bestlist 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 multicourse 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
BARBEQUE
Lovey’ s BBQ and Smokehouse 1‐208 Marion St, 204‐233‐RIBS( 7427) 405 Turenne St, 204‐257‐7427( 2nd location is lunch only). This casual eatery boasts a barbeque pit and scratch-made sauces. WA, LP, IA, M, V Muddy Waters Smokehouse The Forks Pavilion, 204‐947‐6653. Expect ol’ fashioned Southern hospitality at this Memphis-style barbeque featuring slow-cooked ribs and pork, smoked over hickory fire. 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
Black Rabbit 135 Osborne St, 204‐615‐1130. This fresh new open provides superbly executed plates with global influence. Tuna crudo with pickled garlic, lemon-basil oil and crispy capers is a standout. WA, LP, SP, 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. 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, V, M. Dessert Sinsations Cafe 505 St. Mary Ave, 204‐284‐4661. This sunny café features gourmet comfort food alongside owner Barbara O’ Hara’ s renowned desserts. WA, LP, A, IA, M, V
Era Bistro 85 Israel Asper Way, 204‐289‐2000. Located in the new Canadian Museum for Human Rights, this open concept room serves locally inspired fare with an emphasis on sustainability. WA, LP, A, IA, M, V
Food Evolution 2015 Main St, 204‐284‐7275. New eatery nestled in the greenery of Kildonan Park offers creative dishes packed with regional ingredients in a room sprinkled with touches of retro decor. WA, LP, SP, 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. 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 3123 Portage Ave, 204‐831‐5531. Tuck into hearty portions of Mediterranean-influenced cuisine, like tangy house-made olive tapenade. WA, LP, AE, IA, MC, V
CAFE
Boon Burger Café 79 Sherbrook St, 204-415‐1391; 141 Bannatyne Ave, 204-504-5394. This all-vegan burger cafe serves up a range of house-made patties. LP, SP, A, IA, M, V 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. Kawaii Crepe 201-99 Osborne St, 204-415‐2833; 1220 St Mary’ s Rd, 204‐691‐3700. Winnipeg’ s first Japanese crêpe joint serves freshly prepared sweet and savoury crêpes in a modern atmosphere. IA, M, V
Osborne Village Cafe 160 Osborne St, 204‐452‐9824. Chef Leighton Fontaine prepares scratchmade diner faves with a healthy twist. Try the pretty in pink beet burger. WA, LP, IA, M, V Nuburger 472 Stradbrook Ave, 204‐888‐1001. Healthy, fresh twists on the classic burger housed in a bright and modern space. Pick from locally sourced bison, beef, chicken, or veggie patties. WA, LP, A, IA, M, V Marion Street Eatery 393 Marion Street, 204‐233‐2843. Chef Melissa Hryb elevates homey comfort food with touches of elegance. Try gourmet mac & cheese, or mushroom caps stuffed with Italian sausage and cream cheese. LP, SP, A, IA, M, V.
The Tallest Poppy 103 Sherbrook St, 204-219-8777. This comfort food with-a-twist diner serves Southern favourites mixed with local tastes, like juicy bison meatloaf. LP, IA, M, V
CASINO DINING
Mango’ s Restaurant 1 Ocean Dr, Off Hwy 59, Scanterbury, MB, 1‐877‐775‐8259. Canadian and tropical delights served in a 1920s-style setting at South Beach Casino. International buffet, daily nightly dinner specials and fullservice menu offered. WA, LP, A, IA, M, V Jaguars Restaurant & Lounge 1425 Regent Ave, 204-982‐3793. Impressive international lunch and dinner buffet inside Club Regent Casino. Must be 18 or older to enter casino and restaurant. WA, LP, A, IA, M, V
CHINESE
Sun Fortune 15‐2077 Pembina Hwy, 204-269‐6868. Bustling Chinatown atmosphere in a south suburban shopping mall favoured by the university crowd. Barbequed duck is a must. WA, LP, IA, M, V Kum Koon Garden 257 King St, 204-943‐4655. The city’ s largest restaurant is a Chinatown institution that packs in patrons for its well-executed dim sum lunches and evening Cantonese regional specialties. WA, LP, A, IA, M, V North Garden 6‐33 University Cres, 204-275‐2591. Innovative Cantonese and northern Chinese cuisine are the specialties at this university-area eatery. Barbequed half duck is roasted to crispy, succulent perfection. WA, LP, A, IA, M, V
36 ciao! / june / july / two thousand fifteen