The best things to eat or drink in Edmonton according to our readers
Every year we ask readers ‘what is the best thing they ate or drank last year?’ What caught everybody’s attention this year? Baked goods and pizza reign supreme—so many pizzas we had to give them a separate section. Pasta, of course. Only a few burgers, which is unusual, but several steaks. And people are being adventurous, with several set-menu explorations nominated. Newly opened restos garnered lots of nominations, which is a healthy sign.
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51. Smoked Mac and Cheese, Otto
We love this easy-going north side spot for many reasons, the outstanding collection of Canadian beers and gins (yes, gins), the delicious sausages, the curry wurst (pictured) and the fish and chips. Nominators were all in on the smoked mac and cheese this year. “I find myself fantasizing about it all the time. It’s smoky and creamy and perfect. I’m not even a huge fan of mac and cheese but this cannot be missed!” Jamie W.
52. Beef Satay Bánh Mì, Van Loc
“The freshest hot sandwich around. It even has cheese on it which blew my socks clean off. A close second is the crispy pork belly bánh mì. This is the kind of place we all need right now,” says Filliep L.
53. Super Satay #24, Pho or Kuy Teav
“I have been eating at this family’s restaurants for 20 years and have never been disappointed. Hands down the best satay in my opinion. The owners are kind and take care in the food they prepare,” says Jennifer T. “A blast of flavour, a taste explosion and let’s not forget the killer mango drink,” Nearak N.
54. Rolling Noodles with Egg and Tomato, Minced Pork and Hot Chili Oil, Noodle Feast
“Their handmade fresh-pulled noodles are really something to experience. The texture is unique, chewy yet soft and expertly prepared. The dish is simple but the flavours are complex—a most satisfying dish,” Amanda V.
55. Charcuterie Board, Bibo Strathcona Wine & Sake Bar
This sweet spot tucked into the Strathcona Hotel is ideal for a drink and a nosh. “These boards are always different and cosmopolitan with cool things like the artisan cured meats provided by El Chorizo,” Jason C. “My wife loves their in-house pickled selection, especially the red onions.”
56. Celery, Kale and Carrots, Sundog Organic Farm
Nominators love Sundog veg. “They are so fresh and delicious, with more flavour than supermarket vegetables,” says Paul G. “We love their tomatoes and lettuce in the summer and also like that we can get their carrots and root veg like beets and potatoes at the Old Strathcona Market,” Cathy H. “Sign up for their farm share and enjoy their veg (almost) all year long,” Jenny T.
57. PEI Mussels with Blue Cheese and Sriracha, The Bothy
“I’ve turned dozens of blue cheese haters into lovers because of this dish. The Bothy has achieved a delicious balance of blue cheese earthiness, sriracha spice and plump, fresh mussels–no judgment from me if you’re eating the broth like it’s a soup,” Snow A. “They’ve managed to include good food to accompany their drink selection as well, which is nice!” Suryaraj P.“I do not like blue cheese at all and I love these mussels!” Paz O.
58. Chicken and Waffles, Hart’s Table & Bar
The chicken and waffles was the favourite of nominators. “The portion is big, the chicken is juicy and the flavours are delicious,” says Brigitte H. “They use Siracha maple for that little kick,” Ryan F.
59. Curried Chicken, Café Caribbean
The curried chicken from this bijou spot is delicious. Nominators also love the Trinidadian street food called doubles——paratha with curried chickpeas, cilantro and tamarind, pictured.
60. Mini Beef Dip, Partake
“About the mini French dip: you think you order it for the steak, you’re intrigued by the rosemary jus, but, those duck fat potato buns are the star. If it was acceptable to eat a dozen of them,” Jordan T. About the devilled eggs: “The components change throughout the seasons, from pea coulis with a Parmesan crisp, to smoked tomatoes and bacon, but this is the perfect bite to start an evening of small plates from chef Cyrilles,” Cindy G.
61. Gruyere Croissant, Duchess Bake Shop
“Cheese croissants can be so heavy and greasy, but not the Duchess Gruyere croissant. It’s heavenly,” Sharon R. “I bring the macaron gift box as a hostess gift, always well-received. The lemon tart and raspberry, dark chocolate shortbread are just so good, never too sweet, just right. This bakery does such a good job,” Karen C.
62. Organic Chicken, Sunworks Farm
The Hamilton family have built a reputation for great tasting food raised humanely. “I have been buying this chicken for several years, because there is no shrinkage and it tastes great, not watered down like most chicken,” Bob T. “And it makes really great stock.” Nominators also liked the sausages and bacon. Sunworks has a new shop near United Cycle on Gateway Boulevard.
63. Cherry Chérie Cocktail Cherries, Lessig Ferments
Lessig Ferments, a project by chef Roger Letourneau, produces outstanding hot sauces and condiments. New last year were these delectable cocktail cherries made with BC sour cherries and gin. You could put them in an Aviation or a Last Word or an Old Fashioned, wherever you might use an Amarena or Luxardo cherry. Or you could have them on yogurt or ice cream.
64. OG Burger, Backstairs Burger
A burger and shake takes on new meaning at Backstairs Burger. “The OG is probably the messiest burger I have ever scarfed down, probably the best burger too,” says Adam R. “All of their burgers and side dishes are amazing! Great flavours, unique combinations that all taste great,” Chicoma J. “The coffee crisp shake is unreal,” Julia. K.
65. Pork Roasts, Acme Meat Market
Corey Meyer, a third-generation butcher, knows a few things about cutting the best quality steaks and roasts at this south side family business. “We always get a crown roast of pork for the holidays and they are always amazing,” says George W. “We like that you can order a certain thickness of steaks and chops, too.”
66, European Rye, Bon Ton
The European rye and the mini sesame bagels were most nominated. Customers also like the wide variety of condiments and other comestibles available and the Challah and Easter breads at this popular west end bakery, in business since 1956.
67. Ube Soft Serve and Scoop, Yelo’d/Little Bon Bon
Yelo’d’s Whyte Avenue ice cream shop was probably the first place in town to make ube (purple yam) soft serve, along with other Filipino specialties like halo-halo and champorado. The new shop in Chinatown has numerous fans too, especially for the Loufu, (aka, tiger, with house-made licorice). Also nominated were Grandpa Wong’s Chocolate with brownie chunks; See Yow, salted caramel with a hint of soy sauce and Jade, green tea matcha with cream cheese swirl.
68. Burger Box, Modest Meats
“This is 24 of the best burgers I have ever put on the grill,” says Barry G. “Handy in the freezer, dry aged too, lots of flavour and cooked up so well. Pork chops are fantastic too.”
69. Kouing-Amann, Lock Stock Coffee
Find superb pastry, like a outstanding kouign-amann, along with excellent coffee at this downtown spot which celebrates a decade slinging coffee in the core.
70. Russian Rye Sourdough, Farmhouse Bakery
“This absolute delight of a rye sourdough hits on so many levels: heavy but not too dense, with notes of caraway and fennel seeds. I am constantly sharing it with friends and making friends sharing it with strangers,” Jason C. Also nominated: cinnamon buns and the Morning Glory muffins. “Delicious, healthy ingredients that e to create a tasty and satisfying midday, pick-me-up,” Laurette W.
71. Duck Bacon, Four Whistle Farms
Nominators love their weekly eggs, the seasonal fresh turkey and the various cuts of beef, lamb pork and poultry from this Leduc area farm. But duck bacon? Bring it on! “The meatiness and flavour are outstanding. I would never have guessed bacon from a duck would be a thing. It’s delicious!” Genevieve R.
72. Jaya Chai Liqueur, Field Notes
“She has brought her culture into her product, it tastes amazing, an incredibly unique product!” Nadia M. “It is delicious and reflective of the creator’s culture; a versatile liqueur that can be had straight or added to any cocktail,” Rehana G. It’s a sophisticated offering. Pairs well and can be served up many ways,” Bighan Z.
73. Peanut Butter Brittle, Sinclair Street Candy Company
Nominators love this addictive soft peanut butter brittle made right here in Edmonton.
74. Truffled Popcorn, The Common
The Common has been serving their truffled popcorn for over 15 years. A bout time it made this list! Nominators also love the honey-roasted beet salad with Lakeside Fromage Blanc and the French Onion soup.
75. Long Green Beans, Lacombe Fresh
They are fresh, delicious, attractive, nutritious and can be turned into many dishes as well as great alone,” Sara C. This collaborative business, put together by several central Alberta greenhouses, means we can eat lovely fresh cukes and peppers and long beans all year round.
76. Ekawee Cheese Pie, Sunbake Pita Bakery
The folded Ekawee cheese pie is a non-negotiable and the shawarma at Sunbake is the most authentic I’ve had. Real shawarma should be seasoned like this. It’s tender and juicy, no tomato or lettuce, just pickled turnips, banana peppers and pickles. And their toum (Lebanese garlic sauce)? Perfection,” Bennett G.
77. Mai Tai, Honi Honi Tiki Lounge
“Honi Honi has brought cocktails to a new level in Edmonton. You bet it’s a Tiki Bar, and it’s an incredible one at that! They’ve stayed true to tiki culture in creating balanced, yet booze forward, drinks that honour the history of tiki. And ohhhhh, is there ever a tiki history.
Using the freshest and best ingredients, their staff create perfect Mai Tais time after time. Tradition, attention to detail, respect for the process, and flair all go into this mighty cocktail, and all their cocktails,” Chelle B. Nominators also like the Saturn (gin, passion fruit, falernum, orgeat, lemon) the Tiki Snaq house shot (Mount Gay rum, pineapple olio and lime) and the punch bowls. “Lively, so much fun, only seats 40, so can be very hard to get in. Vacation vibes!” Nicole G.
78. Eggs Benedict, Wilfred’s
“Wilfred’s takes a fairly simple, well-known dish, into sublime territory. Everything is fresh and tastes well balanced. I drive 50 minutes to eat this! ‘Trish N .”Home-made biscuit, perfect poached eggs, best potatoes,” Ingrid G.
79. Smoked Paprika Popcorn, Sugarbowl
“It is so good with a beer on a beautiful summer afternoon on the patio. The sweet and smoky popcorn hits the spot, paired with a cold beer, watching the cyclists and pedestrians going to and fro,” Hayley H. The lamb burger has many fans: “Amazing flavours! Unique and excellent quality, 100 per cent Alberta product! Place is authenticity local!” Tyler D.
80. All the Bagels, Beb’s Bagels
Two musicians, Lindon Carter and Luke Breiteneder, who happen to make really delicious bagels. “Sort of Montral style, super fresh with just the right amount of chew,” Holly F.
81. Chocolate Drizzled, Caramunchies
“These delicious corn flakes with caramel are so good, especially drizzled in chocolate,” Emily W.
82. Club Grilled Cheese, Western Sandwich Company
“Always, fresh, delicious and filling! And those duck fat fries! The individuals who work at the Bountiful market are have amazing customer service; always welcoming with a smile,” Alanah P.
83. Kinoko Ramen, Menya Mori
The newest ramen spot started life as a home cooking project, similar to Prairie Noodle, where Menya is now located. “It’s the Kinoko is best vegan ramen (not pictured) in the city, by far. The broth is so delicious and creamy,” Reyna W.
84. Salt Bread, Common Ground Coffee
“This craveable bite is not one to overlook. Deceptively simple—salty, buttery, flaky. If a pretzel had a baby with a croissant, you would get this. Pair with a little bit of jam—it will blow your mind. Only available on Saturdays due to the lengthy baking process,” Ashley M.
85.Spinach, Vertical Roots Leduc
“VR spinach is the best spinach in the whole world,” Janett M.
86. Zeppole Doughnut, Leopard
“Lemon plus vanilla bean and donuts, need I say more? Every ingredient they use is made in house, the dish is packed with flavour and is true comfort food,” Nicole O.
87. Hot Geisha Roll, Tokyo Noodle Shop
“We have been coming here for 15 years and no matter what else we order; we have to get this. We also love the salmon nigiri and the beef sashimi. We always order way too much food because it is all so wonderful!” Katrina P.
88. Matcha Moroccan Mint Chip, Twice Cream
Shout outs for the Michel Cluizel Chocolate (pictured)and the Vegan Banana Honey, but this year, it was all about the Matcha Moroccan Mint Chip. “The green tea and mint flavours are so fresh and perfectly balanced,” Carol G. Lots to love at this sweet Westmount shop, also in Sherwood Park too.
89. Peking Pork Chop, Double Greeting Wonton House
“Sweet, salty, tangy and crispy. The pork was juicy and tender. Forget eating sweet and sour pork at any other Asian restaurant. This variation is perfection,” Leanne S. Plus, every variety of won ton soup you can imagine.
90. Pupusa, Acajutla
“Authentic, unique, memorable, delicious,” Brittany O. This nominator didn’t say which pupusa, but you could have these tasty Salvadorean masa flatbreads filled with refried beans, queso con loroco (mozza with edible flowers) or refried pork, served with curtido (fermented cabbage) and salsa roja.
91. Salted Caramels, Caramel by Cali
“The softest, most delicious caramel that doesn’t stick to your teeth. It comes in several different flavours, as well as seasonal offerings,” Vanessa A.
92. Wild Blueberry Ice Cream, Annie Rue Ice Cream
Nominators love the flavours at this Parkallen ice cream shop, especially the Wild Blueberry and the Lemon Cream Pie.(pictured).“We like to pop by for cones in the summer and pints in the winter. Everything we have tried is so good, but we keep coming back for the wild blueberry,” Sharon B.
93. Ossetian Pies, Alyonka Bakery
Tucked away in the Bountiful Farmers’ Market is the Alyonka Bakery stall which specializes in Eastern European pies and pastry, such as Ossetian pies and Georgian khachapuri (cheese bread). “Fresh, unique and tasty,” Monica N.
94. Hot Chocolate, Chocolate Don Marin
“The flavour is so authentic that it’s like if you were drinking it in any magic town in México. It brings my childhood memories back with every sip,” Miryam. It’s natural, it’s handmade, it’s tradicional and it’s delicious!” Karen L.
95 Lo’s Volcanos Taco, Culichi Snacks
Nominators are impressed by this Spruce Grove spot, nominating Lo’s Volcanos and the Pastor tacos, as well as the tostados. “Meals were exceptional in presentation and taste. Great service and a small business that deserves to be supported,” Jennifer H.
96 Jollof Rice, Emgees Restaurant
“This dish is a plate of happiness that reflects the African tradition and all the love you remember. It brings you closer to the motherland,” Ibukun A.
97. Millionaire’s Shortbread Chocolate Bar, Chocolate Escapade
I received a gift of chocolate bars from around Alberta and this one was by far the best—made right here in Edmonton. It’s become my favourite treat,” Christine S.
98. Hot Chocolate, Ch Cafeteria
“They have the most amazing hot chocolate, thick, rich and creamy with authentic Mexican flavours. They also have some delicious drinks like the cafe de olla,” Fiona H. “Creamy, delicious and choices for everyone—milk chocolate, dark chocolate, hazelnut and white chocolate,” Cheryl H.
99. Beef Pho, Bahn Mi Zon (BMZ)
“Never had a bad bowl of pho here. The beef pho has depth of flavour and is always consistent. The broth is magic. The subs with homemade bread are amazing too. You can taste the love,” says Krysten K.
100. She Walked A Ray, DOSC
Among the many great cocktails to be had at DOSC, She Walked A Ray got the most nods. “A super good jasmine rice-infused Japanese whisky, pineapple, pandan and coconut milk punch. Funky and rich,” Malo I.
101. Buttery All-purpose Seasoning, Yonedas
“It is so yummy on chicken, steak, pork, vegetables and even popcorn. Makes everything simply delicious,” Frances D. “Best all-purpose seasoning. I put that sh** on everything!” Ash G. The seasoning rubs come in seven different varieties, including Jacek Chocolate Fusion.
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