Solera
Stylish Sustenance
Tucked within corner spot Tabula Rasa, behind the façade of a bookshelf decoy, find Solera, an elegantly appointed Mediterranean style space, where enchanting cocktails pair with imaginative nibbles. Scallop crudo practically melts in your mouth, enlivened with perky passionfruit, pops of chili oil and plump dollops of trout roe shining like bubbles. Although luxuriating in posh dining train cars may be nearing extinction, Resto Gare keeps the grand experience alive inside a restored 1913 St Boniface train station. Classic French flavours and ingredients celebrated in the elegant and modern dining room are superb. Indulge in an aptly named Canadian signature, poutine bourguignon. Locally made Bothwell cheese curds melt under the rich red wine flavours of ultra-tender braised beef, bacon, mushrooms and sweet caramelized onions topped on fries. Tucked inside The Leaf, at Assiniboine Park, Gather Craft Kitchen and Bar exemplifies buttoned-down sophistication. Stylish colourful light fixtures and tropical plants contribute to understated décor. Here, a fresh perspective on prairie cuisine starts with fresh from the on-site garden veggies. Beef short rib, sweetly glazed with root beer sauce, pairs with vanilla scented celery root purée in a succulent starter. The handsome century old residence-turned restaurant known as 529 Wellington woos Winnipeg’ s top tier diners to its extraordinary setting with warm service and precision cooking. Well-marbled, properly aged, thick cuts of beef are cooked to exacting specifications at this celebrated steakhouse. Lunchtime enjoy Prime rib mini-Yorkies, the classic steakhouse equivalent to pub-style sliders, filled with shaved beef and topped with unctuous gravy, are favourite stand outs. At Ne De Loup Chef Scott Bagshaw presents a menu that embraces the traditions of French cuisine, while revealing his wild imagination. The handsome intimate space swathed in earthy green tones is winning quick favour for bold plates since opening in late 2024. Luxurious imaginations like fried chicken garnished with crème fraiche and Osetra caviar may have something to do with it. The team behind daytime go-to Clementine are hitting it out of the park at Baby Baby, the city’ s new, stylishly appointed bistro-gastopub. Beautiful dishes pair familiar with ingenuity, like regionally inspired pickerel beignets, featuring the province’ s favourite white fish.
bestlist
Nicolino’ s 4‐2077 Pembina Hwy, 204-269‐5004. Owner Nick Zifarelli oversees a menu of rustic Italian classics. Tangy béchamel is a revelatory addition to the Lasagna Emiliana and housemade pasta keeps diners loyal.
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Parcel Pizza 221-A Stradbrook Ave, 204-421-6711. Stylish art-deco inspired restaurant serves gourmet pizza on New York-style crust. Zany flavours, and creative shareables add a creative twist. A, IA, M, V Passero 774 Corydon Ave, 204-219-7300. Chef driven dining opens at night with thoughtful offerings such as the roasted pork belly and ricotta gnocchi. WA, LP, IA, M, V Tommy’ s Pizzeria 842 Corydon Ave, 204-219-7499. Sleek interior gives a New York diner vibe for Detroit style pizzas and Italian classics. WA, LP, SP, A, IA, M, V Vida Cucina Italia 222 Broadway, 204-899-5721. Chef Rosanna Marziale brings pedigree and Michelin starred dishes from Campania to this crowning jewel of the Fort Garry Hotel. WA, LP, A, IA, M, V
JAPANESE
Asoyama 1717 Kenaston Blvd, 204‐487‐4222. This sushi spot in the south suburbs bursts with options, in a modern traditional space. Japanese noodles and grilled seafood. WA, LP, A, IA, M, V Blüfish 179 Bannatyne Ave, 204-779‐9888. This chic sushi spot in the center of the city balances sophistication with a dose of fun. Try playful pan-seared cuttlefish with ginger-laced teriyaki sauce. LP, A, IA, M, V Cho Ichi Ramen 1151 Pembina Hwy, 204-615-8832. Building the most flavourful bowl of ramen is this restaurant’ s mission. The pork tonkotsu broth is cooked for 12 hours. WA, LP, A, IA, M, V Ichiban 189 Carlton St, 204-925‐7400. Teppanyaki-style fresh entrées are cooked with panache by talented chefs. A sushi bar featuring more than 20 rolls is also available.
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Saburo Kitchen 242 Hargrave St, 204-219-5295. Chef Ed Lam and his pro team pump out Asian dishes kicked up with bold flavour in swanky Hargrave Street Market. WA, LP, A, IA, M, V Wasabi 588 Broadway, 204-774-4328; 3-1360 Taylor Ave, 204‐415‐7878. New‐school sushi is taken to creative heights. Stunning rolls use premium ingredients, leaving a lasting impression. WA, LP, SP, A, IA, M, V
28 TASTE Winnipeg’ s Culinary Guide 2025-2026