In September, I got to visit Edmonton for Canada’s 150 year anniversary. Edmonton is quite a diverse city with lots to offer in terms of culture but also food. According to locals I spoke to in Edmonton, the food scene has been very up and coming in recent years. Chefs have been working all over the world before settling back down in their home town, bringing inspirations from various different places around the world. This definitely shows in the food scene with lots of fun fusion restaurants that still keep the Canadian touch. Here are my top 10 food recommendations in Edmonton.
FAIRMONT HOTEL MACDONALD
Fairmont Hotel in Emonton is such a historical staple. If you want a traditional taste of Edmonton, this is a lovely place to hang out. Fairmont hotel must have the nicest outdoor drinking area in the city. They also serve up a great value afternoon tea which very much lives up to English standards. If you’re by the bar, make sure you find the Iranian bartender Mo for a Persian pistachio cocktail.
10065 100 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 0N6, Canada
MEAT
For people who like all things meaty, MEAT is worth a visit. You get a range of choices from steaks, brisket to burgers. What I really liked were the 4 home made sauces which added distinct flavours to the meat. Luckily this was located right outside of my hotel on Whyte Avenue. Whyte is a popular shopping area with lots of bars and restaurants to explore.
8216 104 St NW, Edmonton, AB T6E 4E5
EL CORTEZ
Another restaurant in the Whyte area is El Cortez. There’s certainly no lack of Mexican restaurants in Edmonton. El Cortez has got a nice atmosphere with cool interiors and a young funky vibe. Make sure you try the Redneck beef tacos which are served with a generous amount of beef, Queso and sauces.
8230 Gateway Blvd, Edmonton, AB T6E 4B2, Canada
TRES CARNALES
If you’re craving Mexican food but are in Downtown Edmonton, Tres Carnales is another great Mexican restaurant you should add to your list. The restaurant is buzzing and has a street food feel. As soon as you walk in, you’ll notice all the graffiti and art on the walls. You order by the stand as you enter, grab your number and sit at your table. The food is served quickly, in-and-out style. I personally liked their sharing tacos where you get to try their favourite selection and I also recommend to try their grilled corn drenched in sour cream mayo sauce.
10119 100A St NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 0R5
CAFE LINNEA
Cafe Linnea is a Swedish, French and Canadian inspired restaurant. As soon as I walked in, I noticed the clean Scandi interior and it made me feel right at home in Canada. Cafe Linnea is a great option for brunch. The menu is kept simple and to the point with the dishes being fresh and of top quality.
Holland Plaza, 10932 119 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5H 3P5
DUCHESS BAKESHOP
Almost everyone who I spoke to in Edmonton told me that I need to stop by Duchess Bakeshop. I can safely say that I tried the best macarons in my life here! They were simply flawless. The interior at Duchess Bakeshop is classic French and very inviting. You’d be tempted to sit there for longer trying their croissants, tarts, cakes and éclairs as well.
10718 124 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5M 0H1
SUGARBOWL
Located at the University Of Alberta campus, sugar bowl is a popular brunch and breakfast spot. Its best to arrive early as the queue builds up quickly outside. Of course if you’re eating alone like me, you have the perks of queue jumping and sitting by the bar.
But the downside is that you can’t finish a whole deliciously fresh cinnamon bun by yourself.
The food at the sugar bowl is tasty and also very generous.
10922 88th Avenue, Edmonton, AB T6G 0Z1
DOUGHNUT PARTY
I was lucky enough to get a behind the scenes peak at Doughnut Party’s doughnut making process. I judge a doughnut by it’s texture and glazing, both were on point. They definitely are not stingy with the glazing. Doughnut Party switches up their flavours very frequently so I can’t tell you which one you must try. All I can say is that each and every one that I tried was flawless.
10938 119 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5H 3P5, Canada
BAIJU
Baiju reminded me very much of London with it’s trendy underground vibe, fun cocktails and Chinese fusion food. With a prime spot in Downtown at Mercer Warehouse, its definitely a busy evening hangout for the young professional crowd.
10359 104 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 1B9
ROSTIZADO
Right next door to Baiju you have Rostizado, the big brother of Tres Carnales. Rostizado is also a popular spot for drinks and dinner in the Downtown area. Rostizado doesn’t focus on fusion but rather on traditional Mexican food. Make sure you try a shot of Anchos Reyes and a class of pear Pisco to go along with your food.
10359 104 Street #102, Edmonton, AB T5J 1B9, Canada
