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
ArAbic
Yafa Café
1785 Portage Ave, 204-221-1636. This
artistic space celebrates Arabic culture,
serving street food like manakeesh,
a flatbread with sweet or savoury
toppings. WA, A, IA, M, V
bArbeque
Lovey’s BBQ
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
bistro
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 with an
emphasis on sustainability. WA, LP,
SP, A, IA, M, V
Le Garage
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
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
bechamel. WA, LP, A, IA, M, V
30
ciao! / feb/mar / two thousand nineteen
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 with
touches of regional ingredients. WA,
LP, SP, 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
burGers
Boon Burger Cafe
79 Sherbrook St, 204-415-1391. 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
Nuburger
472 Stradbrook Ave, 204-888-1001;
1-1650 Kenaston Blvd, 204-615-2009;
2-1596 Regent Ave, 204-219-5134;
The Forks Market, 1 Forks Market Rd.
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
Tipsy Cow
285 Portage Ave, 204-944-8928. This
new bistro’s menu proudly highlights
locally sourced ingredients and
locavores will appreciate familiar
regional blends used. Also, selection
of local spirts and craft beers. 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, or simply enjoy snacks,
sandwiches, and delicious entrées in
this bright and bustling space. LP, IA,
M, V
Circle Kitchen
1-709 Corydon Ave, circlekitchenwpg.
com. Plant-patterned wallpaper teases
to the plant-based menu at Circle
Kitchen, where dishes are also gluten
and peanut free. WA, SP, IA, M, V
Clementine Café
123 Princess St, 204-942-9497.
Underground nook has stellar offerings
for breakfast and lunch, including
fresh baking and a lineup of morning
cocktails. Sophisticated flavours are
drawn from spices and ingredients from
around the globe. LP, A, IA, M, V
Cocoabeans Bakeshop
774 Corydon Ave, 204-691-6046. Gluten-
free café 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
Feast Café 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 café inside an Exchange
District heritage building is home to
local roaster Dogwood Coffee Co. Head
to the downstairs bar for slick cocktails
and appetizers. LP, SP, M, V
Grey Owl Coffee
272 Main St This modern, sleek café
offers craft coffee, baked goods, salads
and sammies in the heart of the city.
Sit in the stylish dining area or take it
to go. WA, LP, A, MC, V
Joe Black Coffee Bar
2037 Portage Ave, 204-415-1660. Across
the bridge from Assiniboine Park, this
mod café serves up casual lunch fare
and sinfully delicious desserts from
Chocolate Zen Bakery. WA, LP, SP, IA,
M, V, ATM
Marion Street Eatery
393 Marion Street, 204-233-2843.
Elevated homey comfort food with
touches of elegance. Try gourmet
mac & cheese with bacon and pretzel
topping. Fluffy pancakes layered with
bacon and drizzled with apple whiskey
caramel sauce make for an indulgent
brunch. 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 and twists
on comfort food are top picks. Don’t
miss the chalkboard menu listing an
indulgent array of desserts. WA, LP, A,
IA, M, V
Snow and Moon
5-1727 Kenaston Blvd, J- 1045 St.
James St. 204-309-0606. Frozen
flavoured milk snows topped with ice
cream and fruit medleys are worth
their lavish price at this cute new
Korean dessert café. WA, A, IA, M, V