Edmonton

Last Updated: May 23, 2015

Here are some of our favourites organized by neighbourhood; Please keep in mind that I've been a little generous with borders. I try to keep everything as up to date as possible (new restaurants, closures, etc.). Asterisks are next to some of our most well loved (and in some cases, best known) spots. Please, please double check hours before heading out, and if reservations are available, I will always suggest making one.

We don't own a vehicle, and live downtown, so most of these places are easily accessible by bike, foot or transit from the City's centre.

There are a bunch of excellent guides with Edmonton info (I particularly like this one from Design Sponge; You can also find a little black #YEG guide around town), but I hope this one is also a little helpful. Feel free to get in touch if you need further info.
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Downtown {Our home base}

Eat and Drink

Bar Bricco {10347 Jasper Avenue} - The latest addition to Daniel Costa's growing empire (see Corso 32 below), Bar Bricco serves wine, a few cocktails, and plates of salumi, cheeses, pasta and salads. There are no reservations available here, so make sure you arrive early... or late. They are open Tuesday through Friday from 5pm to late, and Saturday from 7pm to late. You'll want to order the egg yolk ravioli. For - Wine, small plates, night out, cheese, Italian

Burrow {Central LRT Station at 100 Street and Jasper Avenue} - Solid coffee, light breakfast and lunch fare, served up in the LRT station. This spot belongs to the Elm Café empire {also District and Little Brick}. For - Coffee, breakfast, lunch, snacks

Cavern {#2, 10169 104 Street} - Though we usually just purchase our cheese here, tables are available to linger over coffee and pastry in the morning, sandwiches at lunch and cheese boards with wine in the evening. Take out is available, especially morning and lunch hour. For - Coffee, cheese, sandwiches, lunch, wine, late night, snacks, to-go

*Coffee Bureau {10505 Jasper Avenue} - A small coffee shop serving locally roasted ACE coffee, and pastries from Leva Café. If you can snag one of the window seats or the bench out front, do. For - Coffee, snacks, tea, people watching, closed Sundays

The Common {9910 109 Street} - Solid food (both weekday lunch and dinner every evening except Sundays) and an accessible beer and cocktail list are on offer. Make sure you check out their specials throughout the week. We love their Umami Burger most. In the evening (Thursday through Saturday), it turns into a nightclub of sorts after 9PM, with live, local djs. For - Lunch, dinner, burger, cocktails, beer, dancing

*Corso 32 {10345 Jasper Avenue} - A small menu and space with big impact, serving up Italian fare using local ingredients. Constantly changing menu in addition to daily specials, with great cocktails and wines to match. Reservations for sure, as far in advance as possible. For - Night out, Italian, local, dinner

Credo Coffee {10134 104 Street} - This is Charles' morning stop for perfect lattes made with Intelligentsia beans. They also have delicious muffins, cookies and granola bars baked in house. For - Coffee, tea, snack, mid-afternoon, morning, to-go

District Coffee Co. {#101, 10011 109 Street} - There's not a lot in this area by the leg, so District, run by the people of Elm Café (see Oliver below) is a welcome addition. Phil & Sebastian Coffee is served alongside delicious house baked goods. For - Coffee, pastries, snack, light lunch, weekdays only

Drift {107 Street and Jasper Avenue} - Delicious sandwiches with house made fries and ketchup. Open for lunch Wednesdays from 11:30am-1:30pm, and Thursdays at the 124 Street Grand Market {see below} for dinner from 4-8pm. Get up to date news and menus via Twitter. For - Lunch, dinner, sandwiches, fries, street food, food truck, to-go

Confederation Lounge at the Hotel MacDonald {10065 100th Street} - You could probably eat here, but honestly, we just go for cocktails and their cozy fireplace, or the amazing view from the patio in the summer. For - Drinks, the view, patio

Little Brick {10004 90 Street} - Another spot brought to the City by the Elm Café folks {also see District and Burrow}. This is a little off the beaten path, but if you're strolling through the river valley, head into Riverdale and grab a coffee and pastry in this house turned cafe. There's plenty of seating in the backyard during the summer. For - Coffee, light lunch, pastries, snacks

Lockstock Coffee {10534 Jasper Avenue} - Small coffee shop with house made pastries, served up in Red Star {see below}. Although the coffee portion is sectioned off, they often allow for seating in the pub area if things get busy. For - coffee, pastries

The Marc {9940 106 Street} - Casual French dishes served up in a sophisticated dining room. Small but carefully chosen wine list, plus, they're perfectly situated downtown. Amazing service and one of the most beautiful patios in the city during the summer months. Open weekdays for lunch and dinner, and Saturdays for dinner only. For - French, night out, lunch, dinner, solo dining, patio

MRKT {10542 Jasper Avenue} - Carla Alexander has created a casual, unique spot with delicious sandwiches for lunch time patrons, and fun soups changing daily. Evening menu Thursdays through Saturdays, with share plates, mains and solid cocktails. For - Lunch, dinner, local, soup, night out, to-go, solo dining

Padmanadi Vegetarian Restaurant {10740 101 Street} - Friendly service and vibe with amazing 'meat inspired' veggie selections, as well as other inventive veggie dishes influenced by the family's Indonesian roots. For - Lunch, dinner, brunch, vegetarian, vegan, family meal, no alcohol, take-out

Pho Tau Bay {10660 98 Street} - Edmonton is somewhat famous for Vietnamese offerings, particularly Pho, a soup with beef broth, noodles, meat (usually beef), basil and sprouts. This one is the best. For - Lunch, soup, Vietnamese, solo dining

Red Star {10534 Jasper Ave below MRKT} - The food menu, originally created by Corso 32's Daniel Costa, comprises small-ish plates that are good to share. My favourite dishes remain the truffle salad and the pasta with wild boar ragu. They also have a lengthy beer list (bottles), featuring bottles from around the world. For - After work drinks, dinner, late night, bar/pub, beer, Italian

Rostizado {102, 10359 104 Street; in the Mercer building} - The same guys who brought us Tres Carnales Taquería opened this spot in 2014. You'll find a diverse menu featuring their roasted pork and chicken - delicious - which we love in their sandwiches. Don't miss the tamales and the beans, and cocktails featuring tequila and mezcal. In addition to dinner, they serve lunch weekdays; closed Sundays. For - After work drinks and snacks, dinner, lunch, take-out

*Tres Carnales Taquería {10119 100A Street} - Fresh tacos made with local ingredients where possible. It's a loud, party-esque atmosphere. Have fun. Take out is available when you're not in the mood. For - Tacos, Mexican, lunch, dinner, party, take-out

Underground {10004 Jasper Ave} - If you want a beer downtown, this is the best we've got, with 72 tap lines dedicated entirely to craft beer. The atmosphere isn't my favourite, and skip the food and just have drinks. If at all possible, sit at the bar for best service. Because of location, Friday and Saturday nights can be dicey, with hi-balls and shots flying from the bar for a different crowd... So keep it to weekdays if you want to enjoy a beer in peace. For - Craft beer

As a side note, we've had a recent addition of corporate feeling craft beer spots. I have a post that semi-rounds things up here. If you're looking for both good food and a pretty good beer selection, I would highly suggest checking out Next Act in Old Strathcona {See below}.

*Woodwork {10132 100 Street} - This is easily our most frequented spot since we share an alley with them. The menu is meat centric (vegetarians, stay away unless you just want the kale salad), smokey and delicious, with food mostly cooked over their wood fired grill. The cocktail program is one of the best in the city (also check out North 53 and Three Boars). They have a $15 lunch deal weekdays. Closed Wednesdays. For - Lunch, dinner, snacks, cocktails, beer, night out, solo dining

Shop

*Artworks {101B Edmonton City Centre NW} - My favourite store for stationary (greeting cards, calendars, washi tape, etc.), objects of curiosity, wrapping paper, flowers, jewelry and other fun (often random) things.

Audrey's Books {10702 Jasper Ave.} - A beautiful independent bookstore, with an excellent culinary selection, and local authors.

Carbon {10184 104 Street... In the process of moving} - Everyday home wares and decor, plus cleaning supplies (with bulk refills) and paint.

*City Market {104 St OR City Hall; seasonally} - Our city's oldest market, at City Hall during the winter months, and outdoors on 104th street during the summer. Saturdays.

*Workhall {#102, 10137 104 Street} - Modern clothes designed by Edmonton's Nicole Campre, along with locally made jewelry by Hunt Amor.

deVine Wines and Spirits {10111 104 Street} - Our local liquor store. Plenty of spirits and beer (and, of course, wine, if you go in for that sort of thing...). Check out their events, including tastings, drop in nights and pairings.

Italian Centre {10878 95 Street} - A locally owned grocery store chain with a large deli (meat, cheese, briney things, as well as the famed 'Italian Centre Sandwich') and several hard to find items readily available. Lots of pasta, tomatoes and the like. Cafes at all three locals (they serve excellent, affordable - ~$12 for a 12-14" - pizza downtown and at their west end locations!).

Stopover 

Latitude 53 {10242 106 Street} - Tiny gallery with excellent events, particularly their weekly patio parties Thursday evenings during the summer.

Legislative Grounds {107 Street and 97 Ave} - Busy during the summer (if you want to utilize the pool side), but always quiet on the south side of the building where you'll find copious amounts of grass to lounge. During the winter you'll often find a skating rink that way too.
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Grandin, Oliver and 124th Street

Eat and Drink

Beer Revolution {11736 104 Ave} - Not my favourite for food - though the nachos are solid - they have a great, constantly rotating beer list that includes brews from Alberta brewers, even some obscure ones. For - Craft beer

The Bothy {10124 124 Street} - A long list of both scotch and wine, with knowledgeable, friendly staff. Open for both lunch and dinner with great cheese and charcuterie, salads and meat pies. They have another location (their first) on 5482 Calgary Trail. For - Lunch, dinner, snacks, drinks, scotch, wine, tastings

Daravara {10713 124 Street} - A pub with a great space, pretty good beer list and excellent food. They also do one of the best weekend brunches in the city. For - Dinner, drinks, lunch, weekend brunch, closed Mondays

Dovetail Delicatessen {10721 124 Street} - Opened by the husband and wife team behind Drift Food Truck {see above}, this spot offers a daily 'roast meat' sandwich alongside soups, salads and samosas, as well as beers, ciders and wines. Stop by Thursday nights for charcuterie until 8pm. For - Lunch, sandwich, snacks {not open weekends}

*Duchess Bakeshop {10720 124 Street} - One of the best bakeshops in the city, with made from scratch treats every day but Monday. Try the Duke, Brioche Pepin or any of the seasonal items. Sandwiches are available from opening until 2pm. Note that this is cafeteria style (there's no table service). It's very busy on Saturdays, so if you want to linger, mid afternoon during weekdays or Sundays mid morning are best. For - Pastry, cake, coffee, snacks, light lunch, to-go

Just to put it out there, I work at Duchess part time, but it's because I think the pastries and coffee are delicious. You can find me a couple days a week at their sister store, Provisions, with baking tools, ingredients, books and a generous selection of craft chocolate.

Elm Café {#100, 10140 117 Street} - Small café offering fantastic take-out coffee, daily muffins, and warm and cold sandwiches that change daily. For - Lunch, coffee, sandwiches, soup, to-go, patio

*Iconoclast Koffiehuis {11807B 115 St} - This is my favourite spot for coffee at the moment. Incredibly cozy industrial space and house roasted coffee. They also make their own chocolate from the bean - Pinto Chocolate - which makes for an incredible cup of hot chocolate. For - Coffee, hot chocolate, baking, quiet

The Manor {10109 125 Street} - Lovely brunch (one of the best in the city), lunch and dinner in a homey setting around the High Street. A varied menu that should suit almost anyone, and it can be made casual or evening out. For - Lunch, dinner, brunch, night out

*North 53 {10240 124 Street} - A young team of chefs dedicated to fine ingredients from Canada, with both small and large plates. A nice lengthy bar with some of the best cocktails in the city; Try the Smoke + Oak Old Fashioned. For - Dinner, night out, drinks, cocktails, local

*Rge Rd {10643 123 Street} - Inventive dishes featuring local ingredients and cooking styles in a beautiful space. There are lots of items to share, and tasting menus and wine pairings are available. For - Dinner, local, tastings, pairings, night out

The Tea Girl {12411 Stony Plain Rd} - Formerly Steeps Tea Glenora, this spot feels like a cozy, hidden hide away. A huge tea selection and delicious Matcha bowls. For - Tea, snacks

Shop

Lux Beauty Boutique {12531 102 Ave} - This is my go to for the little make-up and bath products I use. Locally owned, with (mostly) paraben free products, and hard to find brands like Skyn Iceland, on offer.

Plum Home + Design {12407 108 Street} - I often find myself here browsing through their small selection of cards and stationary and admiring their blankets, jewelry and other items. Excellent for gifts.

Thread Hill {10725 124 Street} - Unique clothing and jewelry sourced from designers from around the world, with some local thrown in.

Sherbrooke Liquor {11819 St. Albert Trail} - If I had a car, I'd be at Sherbrooke purchasing beer all of the time. Their store features a gigantic walk in beer cooler, with over 1500 different bottles of beer on the shelf. They also do their own series with local Alley Kat and other brewers from Western Canada.

124 Street Grand Market {108 Ave & 124 Street} - On Thursdays from 4-8pm the street is filled with food trucks and a well rounded selection of vendors, including farmers, bakers and clothing and jewelry makers.

Stopovers

Victoria Promenade {100 Ave from 117 to 121 Streets} - One of my favourite spots in the City to take in the River Valley, it's particularly breathtaking during the summer when things are bright green. There's a wide walkway, tons of benches and it's on a bike route.

Grant Notley Park {116 Street and 100 Ave} - Just down from Victoria Promenade sits Grant Notley Park, with an equally good view of the River Valley, this time with a gazebo and grass in case you want to stay for a picnic.

*Ezio Faraone Park {110 Street and 97 Ave} - Lots of grass here, busy with runners and others, stop by before heading over the High Level Bridge. This is one of the best vantage points for watching summer sunsets.
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Garneau, Old Strathcona (Whyte Ave) and Mill Creek

Eat and Drink

Belgravia Hub {7609 115 Street} - A cozy dinner or weekday lunch spot tucked away in one of Edmonton's most beautiful neighbourhoods. Take a walk north to 74 Ave and Saskatchewan Drive and check out the beautiful view of the river valley. For - Dinner, lunch

Café Bicyclette {004 - La Cité Francophone, 8627 rue Marie-Ann-Gaboury} - Beautiful, brightly lit bistro serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. Make sure you check out the patio situated in the courtyard, which is open during the summer, and often during the winter months. There are often plays or events at La Cité Francophone if you are looking for something to round out the evening. For - Breakfast, lunch, dinner, brunch, night out, patio, French

Culina Mill Creek {9914 89 Avenue} - Lovely for brunch or a cozy romantic dinner, featuring lots of local, with a great patio during the summer. It's a pretty small seating space, so be sure to make a reservation. For - Dinner, brunch, local, night out, patio

Café Mosaics {10844 82 Avenue} - This newly renovated spot offers a large, diverse veggie menu, including several delicious homemade veggie burgers. During the summer they feature a cute sidewalk patio right on Whyte Ave. For - Breakfast, lunch, dinner, vegetarian, vegan

DaCapo Caffe {8135 82 Ave In the Roots on Whyte building} - Solid coffee, biscotti, and home made gelato. For - Coffee, gelati, light snacks (biscotti, etc.)

Leva {11053 86 Avenue} - One of my favourite cafes, with a variety of wine, beer and cocktails on offer, plus delicious pizzas and salads. They have one of the most beautiful patios, opening onto a green, lush street. For - Breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee, wine, cocktails, drinks, snacks, gelati, pizza, patio, solo dining

MEAT {8216 104 Street} - Opened by the Next Act folks in 2014, this place offers the best barbecue in the City, with fun cocktails, beers and a hefty bourbon and whisky selection to accompany. The vibe is fun and casual. No reservations; open seven days per week. For - Dinner, drinks, barbecue, weekend brunch

Next Act Pub {8224 104 Street} - A cozy pub with a decent beer selection, with local Alley Kat on tap, and both domestic and imported bottles. A tidy selection of (wonderfully greasy) burgers and sandwiches (read fish sandwich, pulled pork, etc.) to go along with said beer, as well as a solid house salad and veg burger. They also have delicious brunch on Saturday and Sundays starting at 11am, and an Alley Kat cask night the first Tuesday of each month. For - Beer, drinks, burgers, nachos, lunch, dinner, brunch, pub, patio

Noorish {8440 109 Street} - I'm not a huge fan, but if you're looking for raw, this is the only place. For vegan, you can also try Clever Rabbit on 124 Street, or Padmanadi downtown. For - lunch, dinner, vegetarian, vegan, raw

Rosso Pizzeria {8738 109 Street} - Formerly DaCapo Caffe, they've added a wood fired oven and additional dishes to their new pizza centered space. You can still find excellent cappuccinos and home made gelato, as well as brunch starting at 10am on weekends. For - Pizza, beer, coffee, lunch, dinner, brunch, solo dining

Sugarbowl {10922 88 Avenue} - A busy spot with an influx of students from nearby U of A. Sugarbowl was one of the originals in town with a solid beer list made up of local and imported brews, so certainly go for the drinks. Food can be hit and miss, but the lamb burger is quite good. Brunch lines on weekend can be long (and they don't take reservations), so hop across the ave. to Rosso if you're faced with a long wait. For - Beer, drinks, breakfast, lunch, dinner, brunch, solo dining, bar

*Three Boars Eatery {8424 109 Street} - Excellent drink list that's heavy on beer, cocktails, scotch and whiskey, with inventive bar snacks and larger plates intended to share. The menu changes often in an effort to include local and seasonal ingredients. Reservations are now accepted, but they still reserve a portion for walk in customers, and bar seating is available. The staff are friendly and the atmosphere is cozy. Expect to linger. For - Dinner, drinks, beer, cocktails, late night, night out

Transcend Coffee {8708 109 Street} - Excellent espresso and Clover coffee, in a fantastic location. Regular coffee tastings amongst other things. Also, check out their original location, where they roast all the beans (you can have espresso and coffee there too)! Open early daily at both locations. Original location closed Sundays. For - Coffee, tea, light snacks

Under the High Wheel {8135 102 Street In the Roots on Whyte building} - Although the service can be a little slow, the staff are friendly and the food and cozy atmosphere well makes up for it. They have delicious buckwheat crepes (with additional brunch items) served throughout the day. And they have a delicious twist on a croque monsieur (with roasted pork and apples) that is well worth indulging in. Portions are large, so expect to cart some home with you. To go salads, etc. are also available, and Da Capo is attached in case you need a good coffee. For - Breakfast, lunch, brunch, to go, solo dining

Shop

Cally's Teas {10151 82 Avenue} - My favourite tea shop in Edmonton, Cally's carries unique, well sourced teas, accessories and gifts. There's a bit of seating around the shop to stop and enjoy a pot of tea, and they serve delicious baked goods at the back of the shop as well (scones, brioche, small sandwiches, etc.).

*Gravity Pope Shoes {10442 82 Avenue} - My very favourite shoe store, ever (as in compared to other cities). Many, many brands and styles for all occasions, in many price ranges. Their online store is great to peruse beforehand.

Gravity Pope Tailored Goods {8222 Gateway Blvd} - The sister store of the original, carrying clothing and accessories from local and international indie designers.

Workhall {10552 82 Avenue} - The Whyte Ave sister store {their studio is downtown on 104 street}. Modern clothes designed by Edmonton's Nicole Campre, along with locally made jewelry by Hunt Amor.

Oak + Fort {10416 82 Avenue} - A clothing store I frequent for easy-to-wear items, designed in Vancouver and Edmonton.

Bamboo Ballroom {8206 104 Street} - This shop carries clothing and jewelry from around the world, but also has a solid selection from local makers, as well as a vintage section.

Permanent Records {8126 Gateway Blvd} - Looking for a recording from a local musician? Try this shop.

Blackbyrd Myoozik {10442 82 Avenue} - Excellent selection of concert tickets and albums.

Keg n' Cork {3845 99 Street} - Once again, a beer shop that's better with a car. This one features a growler filling station (check their website for a current selection) and one of the best cider collections I've seen.

ACME Meat Market {9531 76 Avenue} - Our favourite butcher.

Stopovers

*High Level Bridge Street Car {warm months} - So long as you are not afraid of heights, this is a fun way to travel to/from Strathcona and downtown/Oliver. There are also fun events, like Edmonton Beer Geeks Anonymous' cask evenings.

Old Strathcona Farmers Market {10310 83 Avenue} - Saturdays from 8am - 3pm

Metro Cinema {8712 109 Street} - Edmonton's indie not-for-profit film organization, operating out of the Garneau Theatre. Be sure to check for special events and screenings.

Princess Theatre {10337 82 Avenue} - Independent films on Whyte Ave in a beautiful old space.
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Muttart Conservatory (great indoor activity)

The most important thing to remember if you're visiting Edmonton - layer (in the winter it's just cold, and in the summer it cools off drastically in the evening) and during the summer, make sure you bring your favourite mosquito repellent or pick up a good one here (market vendors often sell good home made ones, and Earth's General Store, Carbon and Planet Organic all have various options).

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