Ciao Dec/Jan 2016 number one hundred one | Page 60

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. If you have visited a restaurant that should be considered for addition to this list, please e-mail your recommendation to: [email protected]. 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 — New restaurant 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 Muddy Waters Smokehouse The Forks Pavilion, 204‑947‑6653. Expect ol’ fashioned Southern hospitality at this Memphis-style barbeque featuring slow-cooked ribs and pork, smoked over hickory fire. WA, LP, SP, A, 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 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 fireroasted pineapple. WA, LP, IA, M, V Café 22 823 Corydon Ave; 336 Broadway; 130 Provencher Blvd; 1795 Henderson Hwy, 204‑222‑2222. This trendy chain serves gourmet coffee, sandwiches, calzones and Chicago-style deep dish pies. SP, IA, M, V 58 ciao! / dec/jan / two thousand sixteen 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. 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. 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. 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 Mediterraneaninfluenced cuisine, like fall-off-thebone rack of lamb with lemon and oregano. WA, LP, A, IA, MC, V BURGERS 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 house-made 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 50’s 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; The Forks Market, 1 Forks Market Rd. Healthy, fresh twists on the c lassic burger. 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 Beet Happening 818 Notre Dame Ave, 204‑775‑2338. Outstanding take-away breakfast and lunch options. Rustic mini pizzas and savoury tarts stuffed with veggies are feel-good faves. WA, IA, M, V BerMax Caffé + Bistro 4-1800 Corydon Ave, 204‑691‑0044. One of the few spots in Canada to serve famous illy coffee. Specialty drinks as well as kosher baked goods, and bistro style menu in a sleek, well-designed space. WA, 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 Clementine Cafe 123 Princess St, 204‑942‑9497. Underground nook has stellar offerings for breakfast and lunch. Sophisticated flavours are drawn from spices and ingredients from around the globe. LP, A, IA, M, V Eva’s Gelato 101-1001 Corydon Ave, 204‑452‑3827. Features a variety of Eva’s house‑made Argentinean gelato and a gourmet coffee bar. Dulce de leche is a signature flavour. WA, SP, IA, M, V Feast Cafe & Bistro 587 Ellice Ave, 204-691-5979. This cozy spot pays tribute to Manitoba’s Indigenous groups, with a menu rich in bannock, bison and berries. WA, LP, IA, M, V The Fyxx 310 Broadway, 204‑989‑2470. Enjoy a creative selection of sandwiches and soup in a bright, airy atmosphere at this downtown espresso bar. WA, IA, M, V