winnipeg’ s bestlist
The definitive Ciao! restaurant list outlines our selection of the top dining establishments in the city. Virtually all of these recommendations are locally owned and operated. Keep this list available for easy reference, whether you are seeking a formal multi-course gourmet extravaganza or simply want the best soup in town. Although information is updated every issue, restaurant details are subject to change without notice.
— New Location— Summer Patio wa— Wheelchair accessible lp— Licensed premises sp— Summer Patio a— American Express ia— Interac m— MasterCard v— Visa atm— Bank machine on‐site
BARBEQUE
Belle’ s Kitchen + Music Hall 1212 Nairn Ave, 204-560-4496 Musicians entertain diners noshing on rich and smoky moist meat Don’ t skip the Texas Twinkie or pickle potato salad when ordering at the counter. WA, LP, SP, A, IA, M, V Famous Dave’ s 11 Reenders Dr, 204-504-7200. This roadhouse style joint draws big groups sharing generous platters of hickory smoked baby back and St. Louis style ribs. Sandwiches stacked with beef brisket are hits for solo diners. WA, LP, A, IA, M, V
BISTRO
Baby Baby 137 Osborne St, 204-452-BABY. Chef Gama’ s complex cooking is dialed up in this sophisticated cross between bistro and gastropub. Pickerel beignets with fermented plum and aji amarillo honey are exemplary. WA, LP, SP, IA, M, V Bonfire Bistro 1433 Corydon Ave, 204‐487‐4440. Famous for wood-fired pizzas, this River Heights hub rewards regulars top notch toppings and creative pastas. Don’ t miss the imaginative daily specials. WA, LP, IA, M, V Boreal Bistro 85 Israel Asper Way, 204-289-2187. A socially conscious and culturally diverse menu reflect the setting of this dining spot inside the CMHR.
WA, SP, LP, IA, M, V
Café 22 823 Corydon Ave, 204-989-5119. Popular locale does double duty as family-friendly restaurant and trendy lounge. Pizzas are drawn from a wood-burning oven. LP, SP, IA, M, V
Kevin’ s Bistro 141 Bannatyne Ave, 204-221-5028, 1100 Corydon Ave, 204-200-7919. A casual chic spot serves a smattering of shareables and popular ultra-rich pastas.
WA, LP, SP, A, IA, M, V
OEB 330 Main St # 100, 204-306-3447. High-end breakfast fare served in a sunny setting. Expect ingredients like short-rib and truffle mushrooms to elevate your morning. LP, A, IA, M, V Pauline 112 Marion St, 204-235-6001. Stylish and sunny French-inspired bistro named for a historic Winnipeg artist. Serves exquisite breakfast and brunch fare. WA, LP, A, IA, M, V Prairie Ink Grant Park Shopping Centre, 204‐975‐2659. Cozy retreat inside McNally Robinson Booksellers serves a smart menu full of classics.
WA, LP, SP, A, IA, M, V
Prairie’ s Edge 2015 Main St, 204‐284‐7275. Eatery nestled in the greenery of Kildonan Park offers creative dishes packed with regional ingredients. Pickerel cheeks, beets, smoked char and wild rice shine. WA, LP, SP, A, IA, M, V Resto at Thermëa 775 Crescent Dr, 204‐284-9595. Located inside Thermëa by Nordik-Spa, this peaceful bistro serves a health-focusedmenu with regional leanings. WA, LP, SP, IA, M, V Saucers Cafe 570 Academy Rd, 204‐489‐9204. Easy-eating sandwiches, salads, wraps and pizzas dazzle with creative flavourful toppings. Specialty coffees and teas are stellar.
WA, LP, SP, A, IA, M, V
BURGERS
Many of these burger joints are local institutions. Look for variations on Winnipeg’ s signature Fat Boy, consisting of one or more meat patties with chili sauce, tomato, lettuce and mayo.
Daanook, 58 Albert St, 204-414-7070; Dairi-Wip Drive-In, 383 Marion St, 204‐233‐5144; Mrs Mike’ s( closes for winter around mid-Oct) 286 Tache Ave, 204‐237‐3977; St. James Burger & Chip Co, 1866 Ness Ave, 204-414-5599; VJ’ s Drive-Inn, 170 Main St, 204‐943‐2655; White Top Drive-In, 409 Manitoba Ave, 204‐589‐4419
Daly Burger 619 Corydon Ave, 204‐284‐4944. A classic burger joint, couples with retro memorabillia, keeps the focus on beef patties, chili fries, and super thick shakes. WA, IA, M, V
Half Moon Drive-In 6860 Henderson Hwy, 204‐757‐2517. Big burgers slathered with chili and hand-cut fries, hot dogs and ice cream are perennial favourites at this riverside spot in Lockport. WA, SP, M, V Nuburger 6 locations. Healthy, fresh twists on the classic burger and options for all dietary restrictions elevate inspired plates at this local chainlet. The Blueberry Yum Yum is legendary for good reason. WA, LP, A, IA, M, V
CAFÉ
Across the Board Game Café 211 Bannatyne Ave, 204‐691‐3422. Choose from more than 1,000 board games to play and enjoy snacks, sandwiches and delicious entrées in this lively space. LP, IA, M, V Buffalo Stone Café 1961 McCreary Rd, 204-989‐8370. Relax lakeside at FortWhyte Alive. Hearty sandwiches, soups and a signature bison burger make this a sweet nature setting. WA, SP, IA, M, V
Cafe Nul 794 Sargent Ave, 204-306-0666. Charming porch swings, trendy greenery and glasses filled with strawberry matcha are irresistible for the young. WA, A, IA, M, V Clementine Café 123 Princess St, 204‐942‐9497. Trendy underground nook gives haute cuisine flair to simple breakfast and lunch dishes like Belgian waffles and eggs benedict. Come early to avoid a long wait. LP, A, IA, M, V Joe Black Coffee Bar 2037 Portage Ave, 204‐415‐1660. Conveniently poised across from Assiniboine Park’ s pedestrian bridge, this mod café serves up lunch fare and desserts. WA, LP, SP, IA, M, V, ATM Juneberry 531 St. Mary’ s Rd., 204-306-8838. Friendly daytime spot in St. Vital with a gorgeous interior and a menu featuring Asian and Middle Eastern inspired dishes. WA, SP, IA, M, V Modern Electric Lunch 232 Main Street, 204-306-6404. Contemporary takes on classic diner fare in historic, newly renovated Fortune Block. The Turkish eggs shouldn’ t be missed. WA, LP, A, IA, M, V The Oakwood 660 Osborne St, 204‐475‐4250. A commitment to local sourcing elevates this neighbourhood favourite. Twists on comfort food and indulgent desserts are top picks.
WA, LP, A, IA, M, V
Roasted Nomad 393 Marion St, 204-691-4820. Rustic chic sets the scene for elevated homey daytime comforts. Eggs Benedict and housemade soups are superb. WA, SP, IA, M, V
ciao! / aug / sep / two thousand twenty-six 29