.com, $$

- 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 restaurant just off of 118 Avenue 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., 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, $$

··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, $$

··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, oanglongcasualfare.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 restaurant, familyowned 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, $$

··Lemongrass Cafe

This elegant establishment features many chow mein, chow fan and noodle options. Choose from one of eight selection dinners that range from $13 to $20 in price. 10417-51 Ave., 780.413.0088, $$

··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, $

··Nha Trang

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

··Nhon Hoa

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.

10120-111 Ave., 780.479.4649, nha-trangrestaurant.com, $$

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, $

··Pagolac Restaurant

Tucked away in an industrial strip mall, Pagolac is easy to miss. The atmosphere is very cozy and a little ‘70s thanks to the wood panelling. The classic choice here is the “Bo 7 Mon,” a seven-course meal of beef meant to be shared. 9642-54 Ave. and 10566-97 St., 780.433.8899, pagolacrestaurant.com, $$

··Pho Delight

The sister restaurant to Friends and Neighbours Cafe, right next door, Pho Delight has the same café 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 three 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, $

··Pho Sandwiches

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

10460-82 Ave., 780.756.9888, phosandwiches.com, $

··Pho Tau Bay

10660-98 St., 780.421.0807, $

··Phobulous

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, as are the vermicelli bowls. 8701-109 St., 780.988.2696, phobulousedmonton.com, $$

··Saigon Taste

Serves authentic Vietnamese cuisine loaded with flavours that will surely satisfy. Feast on the delicious starters, appetizing soups, stirfried 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 vermicelli 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’s 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, $

2017–2018

william prince

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7 the ennis sisters

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8

michael bernard fitzgerald

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15

calvin vollrath

THURSDAY, JANUARY 11 lisa loebEB

FRIDAY, JANUARY 12 magic pirate ship

Starring

the purple pirateE

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1 frank warren

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 3 morton the magician in : ta da!

Created by Sheldon Casavant SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17

josh ritter and band

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23 & SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24

the east pointers

SATURDAY, MARCH 3

canada's ballet jörgen: anastasia

THURSDAY, MARCH 15 lindi ortega

FRIDAY, MARCH 16 kobo town

THURSDAY, MARCH 29 fortunate ones

FRIDAY, APRIL 13

amanda lindhout

FRIDAY, APRIL 20

kamikaze fireflies

SATURDAY, APRIL 21

beth portman and the good find

TUESDAY, APRIL 24

music - dance

Sspeaker - family matinee

buy your tickets today! The Arden Theatre Box Office • 780-459-1542 • ardentheatre.com THE SMALL GLORIES PHOTO: MARC J CHALIFOUX PHOTOGRAPHY

Loma House | pg. 41

NO MEAT? NO PROBLEM V

An abundance of vegetarian and vegan options are available in Edmonton

egetarian and, more recently, vegan restaurants have become more plentiful, not just with the increasing popularity of cruelty-free diets, but because vegetarian restaurants in Edmonton have educated eaters that a dining-out experience doesn’t have to make meat the centrepiece to be worthwhile. It’s probably fair to say that vegans have also more squarely got the hang of doing animal-less versions of their favourite comfort foods, going by the appeal of places like the Buckingham (10439–82 Ave.) and Arcadia (10988–124 St.) 44

—joints that have taken the flesh and dairy out of pub fare and left in the salty, crispy, savoury pleasure of chicken wings, tacos, donairs and so on. They’ve also added live performances and craft beer to prove at last that vegans can be fun. Though its only recently arrived on the scene, Die Pie (11215 Jasper Ave.) will undoubtedly win hearts and minds of diners with their artisan pizzas topped with housemade nut-and-hemp-based cheeses that are just this side of witchcraft. One can’t underestimate the legitimizing influence

of Padmanadi (10740–101 St.), the downtown vegan Mecca presided over by the timeless Kasim Kasim, whose abundant joy and energy read as a testimonial to the healthfulness of his food. In the wake of the pioneering Oriental Veggie House (R.I.P.), Padmanadi donned the mock meat mantle, producing panAsian favourites like lamb curry hot pot, ginger beef and kung pao chicken with entirely satisfying plantbased substitutes. Naturally, they’re good at vegetables too—their spicy eggplant is as legendary as their bean curd drumettes.

Padmanadi’s ardent following may necessitate that you follow your mock-meat dreams to other venues, such as the nearby Veggie Garden (10582–100 St.), which works similar miracles on a more Vietnamese-oriented menu. Vegans who harbour fond memories of pho and five-colour vermicelli might find some relief here. Further off the beaten path, Loma House (9142–23 Ave.) boasts a vegan dim sum menu, vegan bento boxes and take-and-bake meals. Before Padmanadi, Café Mosaics (10844–82 Ave.) was the vegetarian restaurant of first resort, its personable blend of good coffee, great food, loud music and a steady rotation of fascinating art seemingly imported from a bigger, cooler

Savoy’s | pg. 20

city. Two decades on the place is totally different, thanks to a massive reno by new management that included taking over the adjacent space. But you can still get the cowgirl breakfasts (with tofu) and mystery burritos, homemade green onion cakes, tofu clubhouse sandwiches and falafels (to name a few) on which Mosaics built its reputation. Various ethnic eateries around town provide solid vegetarian fare, even if they’re not strictly meatless. If you hit up a South Indian restaurant like Savoy’s (9261–34 Ave.), Kerala (11010–51 Ave.) or Kathir (9318–34 Ave.), you’ll find the menus mostly vegetarian, featuring the delicious veggiefilled rice-flour crepe known as masala dosa, the steamed dumplings called

idli, and the hearty lentil soup called sambar that you can dip them into. Ethiopian restaurants are likewise a great source of vegetarian food and if Momona (10810–95 St.) is anything like its predecessor Abyssinia, they do a fantastic vegetarian buffet with unique, sometimes spicy treatments of spinach, beets, mashed pulses and stewed cabbage—all served with that spongy, fermented flatbread injera—that will make you wish for an extra stomach. And if you’re vegetarian but you still haven’t investigated the Lebanese breakfast laid out by Castle Bake (16845–109 St.)—featuring fatti, ful and labneh deluxe—you’re only letting yourself down. Scott Lingley dish@vueweekly.com

Nightlife

- Bars & Pubs ··Arcadia Bar

This dark, narrow pub has been a popular Whyte Avenue haunt for more than 20 years, featuring a relaxed atmosphere and a bumpin’ “Wooftop” patio in the summer.

··Atlantic Trap & Gill

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

10988-124 St., 780.916.1842, arcadiayeg.com, $$

This traditional East Coast pub serves plenty of seafood and classic pub fare. There’s live music most weekends—expect many Great Big Sea covers with a crowd that loves to sing along. 7704 Calgary Tr., 780.432.4611, atlantictrapandgill.com, $$

··Beercade

This spot offers craft beers, arcade games, and 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, $$ 46

··Black Dog Freehouse

This cozy community pub features trivia nights, local craft beer, and plenty of vegan dinner options. Try their locally inspired cocktails, such as the “Elk Island Iced Tea” and the double or nothing donair pizza.

10425-82 Ave., 780.439.1082, blackdog.ca, $$

··BRU Coffee + Beer House

11965 Jasper Ave., 780.906.3377, brucoffeeandbeerhouse.com, $$

··Cask and Barrel

This cozy bar features a wide selection of Scotch and Irish whiskys 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. 10909 Jasper Ave., 780.705.1900, centralsocialhall.com, $$

··Craft Beer Market

Group. Open mic nights on Wednesdays and live music on Friday and Saturday nights.

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.

9013-88 Ave., 780.465.4834, duggansboundary.com, $$

··Daravara

A neighbourhood pub on the far end of Whyte Avenue, 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.

10013-101A Ave., 780.424.2337, craftbeermarket.ca/edmonton, $$

This modern pub on 124 Street features industrial decor and upscale, creative pub food. Try the brisket po’boy or waffle clubhouse sandwich. 10713-124 St., 587.520.4980, $$

··Denizen Hall

The dark, retro bar features velvet paintings and plenty of arcade games for 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, thedenizenhall.com, $$

··Devaney’s Irish Pub

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. 11113-87 Ave., devaneyspub.com, $$

··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

Cartago | pg. 49

··Empress Ale House

9912-82 Ave., 780.758.2754, empressalehouse.com, $

··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 104 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, $$

··Lion’s Head Pub

Located in the Radisson Hotel on the southside, Lions Head is a classic British pub that serves up traditional fare including fish and chips, burgers, and sandwiches. 4440 Gateway Blvd., 780.431.5815, $$

··McLeod Tavern

This establishment is located in the historic McLeod Block downtown, and specializes in steak and appetizers. Try the bacon cheeseburger egg rolls or shrimp corn dogs. 10009-101A Ave., 780.425.0100, mcleodtavern.com, $$

··Newcastle Pub & Grill

This neighbourhood pub in Argyll serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner—as well as classic cocktails, shooters and beer—in a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere. 8170-50 St., 780.490.1999, newcastle-pub.com, $$

··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, $$

··Next Act Pub

Located in Old Strathcona, Next Act Pub has been serving Edmontonians for over 25 years. Try the “Tequila Lime Chicken Sandwich” or “The Drama Queen” (veggie patty, avocado, pea shoots, and cheddar). 8224-104 St., 780.433.9345, nextactpub.com, $$

··O’Byrnes Irish Pub

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. 10616-82 Ave., 780.414.6766, obyrnes.com, $$

··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. 12150-161 Ave., 780.457.3117, richardspub.ca, $$

··Rocky Mountain Icehouse

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. 48

Try the pizza rolls and “Scooby snacks.”

10516 Jasper Ave., 780.424.3836, rockymountainicehouse.ca, $$$

··Rosario’s Pub

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. 11715-108 Ave., 780.447.4727, $$

··Rose & Crown Pub

This traditional British pub has operated since 1978 was the city’s first “stand-up bar.” It continues to serve classic draught beers, Scotch, and hearty British pub-fare alongside a large collection of memorabilia. 10235-101 St., roseandcrownedmonton.com, $$

··Sideliners Pub & Pantry

This cozy, community pub is popular with the locals in Westmount, and offers up live music, karaoke, pool and darts. 11018-127 St., 780.453.6006, $$

··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—boasting 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, $$

··The Hat Resto Pub

Once known as the Silk Hat, this bright, rustic pub is locally famous for its burgers, and has existed in some form since 1913. 10251 Jasper Ave., thehatonjasper.ca, $$

··The Sherlock Holmes Pubs

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. 10012-101A Ave., and other locations, thesherlockspubs.com, $$

··Underground Tap & Grill

The Underground Tap & Grill is quite literally underground, located in a basement on Jasper Avenue, and features an assortment of rotating taps and bottles, as well as traditional pub fare. 10004 Jasper Ave., 780.425.1880, undergroundtapandgrill.com, $$

- Brew Pubs ··Brewsters

An Alberta-based brewing company operating a chain of restaurants, Brewsters serves up burgers, pizza, and 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, $$

··Situation Brewing

A micro-brewery that offers a short list of craft beers all made on-site. The food menu

has an assortment internationally inspired upscale pub food, including Thai mussels, chicken drumsticks and housemade perogies.

10308-81 Ave., 780.705.1377, situationbeer.com, $$

··Yellowhead Brewery

The “Tasting Room” at Yellowhead Brewery offers six taps of Yellowhead’s brews and a variety of sandwiches. A sandwich, side, and pint of beer is just $15. 10229-105 St., 780.423.3333, yellowheadbrewery.com, $$

- Cocktail Bars & Gastropubs ··BLVD Bar and Kitchen

BLVD Bar and Kitchen serves simple and completely original food while boasting and impressive drink menu. 10765 Jasper Ave., 780.934.2583, yourblvd.ca, $$

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.

··Cartago

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

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

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

This newer bar-and-cocktail eatery serves a handful of German appetizers, entrées and charcuterie plates. With an impressive beer menu and slew of house cocktails, Cartago has something for everyone.

··Clementine

This upscale, art-nouveau inspired French

Tapa Vino | pg. 54

··Confederation Lounge

10065-100 St., 780.424.5181, fairmont.com, $$$$

··Glass Monkey

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, $$$

··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 the fried chicken. 10363-104 St., 587.521.1911, mercertavern.com, $$

··North 53

Possibly Edmonton’s most well-known upscale cocktail bar, North 53 offers modern and creative cocktails and cuisine. Their drink menu is excellent, but don’t miss the chance to “spin the wheel” and let your bartender select a drink for you. 10240-124 St., 587.524.5353, north53.com, $$$

··Provincial Kitchen & 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

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, $$

- Country Bars ··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, $$

··Knoxville’s Tavern

The successor to Edmonton’s famous Oil City Roadhouse, Knoxville’s is a country/party bar

that features DJs, multiple dance floors, pool tables, and a mechanical bull.

10736 Jasper Ave., 587.988.5669, knoxvilles.ca, $$

··Ranch Roadhouse

This country 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 & DJs ··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, $$

··Funky Buddha

This popular dance club features nightly events, including Wednesday night salsa dancing and Karaoke on Sundays. 10341-82 Ave., 780.433.9676, $$

··The Gas Pump

This well-known 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, $$

··Krush Ultralounge

With a mix of rustic and modern decor, this top-40s club is aimed at a more mature clientele, billing itself as “Edmonton’s premier 30+ dance club.” 16648-109 Ave., 780.444.7473, krushultralounge.ca, $$$

··Privé Ultralounge

This “luxury” nightclub features multiple bars, a large dancefloor and plenty of spots to sit and watch the crowd. 10304-111 St., 780.394.2342, priveultralounge.ca, $$$

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··Society

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 a.m. to 8 a.m. on weekends. No alcohol here, but still a place to dance the night (or morning) away. 10028-102 St., 780.756.2255, $

-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., 780.424.0077, yourgaybar.com, $$

··Mama’s Gin Joint

Edmonton’s newest gay bar is the successor to Buddy’s/Woody’s, one of the city’s longestlived. The 1920s-themed speakeasy is inclusive of the whole LGBTQ+ spectrum and offers a variety of special events. 11723 Jasper Ave., 780.705.0998, $$

- Live Music Venues··9910

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. 9910-109 St., 780.452.7333, 99ten.ca, $$

··Blue Chair Cafe

Come for dinner and stay for the show. The Blue Chair Cafe is a 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. 9624-76 Ave., 780.989.2861, bluechair.ca, $$$

··Blues on Whyte

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 performing 20-minutes sets. 10329-82 Ave., 780.439.3981, bluesonwhyte.com, $$

··Brixx Bar & Grill

Located in the basement beneath the Starlite Room, Brixx boasts a full kitchen alongside musical acts most nights of the week. 10030-102 St., 780.428.1099, brixxbarandgrill.ca, $$

··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, $$

··Cafe Blackbird

This café and wine bar presents many local independent musical acts from a variety of genres, including singer-songwriters, jazz, blues, country, pop, and the occasional touring musician. Most shows have a $10 or less cover charge. 9640-142 St., 780.451.8890, cafeblackbird.ca, $$

··Chrvch of John

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, thechrvchofjohn.com, $$$

··DV8/Mama’s Pizza

After leaving its space on Whyte Avenue, this venue paired up with Mama’s Pizza, where it continues to host punk rock, heavy metal, and hip-hop shows. 7317-101 Ave., $$

··Fiddler’s Roost

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. 7308-76 Ave., 780.439.9788, fiddlersroost.ca, $

··Mercury Room

This community-driven events space 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 Aviary

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.

This 100-person venue hosts live music, poetry, art, and just about everything else under the sun. A relaxed, community-based space, The Aviary is home to many local bands and small acts from across the country.

··Shakers Roadhouse

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.

11740 Jasper Ave., 780.482.4767, ontherocksedmonton.com, $$

9314-111 Ave., aviary.com, 780.233.3635, $

··Union Hall

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. 15004 Yellowhead Tr., 780.482.0202, shakersroadhouse.com, $$

··Starlite Room

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, $$

6240-99 St., 780.702.2582, unionhall.ca, $$$

··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, $$

-Lounges ··Accent Lounge

This laid-back European-style bistro and lounge serves old and new world wines as well local and import beers. Try the steak tartar for half price on Wednesdays. 8223-104 St., 780.431.0179, accentlounge.com, $$$

··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

A recent addition to 124 Street’s restaurant landscape, Passport Restobar reflects the unique sensibilities of the up and coming neighbourhood it calls home. Featuring a contemporary 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 are DJs and dancing or live music most weekend nights. 9910-109 St., 780.452.7333, thecommon.ca, $$$

- Sports Bars ··1STRND

Pronounced “first round,” this sports bar’s two locations feature servers burgers, wings, plenty of beer, and servers dressed as referees. 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, Macedonian meatballs, and cheap wings on Monday and Thursdays. 11818-111 Ave., 780.414.0545, bstreetbar.com, $$

11238-104 Ave. & 1672 Bourbon St. (WEM), 780.428.7177, 1strnd.ca, $$

··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, $$

··Brados 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. 15648 Stony Plain Rd., 780.483.1736, bradospizza.ca, $$

··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, $$

··The Canadian Brewhouse

A staple of Canadian pubs, the Brewhouse features draft, craft beers, and delicious cocktails. The weekly food specials also wont break your wallet. 10338–109 St. and other locations., 780.426.5555, thecanadianbrewhouse.com, $$

··Wings Sports Bar & Grill

··End Zone Pub

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, $$

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 Bars ··Bar Bricco

This Italian wine and sputini bar is part of Daniel Costa’s trio of restaurants, and serves cheeses and Italian cured meats alongside old-world Italian wines. 10347 Jasper Ave., 780.424.5588, barbricco.com, $$$

··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

10169-104 St., 780.455.1336, thecavern.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.

Tucked away in a southside strip mall, this charming wine and whisky bar is home to the city’s largest selection of whiskys, with more than 175 varieties of whisky/ey from Scotland, Canada, Japan and the United States, as well as fine wines and an elegant menu of comfort food.

10525 Jasper Ave., 780.756.7666, thewineroom.ca, $$$

··Tapa Vino

10115-104 St., 780.428.8946, tzin.ca, $$$

5482 Calgary Tr., 780.761.1761, thebothy.ca, $$$

Tapa Vino 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 Ave., 780.705.1101, tapavino.ca, $$$

··The Cavern

Part wine bar, part café, and part cheese shop, The 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.

··Tzin Wine & Tapas

Reservations are highly recommended for this intimate establishment. Features freshly cooked tapas and an excellent wine menu. Try the “Alberta Heritage Angus Beef Pincho,” and the “Chicken & Grits.”

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