bestlist
Regional Rockstars
Manitoba produces a plethora of diverse grains,
meats and veggies, resulting in utterly delicious
dishes from many of the city’s top restaurants. Nestled
in Kildonan Park, Prairie’s Edge reflects its natural setting
with a menu full of regional flavour. Pickerel cheek pops
(pictured) are accented with sour cabbage, sweet harissa mayo
and nutty puffed wild rice. Northern Pike stands in for the fruits of the
Mediterranean Sea in prairie cooking pioneer Fusion Grill’s Canadian twist
on paella. This fragrant mélange of rice, vegetables and spicy sausage hits with
a rich saffron-laced punch. Feast Café Bistro represents both a celebration and reclamation of ingredients
and techniques that make up First Nations food at Canada’s first Indigenous restaurant. Lightly fried
bannock supports a mountain of hearty bean and local bison chili, lettuce, salsa and a drizzle of sour cream
in its tipi tacos. Countryside haven Pineridge Hollow is worth the drive with produce sourced not only
from the province but from its on-site garden. Here, crispy beet chips are presented on a wooden board
alongside creamy and tangy goat cheese dip. Generous portions of glistening braised bison short ribs are
served atop a bed of potatoes at The Gates on Roblin, a forerunner of haute Manitoban cuisine housed in
a refurbished historic colonial-style building.
Mona Lisa
1697 Corydon Ave, 204-488-3687. The
cuisine of the Grande family’s southern
Italy home has been offered for more
than 30 years in this neighbourhood
restaurant. Excellent fresh made
pastas. WA, LP, SP, A, IA, M, V, ATM
Monticchios
684 Osborne St, 204-477-4773. This
South Osborne mainstay serves
traditional recipes in a contemporary
space. Try the signature breaded
veal topped with kalamata olives and
provolone cheese. WA, LP, A, IA, M, V
Pasquale's
109 Marion St, 204-231-1403. This long-
standing destination treats all as family.
Classic pastas, red sauces and old
fashioned recipes keep diners raving.
The rooftop patio is a summer hotspot.
WA, LP, SP, A, IA, M, V
Super Deluxe Pizzeria
4-433 River Ave, 204-475-4513. Italian
diner style nook serves Neapolitan
pies with toppings like grape and
blue cheese. WA, LP, IA, M, V
Tre Visi Café
926 Grosvenor Ave, 204-475-4447.
Chef/owner Giacomo Appice's
nationally recognized Italian-
Mediterranean cuisine includes the
city’s most sumptuous gnocchi.
WA, LP, A, IA, M, V
Vera Pizzeria
670 Osborne St, 204-222-6306. An
open concept kitchen gives a view of
artisanal Neapolitan pizza making with
top-notch ingredients, such as fresh
basil, fi or di latte and generous shreds
of roasted garlic. LP, IA, M, V
26
TASTE Winnipeg’s Culinary Guide 2019-2020
ITALIAN/
CONTEMPORARY
Bellissimo
1-877 Waverley St, 204-489-0495.
This surprisingly sophisticated
neighbourhood spot offers sublime fare,
like the spinach agnolloti stuffed with
mascarpone and spiced squash.
WA, LP, SP, A, IA, M, V
Café Carlo
243 Lilac St, 204-477-5544. This cozy,
chic and consistent bistro serves
dishes spiked with equatorial tastes
and textures. Those in-the-know come
for stellar beef tenderloin. Reservations
recommended. WA, LP, A, IA, M, V
Café La Scala
725 Corydon Ave, 204-474-2750. Chic
spot blends elegant Italian cuisine
with trendy tapas to share and hip
cocktails to sip. LP, SP, A, IA, M, V
Carbone
400-1580 Taylor Ave, 204-488-2554;
260 St Mary Ave, 204-691-2213; 680 St
Anne's Rd, 204-615-8117; 3326 Portage
Ave, 204-987-0952. Crispy crusts are the
result of an 850°F coal-fi red oven at this
chic pizza place. WA, LP, SP, A, IA, M, V
Chaise Café and Lounge
271 Provencher Blvd, 204-504-4012;
691 Corydon Ave. Casual-contemporary
setting offers smart takes on Italian
classics and inventive weekend
brunch. 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. Standouts
include 10 different types of bruschetta.
LP, SP, A, IA, M, V
Harth
1-980 St Anne's Rd, 204-255-0003.
Way south suburb locale draws
with its stunning tapas-style menu
designed by chef Brent Genyk.
WA, LP, IA, M, V
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
Passero and Corto
1 Forks Market Rd, 204-291-7300.
Corto serves as a sandwich counter
and specialty coffee shop at lunch.
Passero opens at night with thoughtful
offerings like roasted pork belly and
ricotta gnocchi. WA, LP, IA, M, V
JAPANESE
Asoyama Sushi
1717 Kenaston Blvd, 204-487-4222.
This popular and contemporary sushi
spot bursts with fl avourful options,
including signature house rolls,
Japanese noodles and grilled seafood.
WA, LP, A, IA, M, V
Blüfi sh
179 Bannatyne Ave, 204-779-9888. This
chic sushi spot balances sophistication
with a healthy dose of fun. Try playful
pan-seared cuttlefi sh with ginger-laced
teriyaki sauce. LP, A, IA, M, V
Cho Ichi Ramen
1151 Pembina Hwy, 204-615-8832.
Building the most fl avourful bowl of
ramen is this restaurant’s mission. Pork
tonkotsu broth is cooked for 12 hours
and the noodles are housemade using
a machine from Japan. LP, A, IA, M, V