Ciao! February March 2020 CIAO_FebMar2020

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 Famous Dave’s 11 Reenders Dr, 204-504-7200 This roadhouse style joint is famous for its low and slow smoked ribs. The scratch kitchen serves BBQ favourites alongside classic American sides. 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 comfort food like burgers and pasta along with 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 30 ciao! / feb/mar / two thousand twenty 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 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 Pauline 112 Marion St, 204-235-6001. Stylish and sunny French-inspired bistro named for an historic Winnipeg artist. Serves exquisite breakfast and brunch fare, including a wide array of tartines. WA, LP, SP, 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. Mushroom ravoili is a popular pick. 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 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, make for a 50’s feel. WA, IA, M, V Nuburger Four locations, ilovenuburger.com. Decidedly local ingredients and spirit. Healthy, fresh twists on the classic burger and options for all dietary restrictions served in bright and modern spaces. WA, LP, A, 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 Café 123 Princess St, 204-942-9497. Trendy underground nook has stellar offerings for breakfast and lunch, including fresh baking and a lineup of morning cocktails. LP, 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. Try the squash pizza topped with white sauce and pine nuts. WA, LP, A, 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 charcuterie. 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 for lunch or chatting over coffee. WA, IA, M, V Lark 91 Albert St, chewcatering.ca. This bright contemporary space is a cozy spot for lingering over lunch or grabbing a quick bite. A seasonally- inspired menu of salads, sandwiches and pastas satisfy cravings for nutritious nibbles. LP, IA, M, V Marion Street Eatery 393 Marion Street, 204-233-2843. Elevated homey comfort food. 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 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 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 cAfÉ cAfÉ/bAkery burGers 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 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 and house-baked croutons. WA, SP, A, IA, M, V

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