bestlist
MEXICAN
Best New Restaurants of 2018
These buzzed-about restaurants are on the tips of tongues across
the city. Each recent open has contributed to Winnipeg’s growing
food scene. In a city rich with Italian fare, Passero (pictured)
challenges norms and redefines contemporary cuisine. Sweet
beet salad features the vegetable prepared three ways; roasted,
pickled and dehydrated, balanced by the addition of sour grapefruit
segments and crème fraîche. At The Black Bird Brasserie, flavour-
packed French comfort food is cooked up on the daily. Fine-cut fries
layered with smoked ham and cheese curds are lavishly covered in
buttery béchamel in this marriage of French cuisine and a Québecois
favourite, poutine. Cho Ichi Ramen brings on hot steamy bowls
of house-made ramen, rich in deep umami flavour. The top pick is
“The Original”, that delivers the pure taste of long-simmered broth
and is fully loaded with egg, tender sous vide cooked chicken and
pork, bamboo shoots and nori. Every bite is a French revelation and
an ode to la campagne at charming Little Goat. Plump wine-
braised sausages are served with a
pile of baby potatoes and wedges of
sourdough, perfect for sopping up the
juices, while tangy sauerkraut and
house-made pickles deliver hits of
acidity. Wine bar vibes and beautiful,
elevated small plates combine to
make The Oxbow a can’t-miss
destination that’s all about seasonal
eating. Thick wedges of pork belly,
crisp on the outside and buttery on
the inside, are served with creamy
oyster rémoulade.
Fusian Experience
612 Academy Rd, 204-691-9334. Tiny
spot serving traditional Japanese plates
and tapas, infused with international
fl avours. Fresh fi sh fl own in from around
the globe. WA, LP, A, IA, M, V
GaiJin Izakaya
2-1575 Regent Ave W, 204-615-6868.
Chef Edward Lam serves creative
Japanese small plates, all-day ramen
and drinks. WA, 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. WA, LP, A, IA, M, V
Izakaya Edokko
190 Smith St, 204-615-5556. Sleek
downtown space offers modern
Japanese eats and sushi from chef
Masa Sugita. WA, A, IA, M, V
Naru Sushi
159 Osborne St, 204-888-0028. The dark
wood decor sets a sleek, urban mood.
Menu offers traditional and fusion
dishes including several vegetarian
options. LP, SP, A, IA, M, V
28
TASTE Winnipeg’s Culinary Guide 2019-2020
TASTE
Wasabi
105-121 Osborne St, 204-474-2332;
588 Broadway, 204-774-4328;
3-1360 Taylor Ave, 204-415-7878.
Impeccably executed sushi is taken
to creative heights. Visually stunning
rolls like the godzilla leave a lasting
impression. WA, LP, SP, A, IA, M, V
Yujiro
1822 Grant Ave, 204-489-9254. Edward
Lam brings his stylish approach to
traditional dishes and 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.
It's all about table-top, do-it-yourself
barbeque at this all-you-can-eat
Japanese and Korean focused
restaurant. WA, LP, A, IA, M, V
Kimchi Sushi
1270 Pembina Hwy, 204-261-8888;
998 Keewatin St, 204-679-1269. This
sleek sushi spot's menu lists Korean
specialties and dishes for kimchi lovers.
WA, LP, A, IA, M, V
Carlos & Murphy’s
129 Osborne St, 204-284-3510. Serves
Mexican cantina food such as taco
salads, hot wings, chimichangas and
heaping Carlos nachos. Renowned for
its rustic patio. WA, LP, SP, A, IA, M, V
La Carnita
456 Main St, 204-504-4522. Trendy
spot inside an Exchange District
heritage building. Mexican street corn
coated in chilli powder and queso
añejo is a must. WA, LP, SP, A, IA, M, V
La Roca
155 Smith St, 204-615-9605. A
refreshing take on Mexican fare in
downtown Winnipeg. The light and
fresh fl avours of coastal Mexico shine in
taco trios, bright ceviche and the city's
best margaritas. WA, LP, SP, A, IA, M, V
PUB/CANTINA
Amsterdam Tea Room
103-211 Bannatyne Ave, 204-295-7728.
Reimagining the tea experience, this
trendy spot specializes in boozy teas
and cocktails alongside sharing plates.
LP, SP, IA, M, V
Brazen Hall
800 Pembina Hwy, 204-453-7980.
House-made brews on tap at the
stylish spacious pub. The extensive
menu includes modern snacks and
entrées. WA, LP, SP, A, IA, M, V
Confusion Corner Bar & Grill
500 Corydon Ave, 204-284-6666. This
sleek, casual restaurant and lounge
attracts a young, hip crowd. Innovative
menu changes seasonally.
WA, LP, SP, A, IA, M, V
Cornerstone
93 Osborne St, 204-505-7772. Smart
bar food reigns at this neighbourhood
hotspot. Au courant menu items like
pork belly and fried chicken báhn mì
are highlights. WA, LP, A, IA, M, V
Le Garage
166 Provencher Blvd, 204-237-0737.
This casual eatery in the heart of the
French Quarter offers casual tastes
for lunch, dinner and late night. Live
music scheduled. WA, LP, A, IA, M, V
The Grove
164 Stafford St, 204-415-3262. Elegantly
presented British pub fare like bangers
and mash is served alongside some
of the best burgers in the city. 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
Leopold's Tavern
696 Osborne St, 204-421-5367. The cozy
bar’s large menu features pub snacks,
burgers and poutines. Finish the Beef,
Chicken, Pig X2 burger (plus the side)
and get your photo on the wall of fame.
WA, LP, A, IA, M, V