Edmonton has some incredible local chefs who turn out even more incredible dishes, making Edmonton’s food scene one of the best in Canada. We’ve had some really amazing dining experiences all over YEG, and we couldn’t help but share our top five favourite spots to grab a bite. Whether it’s a special occasion, a night out with friends or a quick cocktail after a long day, these local restaurants have you covered! Here’s our favourites in no particular order.
Braven RestaurantJW
Tucked away beyond the lobby of the new JW Marriott in Edmonton’s ICE District is the incredibly intimate and equally as tasty Braven Restaurant. The upscale steak house is a blend of leather, forest green walls, expertly crafted cocktails and of course steak. At the heart of it all is the woodfire grill, stoked with birch, cherry or apple wood depending on the season. Executive Chef Jeremy Korten says the menu is built around the unique smokey flavour. “We source the best local product we can and it’s simple,” says Korten. “Whether we’re grilling avocado, heirloom tomatoes, salmon or steak, the wood-fire alone imparts a super unique flavour.” Served with a side of fresh and complimentary chimichurri, the buttery steak melts in your mouth. Finish the meal off with one of their signature cocktails like, ‘The Duchess’, and you won’t be disappointed. It’s close proximity to Rogers Place makes it the perfect spot to grab a pre-show dinner, or post-game meal.
The 5 oz tenderloin with skinny fries and chimichurri
‘The Duchess’ with floral infused gin.
BIANCO
Right in the heart of the downtown core, along Rice Howard Way, sits BIANCO. In the evenings you’re welcomed in by the glow of candlelight, natural wood finishes and the warmth of their pizza oven. This spot has a casual elegance with baskets of fresh hand-made pasta on full display. If you’re in the mood for something funky and delicious try their Linguine al Nere - a squid ink infused pasta, sautéed with mussels, shrimp, clams, scallops and squid in a buttered lemon sauce. Pair that with a glass (or a bottle) from their great selection of wines - we recommend the Greyson Cellars Cab Sauv.
BIANCO’s Linguine al Nere with handmade squid ink pasta.
Dinner at BIANCO, intimately lit by candlelight.
The Three Amigos
Known for its modern interpretation of classic mexican dishes, The Three Amigos , insists on using only the freshest ingredients and it shows! Whether we’re picking up an order on our way home from a showing after a busy week, or taking the kids out for some taco tuesday fun, we’re always so impressed by everything we try and of course by the friendly staff. If you haven’t been, this is definitely a spot to add to your must try list!
Taco Tuesday here we come! Photo Credit: Neha A. on Yelp.
SABOR
Across the street from City Centre Mall and up the stairs from their Tapas & Wine Bar, Bodega, SABOR is one of our favourite spots. The restaurant is accented with original wood beams throughout. The service is impeccable with every detail carefully curated for an amazing experience you just don’t get very often anymore. SABOR is known for their incredible selection of fresh seafood from mouth watering king salmon ceviche to platters of prawns, lobster, oysters and crab. As a special treat they also have a great selection of meat & cheeses from full charcuterie platters and cheese boards, to single selection cheeses sourced locally, these go well with after-work drinks. For us, SABOR is that extra special spot we go, to treat ourselves and really enjoy the company of friends, colleagues and each other.
Excellent atmosphere and incredible service at SABOR.
Photo Credit: SABOR Restaurant
Wilfred’s
Last but certainly not least is Wilfred’s. You enter in from a cold Edmonton winter to pastel wallpaper and warm serene wood tones throughout. This intimate spot is tucked away in Edmonton’s Brewery District and has some excellent and eclectic menu selections to awaken those taste buds. You have to try the roasted brussel sprouts with maple gastrique - best brussels in the city! New each night is their ‘pink drink’ - an expertly crafted cocktail of the bartenders daily choosing for your enjoyment. The southern cornbread is a rich bread pudding style creation that balances itself out with a mountain of fresh arugula on top. They have everything from a classic alberta beef tenderloin to the simple yet savoury grilled ham & cheese. You can’t go wrong with anything on this menu!
The signature ‘Pink Drink’ at Wilfred’s
Love the atmosphere at Wilfred’s!
Needing more recommendations on local spots to fall in love with? Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter - we always love giving shoutouts to local spots that make Edmonton the amazing city it is!
Bonus: The Berries and Cream at SABOR is amazing!
Posted by Kerri-lyn Holland on
Leave A Comment