Dining

Hungry? Well, Edmonton has a multitude of culturally enriched restaurants with delicious food and treats that will satisfy your taste buds! Greater Edmonton is home to a wide dining selection with more than 3,500 eating establishments. Many of these mirror the diversity of more than 50 ethnic groups, and many feature regionally inspired menus like Alberta's world famous beef as a star attraction.

Barb & Ernie’s Old Country Inn: Barb & Ernie’s is a family run restaurant with authentic German food and décor. Their cuisine is served with an oom-pah flair, from Bratwurt to Schnitzel, Potato Pancakes with Smoked Salmon to Burgers and the fresh Apple Strudel. Best known for their brunch/breakfast menu, this restaurant has the down-home amenities of a roadside diner with a year-round Oktoberfest vibe.

Telephone: 780.433.3242
Website: www.barbandernies.com  

Blue Chair Café: Blue Chair Café is tucked away in an obscure strip mall in a mostly residential area off Whyte Avenue. The focus of the café is a small stage at the front surrounded closely by tables on all sides. Jazz, blues, folk, Latin, strings and rock, every type of music genre is represented. They serve dishes from around the world, including Goat Curry, Churasco Rib-eye Steak, Chicken Molé, Black Turtle Beans and Pad Thai - the house specialty. Vegetarian and vegan options are available.

Telephone: 780.989.2861
Website: www.bluechair.ca  

The Blue Pear: The Blue Pear specializes in simple creative food. This boutique restaurant offers a globally inspired five course menu. The menu features dishes that are both sophisticated yet uncomplicated. The menu changes every month to allow Chef Darcy Radies to take advantage of local seasonal items. Reservations are recommended and the restaurant suggests children under 12 years old be left with a sitter.

Telephone: 780.482.7178
Website: www.thebluepear.com  

Blue Plate Diner: Located in the heart of the Warehouse District in downtown Edmonton, Blue Plate Diner is open for lunch, dinner and brunch on weekends. Their dining room is warm and cozy, and filled with original paintings created by local artists. Blue Plate Diner serves up a comfortable and creative menu, with plenty of offerings for vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. Try their Maple-Glazed Cornbread, Sweet Potato Fries, Lentil and Nut Loaf, or Pozole Enchiladas, just to name a few unique specialties.

Telephone: 780.429.0740
Website: www.blueplatediner.ca  

Characters Fine Dining: Characters Fine Dining offers innovative cooking with a regional flair in a contemporary restaurant setting. The entrees are endless but to name a few: Chilean Sea Bass, New Zealand Lamb Loin, Hawaiian Ahi Tuna Loin, Alberta Black Angus Beef Tenderloin, Brome Lake Duck Breast and Spicy Lobster Spaghetti. There is also a unique dining experience for aspiring chefs or those looking for a little entertainment with their meal - the Chef’s Table places four guests right in the heart of the action. Chef Shonn and his staff welcome guests to their busy kitchen and will answer questions along the way.

Telephone: 780.421.4100
Website: www.characters.ca  

Chop Steak Fish & Bar: At Chop, plush leather sears, rugged stone accents and warm rich woods wrap you in an atmosphere of modern luxury. For lovers of classic recipes and food adventurers alike, Chop offers a menu that will tantalize and delight with a focus on the choicest cuts of beef, the freshest seafood and an array of sides and accompaniments that showcase their creativity and reverence for quality food. Chop was chosen in 2007 as “One of Canada’s Top 10 New Restaurants” by Where Magazine.

Telephone: 780.487.2467
Website: www.chop.ca  

The Creperie: The Creperie is a unique and affordable French-style restaurant. Voted “Most Romantic Restaurant,” the Creperie's atmosphere is cozy and warm with its small intimate rooms and flickering candlelight. Like the name says, the menu offers delicious crepes with fillings of chicken, seafood, beef and vegetables. In addition, patrons can tempt their taste buds with New York Striploin, Lamb Shanks Provencales, Mussels Marsellaise, Cedar Baked Salmon or one of the Chef's tantalizing features. Accompaniments include a variety of appetizers including the Creperie's Croustille au Fromage (deep fried cheese crepes) and the famous baked French Onion Soup and a variety of salads.

Telephone: 780.420.6656
Website: www.thecreperie.com  

Dadeo Diner & Bar: Dadeo Diner & Bar offers its customers a relaxed and casual atmosphere set in a retro 50's style diner on Whyte Avenue in the heart of Old Strathcona. Vinyl booths line the walls, mini-jukes sit at each of the tables, and great music is always in the air. Dadeo’s takes great pride in their reputation as a neighborhood diner & bar, offering a friendly atmosphere and service befitting the Cajun tradition of southern hospitality. There is a variety of authentic Cajun cooking from their signature Po'Boy Sandwiches, Blackened Catfish Salad, Fresh Shucked Oysters, and Jambalaya.

Telephone: 780.433.0930
Website: www.dadeo.ca  

Hardware Grill: Located in the heart of Edmonton, this spacious restaurant is in the beautifully refurbished Goodridge Block, built in 1912. Once the city’s favorite hardware store, W.W. Arcade, the grand room that housed hammers, nails, paint, nuts and bolts, now features a central show kitchen and a glassed-in wine cellar (which displays Hardware Grill’s award-winning 600-plus label wine selection). Chef and Owner Larry Stewart delivers creative and whimsical prairie regional flavors with French influenced style. The result ranges from a sophisticated twist on Alberta’s Ukrainian heritage with the Truffled Potato Perogies, Canadian Salmon Caviar, to the more rustic dish of Mocha Crusted, Bacon wrapped Elk.

Telephone: 780.423.0969
Website: www.hardwaregrill.com  

Highlevel Diner: Named after the High Level Bridge, this trendy diner is a great place for healthy, interesting food and is located just a few blocks from the university. Highlevel Diner offers breakfast, lunch or dinner in a very laid-back atmosphere, and is known for its unique selection of international fare such as souvlaki, quesadillas, jambalaya, grilled chicken, and blueberry pancakes. If you are a vegetarian, choose from a variety of dishes, like the Spinach Pie or the Black Bean Chili.

The diner opened in 1982 with an almost non-existent budget, and by good will and generous people the business grew and soon became a popular spot with visitors and a regular stop for local patrons. Previous landlord Patrick Turner turned down offers from major developers for the land and sold it in 2008 to the owners of the Highlevel Diner - a place he has loyally frequented for years.

Telephone: 780.433.0993

Homefire Grill: Homefire Grill brings a fusion of contemporary Canadian and Aboriginal cuisine together. Fire-roasted food is the hallmark of this west-end restaurant that specializes in rotisserie meats, fish, bison meatloaf, and woodstone pizza. In working towards a healthier lifestyle, the Homefire Grill uses a selection of organically grown and locally produced items in their dishes.

Telephone: 780.489.8086
Website: www.homefiregrill.ca  

Fantasy Grill Dining Room: Fantasy Grill will surely surpass all culinary fantasies! The menu is constantly evolving, with new additions such as tasting menus and of course their table-side service, which has always been a big hit. Guests will sample an array of tantalizing delicacies focusing on fresh local and Canadian product. The only thing that compares to dinner at the Fantasy Grill is the restaurant's popular Sunday Brunch Buffet.

Telephone: 780.444.3000
Website: www.fantasylandhotel.com  

Jack’s Grill: Jack's Grill is located in a quiet neighborhood where you least expect to find fine fresh market bistro cuisine. The understated building facade belies the warm, friendly, playful interior. The length of the restaurant displays a beautiful courtyard where you can enjoy dessert on warm summer evenings, or inspect the fresh herbs grown and used by the kitchen staff. The kitchen prides itself in its creative yet simple menu which includes Boar Bacon Wrapped Chicken Breasts with Mushrooms, Crisp Brome Lake Duck Breast with Smoked Duck Sausage, and Grilled Alberta Elk Tenderloin, to name just a few.

Telephone: 780.434.1113
Website: www.jacksgrill.ca  

Kids in the Hall Bistro: Kids in the Hall Bistro is a vibrant downtown Edmonton bistro located in City Hall serving an eclectic upscale casual menu in our comfortable restaurant. What makes this restaurant unique is that Kids in the Hall Bistro provides the public with good food and excellent service, while meeting the needs of at-risk youth for developing employable skills. Run by E4C, the nine-month program is geared to tackle the issues that have blocked young people from success. The intensity and actual on-the-job experience in a viable restaurant has led to a success rate of nearly 80 per cent. ("Success" means youth secure full-time employment or continue their education after their program ends.)

Telephone: 780.413.8060 (Reservations); 780.983.3166 (Program Manager)
Website: www.kidsinthehallbistro.com  

La Ronde: Enjoy Edmonton’s finest regional Canadian cuisine high above the city, Alberta’s first revolving restaurant.  Revolving once every 90 minutes, La Ronde treats its guests to an unmatched view and dining experience.  Executive Chef Jasmin Kobajica is renowned for his passion in regional cuisine. In La Ronde, you will have the pleasure of sampling one of his sophisticated creations – from Arctic Char to Bison to “Sterling Silver” Striploins. The pastry chef Scott Parker will also complete your dining experience with one of his delectable creations. Freshly prepared in house, his culinary skills are reflected in his desserts and are sure to please any sweet tooth. 

Telephone: 780.420.8366
Website: www.chateaulacombe.com  

Madison’s Grill: In the historic Union Bank Inn, Madison’s Grill has an elaborate cathedral ceiling, massive paned windows, cherry wood tones and high-backed leather chairs, Madison's Grill can be described with just one word: classic. As spectacular as its surroundings, the gourmet cuisine at Madison’s is artfully prepared with only the finest and freshest local ingredients. Along with an extensive wine list Madison’s offers wine matching with your meal and there are many great five and six course meals to be booked for special event dinners.

Telephone: 780.401.2222
Website: www.unionbankinn.com  

Manor Café: The Manor was the residence of former Alberta Attorney General John Farquar Lymburn (1926 to 1935) who built this lovely home in 1929. The integrity of the original structure has been maintained, which allows for either a romantic dinner for two or lunch with an important client. Lunchtime favourites include the Moroccan Curry and a Lobster and Crab BLT Sandwich. An evening meal might begin with some mouth-watering tapas for sharing – Seafood Fondue, Shiitake Duck Spring Rolls or Baked Goat Cheese. Follow that up with a Poached Pear Salad, an entrée of Roasted Duck Breast or Bison Strip Loin and a delicious “from scratch” dessert to top it all off.

Telephone: 780.482.7577
Website: www.manorcafe.com  

Normand’s: Normand's is a cozy little bistro, with a relaxed atmosphere. The dinner menu has a wide variety for anyone's tastes, and daily features includes two market dishes plus a regional wild game special. Some of the interesting dinner entrees include Alberta Free Range Pheasant Breast, Free Range Chicken Breast with Shrimp Curry and Seafood Stew ‘Bouillabaise’. The exquisite preparation of each dish in a savory sauce is what makes each meal a special treat. Normand's: the menu is country French with an Alberta accent.

Telephone: 780.482.2600
Website: www.normands.com  

Packrat Louie: Making its home in an old brick building in the heart of Old Strathcona, Packrat Louie's is a charming, and very popular, bistro. White tablecloths and elegant window coverings provide nice accents as you catch glimpses of the chefs cooking in the bar-style kitchen. Choose something from the menu like Lemon Pizza, Chilean Sea Bass, or Mushroom Beef Tenderloin and Caramelized Prawns, and you will not be disappointed.

Telephone: 780.433.0123
Website: www.packratlouie.com  

Red Ox Inn: This tiny gem of a restaurant is nestled in one of Edmonton's oldest neighborhoods. The focus is on creative and eclectic cuisine, serving serious food in a casual atmosphere. The Red Ox Inn, a collaborative effort led by Andrea and Frank Olson, is proud of its relationship with loyal patrons, staff, and producers. The wine list continues to grow in order to keep up with daily specials and a finely tuned menu. The Red Ox Inn is the perfect choice for a quiet dinner, a small gathering of friends, or even a private party.

Telephone: 780.465.5727
Website: www.theredoxinn.com  

Sabor Divino Restaurant: Located in the Boardwalk Building in the heart of downtown, this new (open 2009) fine dining restaurant is owned and operated by Chef Adelino Oliviera from Portugal and maitre d' Christian Mena from Chile. Edmontonians will know Mena as a singer, yet he insists the food is the star here. However, one can hear him on Friday and Saturday night as he occasionally takes the microphone to croon some classics alongside the house grand piano. The front room welcomes you with a European outdoor cafe setting, specializing in light meals and tapas paired with fine wines and ports. The cuisine pays homage to the rustic village cooking, while elevating it to the finest of dining standard. Only the best of coffee products are served, prepared as European coffees should be. For those who do not speak Portuguese, “Sabor Divino” means divine flavour.

Telephone: 780.757.1114
Website: www.sabordivino.ca  

Sorrentino’s: In 1979, a family began to share its traditional Italian dishes from their grandparents' family kitchen, using recipes handed down from one generation to the next. Thirty years later, the company continues to grow through the expansion of both the Sorrentino’s concept and other establishments operated by Sorrentino’s Restaurant Group. Above all, Sorrentino’s is committed to the community in which they serve. In particular they are committed to supporting Sorrentino’s Compassion House: A home away from home for breast cancer patients and their families.

Telephone: 780.474.6466 (Sorrentino's Administration Office)
Website: www.sorrentinos.com  

SugarBowl: SugarBowl, located just off the University of Alberta campus, first opened its doors back in the 1940s. SugarBowl has a Belgium-style café atmosphere with local art exhibits and live music nights, and is a popular place to eat, drink and hang out. The service includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch plus a variety of Belgian and import beers as well as an extensive wine list. Some of the unique menu items include: Bison Chili, Autumn Harvest Burgers, Coconut Curry Tofu, Vietnamese Pork and Mac’n’Cheese.

Telephone: 780.433.8369
Website: www.thesugarbowl.org  

Wildflower Grill: Wood fired grilling accentuates fresh food flavours and eye popping presentations that delight the senses. The interplay of deep rustic and sharp cutting edge flavours deliver a memorable culinary experience. Chef Yoshi Chubachi, with his European training and love of the Canadian West, creates palate pleasers such as Coconut Buttered Tiger Prawns, Rack of Alberta Lamb and Herb Crusted Venison Medallions, to name only a few dishes. Wildflower's dedication to Canadian wines is evident by its handsome, glass-walled wine cabinets that inspire thirst. Wildflower Grill was chosen in 2008 as “One of Canada’s Top 10 New Restaurants” by Where Magazine.

Telephone: 780.990.1938
Website: www.wildfloweredmonton.com  

Learn more about Dining in Edmonton through the stories of people who've experienced it. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Kelly Bertoncini
Travel Media Relations Manager, External Relations 
780.969.0481
kbertoncini@edmonton.com  

Bin Lau
Director of Communications, External Relations
780.969.0463
blau@edmonton.com

Jenifer Christenson
Executive Director, External Relations 
780.917.7890
jchristenson@edmonton.com