Café Carlo
Best Spots for Solo Diners
If you are a solo traveller, just as eager to discover the best of the city’ s food scene as anyone travelling with a partner or group, Taste has you covered! The best chance of getting a seat at your place of choice takes some planning and making a reservation. Often it is easier to get an early time – right when the restaurant opens – or after prime time. In this city eating after 8:30 is less busy. Restaurants with seats at a bar are often the best bet. Dining at the bar is fun, and it’ s easy to strike up a conversation with other diners or the bartender if you’ re in the mood to socialize. Most importantly, let the restaurant know you are visiting and here for a limited time, and excited to try their restaurant. Café Carlo exudes warmth, with softly glowing pendant lights and banquettes filled with small huddles of neighbourhood regulars. A seat at the bar offers a clear view of the signatures coming out of the kitchen and the dining room action. House pastas, renowned for their luscious cream sauces are perennial favourites. Order papparadelle kicked up with a curry cream or fett chile and you’ ll know why they are addictive. Much like a captivating story, Prairie Ink offers a plot twist to the usual café fare. Located inside McNally Robinson Booksellers, contemporary dishes are executed with flair. Classics like pan seared tender salmon covered in creamy Dijon sauce, shine. At Nicolino’ s, classic preparations begin with house-made fundamentals. The pasta program earns near-mythical status. Daily-made varieties— from al dente fettuccine and spaghetti to tender lasagna sheets and pillowy gnocchi— form the backbone of the menu. Exploring East India Company’ s beautifully presented buffet of cultural specialties is a feast for the senses equally exciting as a solo. Efficient servers swiftly remove finished plates, enabling discreet return visits to your heart’ s content. Lively music sets a celebratory tone for savouring every bite of rich coconut Malabar prawns. A menu of small plates has attracted diners like bees to honey, making reservations tricky to get at Nola, but savvy diners will happily grab a perch at the bar to secure their culinary adventure The first bite of seared scallop and lo bak go hints at what all the fuss is about.
bestlist
North Garden 6‐33 University Cres, 204-275‐2591. Innovative Cantonese and Northern Chinese specialties draw authentic seekers at this modest eatery.
WA, LP, A, IA, M, V
Sam Po Dim Sum 277 Rupert Ave, 204-691-1213. Bright, minimalist Chinatown space offers simple dim sum classics and mid-afternoon happy hour menu.
WA, LP, IA, M, V
Sun Fortune 15‐2077 Pembina Hwy, 204-269‐6868. Bustling atmosphere in a suburban stripmall favoured by university crowd. Soups are packed with textures and flavour. WA, LP, IA, M, V
COMEDY CLUB
Rumor’ s 190‐2025 Corydon Ave, 204-488‐4520. Stand-up comedians from around the continent; full service menu.
WA, LP, A, M, V, ATM
Yuk Yuk’ s 222 Broadway, winnipeg @ yukyuks. com. National favourite is located in the Fort Garry Hotel. Light bites pair with the laughs. WA, LP, A, M, V, ATM
DANISH
Bistro Dansk 63 Sherbrook St, 204-775‐5662. This nationally-recognized yet intimate restaurant has changed owners but frikadeller, hakkebof and daily soup still reign. New shareables are noteworthy. WA, LP, A, IA, M, V
DELI / DINER
Bernstein’ s Deli 1-1700 Corydon Ave, 204‐488‐4552. Reimagined comfort food and deli staples like bagels layered lox and cream cheese merge with savoury Jewish classics. WA, LP, A, IA, M, V
Dave and LaVerne’ s 15 Lakewood Blvd, 204-594-9015. Stylish modern diner presents a modern twist on 50s diner decor and fare. Don’ t miss the fancified beef short rib. WA, LP, SP, A, IA, M, V Falafel Place 1101 Corydon Ave, 204-489‐5811. True to its name, this bustling diner specializes in Israeli-style falafel balls served in pitas or on a platter and vegan breakfasts. The yam fries and borscht are a must-try. WA, IA Oscar’ s Deli 175 Hargrave St, 204‐947-0314. Jewish-style diner serving shavedmeat sandwiches to the downtown crowd for decades. The smoked salmon club is a hit. WA, LP, A, IA, M, V Red Top Drive Inn 219 St. Mary’ s Rd, 204-233-7943. Winnipeg diner has impressed locals since 1960. Beside diner breakfasts and chilli layered burgers, pressure fried chicken is worth waiting for.
WA, LP, IA, M, V
22 TASTE Winnipeg’ s Culinary Guide 2026-2027