winnipeg’ s bestlist
The definitive Ciao! restaurant list outlines our selection of the top dining establishments in the city. Virtually all are locally owned. Keep this list for easy reference, whether you are seeking a multi-course extravaganza or simply want the best soup in town. Although information is updated every issue, restaurant details are subject to change without notice. If you have visited a restaurant that should be considered for addition to this list, please e-mail: editorial @ bestmarketing. com. The symbols are as follows: WA— Wheelchair accessible LP— Licensed premises SP— Summer patio A— American Express IA— Interac M— MasterCard V— Visa ATM— Bank machine on‐site
BARBEQUE
Lovey’ s BBQ and Smokehouse 1‐208 Marion St, 204‐233‐RIBS( 7427). This casual eatery boasts a barbeque pit and scratch-made sauces. Slabs of pork shoulder and brisket are smoked low and slow overnight. Sample a variety of meats in combo platters. WA, LP, IA, M, V
BISTRO
Baked Expectations 161 Osborne St, 204‐452‐5176. The huge chalkboard lists comfort food like burgers and pasta, but save room for the sweet stuff. This place is duly noted for its decadent desserts, from tortes to cheesecakes. WA, LP, SP, IA
Bisita 637 Corydon Ave, 204‐615‐7423. Comforting Filipino cuisine in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Crispy pork belly sliders topped with an oozing, golden quail egg on a pandesal bun are a fusion food musttry. WA, LP, SP, IA, M, V Black Rabbit 135 Osborne St, 204‐615‐1130. Superbly executed plates with global influence. Crispy Brussels spouts tossed in lemon olive oil are a standout. WA, LP, SP, A, IA, M, V Bonfire Bistro 1433 Corydon Ave, 204‐487‐4440. Famous for wood-fired artisan pizzas, this cozy hangout is the perfect place to unwind. Try the spicy Bonfire Hawaiian, with capicollo ham and fire-roasted pineapple. WA, LP, IA, M, V
Café 22 823 Corydon Ave, 336 Broadway Ave, 130 Provencher Blvd, 1795 Henderson Hwy, 204‐222‐2222. This trendy chain serves gourmet coffee, sandwiches, calzones and Chicago-style deep dish pies. Stonefired and Chicago-style deep dish pies. Custom pizza is the specialty. SP, IA, M, V deer + almond 85 Princess St, 204‐504‐8562. This hip, rustic Exchange District restaurant boasts an inspired globally influenced menu of creative, shareable plates. WA, LP, IA, M, V Dessert Sinsations Café 505 St. Mary Ave, 204‐284‐4661. This sunny café features rustic gourmet comfort food alongside owner Barbara O’ Hara’ s renowned desserts. WA, LP, A, IA, M, V Era Bistro 85 Israel Asper Way, 204‐289‐2000. Located in the new Canadian Museum for Human Rights, this open concept room serves locally inspired fare with an emphasis on sustainability. Lightly panko breaded and fried Bearcat pickerel cheeks are a treat. WA, LP, A, IA, M, V Le Garage Café 166 Provencher Blvd, 204‐237‐0737. This casual eatery in the heart of the French Quarter offers sophisticated tastes for lunch, dinner and late night. Live music scheduled. WA, LP, A, IA, M, V Prairie Ink Grant Park Shopping Centre, 204‐975‐2659. Cozy retreat inside McNally Robinson Booksellers. Healthy fare for all tastes. Extensive fresh juice selection and wonderful desserts. Also an on-site pâtisserie counter. WA, LP, SP, A, IA, M, V Prairie’ s Edge 2015 Main St, 204‐284‐7275. New eatery nestled in the greenery of Kildonan Park offers creative dishes packed with regional ingredients. Beet fritters with hemp seeds are a must. WA, LP, SP, A, IA, M, V Resto at Thermëa 775 Crescent Dr, 204‐284-9595. A health-focused menu includes regional ingredients in dishes like Arctic Char and grapefruit crème. Located inside Thermëa by Nordik- Spa Nature. WA, LP, SP, IA, M, V Saucers Café 570 Academy Rd, 204‐489‐9204. The menu features generous sandwiches, salads, wraps, pizzas, specialty coffees and teas. Try the roasted vegetable bruschetta with goat cheese and tart balsamic reduction. WA, LP, SP, A, IA, M, V
Steve’ s Bistro 3123 Portage Ave, 204‐831‐5531. Tuck into hearty portions of Mediterranean-influenced cuisine, like tangy house-made olive tapenade and fall-off-the-bone rack of lamb with lemon and oregano. WA, LP, 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. Blondie’ s 1969 Main St, 204‐338‐0185; Dairi-Wip Drive- In 383 Marion St, 204‐233‐5144; Mrs Mike’ s 286 Tache Ave, 204‐237‐3977; VJ’ s Drive- In 170 Main St, 204‐943‐2655; White Top Drive-Inn 409 Manitoba Ave, 204‐589‐4419; White Star Diner 58 Albert St, 204‐947‐6930. Boon Burger 79 Sherbrook St, 204-415‐1391; 141 Bannatyne Ave, 204-504-5394. This all-vegan burger café serves up a range of house-made patties. Treat yourself to organic iced tea and crispy sesame fries. LP, SP, A, IA, M, V Daly Burger 619 Corydon Ave, 204‐284‐4944. A classic menu of burgers, chili fries, cheese dogs, and super thick shakes, coupled with retro memorabilia, give this diner a 50s feel. WA, IA, M, V Market Burger 645 Corydon Ave, 204‐505‐2510. Hip hangout serves up mouthfuls of Manitoba with locally sourced ingredients from cheese and meat to buns and beers. IA, V, M Nuburger 472 Stradbrook Ave, 204‐888‐1001; 1-1650 Kenaston Blvd, 204-615‐2009. Healthy, fresh twists on the classic burger housed in a bright and modern space. Pick from locally sourced bison, beef, chicken, or veggie patties. WA, LP, A, IA, M, V
CAFE
Across the Board Game Café 93 Albert St, 204‐691‐3422. Choose from over 500 board games to play, or simply enjoy snacks, sandwiches, flatbreads, salads, and soups feast in this bright, cozy space. LP, IA, M, V Buffalo Stone Café 1961 McCreary Rd, 204-989‐8370. Relax lakeside at FortWhyte Alive with hearty sandwiches, soups and a signature bison burger. WA, SP, IA, M, V
32 ciao! / aug / sep / two thousand sixteen