Ciao Dec/Jan 2017 CIAO_DecJan2017_Digital | Page 61

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). Casual eatery boasting a barbeque pit and scratch‑made sauces. Slabs of pork shoulder and brisket are smoked low and slow overnight. WA, LP, IA, M, V Muddy Waters Eatery 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. WA, LP, IA, M, V Café 22 823 Corydon Ave; 336 Broadway; 1795 Henderson Hwy, 204‑222‑2222. This trendy chain serves stone fired pizzas in a sleek, modern atmosphere. 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 Elevate Eatery 720 Corydon Ave, 204‑615‑9797. Comfort foods are taken to bold new heights at this chic restaurant, like deep fried reuben balls in shareable appie form. WA, LP, IA, M, V Era Bistro 85 Israel Asper Way, 204‑289‑2000. Located in the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, this open concept room serves local fare with an emphasis on sustainability. WA, LP, SP, A, IA, M, V Le Garage Café 166 Provencher Blvd, 204‑237‑0737. This casual eatery in the heart of the French Quarter offers casual tastes for lunch, dinner and late night. Live music scheduled. WA, LP, A, IA, M, V Indulge Bistro H‑1765 Kenaston Blvd, 204‑285‑4068. This sleek space inside Agora Fine Food Market serves a casual menu of Mediterranean fare. Chicken souvlaki shares the table with paella and pasta. 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. Located inside Thermëa by Nordik‑ Spa Nature, this peaceful bistro serves a health‑focused menu. 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. 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 fall‑off‑the‑ bone rack of lamb with lemon and oregano. WA, LP, SP, A, IA, M, V burGers Boon Burger 79 Sherbrook St, 204‑415‑1391. This all‑vegan burger café serves up a range of house‑made patties. Treat yourself to crispy sesame fries. LP, SP, A, IA, M, V Daly Burger 619 Corydon Ave, 204‑284‑4944. This burger shack is popular for its classic menu of burgers, chili fries, cheese dogs, and super thick shakes. WA, IA, M, V 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 classic burger housed in a bright and modern space. WA, LP, A, IA, M, V Tipsy Cow This bistro’s menu proudly highlights locally sourced ingredients. Locavores will appreciate familiar regional blends used. WA, LP, A, IA, M, V cafe Across the Board Game Café 211 Bannatyne Ave, 204‑691‑3422. Choose from more than 1000 board games to play, or simply enjoy snacks, sandwiches, and delicious entrées in this bright and bustling space. LP, IA, M, V BerMax Caffé + Bistro 4‑1800 Corydon Ave, 204‑691‑0044. 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, including fresh baking and a lineup of morning cocktails. LP, A, IA, M, V Cocoabeans 774 Corydon Ave, 204‑691‑6046. Gluten‑free cafe serves light, fresh meals that cater to all dietary restrictions, like vegan mac n’ cheese made with dairy free cheddar and brown rice pasta. WA, SP, A, IA, M, V Desserts Plus 664 Kind Edward St, 204‑339‑1957. A kosher‑dairy cafe offers a casual destination for snacks and hot meals such as Asian salmon burger. Take an individual raspberry white chocolate pavlovas to‑go. 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 Forth 171 McDermot Ave. This well‑ designed, sun dappled cafe is home to local roaster Dogwood Coffee Co. Head to the downstairs bar for slick cocktails and appetizers. LP, SP, M, V The Fyxx 310 Broadway, 204‑989‑2470. A creative selection of sandwiches and soup and a bright, airy atmosphere make this downtown espresso bar a great spot. WA, IA, M, V ciao! / dec/jan / two thousand seventeen 59