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 : editorial @ bestmarketing . com — New Location — Summer Patio wa — Wheelchair Accessible lp — Licensed Premises a — American Express ia — Interac m — MasterCard v — Visa atm — Bank Machine On‐site
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 . Roadhouse-style scratch kitchen famous for its low and slow smoked ribs . Classic American sides served with BBQ favourites . WA , LP , A , IA , M , V
BISTRO
Baked Expectations 161 Osborne St , 204‐452‐5176 . The menu lists comfort food like burgers and pasta , but save room for the sweet stuff . This place is duly noted for its decadent tortes and cheesecakes . WA , LP , IA
Bistro on Notre Dame 784 Notre Dame Ave , 204-691-1515 . Internationally inspired flavours made with ethically sourced , local ingredients like bison , northern pike , and walleye . LP , A , IA , M , V 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 , 204-989-5119 . Popular locale does double duty as family-friendly restaurant and trendy lounge . Pizzas are drawn from a wood-burning oven that clinches the flavour and ambience . 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 Kevin ’ s Bistro 141 Bannatyne Ave , 204-221-5028 . This bright bistro ’ s menu brings back the 1970 ’ s casserole and ups the mac and cheese ante with a saucy bechamel . 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 and fresh juices . WA , LP , A , IA , M , V Prairie ’ s Edge 2015 Main St , 204‐284‐7275 . Eatery nestled in the greenery of Kildonan Park offers creative dishes packed with regional ingredients . Pickerel cheeks , beets , smoked char and wild rice shine . WA , LP , 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 , A , IA , M , V Steve ’ s Bistro 3121 Portage Ave , 204‐831‐5531 . Hearty portions of Mediterraneaninfluenced cuisine , like tangy house-made olive tapenade and fall-off-the-bone rack of lamb with lemon . WA , LP , A , IA , M , V
BURGERS
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 ; Daanook , 58 Albert St , 204-414-7070 ; VJ ’ s Drive-Inn , 170 Main St , 204‐943‐2655 ; White Top Drive-In , 409 Manitoba Ave , 204‐589‐4419
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 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 throughout the decades . Picnic tables offer a river view . WA , M , V Market Burger 645 Corydon Ave , 204‐505‐2510 . Hip hangout serves up mouthfuls of Manitoba with locally sourced ingredients from cheese and meat to buns and beers . IA , V , M
Nuburger 4 locations . Winnipeg chain with decidedly local ingredients and spirit . Healthy , fresh twists on the classic burger and options for all dietary restrictions served in bright , modern spaces . WA , LP , A , IA , M , V
Tokyo Burger Unit 2-120 Osborne St , tokyoburger . ca . Premium patties and Japanese flavours transport Tokyo Burger ’ s menu from Osborne Village to Tsukiji Market . The extra-juicy Wagyu beef adds oomph to every bite . A , IA , M , VV
CAFÉ
Buffalo Stone Café 1961 McCreary Rd , 204-989‐8370 . Relax lakeside at FortWhyte Alive . Hearty sandwiches , soups and a signature bison burger make this cafe a go-to pick for a sweet nature setting inside city limits . WA , IA , M , V Clementine Café 123 Princess St , 204‐942‐9497 . Trendy underground nook serves simple brunch dishes like Belgian waffles with haute cuisine flair . Can ’ t-miss plates are punctuated with global influence . 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 . Sun-dappled café inside an Exchange District heritage building is home to local roaster Dogwood Coffee Co . Head downstairs for cocktails and charcuterie . LP , M , V
Juneberry 531 St . Mary ’ s Rd ., 204-306-8838 . Elegant daytime spot in St . Vital with a gorgeous interior and a menu featuring Asian and Middle Eastern inspired dishes . The breakfast bahn mi is a must try . WA , IA , M , V
Lark 91 Albert St , 204-667-2439 . Cozy , contemporary spot for lingering over lunch or grabbing a quick bite . Seasonal salads , sandwiches and pastas satisfy cravings for nutritious nibbles . LP , IA , M , V Marion Street Eatery 393 Marion Street , 204‐233‐2843 . Elevated , comfort food . Try gourmet mac and cheese with bacon and pretzel topping or fluffy pancakes drizzled with apple whiskey caramel sauce . LP , A , IA , M , V
The Mighty Kiwi 709 Corydon Ave , 204‐691‐4750 . Fresh pressed juices and smoothies abound at this joint , as well as a tidy selection of healthy bites including parfaits and veggie bowls . A , IA , M , V
30 ciao ! / summer / two thousand twenty-one