bestlist winnipeg’ sbestlist
The definitive Ciao! restaurant list outlines our selection of top dining establishments in the city. 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: dunja @ 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
BARBEQUE
Danny’ s BBQ & Smokehouse 1747 Ellice Ave, 204-779-7041. Gate to plate pork, as well as barbeque beef and smoked turkey at this city slicker stylized smokehouse. Picnic tablefriendly sides such as baked beans, jambalaya and dirty rice round out the experience. WA, LP, SP, A, IA, M, V Lovey’ s BBQ and Smokehouse 1-208 Marion St, 204-233‐RIBS; 405 Turenne St, 257-7427( 2nd location is lunch only) This casual eatery boasts a state-of-the-art barbeque pit and made-from-scratch sauces. Combo platters allow diners to sample a variety of meats. The savoury pulled pork is the stuff of legend. WA, LP, IA, M, V Muddy Waters Smokehouse The Forks Pavilion, 204-947‐6653. Expect good ol’ fashioned Southern hospitality at this Memphis-style barbeque featuring slow-cooked ribs and pulled pork— all smoked over a hickory fire. Wing nuts will get their fill with almost 20 sauce and dry-rub options including sweet chili, honey garlic and Montreal spice WA, LP, SP, A, IA, M, V
BISTRO
Baked Expectations 161 Osborne St, 204-452‐5176. The huge chalkboard lists comfort food like burgers and pasta, but save room for the sweet stuff. This place is duly noted for its decadent desserts, from tortes to cheesecakes. WA, LP, SP, IA Bistro Dansk 63 Sherbrook St, 204-775‐5662. This intimate restaurant has garnered national recognition for its European comfort food. Specialties include frikadeller, hakkebof and daily soup. A variety of European wine and beer adds to the restaurant’ s charm. WA, LP, A, M, V
Bonfire Bistro 1433 Corydon Ave, 204-487‐4440. Famous for its wood-fired artisan pizzas, this cozy neighbouhood hangout is the perfect place to unwind with a slice and a glass of wine. Try the spicy Bonfire Hawaiian, with its capicollo ham and fire-roasted pineapple. WA, LP, IA, M, V Café 22 823 Corydon Ave, 336 Broadway Ave, 130 Provencher Blvd, 1795 Henderson Hwy, 204-222-2222. This trendy chain serves gourmet coffee, sandwiches, calzones and Chicago-style deep dish pies. Custom pizza-by-the-slice is the specialty. SP, IA, M, V deer + almond 85 Princess St, 204-504-8562. This hip, rustic Exchange District restaurant boasts an inspired globally influenced menu. Chef Mandel Hitzer’ s culls ingredients from near and far for creative, sharable plates. WA, LP, IA, V, M. Dessert Sinsations Cafe 505 St. Mary Ave, 204-284‐4661. This sunny café features scrumptious fresh eats based on comfort food, like gourmet burgers. Owner Barbara O’ Hara’ s signature desserts are renowned throughout the city. WA, LP, A, IA, M, V
Fitzroy 102 Sherbrook St, 204-504-6945. Inventive shareables like chicken thighs battered in Cap’ n Crunch and righteous sweets like raw fruit in honey and lavender are served in this hip space. Open late. WA, LP, A, IA, M, V Le Garage Café 166 Provencher Blvd, 204-237‐0737. This casual eatery in the heart of the French Quarter offers sophisticated tastes for lunch, dinner and late night. Live music scheduled. WA, LP, A, IA, M, V Prairie Ink Restaurant & Bakery 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 Saucers Café 570 Academy Rd, 204-489‐9204. The menu features generous sandwiches, salads, wraps, pizzas, coffees and teas, including roasted vegetable bruschetta with goat cheese and tart balsamic reduction. WA, LP, SP, A, IA, M, V Steve’ s Bistro 3123 Portage Ave, 204-831-5531. Portions are hearty and Mediterranean cuisine influences the menu of this chic bistro. Standouts include tangy housemade olive tapenade and fall-off-thebone rack of lamb with notes of whisky and citrus. WA, LP, AE, IA, MC, 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. Blondie’ s 1969 Main St, 204-338-0185; Dairi-Wip Drive- In 383 Marion St, 204-233-5144; Daly Burger 619 Corydon Ave, 204-284-4944; 1151 Pembina Hwy, 204-452-2807; 5860 Henderson Hwy, 204-757-2517; Market Burger 645 Corydon Ave, 204-505-2510 Mrs. Mike’ s 286 Tache Ave, 204-237-3977; Unburger 472 Stradbrook Ave, 204- 888-1001; VJ’ s Drive-In 170 Main St, 204-943-2655; White Star Diner, 58 Albert St, 204-947-6930.
CAFE
Buffalo Stone Cafe 1961 McCreary Rd, 204-989‐8370. Relax lakeside at FortWhyte Alive with hearty sandwiches, soups and signature bison burger. WA, SP, IA, M, V
Come‘ n Eat 865 Main St, 204-949-1338 This second floor space in newly opened specialty food store Neechi Commons offers up hearty, homestyle breakfasts and lunches inspired by its North End neighbourhood, like dense blueberry bannock French toast. WA, IA, M, V. The Falafel Place 1101 Corydon Ave, 204-489‐5811. True to its name, this bustling diner specializes in Israeli-style falafel balls served in pitas or on a platter and vegan breakfasts. The yam fries are a must-try. WA, IA. Finales Coffee House 1‐3 St. Mary’ s Rd, 204-237‐6211. This bakery café offers creative sandwiches, wraps, salads and a rotating selection of desserts. Local coffee roasted daily. WA, SP, IA, M, V Kay’ s Deli 339 William Ave, 204-949-0424. Lofty space serves gourmet breakfast and lunch. Try the phenomenal house-made soup with a jerk chicken wrap, or a smoothie made from mountains of fresh fruit. WA, IA, M, V Stella’ s Cafe & Bakery 1895 Grant Ave, 204-488‐7810; 166 Osborne St, 453‐8562; 116 Sherbrook St, 204-477‐5556; James Armstrong Richardson International Airport, 2nd Floor, 204-779-1415; Plug In Gallery, 460 Portage Ave, 204-772-1556. Famed for its breakfast items, hearty soups, sandwiches and homey curries. Housemade breads available for purchase. WA, LP, SP, IA, M, V
36 ciao! / feb / mar / two thousand fourteen