The Best things to Eat or Drink in Edmonton, according to our readers.
This year, more seafood and shellfish and beef. More salads, fewer cakes, except carrot cake. We love our local charcutierie and noodles and burgers. Pasta is king. We are happy to be back in restaurants but we still love the convenience of snacks. Conclusions? None. It’s messy and weird and we love it. Congratulations to all these beautiful dishes and thank you for nominating your favourites.
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52. Lemon Tart, Sugared & Spiced Baked Goods
Nominators loved all sorts of Sugared and Spiced goodies—lemon tarts (“the lemon tart is just the right size for optimum lemon dessert experience. The crust is strong enough to hold the tart together but still light and crumbly. The lemon filling is delightfully sweet and tart. And the cream topping is a lovely finish for each bite,” Stanley W); brownies (“this humble chocolate treat has consistently blown me away. When I begin to believe that nostalgia has clouded my assessment, another bite quickly sets me straight,” Taylor F); Nanaimo bars, (“the Nanaimo bars were the pinnacle of perfection. Perfect proportions of topping, middle and base. Real chocolate and butter flavour! The best of a Canadian classic,” Gina F). “You can taste the love that goes into each bite. High quality baked goods made by great people,” Rebecca N.
53. Bibimbap, Buok Fresh Korean Kitchen
Buok’s delicious bowls are a treat, especially the hearty bebimbap. “I enjoy this any day and time of the week. A nice warm bibimbap is my comfort food,” Aaliyah T.
54. Peach Pie, Fifendekel Pie Shop Café
Nominators are big fans of the sunflower bread, caramel apple pie, cherry pie, well, all the pies, but it’s the seasonal peach pie (made only when BC peaches are at their peak) that nominators loved the most. “Their peach pie is the absolute best that I have ever tasted anywhere. Fresh peaches they peel themselves. Perfectly spiced and juicy. Generous amount of fruit in the flakiest pie shell. We always buy a few to freeze for later in the year. Now I am dreaming of summer,” Monique M.
55. The Rosso, Rosso Pizzeria
This beloved Bridge District spot has loyal fans who come for the inventive pizza with the delicious wood-fired crust. “Rosso actually has lots of great dishes besides pizza, like the burrata and the roasted rapini, but, when I come with my friends, we have to order a Rosso and a Salsiccia, otherwise it doesn’t feel like we went to Rosso,” Kyley F. “Best margarita in town”, Sean W.
56. Hand-pulled Noodles with Hot Chili Oil, Noodle Feast
“Noodle Feast has the best chili oil in the whole city. The noodles are so fresh every single time and portions are amazing for the price. Lots of options for vegetarians as well,” Shivani S.
57. Detroit Deep Dish Pizza, High Dough
“The pizza dough is airy, not heavy, toppings pack flavour punches and the crust is so perfect, crispy yet tender. Perfection!” Tracy S.
58. Chicharrón De Queso, Luna Mexican Restaurant
Delicious Mexican dishes are the order of the day at this popular south side spot (formerly called Huma). Lynsee L says this about the chicharrón de queso;“A giant cornucopia of crispy cheese served with pico de gallo and guacamole. It’s vegetarian and gluten friendly. But most importantly, it’s crunchy melted cheesy goodness!”
59. Shrooms, Tryst Wine & Small Plates
“Edmontonians underestimate the imaginative cooking at Tryst in St Albert. Everything is good, especially their wild mushroom dishes. They do a great job of switching from summer to winter menus,” David P.
60. Bernadette, Doughnut Party
Of all the doughnuts at Doughnut Party, the Bernadette (lavender, rosemary, chocolate and sea salt) stands out. “Truly delicious,” Katie S.
61. Classic Fried Chicken Sandwich, Northern Chicken
“The batter was delightfully, deafeningly crunchy, the meat tasty and the Nashville hot sauce flavourful as well as spicy. All the elements combined to make a sandwich that was tasty, satisfying and had great texture,” Brian V. About those smashed potatoes; “delicious and flavourful, one of my faves on the menu,” Ashton S.
62. Green Onion Cakes, Green Onion Cake Man
In addition to the perennial green onion cake nominations, the hot and sour soup, dumplings and spring rolls got the nod. “Green Onion Cake dumplings are delicious and the perfect one-bite size for entertaining,” Shauna F.
63. Hangover Burger, Jack’s Burger Shack
The Hangover Burger was top choice on the Jack’s menu this year. Nominators also talked about the Vietnamese pop-up menu: “The pop-up is a great way to experience dishes you may not be exposed to otherwise. Tu is a fantastic cook who uses quality ingredients to make a great meal. The meals are fresh, delicious, and made with passion,”Debbie W.
64. Donair Pizza, Seitan’s
Seitan’s continues to offer diverse and delicious vegan options. “The Donair pizza is a masterpiece. It started as a weekly special but made it on the regular menu, for a reason. The cheezes (vegan cheese), pizza dough, poutine sauce and all of the other sauces are made in house,” Rina A. “The Christmas roast and eggnog cake wasn’t just delicious, it was reasonably priced. Everything they make is off the charts,” Angel C.
65. Tan Tan Ramen, Nomiya
“The Tan Tan ramen is the best in the city hands down,” Grace M. “They make their ramen noodles in house—sooooo good,” Desmond C. The black garlic ramen is warm, homey, delicious, umami,” Melinda E. “Great fresh food and ingredients,” David D.
66. Lamb Pita, Little Village
“The Lamb Pita from Little Village is the kind of sandwich you could eat day after day and still crave more. The perfectly cooked lamb, tangy cabbage and tzatziki are such a perfect combination,” Charlotte W. “I stop in for lamb giro when I’m in my mom’s neighbourhood and need a fix. Their lemon potatoes rock,” Shauna F.
67. Beef Brisket, Meat Shack
“I’d love to nominate Meat Shack Barbecue for their tender, juicy, melt-in-your-mouth beef brisket. The best Texas barbecue in the city, hands down!” Jennifer K.
68. Sourdough, Bonjour Bakery
“The range of delicious breads at Bon Jour can’t be beat. All made with Prairie organic wheats they grind in house and leavened with their own whole wheat starter. Top pick would be the paysanne, but any bread here is a winner. Also the excellent selection of French and Quebec cheeses,” Caroline T.
69. Classic Bonbons, Compass Chocolates
“Delicious and beautiful! The classic bonbon collection includes six of my fave flavours, coconut, coffee and raspberry. Each bonbon is a gorgeous piece of art and made with the finest premium Valrhona. chocolate, handcrafted one by one. I think everyone should have amazing chocolate,” Kim G. “The chocolates are amazing, especially the Masala Chai and Dark Chocolate hot chocolate bombs. All expertly made from scratch right down to the marshmallows inside,” Chris S.
70. Khao Soi, HOM
This soup (Northern Thai chicken curry noodle) has never failed to be the perfect lunch or dinner dish. Wonderful flavours, beautiful plating, perfect portion size,” Liam G. “This dish is a taste of comfort and deliciousness,” Heather K.
71. Caramel Latte Meltaways, Jacek Chocolate
“I love everything they create, but these holiday meltaways were extra special. The most luxurious texture, delicious rich latte flavour, and in true Jacek form —gorgeous packaging,” Peter K. “They keep coming up with great flavours in their seasonal collections,” Mina H.
72. Garden Amaro, Don’t Call Me Sweet Pea
“It is a unique herbal amaro made with Alberta peas, first of its kind in North America. The perfect aperitif and digestif,” Julie B.
73. Destination Calabria Pizza, Campio Brewing
Their Destination Calabria deep dish pizza is outstanding. Spicy and sweet. Best pizza I had in 2022,” Andy C.
74. Stuffed Scone and Portokali, Overflow Whyte
“There is nothing better than standing by Overflow’s coffee window and relishing a portokali coffee (espresso, orange zest, microfoam) and a stuffed scone. Rotating savoury flavours, always with a gooey and bright egg yolk in the centre,” Thea W.
75. Birria Tacos, PiKanté
“It is a small family-owned business at Bountiful Farmers Market. Latino food, mostly Mexican. Best birria tacos for sure, and they have so many other great dishes. Haven’t had one thing there yet that I didn’t like,” Pamela H.
76. T-Wrecks Sauce, Dino’s Hot Sauce
“The T Wrecks sauce is made in Edmonton and I think it’s one of the best hot sauces you can find. Hot yes, but with flavour too. Husband and wife owned,” Curtis C.
77. German Rye, Breadland Bakery
“Daily German rye and Ezekiel bread on Tuesdays. The entire lineup at Breadland is made with organic ingredients. All flours are stoneground, fresh breads use a spelt sourdough—excellent quality and delicious. A little-known gem; I came to discover the treasures it offers through a random web search for Ezekiel bread,” Joanne Z.
78. Strawberry Champagne Buttercream Cake, Layered by Rissa
This cake artist has many many fans, especially for the choco lovers, red velvet, carrot and and strawberry champagne cakes. “Tarissa’s cakes are delightful! Her strawberry champagne cake provides the right balance between sweetness and flavour. I’ve tried a number of desserts and I can genuinely say Tarissa’s buttercream frosting is a tough one to beat. Layered by Rissa is a wonderful Edmonton gem,” Robyn T.
79. Cerveza, Analog Brewing Company
“They made it for Three Amigos but now it’s on tap at the brewery too. You no longer need to drink Corona with a lime, you can drink a local version,” Anna G.
80. Coffee Dark Chocolate Bar, Colleen’s Chocolate
“Colleen is a gem. We were introduced to her chocolate through an online tasting during the height of COVID restrictions. That magical respite is a warm memory that I recall with every decadent bite of Colleen’s chocolate. Rich, smooth dark chocolate with tiny bits of coffee crunch— dreamy. Colleen delivers, or her dad does, or her partner; it’s clearly a family affair. Grab Colleen’s annual advent calendar for the best December indulgence ever,” Denise P. “The sour cherry chocolate ganache, plus I love the individual caramel macchiato chocolate bar. Smoothest, tastiest chocolate ganache interiors with surprise elements, locally sourced where possible. Just great chocolate makers,” Tracy S. Pictured: hot chocolate bombs.
81. Latte, Square 1 Coffee
“I pretty much need a Square 1 latte every week. In fact, most weeks I go there on Saturday so I can savour my latte while zipping around the city. It’s made with love by lovely staff,” Colleen H.
82. Tacos al Pastor, El Mero Mero Taqueria
‘Really good tacos, especially the pastor with grilled pineapple. Was a food truck, now a restaurant too, and they make their corn tortillas in house,’ Eddie R.
83. Potato Salad, Upper Crust Café
“The Upper Crust has been a consistent source of scratch-made comfort food all these years. It’s easy to make a mess of the humble potato salad: too much mayo or overly seasoned or remarkably bland. They keep it balanced and simple and light. Like the Upper Crust itself, it’s an Edmonton classic,” Mark W.
84. Carrot Cake, Farmhouse Bakery
“They make everything using their own grains that they mill themselves. This family operation is the best. And trust me—if they’ve got carrot cake you have to get it because it’s proper carrot cake—cream cheese icing, nuts, raisins, carrot and pineapple! This bakery is located in Bountiful Farmer’s Market and it is my go-to every week for sourdough bread and treats,” Colleen H. Also nominated, the bacon and cheddar bread.
85. Bao Buns, Evel Drinks + Eats
“I may have squealed when I heard Evel was coming to the University neighbourhood with a bao-forward menu. Find me scampering away from the storefront with my box of bao growling: tasty, precious, like Gollum,” Thea W.
86. Roasted Beet and Dill Labneh, Sweet Mezza
Sweet Mezza (Old Strathcona Farmers) makes delicious labneh-based dips, different flavours every week, as well as other Lebanese favourites. “The beet and dill labneh is rich, creamy, delightfully pink and flavourful, from the addition of roasted beets,” Johanna W.
87. Mac and Cheese Pizza, Love Pizza
“The flavour of this pizza is outstanding, starting with the soft crust. The Gouda cheese and sundried alfredo sauce combined with mac and cheese? It’s delicious,” Dhrumit A.
88. Urban Bird, Leopard Pizza
“One of my favourite drinks this year is the Urban Bird from Leopard Pizza. It’s a twist on the classic Jungle Bird tiki cocktail made with an IPA. It checks off all of my favourite boxes—beer and tiki,” Ramon M.
89. Banana Bread, Gramma Bears Baking
“The pecan tarts, pies and pumpkin loaf are amazing; the banana bread is always my favourite. These people are the kindest people I have met and amazing bakers,” Jennifer G.
90. Waffle Pucks, Cookie Crumbs
“Their pucks are delicious! With lots of different fillings, you can eat them as a snack or for dessert or really any occasion. It goes well with coffee and is always a delicious treat to have on the go,” Tracy L.
91. Traditional Poutine, La Poutine
This bijou shop by Metro Cinema makes delicious poutine, ideal when you are craving that tasty mess of fries, curds and gravy. “They make a gluten-free gravy that actually tastes like gravy,” Lexa S.
92. Mezcal Margarita, El Corazón
“This drink is absolutely delicious and every time you order it, no matter which bartender makes it, it comes out exactly the same—crave worthy,” Jordan L. “The ancho hot chicken is a unique dish compared to most fried chicken. They use house made ingredients in the sauce and it’s just super delicious,” Kennedy G.
93. Roll Cookie Dough, Caught in the Cookie Jar
“Delicious! Sweet but not gaggingly, nice chunks of caramel rolos,” Maryann K. “Delicious treats and amazing staff,” Kristina R.
94. Candy Box, Box’d
“They are jam-packed with delicious candies and treats for any and everyone,’ Safia M. “Box’D charcuterie is super fresh and delicious, with lots of local ingredients. The owners are really nice and always go above and beyond,” Connie B.
95. Chai Latte, Bogani Café
“Family-owned business with the best chai latte in town,” Cristina J. To go with the latte? “I would like to nominate Bogani Cafe for their amazing carrot cake. It is so delicious!” Erin O.
96. Pho Sate #16, Pho Hoan Pasteur
“The broth is complex. Spicy, nutty, beefy, limey. It hits like no other pho, soup or dish can hit. It’s consistently amazing especially on a cold winter day,” Megan S.
97. Pasticcio, Tasty Tomato
“Best in the city! Can’t beat the price or the flavour. Great family run business that’s supports their community,” Shannon M. “The one thing in the universe my kids (and I) will never ever, ever get tired of eating. Tastes like home: creamy, savoury, cheesy, delicious!” Sarah F.
98. Carrot Cake, Mama G’s Jam
“Mama G at the Bountiful Market makes the most amazing carrot cake I have ever tried. Always moist and topped with delicious cream cheese icing,” Teresa H.
99. Lemon Raspberry muffin, Moo’s Protein Muffins
“The muffins are moist and versatile and the customer service is stellar! I have one of these muffins every single day,” Nancy C. “Super delicious, nice protein count and low sugar,” Victoria B.
100. Smoked Old Fashioned, Q Room
“Not only is it cool as hell to drink, you feel really sophisticated because the presentation is unreal,” Taylor G.
101. Steak special, Coliseum Steak House
“Over the last couple of months, out of curiosity more than anything, I have been visiting, with a couple of pals, restaurants that have been around for at least 30 years, to see why they are Edmonton institutions. The steak special was $28. The steak was cooked and seasoned perfectly, served with Greek-style spaghetti, meaty, rich and a green salad, one of the best values. It’s not a culinary adventure, but the service was great, the food awesome, the kitchen well-skilled. It’s a style of restaurant that speaks of another time and reminds us that some things never go out of style,” Brad S.