Ciao Jun/Jul 2019 CIAO_JunJul2019_Digital | Page 31

winnipeg’s bestlist The defi nitive 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: editorial@ bestmarketing.com. 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 fl atbread with sweet or savoury toppings. WA, A, IA, M, V BARBEQUE Famous Dave’s 11 Reenders Dr, 204-504-7200. Roadhouse style joint famous for its low and slow smoked ribs. Scratch kitchen serves BBQ favourites and sides like cornbread muffi ns and Wilbur beans. WA, LP, A, IA, M, V Lovey’s BBQ 1-208 Marion St, 204-233-7427. Casual eatery boasts a BBQ 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. Comfort food like burgers and pasta, but save room for the sweet stuff. This place is duly noted for its decadent desserts. WA, LP, IA Bonfi re Bistro 1433 Corydon Ave, 204-487-4440. Cozy hangout famous for its wood- fi red artisan pizzas. Try the spicy Bonfi re Hawaiian. WA, LP, IA, M, V Café 22 823 Corydon Ave, 204-989-5119. Popular family-friendly restaurant and trendy lounge. Pizzas drawn from a wood-fi red oven clinch the ambience. LP, 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 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. 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. Healthy fare, an extensive fresh juice selection and 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, pizzas, specialty coffees and teas. Try roasted vegetable bruschetta with goat cheese and balsamic reduction. WA, LP, SP, A, IA, M, V Steve’s Bistro 3121 Portage Ave, 204-831-5531. Tuck into hearty portions of Mediterranean-infl uenced 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 Many of these burger joints are local institutions. Look for variations on Winnipeg’s signature Fat Boy, consisting of one or more meat patties with chili sauce, tomato, lettuce and mayo. Dairi-Wip Drive-In 383 Marion St, 204-233-5144; Mrs Mike’s 286 Tache Ave, 204-237-3977; St. James Burger & Chip Co 1866 Ness Ave, 204-414-5599; VJ’s Drive-Inn 170 Main St, 204-943-2655; White Top Drive-In 409 Manitoba Ave, 204-589-4419. Boon Burger Cafe 79 Sherbrook St, 204-415-1391. All- vegan burger café serves up a range of house-made patties. Treat yourself to house-made organic iced tea and 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 50’s memorabilia. WA, IA, M, V Half Moon Drive-In 6860 Henderson Hwy, 204-757-2517. Big burgers slathered with chili and hand-cut fries, hot dogs and ice cream are perennial favourites. Outdoor picnic tables offer a front row seat to nature. WA, SP, IA, M, V Nuburger 472 Stradbrook Ave, 204-888-1001; 1-1650 Kenaston Blvd, 204-615-2009; 2-1596 Regent Ave, 204-219-5134; 1 Forks Market Rd, 204-414-6021. Decidedly local ingredients and spirit. Healthy, fresh twists on the classic burger. 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 regional blends used. Also, selection of local spirits and 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 games to play, and enjoy snacks, sandwiches, and delicious entrées in bright and bustling space. LP, IA, M, V Buffalo Stone Café 1961 McCreary Rd, 204-989-8370. Relax lakeside at FortWhyte Alive with a hearty sandwich or signature bison burger. WA, SP, IA, M, V Circle Kitchen 1-709 Corydon Ave, circlekitchenwpg.com. Plant- patterned wallpaper teases to the plant-based menu. Dishes also gluten and peanut-free. WA, SP, IA, M, V Clementine Café 123 Princess St, 204-942-9497. Underground nook with stellar breakfast and lunch, including fresh baking and morning cocktails. Flavours are drawn from ingredients around the globe. LP, A, IA, M, V Cocoabeans Bakeshop 774 Corydon Ave, 204-918-5313. Gluten-free café serves meals that cater to all dietary restrictions, Try the vegan mac ‘n cheese. WA, SP, A, IA, M, V Feast Café Bistro 587 Ellice Ave, 204-691-5979. Cozy spot pays tribute to Manitoba’s Indigenous groups with a menu rich in bannock and bison. WA, LP, IA, M, V ciao! / jun/jul / two thousand nineteen 29