bestlist
Chaise Café and Lounge 271 Provencher Blvd, 204‐504‐4012. Set in the heart of St. Boniface, across from lush green space, this casualcontemporary setting offers smart takes on Italian classics. Standout pastries shouldn’ t be skipped. LP, SP, IA, M, V Cibo Waterfront Café 339 Waterfront Dr, 204‐594‐0339. Renovated heritage space boasts one of the best views in the city. Mediterranean small plates have big, bold flavours. Stand outs include arancini balls in a fragrant tomato sauce and 10 different types of bruschetta. LP, SP, A, IA, M, V Mano A Mano & Teo’ s 691 Corydon Ave, 204‐414‐6305. This sleek resto and lounge serves wood-fired pies built on Nonna’ s fresh dough meld with mod tastes. Fresh pasta, stellar seafood starters. LP, IA, V, M, SP Nicolino’ s 4‐2077 Pembina Hwy, 204-269‐5004. Owner Nick Zifarelli oversees a menu of rustic Italian classics that sparkles with innovative Canadian / regional specialties. WA, LP, SP, A, IA, M, V Pizzeria Gusto 404 Academy Rd, 204‐944‐8786. The wood-fired oven and contemporary pies, dressed with unique toppings like pear and rosemary, draw a crowd to this posh neighbourhood bistro. WA, LP, A, IA, M, V Santa Ana 1631 St Mary’ s Rd, Unit F, 204‐415‐1440. Wood-fired and stonebaked pizzas and pastas are the star of this show. Hearty, meaty manicotti, with unexpected fennel notes, and tortellinis stuffed with creamy ricotta romance the senses. WA, LP, A, IA, M, V Tapastry 620 Niakwa Rd, 204‐256‐7326. Situated adjacent lush Niakwa golf course, this upscale space offers stand-out Italy influenced tapas. WA, LP, A, IA, M, V
japanese
Asoyama 1575 Regent Ave, 204‐663‐0889; 1717 Kenaston Blvd, 204‐487‐4222. This popular and contemporary sushi chain bursts with options, including signature house rolls, Japanese noodles and grilled seafood. WA, LP, IA, A, M, V Blüfish 179 Bannatyne Ave, 204-779‐9888. This chic and modern sushi spot balances sophistication with a healthy dose of fun. Try playful panseared cuttlefish with ginger-laced teriyaki sauce and lychee martini. LP, A, IA, M, V
Ichiban 189 Carlton St, 204-925‐7400. A Winnipeg tradition for over 30 years, teppanyaki-style fresh entrées are cooked with panache by talented chefs. A sushi bar featuring more than 20 rolls is also available. WA, LP, A, IA, M, V Meiji 454 River Ave, 204-284‐3996. Offers unique house rolls like tropical and fashion roll. The ambiance and location make this sushi spot a memorable one. Try a fancy drink from attached G Martini Bar. LP, A, IA, M, V Wasabi / Wasabi on Broadway / Wasabi Sabi 105‐121 Osborne St, 204-474‐2332; 588 Broadway, 204-774-4328; 3-1360 Taylor Ave, 204‐415‐7878. New‐school sushi is taken to new creative heights at all locations. Visually stunning rolls leave a lasting impression. WA, LP, SP, A, IA, M, V Yujiro Japanese Restaurant 1822 Grant Ave, 204-489‐9254. Edward Lam’ s stylish incarnation of this former take-out spot is an ideal stop for traditional rolls. Try the delicate kaisou salad, mixed seaweed bathed in yuzu dressing. WA, LP, IA, M, V
KOREAN
IGI BBQ & Sushi Bistro 10-1875 Pembina Hwy, 204‐477‐9909. Its all about table-top, do-it-yourself barbeque at this new all-you-caneat Japanese and Korean focused restaurant. WA, LP, A, IA, M, V
mexican
Burrito Del Rio 433 River Ave, 204-415‐5600; 775 Corydon Ave, 204‐414‐2440. This Tex-Mex eatery offers made-to-order favourites, including fajitas, burritos and quesadillas. Try garnishes like lime sour cream and chilli-roasted corn. WA, LP, SP, A, IA, M, V Carlos & Murphy’ s 129 Osborne St, 204-284‐3510. Serves Mexican cantina food such as taco salads, hot wings, chimichangas, heaping Carlos nachos and renowned iced margaritas. WA, LP, SP, A, IA, M, V JC’ s Tacos and More 187 Henderson Hwy, 204‐414‐9187. These cheerful restaurants instantly offer house-made juices and madefrom-scratch dishes like pupsas, tortas and tacos. WA, IA, V, LP, M
Pub / Cantina
Barley Brothers 655 Empress St, 204‐772‐2337; 2005 Pembina Hwy, 204- 691-3300. This 180-seat restaurant celebrates good brews with over 65 varieties and a menu designed with beer in mind. Try housemade sausages and zesty beer cheese dip. WA, LP, SP, A, IA, M, V
Confusion Corner Bar & Grill 500 Corydon Ave, 204-284‐6666. This casual restaurant and lounge attracts a young, hip crowd. The dining room pops with the colours of prairie art on the walls. Innovative menu changes seasonally. WA, LP, SP, A, IA, M, V Cornerstone 93 Osborne St, 204‐505‐7772. Smart bar food has gained quick popularity at this new neighbourhood hotspot. Au courant menu items like pork belly and fried chicken báhn mì are highlights. WA, LP, IA, A, M, V The Grove 164 Stafford St, 204-415‐3262. Elegantly presented British pub fare like bangers and mash are served alongside chicken croquettes and personal-sized pizzas. Sixteen brews on tap including house blend Stafford Street lager. LP, SP, A, IA, M, V The King’ s Head Pub 120 King St, 204-957‐7710. Enjoy a crisp pint in an English pub setting with extensive British-style Indian food menu. Offers 30 local and import beers on tap. WA, LP, SP, A, IA, M, V Luxalune Gastropub 734 Osborne St South, 204‐777‐0909. Casual setting that focuses on craft beer and fun with billiards. Gourmet pizza and tapas. More than 150 different beers includes house brew Farmery Premium Lager. WA, LP, SP, IA, M, V
The Roost Social House 651 Corydon Ave, 204‐414‐9313. A place to perch on Corydon Ave, with clever cocktails incorporating seasonal ingredients matched by a changing menu of small plates. IA, M, V Tavern United 1824 Pembina Hwy, 204-261‐4233; 345 Graham Ave, 204-944‐0022; 2100 McPhillips St, 204‐633‐0024; 826 Regent Ave, 204‐224‐1681. Contemporary English sports pub where visitors play a game of darts or pool, or sit back and watch the big game on one of the many big screens. Downtown location offers three floors of sports themed fun. WA, LP, SP, A, IA, M, V Toad in the Hole 112 Osborne St, 204-284‐7201. One of the first pubs in town,“ the Toad” is extremely popular with the Village crowd for its tipples and board games. Classic pub grub includes namesake and scotch eggs. WA, LP, SP, M, V The Yellow Dog Tavern 386 Donald St, 204‐775‐6676. Simple, scratch-made food such as perogies, pizza and soups, make this no-frills, deep fryer-free tavern a perfect place to have a pint and a plate. WA, LP, A IA, V, M
74 ciao! / dec / jan / two thousand fifteen