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Although Edmonton is probably most famous for the massive West Edmonton Mall, don’t let the shopping distract you from the well-established food scene in this capital city. From upscale eats to dirt-cheap brunch, you’ll find an array of foods from all over the world tucked into various city corners.
We’ve spent a good chunk of time exploring all the best Edmonton activities (Bailey lived there for more than ten years, after all), gathering up all the information on where to eat and separating the best from the rest. Some are pretty well-known spots, and others you’d probably miss out on unless you did some digging or had a local guide you. But don’t worry – we’re here to help!
So whether you’re passing through YEG quickly or staying a while, check out our list below of 15 top spots that we’ve tested, loved, and highly recommend. There’s guaranteed to be more than one that fits any taste and budget. These are the absolute best restaurants in Edmonton that you don’t want to miss!
1. La Ronde Revolving Restaurant – Best Romantic Dinner with Views
- Location: 10111 Bellamy Hill Rd NW, downtown near the River Valley
- Type of food: Seafood & Steak
- Average cost per meal: $47 CAD
- Why we love it: Romantic spot with bird’s eye views
On our search for some of the more romantic restaurants in Edmonton, we came across great reviews for La Ronde and had to check it out! Way up on the 24th floor above the Chateau Lacombe Hotel, La Ronde is Canada’s first-ever revolving restaurant – slowly rotating a full 360 degrees every 88 minutes.
We enjoyed amazing views of Downtown Edmonton and the surrounding area while having an equally impressive meal. Aside from the outside views, the circular design also allows you a full view of the restaurant interior with its classic-French chic and classy atmosphere.
La Ronde’s menu offers up some amazing dishes prepared with as many locally-sourced ingredients as possible. Renowned favorites include the Wild Alberta Mushroom Chowder and Pan Seared Crab Cakes, while standout mains like their Alberta AAA Prime Rib or King Cole Duck Breast will definitely make it a meal worth talking about!
If you can, leave little room for dessert as well – house-made by the pastry chef and well worth it. The wine and drinks menu here is extensive, and the friendly, knowledgeable staff is happy to recommend a drink to pair with your meal.
Reservations are a must for this top spot – click here to reserve and to check out their menu.
Related Read: For more date ideas, hop on a road trip from Edmonton to Lake Louise to take in the sights!
2. Sugarbowl – Best Brunch
- Location: 10922 88 Ave NW, near Whyte Ave
- Type of food: Brunch & Bistro
- Average cost per meal: $13 CAD
- Why we love it: Low-key atmosphere and great value
If you’re looking for a brunch spot with great food and even better value, Sugarbowl is the place to go. Truly sweet to look at from the outside with a classic striped awning and wooden fencing, Sugarbowl has been an Edmonton staple since 1943. And after our visit, we can totally understand why.
Simple wooden tables, brick walls, and exposed piping give this Edmonton favorite a no-fuss vibe that allows the food to take center stage. If I had to pick the star of the show at Sugarbowl, it’s hands down the cinnamon bun. One bite of this generous helping of this warm, fluffy, perfectly-spiced cinnamon bun is enough to justify a visit here all on its own – but there’s plenty more to offer as well.
Other fan favorites include the Sugarbowl Benny – served on top of house-made cornbread and spicy, flavorful Huevos Rancheros to kick your brunch up a notch. Wash it all down with an offering from their beverage menu ranging from sodas to cocktails to ales and daily happy hour from 2 pm to 7 pm.
Since Sugarbowl is a well-visited brunch spot in Edmonton, make sure to get there early on weekends to snag a seat (and a cinnamon bun!). Check out their brunch and dinner menu here.
3. The Next Act – The Best Burger in Edmonton
- Location: 8224 104 St NW, just off Whyte Ave
- Type of food: Burgers & Beer
- Average cost per meal: $19
- Why we love it: Adventurous burgers and local brews
The Next Act is perfect for those days that call for a good, juicy burger and a cold brew to wash it all down. Modern diner decor meets comfy pub vibes, creating a chill, social atmosphere with great service. Twenty-five years old and going strong, this essential Edmonton food stop also serves up sandwiches and comfort foods – but I think the burgers are what really keeps everyone coming back for more!
A lover of sweet and savory combinations, I had to try their PB&J Burger – yes, you read that right, PB&J! The crunchy peanut butter combined with sweet bacon jam rounded out a juicy burger patty perfectly, and the house-made fries were the final added touch.
Other fan faves include the spicy Pyrotechnic burger and the Cameo burger that changes every week to shake things up a little. Good old, simple, delicious burgers are available, too, if that’s what you’re in the mood for, and Vegetarians can also get in on the burger action here.
The Next Act also has a great local craft beer menu, including loads of beer and cider options – even some gluten-free options also. You can check out their hours and full menu here.
4. Corso 32 – Best Fine-Dining
- Location: 10345 Jasper Ave, downtown
- Type of food: Modern Italian
- Average cost per meal: $35
- Why we love it: Cozy spot with quality dishes
If you budgeted a little fine dining into your Edmonton trip, Corso 32 is a great place to go. The “32” in the name comes from the number of people the restaurant seats, making it a cozy, intimate spot in the middle of downtown.
Each day they offer a regular menu, a tasting menu, and a pasta tasting menu. We chose from the regular menu, and our waiter encouraged us to order dishes to share for a better experience. We agree that this is a great way to go and recommend it to others.
We shared four dishes, starting with their house-made goat ricotta served with crostini that was so creamy and delicious. Our mains were Garganelli served with Oxtail Ragu and a Mascarpone & Parmigiano Agnolotti – both of which were perfectly al dente and so flavourful. We finished off with a house-made panna cotta and left feeling really satisfied. Even though it’s a more upscale place, the portions here are generous, and the value is great.
Heads up – at the time of writing, Corso 32 was closed for renovations and slated to reopen in mid-2022. Keep an eye out here for their return, and be quick to make your reservations! This is easily one of the best fine-dining restaurants in Edmonton!
5. Continental Treat Fine Bistro – Best Gluten-Free Restaurant
- Location: 10560 82 Ave NW, on Whyte Ave (it’s one of the best gluten-free restaurants on Whyte Ave!)
- Type of food: Modern European, all Gluten-free!
- Average cost per meal: $23 CAD
- Why we love it: Gluten-free dishes for all to enjoy
Continental Treat Fine Bistro is a must-try if you’re searching for where to eat in Edmonton that serves up gluten-free dishes. Even if you don’t have gluten-free dietary requirements, this is an awesome spot to try something different and get your fill of European-inspired dishes in a nice, casual bistro setting. Honestly, the food is so tasty, and you would never be able to tell every item is gluten-free.
You might think gluten-free menus would be limited, but that’s definitely not the case here. They offer a lot of popular dishes, ranging from pierogies to schnitzel to borscht and beyond. We heard that the Hungarian Goulash is really popular, so the last time I visited I opted to have that with spaetzle -a mini-dumpling dish popular in that region- and it was flavorful and delicious. You can never go wrong with the schnitzel and mashed potatoes with mushroom sauce. The french onion soup is also incredible.
The Pickle Soup was also highly recommended, and even though I was a little skeptical at first, I was pleasantly surprised at how good and flavorful it is! They have a pretty impressive list of sides and sauces as well, so you can really go all out and customize your meal.
They have a good wine and beer menu, including a handful of gluten-free options. And if you’re looking for something to take home, you can also buy grocery items like fresh bread and frozen pierogies. My sister always buys a few pierogies to-go.
Continental Treat Fine Bistro is open every day of the week and recently opened a second location downtown – click here for their menu.
6. Vaticano Cucina – Best Italian
- Location: 10310 45th Ave NW, South Edmonton
- Type of food: Italian Cuisine
- Average cost per meal: $26 CAD
- Why we love it: Delicious house-made pasta and pizzas
Whenever we are in the mood for some good old-fashioned pizza and pasta and headed straight for Edmonton’s favorite: Vaticano Cucina. A spacious and relaxed dining area gives this spot an easy-going vibe, and little decor touches like a mini ceiling mural (a la the Sistine Chapel, of course!) give it some charm. It’s a relaxed restaurant that’s also a great spot for families.
The location of this Edmonton restaurant is a little out of the ordinary. While most of the restaurants mentioned in this blog are located downtown or near Whyte Ave, Vaticano Cucina is actually located in South Edmonton. This makes it a great drive-to restaurant with a large parking lot next to it. No need to battle downtown traffic to get here or to pay for parking, which makes it a popular spot with locals.
We’ve visited here more than once, so we’ve had the chance to fill up on some different dishes (Italian food is our absolute fav!). The pizza menu also plays on the Vatican theme dubbing them after famous Saints – “St. Christopher” was one of my favorite choices here. It’s topped off with garlic butter sauce, prosciutto, and Fior di Latte – a great choice if you’re looking for a garlicky, savory bite.
The pasta is house-made and delicious, especially the Butternut Squash Ravioli and Gnocchi topped with their super creamy wild mushroom sauce. You can also opt to get gluten-free pasta for a slight additional charge.
They also offer some yummy cocktails to enjoy – try the “Holy Water” for something a little different, or the “Pink Lady” if you’re a Limoncello lover.
Vaticano Cucina is open Monday through Saturday from 11 am to 9 pm, and Sunday from 11 am to 8 pm. You can make reservations here. Reservations are highly recommended as this is one of the most popular restaurants in Edmonton. They also do takeaway, which is worth it if you don’t feel like going out.
7. Campio Brewing – Best Pub Food (and beer!)
- Location: 10257 105 St NW, downtown near Rogers Place
- Type of food: Comfort food & brews
- Average cost per meal: $20 CAD
- Why we love it: Lively spot with awesome brews and food
If you’ve tried a few of the fancier options on this list and are feeling for something more casual, check out the folks at Campio Brewing. The vibe here is great – good music, TVs for the sports fans, and lively conversations buzzing all around you.
I love the food here because it’s the good old comforting pub grub turned up a notch. The Korean Fried Chicken Sandwich is high on my list of recco’s, alongside their Detroit Deep Dish Pizzas – (we had the “Cheese Monger,” and it was so much cheesy goodness!). The Pickle Chips (with secret sauce!) and Pulled Pork Tacos are definitely snacks worth munching on while you check out the rest of the menu.
And, of course, the brews are just as awesome, with lots to choose from. You can stick with 12 oz or 18 oz beers or get a flight to try 6 types. Our server recommended a flight of the “fruit-forward” brews – kinda fruity, kinda sour, and really good! There are also cocktail and wine options if that’s more your style. Click here to check out all their menus and for happy hour info!
Hot Tip: If you’re visiting Edmonton in the winter and are going to a hockey game at Roger’s Place, Campio Brewing is the perfect place to go for a beer before or after the game since it’s only a couple of blocks away from the arena!
Related Read: There are more great breweries in Banff, so hop on a road trip from Edmonton to Banff to check them out!
8. The Moth Cafe – Best Vegan Restaurant in Edmonton
- Location: 9449 Jasper Ave, downtown
- Type of food: Vegan & Vegetarian
- Average cost per meal: $20 CAD
- Why we love it: Creative dishes with fresh ingredients
If you’re a Vegan and wondering where to eat in Edmonton, The Moth Cafe should top your list. And if you’re a carnivore who thinks Vegan food isn’t for you – we’re pretty sure they can convert you!
This beautiful cafe welcomes you with its open, bright atmosphere, clean wooden details, and lush plants hanging from exposed beams. I started off with some of their Mango Kombucha on tap (locally made!) while figuring out what food to order. Jackfruit is a recurring ingredient on their menu, so I decided to try out their (Not) Chicken Burger and was blown away! The flavor was great, the texture and crispiness were perfect, and I felt satisfied afterward.
We also tried the Lemongrass Minty Vermicelli Bowl (and added on some spring rolls, because why not?!). It was packed with fresh veggies in a fresh citrus sauce, and we can totally understand why this is a top dish at Moth Cafe.
They also serve some exciting drinks, like Mushroom Mocha Peppermint Latte, Iced Cashew Chai, and a good selection of plant-based wines and beers. Moth Cafe is open Monday- Saturday 11 am-9 pm, and Sundays 11 am-4 pm; check out their creative menu beforehand.
9. Julio’s Barrio – Best Mexican
- Location: 10450 82 Ave NW, Whyte Ave
- Type of food: Mexican
- Average cost per meal: $19 CAD
- Why we love it: Great food and lively atmosphere (and margaritas!!!)
We’ve been to Mexico quite a few times and never pass up any opportunity to get our fill of Mexican food no matter where we are. Located downtown on trendy Whyte Ave., this popular spot offers awesome food, festive vibes, and great deals, making it one of the top restaurants in Edmonton.
We always split a few dishes here to get the most of it all, and all of them get a thumbs up from us. Their Sopa de Tortilla was a great way to start, and it comes with garnishes on the side, so you can kind of build it to your taste. For mains, we love the Baja Fish Tacos and Flautas – both super flavorful and filling. We’ve also tested out a few of their signature salsas and love that you can customize – and spice up – your meal in any way you like.
The patio is the perfect place to hang out during the summer in Edmonton and sample their drinks menu, which is pretty extensive! Bulldogs are popular here, and the margarita and tequila menu offers up lots of good options. Julio’s Barrio also has specials for every day of the week, so you can find something for your budget anytime. Peep their menus and specials here.
10. Tzin Wine & Tapas – Best Tapas
- Location: 10115 104 St NW, downtown near Jasper Ave
- Type of food: Wine & Tapas
- Average cost per meal: $22; “Feed Me” taster menu price varies
- Why we love it: Intimate spot with a great variety
Tapas is one of my favorites because you get to try so much of everything, and I always jump at the chance to enjoy it when it’s available. Warm lighting and dark accent colors make Tzin feel extra cozy and set the mood for good convos over yummy shareable plates.
Tzin’s awesome feature is their “Feed Me” option, which is a great way to go if you’re overwhelmed by the possibilities! They’ll cater to how hungry you are and surprise you with dishes, some of which are daily specials. All of it was delicious, but the (famous!) bacon with maple balsamic and apple compote was a definite star. The paella was also the perfect mix of seafood flavors – I honestly don’t think you can go wrong with anything on the menu here!
Of course, tapas and wine go hand in hand. Since our meal was already a surprise, our friendly server picked out some wines that would pair well, and we enjoyed it all down to the last drop.
If you want to try Tzin out during your trip, make sure to make a reservation – it’s a pretty small, intimate restaurant!
11. Padmanadi – Best Asian Cuisine
- Locations:10740 101 St NW (Downtown) and 106, 6925 Gateway Blvd NW
- Type of food: Pan-Asian Vegetarian & Vegan
- Average cost per meal: $16 CAD
- Why we love it: Delicious plant-based Asian dishes
Padmanadi serves up some of the best Asian cuisines in Edmonton and has a pretty cool background story. Originally a popular restaurant in Jakarta, Indonesia in the 1970s, the family moved to Edmonton and opened up their doors in the early 2000s. And ever since, it’s been a staple for anyone looking for plant-based Asian cuisine in YEG!
We visited their downtown location for lunch, which is bright and welcoming with simple seating and bamboo decor. They have lunch and dinner menus as well as a pretty interesting brunch menu if you want to shake it up.
I opted to try out their signature Curry Chicken, which is made from some very convincing veggie “chicken”! They perfected the texture in this dish and served it with a delicious, rich yellow coconut curry that makes for a great comfort food feel. The Ginger Beef (made with soy beef strips) was also a contender for my favorite dish.
Loads of other great dishes are available, like General Tao Chicken, Singapore Noodle, Rendang, and Nasi Goreng. Vegetarians, Vegans, and even the pickiest, strictest Carnivores will definitely find something to enjoy here.
Padmanadi has a Chinatown location and a newer Southside location which offers a more compact menu. Check out their downtown menu here or the Southside menu here.
Related Read: Heading to Jasper? Check out this road trip from Edmonton to Jasper!
12. Japanese Village – Best Teppan-yaki
- Location: Multiple around Edmonton
- Type of food: Steak & seafood
- Average cost per meal: $53 CAD
- Why we love it: Delicious dinner and a show all in one
Teppan-Yaki is a great way to shake up the traditional dinner scene, and Japanese Village tops our list of best restaurants in Edmonton to enjoy the show. You can gather a group of friends or do like we did, and make some new ones around the table!
Japanese Village has five locations in Edmonton, and we visited the one in West Edmonton Mall while we were there. Our Teppan chef was awesome, keeping us entertained with his grill skills and tricks. I splurged a little here and went for the “Shogun Special,” which includes your choice of steak (mostly Alberta beef, but with one very fancy Wagyu option!) and Canadian lobster tail. The menu has lots of good options to choose from, including a good assortment of sides so you can build your own delicious combos.
Most courses come with green tea, but there’s also a list of creative cocktails, sake, plum wines, and beers to choose from also. Make sure to check out their menu and see their different locations around Edmonton.
Related Read: There are also some amazing Japanese restaurants in Vancouver if you’re up for a epic road trip from Edmonton to Vancouver!
13. Vons Steakhouse & Oyster Bar – Best Steak
- Location: 10309 81 Ave NW, ner Whyte Ave
- Type of food: Steak & Seafood
- Average cost per meal: $37 CAD
- Why we love it: Unbeatable steaks and great atmosphere
When in Alberta, beef is king – and it’s pretty hard to beat a perfectly cooked piece of world-famous Alberta beef. Though we’ve had a fair share of great beef dishes here, Von’s stood out to us as having some exceptionally great steak and even better service.
The atmosphere here is an upscale steakhouse, with warm, dimly lit lighting, dark wood, and leather chairs. There’s also a lounge area for a slightly more relaxed vibe.
When it came time to eat, we opted to go big or go home! I skipped starters and went straight for the New York Strip and the 8 oz. Filet Mignon, both cooked medium with mashed potato on the side. The steaks were tender, flavourful, and cooked to a perfect medium, with good, classic fluffy mashed potatoes. We managed to save just enough room to split a chocolate lava cake, which is always a good decision in my books. All in all, it was an amazing meal made even better by the attentive service and a great ambiance.
You can check out their full menu here and book a table while you’re at it! If you wanna pair some oysters with your visit, make sure to check out their Oyster Happy Hour Wednesday through Friday from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm and all night Sunday in the lounge.
14. Rockin Robyn’s Diner – Cheap Eats
- Location: 16604 19 Ave NW, West Edmonton
- Type of food: Diner classics
- Average cost per meal: $15
- Why we love it: Retro-style affordable eats
Rockin Robyn’s is the top spot to venture to for good, cheap eats in a great atmosphere. They nailed the diner theme perfectly – checkerboard vinyl floor, red leather diner chairs, a jukebox, and plenty of retro decors. The service here is super friendly and fast, and the prices and portions are perfect for a budget-friendly outing.
You’ll be spoiled for choice as the menu is extensive and full of all the old favorites. They’ve got all the classics like eggs, pancakes, and waffles but also make it creative with some other items like the Hulk Smash, which offers up pierogies, bacon, sausages, and eggs on one plate.
Aside from breakfast, they also have loads of burger options and go-to favorites like Chicken Tenders and Taco Salad. The creative poutines are also well worth trying. Of course, it wouldn’t be a proper diner without homemade milkshakes and floats – I went for the peanut butter chocolate shake, which was delicious.
As you might have guessed, the great food and prices mean that Rockin’ Robyns is one of the most popular restaurants in Edmonton. If you’re planning on going on the weekend, it’s best to show up a little earlier. If not, don’t worry – the wait usually isn’t too long, and it’s well worth it anyway!
15. Duchess Bake Shop – Best Desserts
- Location: 10718 124 St, Westmount
- Type of food: French Cakes & Pastries
- Average cost per meal: $5 CAD per individual treat
- Why we love it: Chic French bakery with mouthwatering treats
Don’t forget to top off your trip to Edmonton with something sweet by heading to Duchess Bake Shop. Topping the list as one of the best bakeries in Canada – and even in the world! – this French-inspired bakery does not disappoint.
The chic interior made us feel like we’d set foot in a European bakery with bright lighting and simple, classic tables and chairs. A large glass display counter immediately grabs your attention with an impressive display of freshly made France-meets-Alberta treats. Hands down, the hardest part of visiting The Duchess was choosing which food to try out!
You can go the simple classic route with Canadian favorites like brownies or butter tarts and French staples like macarons and almond croissants. Bump it up a notch with Rhubarb Galette (which I highly recommend to all my fellow rhubarb lovers!) or savory treats like the Spinach and Feta Danish. Whatever you choose, you will for sure leave wondering when you can sneak back in again for another sampling.
Whatever you do – don’t leave your visit until too late in the day. The Duchess is a known treasure and sells out, so go early for the best selection! You can browse their menu here (including some delicious items only available for pre-order).
Thanks for reading!
There you have it – the 15 absolute best restaurants in all of Edmonton. If you eat at any of the above restaurants, I’m sure you’ll be very happy with your meal and overall experience!
If you found this blog helpful, check out some of our other blogs about Canada including a couple of popular ones below:
The BEST Things to do in West Edmonton Mall (more than shopping!)