Edmonton
My third and seventh Canadian city: I have lived in Edmonton for a total of 13.5 years. This is where I got to be exactly who I am. My love of food began in this city. Food became much more than just sustenance to me! I returned to Edmonton in 2020!
One of the very best restaurants in Edmonton. Serving high-end plates that are completely unpretentious. Delicious and interesting food, awesome drinks, and a hip atmosphere.
Must Try: Grass-Fed Beef Tartare - Smoked beef fat, horseradish, spicy greens & sourdough toast.
#84 on Canada's 100 Best Restaurants 2023
Shockingly delicious, I am in awe each time that I dine! The European style dishes are nostalgic and prepared with expert care.
Must Try: Wiener Schnitzel ~ Selected cut, prepared according to a famous recipe from old Vienna, lightly breaded.
This place is such a hidden gem! They harness the power of local ingredients and producers in an amazing way. The food is casual, unique, and delicious.
Must Try: Buffalo Chicken Bacon Burger ~ Fried chicken tossed in hot sauce and ranch, topped with aged cheddar, frickles, bacon, mixed greens, tomato, onion, on brioche.
My fave place for bubble tea! So many options! All delicious!
Must Try: Dream ~ Taro + coconut with tapioca & lychee jelly.
The best food truck in Edmonton!
Must Try: Pork Belly Sandwich ~ Pickled carrot & daikon, cilantro, chili mayo served on ciabatta.
I am fairly certain that this is the best patisserie in all of Canada. I've yet to find better. No visit to Edmonton is complete without them. From their glorious macarons & feature macaron gâteaus, to seasonal items or their incredible tourtière at Christmas. It's all amazing. (They don't make the Paris-Brest or Vintage Eclair anymore - or anything with choux pastry for that matter - and I miss these items.)
Must Try: L'Amour Macaron Gâteau ~ Raspberry whipped ganache, lychee buttercream, housemade raspberry rose jam, lychee & fresh raspberries.
The most ballin' sandwiches in town.
Must Try: Any of the four cleverly-named Current Sandwiches on the menu.
The best phở that I have ever eaten lives in Edmonton. No matter how many places I try, in whichever city that I'm in, this one always remains the best. Their broth is the most superior!
Must Try: Pho Tai Gau ~ #13-Steak, well-done brisket with side of bean sprouts, lime/lemon, chili peppers, and basil.
Probably my current favourite restaurant at the moment. Amazing atmosphere, goregous patio, and incredibly delicious French food.
Must Try: Canard Confit ~ Lentils de Puys, grapes, hazelnut vinaigrette.
My favourite Korean restaurant ever and the most addictive food.
Must Try: Lee House Legendary Chicken Balls ~ (Kan Poong Gi) Hand-rolled, potato starch, golden-crisped chicken balls.
Let's eat meat! You gotta have meat for dinner. This place offers up some seriously good meat.
Must Try: Meat Platter ~ Beef brisket, BBQ ribs, pulled pork, smoked chicken (apple glazed), Andouille sausage, fried chicken, brussels sprouts, baked beans (meat), mac & cheese.
New York Bagel Cafe
One of the best breakfasts in Edmonton. Wait times can be long, so arrive early. Each table is packed with interesting condiments! They do fancy fruit garnishes! Their Cafe Borgia is magical.
Must Try: Rossini Benedict ~ Foie gras & truffle. (The Grilled Tomato Benedict is good too. Or just any benedict at all.)
My favourite farmers' market in Edmonton! Indoors and huge! They have all of the best stuff! Every Saturday, year-round.
Fave Vendors: Irvings Farm Fresh (bacon!), Mo-Na Food (morels, fiddleheads, sea asparagus, truffles!), S4 Greenhouses (tomatoes!), Original Canadian Kettle Corn.
This place is so unique and special. It's all vegetarian... But sometimes you wouldn't know it. That's what I love the most about them. It's all just SO GOOD.
Must Try: Curry Chicken ~ Our signature dish! Our famous homemade rich and delicious yellow curry coconut with veggie chicken, potatoes and vegetables. Also the Crispy Chicken Strips are a must!
Who doesn't love a sandwich?? These ones are next-level! This restaurant is changing the sandwich game.
Must Try: Muffuletta ~ Focaccia, mortadella, capicolla, genoa salami, swiss, provolone, olive spead. The BLT is also the best you'll ever have.
It's a fondue restaurant and it's the most romantic place to go for a special occasion. The 4-Course Experience is the way to go - it's all the fondue fun, without all of the preparation and mess! If I could bathe in their cheese fondue, I would.
Must Try: Big Night Out ~ Cold water lobster tail, teriyaki-marinated sirloin, pork tenderloin, chicken breast, Pacific white shrimp, seasonal pasta.
A pretty legendary Edmonton spot. Great drink menu, great place to hang. Awesome burgs.
Must Try: Fish Sandwich ~ Seared halibut with crunchy caper slaw. With House Salad (greens, pea shoots, almonds, grapes, strawberries with white balsamic honey vinaigrette).
My favourite coffee OF ALL TIME.
Must Try: Mocha ~ Double shot of espresso, dark chocolate ganache and steamed milk.
The hype for this restaurant is very real. The most beautiful Italian food available in Edmonton, you don't want to miss out on this exceptional experience.
Must Try: House-made Goat Ricotta Crostini ~ Rosemary oil & maldon sea salt.
This is my place!! I love the whole vibe. The entire menu is made up of basically all of my favourite things. Breakfast and dinner are both great.
Must Try: Fillet-Ohh-Fish ~ Pollock fillets, yuzu roe mayo, American cheese, ice burg lettuce, brioche bun. (With a side Wedge Salad.)
The best ice cream in Edmonton with the most interesting and innovative flavours! This Filipino ice cream shop will have you falling in love with everything ube!
Must Try: Halo Halo ~ Philippine shaved ice with jellies, jackfruit, coconut strings, red beans + your choice of soft ice cream or scoop.
This is a bit of a bonus item because you'll have to go to the Fringe Festival to get it. A quintessential Edmonton food, these things are a major staple.
Must Try: Green Onion Cake ~ With plenty of sambal hot sauce!
(If you can't wait for the Fringe then try Green Onion Cake Man for his famous version.)