Welcome to the Top 100 2022
People came back to restaurants in 2021. Nominators talked the most about dishes eaten in a restaurant. Takeout is still strong—for burgers, pizza, ham, charcuterie boards, ice cream. Less pastry this time around but we still love our coffee shops, and our local distillers.
“Even with all the Covid stuff, we’re still dealing with regular problems,” says chef Ryan Hotchkiss, Bündok. “The ventilation system went down. We’re being told it could be a month and half for an exhaust system. Prices are up—doubled—for gloves, cleaning supplies, bleach. “We’re becoming really good at rolling with the punches—put things into perspective and not think about it.”
Running a restaurant is challenging at the best of times. the pandemic, global shipping, higher prices, staffing. All in a days work for our resourceful restaurateurs. Bravo!
Click images to zoom
Click orange business names to see their websites
1. Pollo al Mattone, Uccellino
It’s hard to pick just one dish from this excellent downtown restaurant. Is it the exquisite fresh pastas, the toothsome crostini with the different seasonal toppings, or the roast chicken? Nominators choose the chicken pollo al mattone (a half chicken roasted under a brick.) Crispy skin, the tenderest meat, delicious flavour. Really hungry people could eat it all themselves, but most pick it as a main course along with the winter salad. Good thinking. The tender house-made filled pastas—butternut squash ravioli and the tagliatelle, both from the winter menu, have big fans. The Corso 32 Group offered meal kits during the worst of the pandemic, and, although enjoying the modern vibe of Uccellino is like a mini vacation to Milan, they do offer same day take-out too.
2. Tandoori Lamb, Monsoon Bistro & Bar
This new south side spot has garnered dedicated fans. The tandoori lamb and the creamy Dal Quereshi were the dishes most nominated. The dill naan and the dahi kabab are a don’t miss, according to Kate W. “The service is great, the food is really delicious, and made from good quality ingredients at a reasonable price. It is, by far, the best Indian food I’ve had in Edmonton in years.” “This place is golden,” says Sharlene O. “Reminds me of Indian places in the UK! The cocktails, the lighting and even the silverware is top notch. The menu is brilliant and it’s the best service I have had by far in Edmonton. The owner is a class act. I can’t say enough. This is my new favourite restaurant in Edmonton by far. Don’t miss the Bollywood cocktail.”
3. Fleur Jaune Fromage Blanc Dumplings, Biera
“Last summer, I brought some out-of-town guests to Biera for dinner and we had these dumplings. I can still taste the deliciously gooey, funky cheesy, pillowy bites,” Amanda L. Chef Christine Sandford continues to inspire with her rendition of food that tastes great with beer (and wine.) “Our dumplings are made with a mixture of Fleur Jaune Fromage Blanc and Kootenay Alpine cheese. They are served with buttered cabbage and a sauce made from whey and preserved lemon. We top that with green peppercorn and herbs,” says chef Sandford. The perfectly conditioned cheeses on offer are a delight. Check out the afternoon menu, it’s a great spot for a snack (think sourdough nuggets and beef tartare toast) and a beer.
4. Egg Yolk Raviolo, Bar Bricco
“It’s the best dish in the city. It’s basically perfect in terms of technique, flavour and presentation. It’s gooey, rich, cheesy and just beyond satisfying to eat. I am almost certainly not sharing with anybody. It’s that good,” says Jonathon T. Nominators also love the crostini with house-cultured truffle butter and anchovies, the focaccia, the salumi plate (so good with Lambrusco) and the overall mood of this unapologetically Italian wine and spuntini bar. Bar Bricco borrowed some space during the pandemic from sister restaurant Corso 32, which we fervently hope will be reopening later this summer.
5. Road Trip, RGE RD
The menu says, ‘let our kitchen take the wheel for a multi-course, blind tasting adventure’ and nominators responded with ‘hell yeahh!’ With the road trip, chef Blair Lebsack’s kitchen team creates a dining experience like few others. The menu changes often and several dishes have graced the Top100 including the Chocolate Bar dessert. Along with the Road Trip, this year nominators were talking about the quality of the meat. “By far the best steak in the city. They have their own butcher shop next door and a commitment to whole animal butchery and dry aging prime cuts. The result is the best quality steak available perfectly prepared every time. What’s not to love?” says Eddie B.
6. Steak Frites, The Marc
The warmth of the welcome, Sunday Supper Club and appealing menus are not the only reasons diners love the Marc. “Steak frites. It is a flawless rendition of this classic French dish,” says Alexis B. “The consistency of dishes, inventive menu and obliging service, always,” says John R. “The Marc’s (take away!) beef tartare was excellent even though we couldn’t get in for dinner,” said Shauna F. “The escargot dish at the Marc—I’m salivating thinking of it—but I think it’s not always on the menu?” And Janice R. says the beef short rib bourguignon is “the best.”
7. Wild-picked Mushrooms, Restaurant May
The long-awaited new restaurant at the AGA opened just before Christmas. It’s a homecoming of sorts for exec chef Doreen Prei, who also headed up the kitchen at Zinc, which had occupied the space for several years. And it’s great, garnering noms from many new fans. “Wild-picked mushrooms drizzled with a delectable black garlic cream. It is outstanding, the mushrooms are so tender, the black garlic divine,” says Deanna M. “About the scallops—visually and gustatorily striking, the bright colours from the squash purée and grilled tomatoes, the beautiful balance of tart and rich from the pickled aubergine and miso butter makes this dish an absolute winner,” says Konrad S. The braised short rib and the gnocchi were also faves.
8. Tuna Twists, Nineteen
“The Tuna Twist is what everyone needs and wants. Chef Andrew Fung is magnificent and has made this dish very popular. Great presentation and amazing taste!” says Brandon E. “I’m usually one to switch up my choices, even at my regulars, yet each time we visit Nineteen, I can never not have the Tuna Twists—simply one of the best things to enjoy anywhere,” says Jim D. Nominators also gave a shout-out to the Peking Duck special and the luscious lamb shank. There is a lot to like at this south west culinary haven which has a location in St. Albert too.
9. Charred Broccoli, Bündok
“Bündok’s charred broccoli has become a regular add to our own barbecue nights,” says Shauna F. We are so lucky to have chefs like Ryan Hotchkiss in our city. The broccoli dish is a window to Bündok’s philosophy—with only five ingredients and stellar technique, a simple vegetable becomes something fabulous. Broccoli (or mushrooms, depending on the season) is blanched, then grilled aggressively over high heat to create some char, paired with smoked egg yolk cured in salt, with a sauce based on egg yolk. Brilliant.
10. Nonay Beef, Workshop Eatery
Alberta beef. Unless you are buying from a trusted source, either local butcher or rancher, it’s hard to really know how the cattle were raised and what quality of beef you actually have. After decades as a chef, Paul Shufelt knows this better than anyone. He partnered with Jeff Nonay of Lakeside Farmstead in the Sturgeon Valley to create a whole animal program. Prime cuts, properly aged, along with all the rest in burgers, sausage and other dishes. “We had the Nonay rib eye along with several other dishes to share. It was amazing, a perfect medium rare and so juicy, tender and flavourful,” says Mona B.
11. Frikadeller, Three Vikings
This casual Danish-style pub on 124 Street has some terrific food. From the frikadeller (Danish meatballs), the ever-changing smørrebrød, the open-faced sandwiches which are a signature of the pub, to the fish and chips. “It’s a classic Danish dish done to perfection. Opened my eyes to a whole new cuisine,” says Sierra K. about the frikadeller. “Three Vikings takes sandwiches to a whole new level. They taste amazing and are wonderful works of art,” says Tammy-Jo M. “These are the best fish and chips I’ve ever had. Healthy-sized portion, not greasy at all and home-made fries. My go to every single time,” says Suzanne D.
12. South Pacific Coconut Chicken Bowl, Filistix
Filistix continued to offer really delicious Filipino food throughout the pandemic, both delivered and in house. Highlights, according to nominators, were the South Pacific and the Kamayan. “The taste is absolutely wonderful. The tender chicken, steamed rice and the coconut curry just hits that spot every single time,” says Matthan D. “Kamayan—traditional hand-eaten meal of the Philippines shared with Edmonton. Delicious flavours and quality. Consistently delivering great meals. Love this restaurant,” says Andrew D.
13. Seafood Paella, Sabor
“The seafood is so fresh and abundant. Tasty and fresh. Nothing else even comes close!” says Cathy C. about the paella. Start with the 36-month aged Jamon Iberico de Belloto or smoked duck carpaccio, carry on with BC fish, bacalhau (Portuguese salt cod) or the seafood paella. Kudos to Sabor for following Ocean Wise standards. Finish with the excellent cheese selection. You will eat well at Sabor.
14. Duck Confit, La Petite Iza
This charming spot on the third floor (above Eleanor et Laurent) not only offers a three-season terrace and view of downtown, it has some of the best classic French bistro dishes—confit duck, bouillabaisse, moules à la marinière. “This dish is the perfect—mussels in a delicious broth, served with the most luxurious bread to get every last drop. I enjoy it with the olives marinèes, an herbes de provence martini and the tarte tatin. It has an incredible atmosphere and is my little slice of heaven during these trying times,” Steven S.
15. Patè di Noci, Dalla Tavola Zenari
Elisa Zenari expanded the family business to the Kelly Ramsay building mid-pandemic, while everyone was working from home. Lunch business? What lunch business. The patè di noci (walnut and lentil pâté) has fans. “A smooth and rich vegan answer to pâté, it’s satisfying and delicious, not what you would expect at an Italian restaurant! Pair it with a glass of fizzy Lambrusco and enjoy the feature wall that Elisa lovingly assembled,” Kim T. “It’s earthy meatiness works with a lighter red wine and of course a rosé!” says Susan G. Noms as well for the wine-friendly frito misto—fried veg (leeks, fennel, sage leaves in the mix, not just the standard veggies) with a tasty mustard dip and cipolle, salami on crostini with crisp shallots and a drizzle of honey.
16. Salt Spring Island Mussels, Glass Monkey
This Lendrum Centre restaurant continues to be a neighbourhood beacon with its easy-going style and tasty food. “Best, biggest and juiciest mussels we have ever had. No kidding,” says Andrea G. “Not always on the menu but we keep an eye out for these delicious morsels with a beautiful broth made for dipping,” says Elsie E. The pappardelle with pork shoulder, butter chicken, Pembina pork cheeks (braised in red wine with orange zest and star anise) and Moroccan-style braised lamb shank all received nominations. About the pappardelle with pork shoulder, Nolan K. said “handmade pasta and soft tender meat are a must order item every time we visit. This dish deserves to be on the Top100 so more Edmontonians can try how delicious it is.”
17. Ronald Burger, Central Social Hall
“The Ronald combines the nostalgia of my favourite fast food burger growing up with innovative high-quality ingredients. Definitely my go-to pub burger in the city,” Amber K. Along with the many paeans for the burger were shout-outs to the honey-fried chicken sandwich, chicken parm sandwich, Nutella cheesecake and the steak and potato bites. “Old school appie! A perfect blend of tender steak, crisp potato and fantastic seasoning,” Darcy K. “The owners are amazing and I seriously wonder how the food quality can be so good offering it at the prices they do,” Nick D.
18. Sushi Combo, Kobachi
This unassuming Japanese eatery in Sherwood Park has been exceeding expectations since it opened. “These little sushi parcels are fresh, delicate and flavourful. The ratio of rice to melt in your mouth seafood is consistently superb. The chefs take pride in their creations and it shows. Delicious,” says Janine Y. Connie Y. says the sablefish sushi is the best in the Edmonton area. “Fresh, delicate with amazing umami. I nominate not only this dish, but the restaurant itself for best Japanese.”
19. Smoked Mac and Cheese, Otto
Neighbourhood fave Otto is the ideal spot for get togethers over beers and sausage. But it’s the smoked mac and cheese that got the noms this year. “It’s effing fantastic. I don’t even like mac and cheese and this is like crack! Plus they have the best service and the owner is so humble and wonderful,” Jamie W.
20. OG Burger, Backstairs Burger
We’ve been big fans of chef Levi Biddlecombe since we first met him as a competitor for Gold Medal Plates. He’s back with chef Robert Wick in the 5th Street Food Hall, specializing in really good burgers. “The OG Burger is hands down one of the best burgers in the city, if not the best. Premium ingredients, cooked expertly by chefs who are truly passionate. One of the only burgers you can get medium rare in Edmonton, and the flavours of the bacon combined with the house-made American cheese is truly next level. It’s also the perfect amount of food—not too much so as to feel stuffed, but not so little that you feel like you need more,” Nathan S. “Nobody makes a burger like Backstairs. All the fixings, in just the right amount and the buns are always fresh. My patty is always juicy. I wish I could eat more than one burger at a time lol,” Amy C.
21. Veggie Burger, Glasshouse Kitchen Bar
The views are as good as the food at this St. Albert eatery and Julia Kundera is a fine chef who understands how to make flavours sing. Nominators raved about the burger made from red lentils, the roasted salmon salad and the shakshuka at brunch. “The veggie burger has so much flavour, you don’t even miss the meat,” says Krysta K.
22. Beef Bibimbap, Buok Fresh Korean Kitchen
“The Korean Bibimbap is made fresh daily. Being able to have traditional Korean food and flavours in a convenient spot makes Buok a gem,” Trinity S. “Their family recipe for pork mandu is easily one of the best I have ever had, can never get enough!” says Temina G.
23. Super Satay #24, Pho or Kuy Teav Noodle Shack
This unpretentious spot in the north end continues to wow with its Cambodian Vietnamese dishes. “I’ve tried many other restaurants and none of them have matched the flavour or even freshness of the Super Satay #24,” Richard B. “It’s succulent! A warm fuzzy soup for a chilly cold day, alternatively, a savoury bowl of yum on a deliciously hot summer day,” says Brian T. “The restaurant and staff are wonderful and family orientated,” says Ebony T. Nominators also love the chili mango drink and the bubble tea.
24. Piri Piri Prawns, Bodega
The Piri Piri Prawns are a perennial on the Top100 for good reason. Nominators also love the piri piri chicken, the incredibly luscious bacon-wrapped dates (Manchego and quince paste, match made in heaven) and the patatas bravas with their spicy aioli. With five locations (and Sabor), co-owners Lino Oliveira and Christian Mena have created a delicious world based on Mediterranean flavours with legions of fans. We salute them.
25. The Woodshed Burger, Woodshed Burgers
“It’s a really good, solid burger that doesn’t disappoint,” says Henri St P., “with Nonay beef, Irvings Farm bacon and they make the tomato jam.” “The Juicy Lucy. I would drive from Calgary for this burger,” Melissa K.
26. Prosciutto and Ham, Meuwly’s
Meuwly’s two-year aged prosciutto is definitely on my list—melts in your mouth,” Shauna F. “The in-house smoked ham (pictured), available for holidays, is the best ham you’ll ever have in your life. I’m old, and I’ve eaten a lot of ham. It’s amazing,” Jo D. “Meuwly’s has been consistent in the amazing quality of their in-house products. The smoked ham has me excited for jambon beurre on the regular. The rillette as well as their hot Italian sausage are part of my regular grocery lists,” Vanessa B. “I know the smoked ham is good, great even; the smoked turkey knocked it out of the park. The size of the bird was genuinely shocking, and it was delicious. The clear winner during the family feast, and I’ll be ordering it next year too,” Arianne S.
27. Croque Mon’soubise, Partake
Partake’s version of the classic ham and cheese sandwich is a perennial winner. This year the tartare and beef dip were also popular. “Something I continue to crave is the tartare. Best in the city,” Amanda S. “The beef dip from Partake, to be eaten with a nice glass of red; I think about this dish daily,” Cindy L. We love Partake for its elegant yet relaxed vibe, so easy to enjoy a glass of wine here, especially on a blustery day.
28. Popowich Meat Company
“I have tried and tasted many of the items from this shop, from their ready-to-prepare dishes, to steaks and sausages, as well as items they carry from other local businesses. The quality is great every time. They are also very personable and will talk about how to prepare them and they are willing to do special cuts,” says Susan H. “The wide assortment of sausage rolls with creative flavours with simple, quality ingredients. Only downside is that my kids want me to stop three-four times a week to buy more!” Neil C. “Marinated sirloin strips. These are wonderful. The spices are great and I am just adding some vegetables I like and have a quick and absolutely delicious dinner that guests have raved about,” Karin F. “The beef from Popowich is outstanding and the service provided by Mike and Treena and their crew is second to none,” Poul M. “The Maui Ribs are delicious, perfectly marinated beef ready to pop on the barbecue or sear off in a cast iron pan. Great service from this locally owned, family-run business,” Rob F. The people have spoken.
29. Pizza
Pizza is like political beliefs, there’s rarely any movement from what people think is the best style, or taste, or method of preparation. So, for the sake of world peace, we have put all the great pizzas nominated together.
The High Dough—their irreverent approach and outstanding pandemic pivot have made the High Dough the darling of deep-dish pizza lovers. There were noms for just about every pizza, especially They Call Me Bruce, Baba was a Hippie, Gido was a Rolling Stone (pictured) and Kim’s Convenience.
Sepps—New York-style thin pizza, classic and delicious. The Apulo garners the most noms, but The Veg, various versions of the Porco and the Nicola were also nominated. Let’s not forget the best Margherita in town.
Rosso Pizzeria—kudos to that charry, deeply flavoured crust, even better the next day. With noms for two pizza bianca—Funghi Misti and the Dolce Emma—as well as for the Rosso with hot sausage and Taleggio and the Sopressata, Rosso remains a Yeg pizza stand out. And who doesn’t love their breakfast pizza menu?
And a dark horse—the Italian Centre Shops pizza. Thin crust style and so easy to pick up after a grocery shop. The Capricciosa with artichoke hearts, the Calabrese with spicy salami and the Four Cheese Mushroom were nominated.
30. Cinnamon Buns, Awn Kitchen
There are many enjoyable treats at Awn Kitchen to have with your coffee. Sausage rolls, muffins, brownies, cookies and the bouikos, a Middle eastern pastry made with feta. Then there are the cinnamon buns. “Delicious, light, fluffy, buttery and just the right amount of sweet. They are the best tasting cinnamon buns ever. Need I say more?” Doug and Christine S. agreed.
31. Velvet Cream Liqueur, Strathcona Spirits Distillery
“The Velvet Cream is made with Strathcona’s spirits, Alberta cream, infused with willow and birch bark. Nothing else, no additives or flavour boosters. It is hand packaged, lovingly, at the distillery,” Winter D. “Dreamland Straight Whiskey, so smooth and delicious. A fantastic sipper,” says Rosalyn H. “I want to nominate everything about this distillery. It is located in a hustling bustling part of Edmonton, just kitty-corner to Whyte Ave. This place is so cute, a tiny bubble gum pink building, the perfect background for pictures. The Badland Gin is my favourite—an amazing spirit, produced in a fun distillery ran by kind folks,” Elle A.
32. Tourtière, Chartier
“This tourtière, a blend of succulent bison, pork and duck, all from local sources, is in a class all its own. Tender, flavourful and the combination of herbs, spices with the superb meats is a culinary win. My family was awe struck. Our firefighter son-in-law, who puts fiery hot sauce on just about every savoury dish said, ‘It would be an insult to add anything to this delicious tourtiere. It is perfection just as it is,’ ” Margie E. ‘Nuff said.
33. Maple Bourbon Pecan Ice Cream, Kind Ice Cream
“Maple Bourbon Pecan Ice Cream. I mean c’mon, can you think of a better combination? This ice cream is smooth, creamy and delicious any time of year,” Chelsea H. “I don’t think I can pick a favourite, but I can list the flavours I have stocked up on when the feature flavours retire: Candy Cane Lane, Chai and Ginger Cookie, Key Lime Pie, and Milk Chocolate Mini Egg. My four-year-old nephew is obsessed with Deep Dark Chocolate,” Amanda L. We love how this ice cream shop is firmly embedded in their local community, with things like local poets featured on the containers.
34. The Chief Beef, Farrow Sandwiches
Farrow popped on the scene in 2014 and we haven’t stopped loving their sandwiches since. “The OG is the best sandwich in Edmonton. Many different ingredients work together to create an amazing flavour,” says Vanessa P. The Chief Beef (pictured), Grick Middle and the vegan Jackfruit of all Trades also had several noms. Fun baking too —everchanging donuts, cronuts and brownies to be found at all four locations now.
35. Earl Grey Gin, Lone Pine Distilling
This is a fun spirit, made by infusing black tea and wild bergamot with the balanced botanicals of the Gateway Dry Gin. “We make our G&Ts with Lone Pine’s Earl Grey now, and we love it,” says Claudia G. Noms also for the Christmas Gin and the Gateway Dry. Down with global brands dominating spirits. Up with the local guys!
36. Chocolate Gelato, Little Bear Gelato
The cheerful gelato company has numerous fans for just about every flavour, including the Belgian chocolate, sour cherry gelato and lemon basil sorbet; “my five-year-old loves it,” Jennifer T. “This is the best, most flavourful taste experience you can have. Highly recommend all of their products,” says Loretta R. “Belgian chocolate gelato, the consistency and taste are unbelievable!” says Vinesh R. We are putting a vote in for the Champagne sorbet as well, exquisite. We have heard that Little Bear may have a bricks and mortar location coming soon. Hope so!
37 Truffle Cashew Cheese, Truffula
“It’s delicious and locally made. You don’t have to be vegan to enjoy it, I’m not. The truffle and dill are my fave,” Jessica M. “Because it is so good, omnivores and vegans all delighted when it shows up on one of my charcuterie boards. It is one of the best truffle products I’ve ever eaten. Makes every snacking occasion feel special and chic,” Krista L.
38. Gordita, Frida Urban Taqueria
“The gordita (fried tortilla stuffed with cheese, carnitas and topped with lettuce and queso with salsa roja) is a delicious snack—crispy, meaty and cheesy. Enjoy a hibiscus margarita to round out the experience,” says Kim T. Nominators also love the tacos (pictured), especially the pescado, al pastor and calabaza—sautéed zucchini and bell pepper, salsa roja, optional queso fresco.
39. Charcuterie Boards, Art of Charcuterie
Diana Harrison works with Meuwly’s and a wide variety of small local purveyors to create stunning boards—complete with meats, cheeses, edible flowers, tiny pots of jam, condiments, sweet little vegetables and fruit. “We’ve enjoyed the box for two a few times over the past year and they have stood out as exceptional meals. The boxes are not only beautiful but also abundant and so much fun to unpack and experience,” Debbie W. “Just as beautiful to look at as it is to eat, all of their products are amazing,” Janine T. “Top quality product displayed as a work of edible art, handled by a friendly and caring team,” Bryan S.
40. Rey Sol Sandwich, Caffé Sole
This charming south side spot owned by the Reyes family has fans. The Rey Sol breakfast sandwich with chorizo is a fave as is the Italian sub sandwich (Cured #1) and the Mocha (which we erroneously called a mochaccino in print) made with Mexican chocolate and a lavish helping of whipped cream. “Friendly service, convenient, quick, quality food. Sandwich is one of the best I’ve ever had,” Francois A.
41. Still One Vodka, MD Distillery
This new St. Albert distillery is making waves with the quality of both the products and of the cocktails in the tasting room. The vodka is made using a sophisticated distilling system that makes the most of the ingredients, 100 per cent Alberta wheat and water. Clean and smooth with subtle fruity notes, makes an outstanding martini. The Mint, Lemon and Cherry Cellos received several noms, especially the Cherry.
42. Bagels
Bagels have become a thing again. We have pop-ups by Beb’s Bagels, Kitchen by Brad bagels (Fridays only), Bagel Bar bagels and the trusty St-Viateur bagels airlifted every week from Montreal at Coffee Bureau.
43. Salsa and Chips, El Gringo
“The salsa and chips are made fresh with as much local products as possible. A fantastic local business that has grown over the past decade and should be a staple at home for any salsa and hot sauce lovers!” Dama L.
44. Candied Bacon Egg Slider, Caffiend
“The candied bacon egg slider is my favourite to-go breakfast. The candied bacon and chipotle blackberry sauce is amazing. Nothing compares. Caffiend has so many amazing dishes and drinks. They serve our community and are the kindest people,” says Ashley M. This casual coffee bar in Jagare Ridge has loyal fans who nominated everything from the candied bacon slider to the blt wrap, the felafel wrap and the coffee. “A small independent shop that has an amazing chef and front end staff. Even after moving out of the neighborhood, we travel for 45 minutes to have lunch there and get coffee,” Cory W.
45. Original Cider, Broken Spoke
“Writing this in January it’s hard to remember how hot last summer was. I drank my fair share of ice-cold ciders from Broken Spoke and think that it’s a must have on this list, says Kyle M. “I am typically a beer drinker. However, my better half introduced me to Broken Spoke and now I love it. It’s the perfect cider that straddles sweet and dry.”
46. The Bacon, Tzin Wine & Tapas
No stranger to the Top100, The Bacon, by chef Corey McGuire, remains a favourite. “It’s exceptional in flavour and presentation. A must have,” says Elliot R. “The taste is so unique, there’s nothing like it anywhere else in the city. You eat it once and will forever crave it,” Danielle M. This bijou downtown spot had clever responses to the pandemic seating restrictions, such as the Feed Me Curbside Package—dinner for two, a bottle of wine and the Tzin playlist. Brava!
47. Affogato, Yelo’d Ice Cream + Bake Shoppe
Count on a lineup on a hot day at this adorable and tiny ice cream shop on Whyte Ave. Soft serve and scoops in classic Filipino flavours, including ube (purple yam) are the draw. The affogato, espresso with mango or champorado (chocolate) was the big hit last summer. “We stand in line for affogatos,” says Lily S.
48. Prepared Meatballs, The Italian Centre
“I love the Italian Centre’s pre-prepared meals. They have such a nice variety of pasta dishes and sauces that are so easy to bring home, heat up and enjoy. But, my most favourite are the meatballs. Mmmmm,” Amanda L.
49. Beet Flatbread, Tryst Wine & Small Plates
This St. Albert resto has legions of fans. The beet flatbread, gnocchi, squash salad and Brussel’s sprouts were nominated. “The beet flatbread is a wonderful amalgamation of taste and textures,” says Kim P. “The flavour combinations in the warm squash salad are amazing. Presentation and colours of this dish are beautiful, truly a very well thought out dish,” Erika P. “The mix of flavours in the Brussel’s sprouts is so good—warm and delicious. I love the crispy cheese, the pickled apples, and the sprouts,” Dana D.
50. Tasting Menu, Restaurant Yarrow
“The 20-25-course tasting menu is innovative, features regional and seasonal food, and you can get a wine, cocktail or even juice pairing to go with it,” says Cindy G. “If you want a snack, they feature toasties next door at Bar Yarrow, and when indoor dining was restricted, they did a patio pop-up French Bistro with steak au poivre. My husband agrees, it ranks in our top three of all time, and we have had it in France. Treat yourself to a special dinner and book your spot—they only take 10 diners per sitting. This is Michelin-starred food right here in Edmonton.”