winnipeg’ s best list
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 multi-course gourmet extravaganza or simply want the best soup in town. Although information is updated every issue, restaurant details are subject to change without notice.
— New Location— Summer Patio wa— Wheelchair accessible lp— Licensed premises sp— Summer Patio a— American Express ia— Interac m— MasterCard v— Visa atm— Bank machine on‐site
BARBEQUE
Belle’ s Kitchen + Music Hall 1212 Nairn Ave, 204-560-4496 Musicians entertain diners noshing on smoked meat, white bread and comfort sides, like mac ' n cheese and beans. WA, LP, SP, A, IA, M, V Famous Dave’ s 11 Reenders Dr, 204-504-7200. Roadhouse style joint cooks its meat low and slow. Smoked ribs and BBQ faves come in feast sized platters perfect for groups. WA, LP, A, IA, M, V
BISTRO
Bistro on Notre Dame 784 Notre Dame Ave, 204-691-1515. This stylish spot boasts international flavours made with local ingredients like tender bison and fresh and flaky walleye. LP, A, IA, M, V Bonfire Bistro 1433 Corydon Ave, 204‐487‐4440. Famous for wood-fired pies, this spot delivers on creative toppings, like the jalapenos and fire-roasted pineapple on the Hawaiian pizza. WA, LP, IA, M, V
Baby Baby 137 Osborne Street, 204-452-BABY Sophisticated cross between bistro and gastropub impresses with dishes like pickerel beignets.
WA, SP, LP, IA, M, V
Boreal Bistro 85 Israel Asper Way, 204-289-2187. A socially conscious and culturally diverse menu reflect its setting inside the CMHR. WA, SP, LP, IA, M, V Café 22 823 Corydon Ave, 204-989-5119. Family-friendly restaurant draws a trendy crowd. Pizzas are drawn from a wood-burning oven. LP, IA, SP, M, V
EQ3 Bistro Inside EQ3 Showroom, 1485 Portage Ave, 204-774-8710. Brightly lit eatery with posh seating and smart fare draws shoppers needing sustenance.
WA, LP, IA, M, V
Kevin’ s Bistro 141 Bannatyne Ave, 204-221-5028. A casual chic spot serves a smattering of shareables and popular ultra-rich pastas.
WA, LP, SP, A, IA, M, V
Pauline 112 Marion St, 204-235-6001. Stylish and sunny French-inspired bistro named for a historic Winnipeg artist. Serves exquisite breakfast and brunch fare. WA, LP, SP, A, IA, M, V Prairie Ink Grant Park Shopping Centre, 204‐975‐2659. Cozy retreat inside McNally Robinson Booksellers serves healthy fare and wonderful desserts. WA, LP, A, IA, M, V Prairie’ s Edge 2015 Main St, 204‐284‐7275. Eatery nestled in the greenery of Kildonan Park offers creative dishes packed with regional ingredients. Pickerel cheeks, beets, smoked char and wild rice shine. WA, LP, A, IA, M, V Resto at Thermëa 775 Crescent Dr, 204‐284-9595. Located inside Thermëa by Nordik-Spa Nature, this peaceful bistro serves a health-focused, memorable menu with touches of regional ingredients. WA, LP, IA, M, V Saucers Cafe 570 Academy Rd, 204‐489‐9204. Sandwiches, salads, wraps, pizzas, specialty coffees and teas. Try the roasted vegetable bruschetta with goat cheese. WA, LP, SP, A, IA, M, 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.
Daanook, 58 Albert St, 204-414-7070; 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; VJ’ s Drive-Inn, 170 Main St, 204‐943‐2655; White Top Drive-In, 409 Manitoba Ave, 204‐589‐4419 Daly Burger 619 Corydon Ave, 204‐284‐4944. A classic menu of burgers, chili fries, and super thick shakes, coupled with retro memorabilia in this casual neighbourhood cafe. WA, IA, M, V
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. WA, SP, M, V Nuburger 6 locations. Healthy, fresh twists on the classic burger and options for all dietary restrictions served in bright, modern spaces. WA, LP, A, IA, M, V
CAFÉ
Across the Board Game Café 211 Bannatyne Ave, 204‐691‐3422. Play a board game or simply enjoy snacks, sandwiches and delicious entrées in this bright and bustling space. LP, IA, M, V Buffalo Stone Café 1961 McCreary Rd, 204-989‐8370. Relax lakeside at FortWhyte Alive. Hearty sandwiches, soups and a signature bison burger make this a sweet nature setting. WA, SP, IA, M, V Clementine Café 123 Princess St, 204‐942‐9497. Trendy underground nook gives haute cuisine flair to simple breakfast and lunch dishes like Belgian waffles and eggs benedict. LP, A, IA, M, V Juneberry 531 St. Mary’ s Rd., 204-306-8838. Friendly daytime spot in St. Vital with a gorgeous interior and a menu featuring Asian and Middle Eastern inspired dishes. WA, SP, IA, M, V Modern Electric Lunch 232 Main Street, 204-306-6404. Contemporary takes on classic diner fare in historic, setting. Creative coffees draw hipsters. WA, LP, A, IA, M, V The Oakwood 660 Osborne St, 204‐475‐4250. A commitment to local sourcing elevates this neighbourhood favourite. Twists on comfort food and indulgent desserts are top picks.
WA, LP, A, IA, M, V
Roasted Nomad 393 Marion St, 204-691-4820. Elevated homey comfort food from morning until mid-afternoon. Eggs Benedict, burgers and housemade soups are superb. WA, SP, IA, M, V Sharecuterie 160 Stafford St, 431-489-0244. Charcuterie themed cafe with creative beverage menu is a fun meeting place for a sip and nibbles.
WA, LP, IA, M, V
CAFÉ / BAKERY
Baked Expectations 161 Osborne St, 204‐452‐5176. The city ' s gold standard for decadent desserts. Mile high cakes are plenty enough but the super cute space is the icing on top. WA, LP, IA
16 TASTE Winnipeg’ s Culinary Guide 2025-2026