Top Edmonton restaurants for newcomers to try out
Look around and you’ll find a smorgasbord of good eats. If you’re new toEdmonton, you’ll be happy to see that food culture is alive and thriving. Celebrate Edmonton’s diversity by sampling dishes from international cuisines and restaurants sourcing locally-produced ingredients with a distinct Canadian flair. Here’s a list of top restaurants and eateries to check out for new Edmontonians. [Image credit: iStock.com/Adam Kulesza]
Izakaya Tomo
3739 99 St NW, Edmonton, AB T6E 6J7Tucked away in south Edmonton, Izakaya Tomo represents Japanese tapas-style cuisine, where the emphasis is on drinking, whether its beer, sake or shochu, and sampling light dishes to go along with your drink. Order daikon salad, beef tataki and crispy spicy tuna roll to go along with your Sapporo. Super-friendly service makes this an excellent place to hang out with friends.
RGE RD
10643 123 Street NW, Edmonton, AB T5N 1P3With their emphasis on sourcing locally-produced seasonal ingredients, RGE RD’s menu is constantly changing, which gives you a reason to come back. Their farm-to-fork ethos means you can expect the freshest greens and best cuts of meat marinated and braised to perfection. Try the RGE RD trip menu option for a sampling of various dishes to share.
Rostizado
102-10359 104 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 1B9At Rostizado, you’ll get authentic rotisserie-style Mexican cuisine in a modern, yet warm setting with exposed brick. Try the Rosti-Pollo, a perfectly seasoned and cooked chicken, along with the roasted cauliflower bursting with lime and garlic flavours. This restaurant is always hopping-busy, so reservations are a must.
Vivo Restaurant
18352 Lessard Rd NW, Edmonton, AB T6M 2W8As a surprise birthday dinner one year, my friends took me to Vivo and I was not disappointed. Vivo serves traditional Italian cuisine in family portions meant to be shared the way Nonna intended. This is a place where you can spend hours sampling appetizers, sides, entrees and, of course, dessert. Their open kitchen concept creates a lively atmosphere. Try their gnocchi, polpettini (oven-roasted meatballs) and finish with tiramisu, naturally.
Lingnan Restaurant
10582 104 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5H 2W1When you step into The Lingnan, you’re welcomed into an Oriental abode filled with traditional lanterns and gold and red décor. This family-owned business has been serving up piping-hot Chinese cuisine since 1947. While some would say the menu is mainly western-influenced Chinese food with a few authentic dishes, you can’t deny the tastiness of dishes, such as the hot and dry spicy chicken or the canton lemon chicken. Matriarch Amy Quon is a force to be reckoned with. Her boundless enthusiasm as she greets customers, many by name, is contagious.
Duchess Bake Shop
10720 124 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5M 0H1The first time I tried Duchess macarons, I had visions of the pretty little meringues dancing in my head. The Duchess cake is also swoon-worthy, with its light chiffon and raspberry jam filling covered in a layer of not-too-sweet green marzipan. Conveniently located on 124 Street, the bake shop also has a tasty lunch menu if you have any room left after satisfying your sweet tooth.
The Next Act Pub & Grill
8224 104 St NW, Edmonton, AB T6E 4E6If you have a hankering for scrumptious burgers and beer, you can’t go wrong with The Next Act. Try the Critic burger with smoked cheddar, bacon and a wallop of barbecue sauce, or the baked mac ‘n cheese with jalapeños. The vibe is friendly, laid-back but bustling – you might need to yell to speak to your friends.
Boualouang Laos & Thai
10569 97 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5H 2L4Some like it hot. This Chintatown gem isn’t afraid to dial up the spice, so make sure you request a milder version if you are spice-averse. Authentic green curry and papaya salad will have your taste buds roaring. Leave enough room for dessert, as the purple rice steamed with coconut milk is served with fresh mango and a scoop of ice cream, the perfect ending note to soothe your palate.
Dadeo
10548A 82 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T6E 2A4For a fun, ‘50s-style diner, DaDeO’s is the place to go to satisfy your Cajun craving. You can’t go wrong with their reasonably-priced Po’ Boys dishes, such as the fried oyster or blackened catfish sandwiches served with crispy sweet potato fries. Listen to juke box music and enjoy your complimentary biscuits with jalapeño jelly while you wait for your food to arrive.
Rosso Inc
8738 109 St Nw, Edmonton, AB T6G 1E9Edmontonians love their pizza and Rosso is one of the best pizzerias in town. Pizzas are thin-crust with local, fresh ingredients – you won’t find the doughy, greasy pizzas that can be common at big pizza chains. The antipasto is impressive, and check out the piazza bianca menu for something different, such as the perra e prosciutto, a perfect blend of sweet pear with smoky prosciutto. Finish off with a scoop of gelato!
