bestlist
CAFÉ
Top Pasta
Pleasers
Winnipeg is a hot spot
for contemporary and
classic Italian fare, and
restaurants are dishing up
some fantastic plates of
noodles. Classic dishes with
house-made everything are
key to upholding rustic recipes at
south end staple, Nicolino’s. Lasagna
Emiliana, true to its namesake, is made in
the style of the northern region, with tangy béchamel a revelatory
addition to layers of Bolognese and gooey cheese. Bellissimo
seamlessly blends Italian tradition with contemporary flourishes
in its handmade spinach agnolotti. Pockets of pasta enrobe sweet
mascarpone and spiced squash filling, and are then basted with
a sage and brown butter sauce. For more than 30 years, South
Osborne mainstay Monticchios has been serving up dishes worthy
of old-country kitchens. Fusilli alla pistachio is draped in nutty
sauce, lifted by plenty of lemon and tossed with chicken, sundried
tomatoes and goat cheese. Cozy bistro spot Café Carlo (pictured)
has been pushing boundaries since 1989 with its bold ingredients
and global preparations. The addition of curry paste kicks up the
pappardelle’s sauce, balanced sweetly with apple and raisins. Italian
food enthusiasts find the answer to their prayers at Tre Visi Café
where modern classics excite the palate. Penne campagnola is
enriched by sweet caramelly marsala cream sauce and finished
with a generous sprinkling of chopped basil and Parmigiano.
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, tomato, lettuce and mayo.
Dairi-Wip Drive-In 383 Marion St,
204-233-5144; Mrs Mike's (closes for
winter around mid-Oct) 286 Tache Ave,
204-237-3977; St. James Burger &
Chip Co 1866 Ness Ave, 204-414-5599;
Vicky's Diner 58 Albert St, 204-414-
7070; VJ's Drive-Inn 170 Main St,
204-943-2655; White Top Drive-
In (usually closes for winter around late
Dec) 409 Manitoba Ave, 204-589-4419.
Boon Burger Cafe
79 Sherbrook St, 204-415-1391. This
all-vegan burger café serves up a
range of house-made patties. Treat
yourself to house-made crispy sesame
fries. LP, SP, A, IA, M, V
Daly Burger
619 Corydon Ave, 204-284-4944.
A 50's feel retro diner with a classic
menu of burgers, cheese dogs and
super thick shakes, WA, IA, M, V
14
TASTE Winnipeg’s Culinary Guide 2019-2020
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. Outdoor picnic tables
offer a river view. WA, SP, IA, 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, M, V
Nuburger
Four locations, ilovenuburger.com.
Decidedly local ingredients and spirit.
Healthy, fresh twists on the classic
burger and options for all dietary
restrictions served in bright and
modern spaces. WA, LP, A, IA, M, V
Tipsy Cow
285 Portage Ave, 204-944-8928. This
new bistro's menu proudly highlights
locally sourced ingredients and
locavores will appreciate familiar
regional blends used. Also, a wide
selection of local spirits and craft beers.
WA, LP, A, IA, M, V
Across the Board Game Café
211 Bannatyne Ave, 204-691-3422.
Choose from more than 1,000 board
games to play, or simply enjoy drinks,
snacks, sandwiches and delicious
entrées in this bright space. LP, IA, M, V
Buffalo Stone Café
1961 McCreary Rd, 204-989-8370. Relax
lakeside at FortWhyte Alive with hearty
sandwiches, soups and a signature
bison burger. WA, SP, IA, M, V
Clementine Café
123 Princess St, 204-942-9497. Trendy
underground nook has stellar offerings
for breakfast and lunch, including
fresh baking and a lineup of morning
cocktails. 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, 204-505-7073. This
sun dappled café inside an Exchange
District heritage building is home to
local roaster Dogwood Coffee Co. Head
to the downstairs bar for slick cocktails
and charcuterie. LP, SP, IA, M, V
The Fyxx
310 Broadway, 204-989-2470.
Sandwiches and soup and a bright,
airy atmosphere make this downtown
espresso bar a great spot for lunch or
chatting over coffee. WA, IA, M, V
Joe Black Coffee Bar
2037 Portage Ave, 204-415-1660. Across
the bridge from Assiniboine Park, this
mod café serves up casual lunch fare.
WA, LP, SP, IA, M, V, ATM
Marion Street Eatery
393 Marion St, 204-233-2843. Elevated
homey comfort food. Fluffy pancakes
layered with bacon and drizzled with
apple whiskey caramel sauce make for
an indulgent brunch. LP, SP, A, IA, M, V
The Oakwood
660 Osborne St, 204-475-4250.
Sleek decor, twists on comfort food, a
chalkboard menu of indulgent desserts
and a commitment to local sourcing
elevate this neighbourhood favourite.
WA, LP, A, IA, M, V
The Tallest Poppy
103 Sherbrook St, 204-219-8777.
Located in the Sherbrook Inn, this
comfort food with-a-twist diner serves
soul food inspired eats with decidedly
northern ingredients. LP, SP, IA, M, V
CASINO DINING
Loft 180
484 McPhillips St, 204-957-2500.
Step away from the casino fl oor to
experience the new space, where
enticing cocktails, live entertainment
and a variety of gaming come together.
WA, LP, A, IA, M, V, ATM