Ciao Dec/Jan 2019 CIAO_Decjan2019_Digital | Page 50

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 Famous Dave’s 11 Reenders Dr, 204-504-7200. This roadhouse style joint is famous for its low and slow smoked ribs served with classic sides like cornbread muffins. WA, LP, A, IA, M, V Lovey’s BBQ 2-208 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 Bistro Baked Expectations 161 Osborne St, 204-452-5176. The menu lists burgers and pasta, but save room for the sweet stuff. This place is duly noted for its decadent desserts. WA, LP, 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 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 Era Bistro 85 Israel Asper Way, 204-289-2190. Located in the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, this open concept room serves local fare emphasizing on sustainability. WA, LP, SP, A, IA, M, V 48 ciao! / dec/jan / two thousand nineteen Kevin’s Bistro 141 Bannatyne Ave, 204-221-5028. This bright bistro’s menu brings back the 1970’s casserole and ups the mac & cheese ante with a saucy béchamel. WA, LP, A, IA, M, V Prairie Ink Grant Park Shopping Centre, 204-975-2659. Cozy retreat inside McNally Robinson Booksellers serves healthy fare for all tastes. On-site pâtisserie counter. WA, LP, SP, A, IA, M, V Prairie’s Edge 2015 Main St, 204-284-7275. Eatery nestled in the greenery of Kildonan Park serving creative dishes packed with regional ingredients, like pickerel cheeks. WA, LP, SP, A, IA, M, V Saucers Cafe 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 3121 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, SP, 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, or simply enjoy snacks, sandwiches and delicious entrées in this bright space. LP, IA, M, V Buffalo Stone Café 1961 McCreary Rd, 204-989-8370. Relax lakeside at FortWhyte Alive with hearty sandwiches and a signature bison burger. WA, SP, IA, M, V Clementine Café 123 Princess St, 204-942-9497. Trendy underground nook has stellar offerings for breakfast and lunch, including locally-roasted coffee and a lineup of morning cocktails. LP, A, IA, M, V Cocoabeans Bakeshop 774 Corydon Ave, 204-918-5313. Gluten- free café serves light, fresh meals that cater to all dietary restrictions, like the vegan Caesar bowl served with dairy free cheddar. WA, SP, A, IA, M, V Feast Café Bistro 587 Ellice Ave, 204-691-5979. This spot pays tribute to Manitoba’s Indigenous groups with a menu rich in bannock, bison and berries. Try the squash pizza. WA, LP, A, IA, M, V Forth 171 McDermot Ave, 204-505-7073. This sun dappled café inside an Exchange District heritage building is home to local roaster Dogwood Coffee Co. Head downstairs for slick cocktails at night. LP, SP, IA, M, V Lark 91 Albert St, chewcatering.ca. This bright contemporary café/food store features a seasonally-inspired menu. Satisfy cravings for nutritious nibbles with salads, sandwiches and pastas. LP, IA, M, V Marion Street Eatery 393 Marion Street, 204-233-2843. Elevated comfort food. Try the mac & cheese or pancakes drizzled with apple whiskey caramel sauce. LP, SP, A, IA, M, V The Oakwood 660 Osborne St, 204-475-4250. Sleek decor and a commitment to local sourcing elevates this neighbourhood favourite. Filling breakfasts, twists on comfort food and indulgent desserts are top picks. WA, LP, A, IA, M, V Stella’s Café & Bakery Seven locations, stellas.ca. Famous breakfast items like the Mexican breakfast alongside a vast selection of entrées. Bread and jam available for purchase. WA, LP, SP, IA, M, V The Tallest Poppy 103 Sherbrook St, 204-219-8777.Located in the Sherbrook Inn, this comfort food with-a-twist diner serves soul food inspired eats with decidedly northern ingredients. Buttermilk fried chicken is excellent. LP, SP, IA, M, V Casino dining Loft 180 484 McPhillips St, 204-957-2500. Step away from the casino floor to experience a space where enticing cocktails, live entertainment and a variety of gaming come together. WA, LP, A, IA, M, V, ATM Mango’s Restaurant 1 Ocean Dr, Off Hwy 59, Scanterbury, MB, 1-877-775-8259. Canadian and tropical delights served in a 1920s-style setting at South Beach Casino. Chef Richard de Krijger’s new menu is worth the drive. WA, LP, A, IA, M, V Toukie’s Lounge 1425 Regent Ave W, 204-223-6439. Nestled in Club Regent Casino’s game centre, serving lunch and dinner with cocktail specialties like the Bahama mama bull dog. WA, LP, A, IA, M, V Chinese Dim Sum Garden 2677 Pembina Hwy, 204-269-7799. More than 50 types of dim sum available here. À la carte Szechuan and Cantonese favourites like shark fin dumplings delight. WA, LP, A, IA, M, V Kum Koon Garden 257 King St, 204-943-4655. The city’s largest restaurant is a Chinatown institution that packs in patrons for dim sum lunches. Exotic Cantonese chow attracts diners. WA, LP, A, IA, M, V